A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages

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Fleur Pavlidis

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A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages
« on: April 02, 2016, 08:03:02 PM »
Since the sad disappearance of John J's A - Z plant list pages we have been looking for a way to replace them. John is repeating his posts and here are Carole's posted by me in groups but in her own words. I'm afraid you'll miss the chit chat which I've omitted because it becomes meaningless without the other posts.
Umbrian writes:
Brilliant idea John and one I have started on many occasions only to fail to keep up when life gets busy. I have lists in various places - plants bought when visiting specialist nurseries in particular, labels put in a 'safe place' and later discovered in the weirdest of places and so on. The big trouble for many of us I am sure is finding the time - every new idea, such as this, that we we think is a good one to pursue becomes one more task that needs to be done on a regular basis and suddenly there are not enough hours in the day.......

Are we allowed to join in John? This morning I got out my RHS A-Z of Garden Plants.
Many old and new favourites there of course but also memories of things that I have lost over the years and might try again if the opportunity arises.
I am particularly fond of [iAgapanthus][/i] and it reminded me to search out the name of a new one I acquired a year or so ago 'Black Buddhist'.......now I have a porcupine free garden I can plant them more freely.
The same goes for Alliums - lots of wonderful ones that flower at different times of the year, withstand the heat and dryness -not forgetting Allium schoenoprasum (chives) that is so useful in the kitchen.

Abutilon megapotamicum
Bought last year and kept in a pot it flowered all through the summer.
Moved pot to more protected sight for the winter and it has come through perfectly although this year we have had little really cold weather. One piece rooted into the ground nearby and I potted it up so will plant main specimen this year knowing I have a back up.

Anemone blanda
slow to spread with me but a lovely contrast to the mainly yellow early bulbs of spring

Achillea In variety
Very drought tolerant, attractive foliage and long lasting flowers.
MGS member, Greece. I garden in Attica, Greece and Mt Goulinas (450m) Central Greece

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Fleur Pavlidis

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Re: A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2016, 08:09:37 PM »
Umbrian writes:
As I said in a previous post John I got out my RHS Encyclopaedia because,not being in residence at our house in the country during the winter, I thought it the easiest way to jog my memory.Visited yesterday as there is so much to do with an early spring well under way but could not spare the time to go round with pencil and paper and follow your example. Was delighted to find the following in full bloom however, the perfume wafting on a light breeze as I weeded, and weeded.....
Acacia dealbata
Quick growing and needing space. Beautiful when in bloom and elegant throughout the year with its ferny foliage. Can suffer during a really harsh winter but for me worth the risk.

Aubrieta x cultorum
An old favourite from England but ideal to poke into the many dry stone retaining walls I made here in Italy.


Am getting behind here John - beautiful sunny day yesterday and so used all my energy in the garden.
However would like to add the following if it is not too late.

Brugmansia candida
Spectacular in flower with wonderful evening perfume.

Bidens ferulifolia
Very useful in pots, growing and flowering for months. I find it self seeds with me.
Last year I bought a new introduction (can't find the note I made as to its name!) it had dark orange flowers as opposed to yellow and, although pretty,  I prefer the bright splash of colour of the original plant.

Finally
Buglossoides purpurocaerulea
Found it growing wild close to me and so thought I would try it in the garden. Needs a degree of overhead shade but copes with dryness OK, Good ground cover as it arches and roots when happy. Wonderfully intense blue flowers in spring.


Very windy here today too so glad I made a big effort yesterday.
One last addition to the "B's"

Bouvardia ternifolia
found this last autumn on a trip to the UK. It flowered happily until nearly Christmas with our mild winter.Shall probably have to keep it in a pot but the flowers are a beautiful scarlet and last a long time.
MGS member, Greece. I garden in Attica, Greece and Mt Goulinas (450m) Central Greece

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Fleur Pavlidis

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Re: A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2016, 08:14:52 PM »
Umbrian writes:
Chimonanthus praecox
The wonderful perfume that hangs in the air on sunny winter days is amazing and makes it a must for me.

Cytitus  battandieri
A real favourite of mine with wonderful yellow flowers, that smell of pineapple, and lovely silvery foliage.
Unfortunately my original specimen died a few years back but am hoping DD is still bringing on a replacement for me!

Carex pendula
Can be a thug and self seeds prolifically but very graceful when in flower and provides good clumps of evergreen foliage. Plants best kept to a reasonable size or else impossible to deal with. Young seedlings pull out easily.

Choisya 'Aztec Pearl'

Clematis armandii, C. rehderiana and all species

Cynara cardunculus

Convolvulus sabatius C. mauritanicus
Must add this one for its lovely blue flowers. For me it is not too invasive.

Coronilla glauca
Spreading but dainty with attractive small leaves.

Cotoneaster - in variety
I find these mostly tolerant of dry, hot conditions and are useful for interplanting. Looks stunning at the moment inter planted with Rosemary. Berries give interest in winter and food for birds.
« Last Edit: April 02, 2016, 08:26:26 PM by Fleur Pavlidis »
MGS member, Greece. I garden in Attica, Greece and Mt Goulinas (450m) Central Greece

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Fleur Pavlidis

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Re: A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2016, 08:23:37 PM »
Umbrian writes:
Daphnne odora 'Aureomarginata'

Dianthus - in variety

Dictamnus albus
Am managing to keep one going but still awaiting flowers.

Dierama pulcherrimum
Performs well for me in poor, dry soil.

Duchesnea indica
Looks like a yellow strawberry - fruit not edible. Covers ground very well if not in too hot a position

Many of my choices are perfume led such as the first two in this list and why I put Dianthus 'in variety'

Must add a warning about Eleagnus angustifolia. It suckers everywhere even in hot dry conditions. Mine has 'walked' across an adjoining gravel path and up some loose laid steps between levels!
That said it does have a wonderful perfume.
A safer bet is:

Eleagnus umbellata
Smaller foliage but equally good scent and a much better behaved shrub/small tree- seeds but does not 'walk'.

John J replies:
Your warning about Eleagnus angustifolia is interesting as we have never had that problem with ours.

Umbrian writes:
Interesting exercise John this A-Z because it does make one look back at notebooks/diaries for forgotten information. I was interested in your follow up to my comment about Eleagnus angustifolia and, knowing I sourced my two plants on a visit to the UK, I searched relevant information since I usually note all such purchases. On this occasion I was lucky and can tell you that my plants are Eleagnus angustifolia 'Quicksilver'
In the RHS Encyclopaedia they are described as '...suckering shrub...' Glad you do not have the problem with yours because the suckering pieces are very difficult to eradicate growing from thick horizontal roots.

Before I leave the subject of Eleagnus must mention one that is a real doer in all soils and conditions. Very useful as windbreak hedging or as specimen plants for bulk. Evergreen and with powerful scent from small autumn flowers.

Eleagnus x ebbingei

Still on "E " here...

Echium vulgare

Euonymus europaeus

Both grow wild around me but are worthy garden contenders in the right place.

Euphorbia myrsinites

Euphorbia rigida

Euphorbia characias

Could not do without these for reliability and varying forms of growth, they enhance any planting. At the moment all are in flower and look spectacular.

Before I leave E

Echinops ritro

Eranthis hyemalis

Erigeron karvinskianus

Erysimum 'Bowles Mauve'
MGS member, Greece. I garden in Attica, Greece and Mt Goulinas (450m) Central Greece

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Fleur Pavlidis

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Re: A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages
« Reply #4 on: April 02, 2016, 08:31:48 PM »
Umbrian writes:
Fatsia japonica
Beautiful architectural plant with big glossy leaves.

Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'

Ferula communis (Giant Fennel)
Wonderful stands of this along some motorways near to me but my poor plant just about manages to survive and has yet to flower.

Festuca glauca

Fritillaria meleagris

Fritillaria uva-vulpis
This one a real success - multiplies quickly.

Galanthus
No idea which exactly but a few bulbs sent by a friend in England survived the porcupine attacks and are bulking up nicely in my new porcupine free garden.

Gladiolus callianthus
Very dainty flowers and wonderful perfume.

Gypsophila

Galega officinalis
Grows wild around me but useful in wilder areas of garden flowering over a long period. Seeds prolifically but young plants pull out easily.

On to H for me

Helleborus niger

Helleborus cultivars

Helleborus foetidus

H. foetidus self seeds happily (wild in my area) whilst the cultivars also seed and come up with some pretty variations. All doing better now that trees are growing and providing more shade.

Hydrangea quercifolia
One of the few things I give the occasional can of water. Love it for it flowers and unusual leaves that colour beautifully in the autumn.
MGS member, Greece. I garden in Attica, Greece and Mt Goulinas (450m) Central Greece

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Fleur Pavlidis

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Re: A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages
« Reply #5 on: April 02, 2016, 08:36:58 PM »
Umbrian writes:
On to I - only one to add here.

Could not be without this iris for its contribution in winter. It's untidy appearance is annoying as the leaves grow and grow. I remember Oron advising not to cut them down every year but I am afraid I do and so far it has not been detrimental.

Iris unguicularis

J

Jasminum nudiflorum

Juniperus horizontalis
This Juniper makes very good ground cover rooting as it spreads.

K

Kerria japonica
There has been some discussion about Kerria on this forum. Mine hangs on but does not perform well but I see wonderful specimens around my area

Knautia macedonica

Kniphofia - in variety.

On to L for me.

Most members will know I am keen on scented plants so:-

Lathyrus odoratus

Lonicera 'Dart's Gold'

Lonicera halleana

Lonicera fragrantissima

Lilium regale

Finishing  L - the first can be a thug in more temperate climes but summer heat and drought keep it manageable for me and it is good, pretty ground cover under trees.
The second is stately in flower and provides lovey seed heads. Seeds prolifically if allowed so gathering some for indoor winter decoration serves a double purpose.

Lamium galeobdolon

Lunaria annua]
MGS member, Greece. I garden in Attica, Greece and Mt Goulinas (450m) Central Greece

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Fleur Pavlidis

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Re: A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages
« Reply #6 on: April 02, 2016, 08:41:20 PM »
Umbrian writes:
Only three for M...

Mahonia aquifolium

Malus x purpurea 'Lemoinei'

Muscari armeniacum

[note from Alisdair: Mahonia aquifolium is more often called Berberis aquifolium nowadays - even if most of us still think of it as a mahonia under the Ms, and not under the Bs!]

Thanks Alisdair for keeping us up to date - I'm afraid for oldies such as myself - old habits/names seem to stick!

Fleur writes:
This is the end of the lost posts - please carry on, Umbrian!
« Last Edit: April 03, 2016, 08:16:54 AM by Fleur Pavlidis »
MGS member, Greece. I garden in Attica, Greece and Mt Goulinas (450m) Central Greece

Umbrian

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Re: A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages
« Reply #7 on: April 03, 2016, 07:09:52 AM »
Many thanks to Fleur for re- posting all my contributions to the A-Z thread. I will continue, as and when I have the time, and hope some of the items will interest readers and encourage them to try things they had not considered. :)
MGS member living and gardening in Umbria, Italy for past 19 years. Recently moved from my original house and now planning and planting a new small garden.

Umbrian

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Re: A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages
« Reply #8 on: April 04, 2016, 07:55:35 AM »
After all the trouble I am off again and think I have to repeat my 'O' selection to continue from Fleur's re-posting.

Onopordum (Scotch Thistle)

Ophiopogon 'Ebony Knight'

Origanum tournefortii x rotundifolium 'Barbara Tingey'

Origanum laevigatum 'Herrenhausen'

Ornithogalum nutans

Osmanthus x burkwoodii

Othonna cheirifolia [note from Alisdair: could have been listed under H as taxonomists say it should be called Hertia cheirifolia]

The Origanum 'Barbara Tingey' has lovely nodding whorls of pink flowers that dry well and retain their colour for months. Spreads well in hot inhospitable places.
« Last Edit: April 04, 2016, 01:23:14 PM by Alisdair »
MGS member living and gardening in Umbria, Italy for past 19 years. Recently moved from my original house and now planning and planting a new small garden.

Umbrian

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Re: A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages
« Reply #9 on: April 04, 2016, 08:04:59 AM »
Realise I should have started with 'N' so here they are.

Since having a Porcupine free garden I am happy to be able to grow bulbs in the open ground and am building up a collection of Narcissus

Narcissus 'Central Station', 'Hawera', 'Jetfire', 'Golden Bells', 'Spring Sunshine'

Nepeta racemosa (syn. N. mussinii)

Nicotiana sylvestris

The Nicotiana needs a bit of shade at some time during the day but copes well without being watered.
« Last Edit: April 04, 2016, 01:25:38 PM by Alisdair »
MGS member living and gardening in Umbria, Italy for past 19 years. Recently moved from my original house and now planning and planting a new small garden.

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Alisdair

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Re: A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages
« Reply #10 on: April 04, 2016, 01:26:50 PM »
Thanks very much for toiling through all this again, "Umbrian"; it does make this a super thread!
Alisdair Aird
Gardens in SE England (Sussex); also coastal Southern Greece, and (in a very small way) South West France; MGS member (and former president); vice chairman RHS Lily Group, past chairman Cyclamen Society

Umbrian

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Re: A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages
« Reply #11 on: April 06, 2016, 06:30:03 AM »
Think I am safe to move onto 'P' now of which there seems to be a lot. Will start with trees and shrubs.

Parahebe sempervirens

Perovskia 'Blue Spire'

Philadelphus coronarius

Phillyrea latifolia

Phlomis fruticosa
Phlomis italica
Phlomis purpurea


Pinus pinea
« Last Edit: April 06, 2016, 06:46:47 AM by Alisdair »
MGS member living and gardening in Umbria, Italy for past 19 years. Recently moved from my original house and now planning and planting a new small garden.

Umbrian

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Re: A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages
« Reply #12 on: April 06, 2016, 06:43:25 AM »
Now the other 'P's'

I include the wild poppy because it pops up wherever but really adds to the spring garden!

Pancratium maritimum

Papaver rhoeas

Passiflora caerulea

Pennisetum


Penstemon 'Andenken an Friedich Hahn' (Garnet)

Phuopsis stylosa

Physalis alkekengi (Chinese Lantern)

Phytolaccca americana (Pokeweed)

Plectranthus forsteri

Primula vulgaris

Primula 'Gold-laced Group'

Pulmonaria officinalis
« Last Edit: April 06, 2016, 06:53:43 AM by Alisdair »
MGS member living and gardening in Umbria, Italy for past 19 years. Recently moved from my original house and now planning and planting a new small garden.

Umbrian

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Re: A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages
« Reply #13 on: April 08, 2016, 06:26:03 AM »
Only one 'Q'  - Quercus. Many of the hills around me are covered with mixed woodland including oaks. I constantly have to be on my guard against seedlings that send down a long tap root and are difficult to remove if not caught early. However one variety that I have planted and love is -

Quercus ilex
MGS member living and gardening in Umbria, Italy for past 19 years. Recently moved from my original house and now planning and planting a new small garden.

Umbrian

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Re: A -Z of Plants Umbrian's contributions to the vanished pages
« Reply #14 on: April 08, 2016, 06:44:05 AM »
Onto 'R' and starting with Roses. I do not have many and for me the main criterion is perfume.
On acquiring a new garden I inherited two climbers with wonderfully scented flowers but so far, despite posting 'photos on the forum, have not been able to identify them. However it has encouraged me to plant two more both chosen for their perfume.

Rosa 'Zéphyrine Drouhin'

Rosa 'Chris'
« Last Edit: April 08, 2016, 09:25:00 AM by Alisdair »
MGS member living and gardening in Umbria, Italy for past 19 years. Recently moved from my original house and now planning and planting a new small garden.