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A KEY *
Plants with nectar- and/or pollen-rich
flowers for insects. (S) Plants of which seed is either currently available or expected in 2008 (@ £2.70/pack)
Click on plant names in green for photos. All photos are the copyright of Rosemary Castle. Prices include first class postage and packing within the UK as at 1 January 2008.
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AJUGA BUGLES
These are good nectar plants for bees and butterflies, flowering May/June. They are not suitable for very dry soils. The variegated and coloured-leaf cultivars can look too fussy in more natural settings, so here is an alternative plain-leaved selection based purely on flower colour:
Ajuga reptans f. albiflora 'Alba'* Spikes of white flowers over carpeting rosettes of glossy dark green leaves. £4.50
Spikes of pale blue flowers over carpeting rosettes of greyish-green leaves. A Wiltshire find from Martin Barber. £4.50
Ajuga reptans 'Lush Blue''* - NEW Spikes of deep rich blue flowers over carpeting rosettes of glossy deep green leaves, less crinkled than the other forms. A seedling originating in our garden. £4.50
Spikes of pink flowers over carpeting rosettes of glossy green leaves. Found locally. £4.50
Ajuga reptans 'Wild Purple'* - NEW Spikes of soft purple flowers with rosy tints as they age over carpeting rosettes of glossy green leaves. Found locally. £4.50
ANTHRISCUS COW PARSLEY
Anthriscus sylvestris 'Broadleas Blush'* (S) Cow parsley with bronzy purple foliage and a pinkish tint to the flowers (which are white in the typical form and in the dark-leaved ‘Ravenswing’). From Martin Barber. Cow parsley is a good nectar plant for many insects, including hoverflies and honey bees. Fresh seed hopefully available summer - please enquire.
ARCTIUM BURDOCKS
A yellow-leaved form of lesser burdock. The huge leaves unfold a magnificent clear yellow in spring, becoming light green in summer. Reddish purple flowers. A superb ‘accent’ plant in spring to contrast with darker foliage. A good nectar plant for butterflies and seed source for goldfinches. Biennial coming true from seed. £5.00
ARTEMISIA MUGWORTS
Artemisia vulgaris 'Woolaston' The pointed and divided leaves of this mugwort have an intricately streaked and mottled variegation in shades of green. Some shoots are paler than others (and the palest are very beautiful, especially in spring and later, if cut right back); the greener shoots can be pulled out if wished. Overall a softer effect than A. vulgaris 'Variegata'. For normal to dry soils, sun or shade. £4.50
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