Perennial Border

Using combinations of plants in large drifts, the Perenial Border has been designed for a bold contemporary display.

Flowering throughout Spring and Summer the display then mellows in Autumn as the seed heads darken and the grasses fade.

• Key plants
• Curator notes
• History

Key plants

Eucomis comosa (purple form)

A bulb with purple leaves and a tall flower spike with cream flowers.

Bocconia arborea

A multi stemmed tall shrub with large divided olive green leaves.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracilimus'

An ornamental grass with a fine leaf and a decorative flower.

Dark leaved Dahlia cultivars

Dahlia 'Moonfire' yellow flowers with a red centre.
Dahlia 'Clarion' with bright yellow flowers.
Dahlia 'Heat Seeker' with brilliant red flowers.

Kniphofia praecox 'Winter Cheer'

Strap leaved plant with large orange flowers in early winter

Purple leaved Canna cv.

Two are grown, taller Canna 'Wyoming' with orange flowers and a red flowered cultivar.

Senecio talinoides subsp. mandraliscae

Low growing succulent with light blue leaves.

Achillea 'Taygetea'

Perennial with grey/green fern like leaf and golden yellow umbel shaped flowers.

Artemisia ludoviciana 'Valerie Finnis'

Medium perennial with a divided silver/grey leaf.

Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Perennial with pale green succulent leaves. Large flower heads open pink, darken to a brick red then brown into Autumn.

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Curator notes

1. Plant selection is based on length of display, low maintenance and low water requirement.
2. Most plants are cut down or pruned over winter.
3. Herbaceous perennials and grasses are divided every two years.

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History

• 1986 - existing site established as a perennial border.
• 1994 - border redesigned.
• 1998 - border enlarged and curved path constructed. At this time the backdrop hedge of Luma apiculata was planted.

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