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> RBG Melbourne > Garden Features > Perennial Border
 

Perennial Border

An ornamental collection using a variety of plant material for a display of colour and texture over the summer months.

The Perennial Border has been designed for a peak display over summer. Using  combinations of plants in large drifts to create a bold, contemporary display of colour and texture.

This display mellows in autumn as the seed heads darken and the grasses fade to straw.

 

Key Plants
Curator Notes
History  


Key Plants

Eucomis comosa (purple)

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

Bocconia arborea  

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

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'  

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

Dark leaved Dahlia cv.'s

‘Moonfire' yellow flowers with a red centre.
‘Clarion' with bright yellow flowers.
‘Heatseeker' with brilliant red flowers.

Kniphofia praecox 'Winter Cheer'    

Strap leaved plant with large orange flowers in early winter.

Purple leaved Canna cv.'s  

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

Kleinia 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 and low maintenance and low water requirement.
  2. Most plants are cut down or pruned over winter.
  3. Herbacious perennials and grasses are divided every two or so years.   

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History 

  • Sponsored by Friends of the RBGM the Perennial border was redesigned in 1998.The bed was made larger and curved path constructed. At this time the backdrop hedge of Luma apiculata was established. Since the initial planting the border has evolved into the display seen today.

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Image


Best Viewed

Early summer through to late autumn.

Location


Perennial Border

Alexandra Avenue near H gate
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Plant Census


Find out what plants grow at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

 

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Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne incorporates the National Herbarium of Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and the Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology.