Plant a colour explosion!

Angelic angel wings and a dwarf morning glory can keep colour all around you from spring to autumn, and will be back to do it all over again next year…

A lightness of being…

The delicate appearance of the wild species Oenothera lindheimeri (previously called Gaura lindheimeri) is misleading. This native from Texas and Louisiana is a very hardy perennial that tolerates prolonged periods of drought, heat, humidity and even neglect. In perfect conditions, it is also disease- and pest-free. The natural growth form is vase-shaped, with semi-arching, densely clustered wand-like stems bearing spikes of dainty flowers resembling fluttering butterfly wings.

Four petalled flowers may start as tight pink buds, opening to white, and mature to rosy pink before falling off. Flowering lasts from early spring to late autumn and attracts bees and butterflies. All these good attributes stimulated plant hybridisers and over the years, many different hybrids of this plant, also called bee blossom, were released, from those with pure white flowers and green foliage to very dark pink blooms and deep maroon leaves.

Now, we would like to introduce new members of the ‘Belezza’ range, featuring ‘Pink Butterfly’ and ‘Barbie Butterfly’. These sturdy, upright, and very compact plants (50 x 50 cm) are well-branched, with vigorous flowering stems covered in pink hues. Angel wings fulfil many roles; they can be used as very floriferous gap fillers in perennial beds, will compliment roses and ornamental grasses, will give a dramatic effect if planted in large drifts, and even just one plant can make a colourful impression in a pot. You can pick the flowering stems for the vase as they last well.

Growing them is easy in full sun or morning sun and in compost-enriched, well-draining loamy or sandy soil.

Watch out for this

• Sparse and leggy growth means the plant is not being cut back enough. Trim them lightly after a good flowering flush in late spring to encourage fresh summer growth, and cut them back heavily after the last blooms of late autumn.

• If you notice rust spots on the leaves, it might be due to poor drainage or too much water.

• Angel wings are cold and frost-hardy.

Heavenly glory

Evolvulus ‘Blue my Mind’ (dwarf morning glory) flowers its heart out consistently with true blue petit flowers. Sky blue is a wonderful cooling and contrasting colour (there are few other so-called blue-flowering plants which can match this one!) to have in a garden, and with its long flowering period and no need for deadheading, this plant is a maintenance-free must-have!

It is perfect for use as a ground cover in the garden or in containers. Its silvery green leaves, which have a slightly fuzzy feel, will form a mounding mat. ‘Blue my Mind’ needs full sun (the hotter, the better) and well-drained soil. Although the plant can withstand drought conditions, growth and flowering are better with consistent watering and an occasional application of slow-release fertiliser. As much as it loves the heat, Evolvulus ‘Blue my Mind’ must be protected from even light frost.