We have our usual excellent range of pansies and violas. Some violas are naturally winter flowers but pansies (Viola x wittrockiana (Deltini rose pink pansy) have been hybridised with other viola species to gain this characteristic. The Panola range is particularly good: the flowers are not as large as some...
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Category Archives: Autumn Bedding
Hydrangeas at Downside
We have an amazing selection of Hydrangeas on the nursery at present. These useful shrubs are becoming increasingly popular. They are shade tolerant and the light-coloured ones can make useful underplanting or brighten up a gloomy corner. Hydrangea Peteolaris – an excellent climber, especially for a north wall Hydrangea Seemannii...
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Cyclamen at Downside Nurseries
The coloured cyclamen on the bench now are Metis F₁ hybrids raised from seed down in May. They are intended for tubs and containers and are hardy. A sharp frost may shrivel the flowers but new ones will rapidly appear. Many customers plant them out in their gardens when they...
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Primula – Primrose or Polyanthus?
Judging by the questions we get asked at the till there is a lot of confusion about these. They are ALL Primulas! Primula is a large genus ranging from the small rockery types like P. capitata through the drumstick primroses (P.denticulata) to the large and vigorous candelabra P.beesiana and P....
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Autumn Borders, Winter Bedding, Trees and Hedging
Autumn Borders Asters – or Symphyotrichum (as we ought to call them now) are in full flower. We still have a good selection of the novae-anglia mildew resistant varieties, lovely shades of mauve, purple pink and white. A nice change from the red and yellow autumn colours. Salvias are looking...
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