Autumn Colour - What Will Give You Colour As The Weather Chills
It is the season of greyer skies and the anticipation of the approaching winter. Here at the nursery it becomes all about giving autumn colour to the garden centres and hot to trot off the nursery at the moment are:
Astelia Westland: this hardy evergreen astelia with its stiffly arched, reddish bronze leaves has all year round appeal. It's compatible with all modern home decor and garden landscapes. Grows to 1 metre by 1 metre.
Nandina Firepower: this heavenly evergreen is renowned for its contrasting foliage colour throughout the seasons. Its non invasive bamboo foliage changes from pale lime green and yellow in spring to vivid pinks and reds, then to rich deep red tones in autumn. Grows to 60 cm by 60 cm.
Lophomyrtus Red Dragon: its distinct burgundy foliage intensifies to almost black over the colder months. With its dense habit and fine foliage, this native is superb in most garden situations as a hedge, border or a a low maintenance garden specimen. Grows to 2 m by 1 m.
Convolvulus Cneorum: is a prolific flowering low growing shrub. Its clean silver foliage covers the plant all year round and cup shaped white flowers open in late spring and continue throughout the summer and autumn months - its an oldie but a wonderful goodie. Grows to 40 cm by 80 cm.
Viburnum japonicum: this stunning bushy dense shrub has large glossy dark green leaves. In spring clusters of fragrant white flowers cover the shrub and in autumn red berries appear. Its hardy and is an excellent filler or background plant that likes full sun or shade. Grows to 2 m by 1.5 m.
Loropetalum China Pink: with classy burgundy wine foliage and pretty china pink flowers throughout spring this plant is one of my favourites as a stand out plant. Its dense and spreading habit looks spectacular mass planted and behaves well in containers. Grows to 1.5 m by 2 m.
Astelia Silver Spear: this astelia is in a class of its own - The clean silver coloured stiff and upright sword like leaves have appeal all year round. It is a wonderful focal plant for any garden. Grows to 1.5 m by 1.5 m.