Ivydene Gardens Plants: Ground-Cover Plant Name: C
The process below provides a uniform method for comparing every plant detailed in the following galleries with the ones already compared in the relevant plant gallery from the last list of plant galleries in this cell:-

• These are the galleries that will provide the plants to be added to their own Extra Index Pages
• Bee plants for hay-fever sufferers - Bee-Pollinated Index
• Plants that grow in Chalk - A,
• Rock Garden and Alpine Flowers - A,
• Bulbs from the Infill Galleries see Hardy Bulbs, Half-hardy Bulbs, etc in the second row of Topic Table, usually positioned as the first table on the left.
• The complete Camera Photo is displayed on the screen
• Climber in 3 Sector Vertical Plant System
• Plants with Sense of Fragrance

The following Extra Index of Wildflowers is created in the Borage Wildflower Gallery, to which the Wildflowers found in the above list will have that row entry copied to.
Its wildflower flower thumbnail - or foliage thumbnail if it does not have flowers - will be compared with the others in that gallery per month.
The Header Row for the Extra Indices pages is the same as used in this 1000 Ground Cover A of Plants Topic:-
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, XYZ

Having transferred the Extra Index row entry to the relevant Extra Index row for the same type of plant in a gallery below; then
its flower or foliage thumbnail will be compared per month in that relevant gallery:-

• Aquatic
• Bamboo
• Bedding
• Bulb
• Conifer - Conifers have no flowers and are used for their foliage and cones
• Deciduous Shrub
• Deciduous Tree
• Evergreen Perennial
• Evergreen Shrub
• Evergreen Tree
• Fern - Ferns have no flowers and are used for their foliage
• Grass - Grass is used for its grass inflorescence and foliage
• Hedging
• Herbaceous Perennial
• Herb
• Odds and Sods
• Rhododendron, Azalea and Camellia
• Soft Fruit
• Top Fruit
• Vegetable
• Wild Flower

Information about Ground Cover plants moved to second row in the next table.
 

Plant Name

Major source of honey in the UK Yes/No
Used by
HoneyBees - HB,
Short-Tongued Bumblebees - ST,
Long-Tongued Bumblebees - LT,
Solitary Bees - SOL

Type

The key ingredients a bird needs from your garden are
Shelter,
Food and
Water,
as expanded in Ground-cover Plant
Name W Page

Height x Spread in inches (cms)

Spacing distance between plants of same species in inches (cms)

Foliage

Some poisonous ground cover plants are indicated, but there are others in Cultivated Poisonous Plants and
Wildflower Poisonous Plants

Flower Colour in Month(s).

Use Pest Control using Plants to provide a Companion Plant to aid your selected groundcover plant or deter its pests

Comments

United States Department of Agriculture
Plant Hardiness Zone Map -
This map of USA is based on a range of average annual minimum winter temperatures, divided into 13 of 10-degree F zones, that this plant will thrive in USA, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
There are other Hardiness Zone Maps for the rest of the world including the one for Great Britain and Ireland of zones 7a to 10a.
Zone 5-9 indicates that the minimum zone temperature this plant will grow is 5 and top minimum zone temperature is 9 - above this number is too hot or below 5 is too cold for the plant. If your zone in your area of your country is within that range or your zone number is greater, then you can grow it in your garden.

Pruning of
Woody Plants in Groups 1 - 13 and
Herbaceous Perennials in Group 14 with
Ferns in Group 15 and
Evergreen Perennials in Group 16.
 

Calamintha
grandiflora 'Variegata'

Evergreen Herb below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

18 x 18
(45 x 45)

Variegated Green and Cream, aromatic

Pink in
June-August

"Large-flowered Calamint". From damp woodland and scrub, mostly on chalky soils, in Iran, Turkey, southern and central Europe. Clump-forming
Full Sun or Part Shade
Zone 5-9
Dry rather than Moist,
Excellent on well-drained chalky soil
Full Sun for best leaf colour, will revert, pinch out green leaves. Seeds itself.

Calamintha Companions - Sedum, aster, perovskia, x solidaster, solidago, coreopsis, scabiosa. Cut down dead foliage in the autumn.
Use as filler in the front of the border.

Calamintha nepeta
(Calamintha nepetoides)

Evergreen Herb below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

18 x 30
(45 x 75)

Aromatic peppermint-scented Green

Mauve in
June-August

"Lesser Calamint". Grows on dry, exposed sites on chalky soils in North Africa, western Asia and much of southern and central Europe as far north as the east of England. Indispensable bee plant.
Full Sun or Part Shade
Zone 5-9
Moist or dry soil
Well-drained soil. Suitable for dry soils. Flowers most profusely in a warm, open position in full sun.

Bee Forage Plants and UK Butterfly with Egg, Caterpillar, Chrysalis and Butterfly Usage of Plants.

Callistemon citrinus 'Austraflora Firebrand'

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 144
(150 x 360)

Dark Green

Bright Crimson in
April-July

"Scarlet Bottlebrush, Lemon Bottlebrush" - the leaves smell of Lemon

when crushed. Attracts birds.
Full Sun, marginally frost-tolerant.
Any soil except chalk
Zones 8-11
Moist soil - dry soil once established.

Callistemon citrinus 09 91 bottle brush slide taken by Foord.

Callistemon pityoides (Callistemon sieberi)

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 36
(150 x 90)

Dark Green, thick, close-packed leaves

Yellow in
July-August

"Alpine Bottlebrush"
Dry.
The Australian bottlebrushes do well in very dry conditions but do not relish severe frost. The flowers are assembled in spikes, with long stamens giving a bottlebrush effect.

Callistemon rigidus

Evergreen Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

84 x 84
(210 x 210)

Matt Dark Green, long and narrow leaves on carmine stems

Deep Red in
May-June

Calluna vulgaris 'Annemarie'

Honey Bees collect Pollen and Nectar from all Calluna vulgaris cultivars. Bumble bees also visit the flowers.

Calluna species.
Yes HB, ST, LT, SOL
 

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

20 x 20
(50 x 50)

Green

Rose-Pink in
September-October

"Scotch Heather". Good for cutting. Zones 4-9.
"The common heather or ling - Calluna vulgaris, is found growing on mountains and moorlands throughout the British Isles, and encompasses a vast range of foliage colours, flower colours and plant sizes. All Callunas grow well in light, lime-free soil, in an open sunny position. Avoid planting in shade. We recommend the removal of dead flower spikes to keep the plants compact." from Ashwood Nurseries
Best in exposed positions, where dead leaves do not congregate; lime-free soil with humus. All Calluna vulgaris varieties except the very dwarf varieties need clipping in spring to keep them compact. Plant 12 inches (30 cms) apart and use a mulch to control weeds until the cover is established.
More Details can be had from Heather World as linked to in the last row in this table.
A really good season for honey from Calluna only occurs about 1 year in 7 and often no surplus honey is obtained, although the hives may become well stocked with stores for the winter. It is thought that the best yield of nectar is obtained from young shoots about 12 inches (30 cms) tall.

Calluna vulgaris 'Blazeaway'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

14 x 24
(35 x 60)

Gold in Spring and Summer, Orange in Autumn, Fiery-Red in Winter

Lavender in
Aug-Sep
 

Compact variety with valuable winter foliage colour.

Plant Scotch Heather in groups of the same colour for an attractive bed. Prune to remove deadwood.

Calluna vulgaris 'Boskoop'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 22
(30 x 55)

Rich Gold in Spring, Summer and Autumn, Orange with Red in Winter

Lavender in
August-September

See 'Boskoop' plant description page

Calluna vulgaris
'Con Brio'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

14 x 18
(35 x 45)

Yellowish-Green in Spring, Summer and Autumn, Bronze-Red in Winter

Ruby in
August-September

There are further culivation details from Heaths and Heathers in America, who specialize in the new, the rare and the unusual in heaths and heathers. We have more varieties available than anyone in the United States and one of the largest collections in the world. Our display garden has over 2,000 plants in the ground.

Calluna vulgaris
'County Wicklow'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

10 x 14
(25 x 35)

Mid Green

Shell Pink in
August-October

Compact variety
See 'County Wicklow' plant description page

Calluna vulgaris 'Cuprea'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

10 x 10
(25 x 25)

Copper in Spring, Summer and Autumn, Bronze Red in Winter

Lavender in
August-October

See 'Cuprea' plant description page

Calluna vulgaris 'Darkness'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

10 x 14
(25 x 35)

Dark Green

Crimson in
August-October

Calluna vulgaris makes a good ground cover plant and is very prevalent in Scotland. Requires acid, rather moist, poor soil. If the soil is rich, it grows too vigorously and becomes leggy. To keep compact clip back in late winter or early spring

Calluna vulgaris
'Firefly'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

18 x 22
(45 x 65)

Terracotta Red in Spring, Summer and Autumn, Brick Red in Winter

Deep Mauve in
August-September

Associate calluna vulgaris with gaultherias (Gaultheria mucronata) and vacciniums (Vaccinium vitis-idaea 'Koralle'). Calluna vulgaris varieties with orange or reddish foliage are good for winter schemes, combined with coloured dogwoods (Cornus alba 'Siberica') or willows (Salix daphnoides 'Aglaia') and early winter flowering bulbs with a background of Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii', Abies koreana 'Silberlocke or Pinus mugo 'Ophir'.

Calluna vulgaris 'Flamingo'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 22 (30 x 55)

Dark Green

Lavender in
August-September

Calluna vulgaris
'Golden Carpet'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

4 x 12 (10 x 30)

Gold in Spring, Summer and Autumn, Orange and Red in Winter

Mauve in
September-October

Calluna vulgaris
'Gold Haze'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 18 (30 x 45)

Pale Yellow

White in
August-October

Calluna vulgaris
'Grey Carpet'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

4 x 14 (10 x 35)

Silver-Grey

Mauve in
August-September

Calluna vulgaris
'H.E. Beale'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 22 (30 x 55)

Dark Green

Shell Pink in
August-November

Calluna vulgaris
'J.H. Hamilton'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

4 x 10 (10 x 25)

Dark Green

Deep Pink in
July-September

Compact variety.

Calluna vulgaris
'John F. Letts'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

4 x 10 (10 x 25)

Gold in Spring and Summer, Bronze in Autumn, Red and Orange in Winter

Lavender in
September-October

See 'John F. Letts' plant description page

Calluna vulgaris 'Kinlochruel'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

10 x 16 (25 x 40)

Bright Green in Spring, Summer and Autumn, Bronze in Winter

White in
August-September

Calluna vulgaris
'Red Carpet'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

10 x 18 (25 x 45)

Gold in Spring, Summer and Autumn, Orange/Red in Winter

Mauve in
August-September

Calluna vulgaris
'Red Haze'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

18 x 28 (45 x 70)

Dull Gold in Spring, Summer and Autumn, Reddish-Bronze in Winter

I have stopped visiting gardens open to the public, since too many either do not have labels with the plants or I cannot guarantee that the label that is there is a valid one for that plant. I also get upset when in a land that there is meant to be gardeners, the pruning, or training, or maintenance practiced in these gardens does not follow recommended practice either produced internally as in the RHS or from the teaching in the education establishment where the staff were trained.

Calluna vulgaris
'Robert Chapman'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

10 x 14 (25 x 35)

Red in Spring, Gold in Summer, Orange in Autumn and Red in Winter

Lavender in
August-October

Compact variety with valuable winter foliage colour.

Calluna vulgaris
'Ruby Slinger'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

10 x 14 (25 x 35)

Green with Yellow tips in Spring, Bright Green in Summer, Autumn and Winter

White in
August-October

Having reviewed mine and Heather's photos of the above Callunas, the flower colour in the photos does not usually match the stated flower colour in the description, when I checked them in August 2023. It is a pity that the RHS did not have an annual validity check system, when it would seem that more than half of the 1000 heathers had had their plant labels exchanged, moved or removed and none of their staff noticed this from August 2012 to May 2015.
The following comes from the Erica descriptions on Page E:-
Have a look at my comments on the Heather Beds in the Royal Horticultural Society Garden at Wisley during 2015 about labels and heather bed maintenance and Valid Label Moved Elsewhere page - this page details how to photo heathers.
Since I cannot get validated photos from heather nurseries and I cannot rely on my own photos, then I see little point in continuing the work on the remaining 836 heathers in the 9 heather galleries using the 15,451 photos taken between August 2012 to May 2015 by Heather Kavanagh and myself.

Calluna vulgaris
'Sir John Charrington'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

10 x 16 (25 x 40)

Bronze in Spring, Gold in Summer, Gold with Scarlet tips in Autumn, Red in Winter

Deep Lilac Pink in
August-October

Calluna vulgaris
'Spring Cream'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

14 x 16 (35 x 40)

Mid Green, Cream tinted in Spring, Mid Green in Summer, Mid Green, Yellow tinted in Autumn and Winter

White in
August-November

The low-growing Calluna heathers are useful as borders and edging plants as well as ground covers. Their deep roots help prevent soil erosion on steep slopes. Heathers can withstand salt-laden air and exposed, windy locations and are therefore well suited to coastal locations. Like heaths, they require little maintanance once established.

Calluna vulgaris
'Spring Torch'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

16 x 24 (40 x 60)

Green, Pink/Red tips in Spring, Green, Cream/Pink tips in Summer, Mid Green in Autumn, Green, Pink/Red tips in Winter

Mauve in
August-October

Welcome to Heather World
Heather World extends a very warm welcome to everyone entering the world of heathers, especially to newcomers who have recently developed an interest in these attractive shrubs. The four heathers groups, Andromeda, Calluna, Daboecia and Erica are shown in the cultivar lists, together with images of many.
Every aspect of heathers, from the wild heathers of European heaths and moorlands to the rare and unusual splendours of South African or “Cape” heaths can be seen here. Cultivation tips, including choosing, growing and propagating heathers, to scientific studies and nomenclature, are available. Here is the Publications published by The Heather Society.
The website was also home to the old Heather Society, a group of heather enthusiasts who were dedicated to enhancing the interest in heathers to the world. The society closed at the end of 2020, but their Yearbooks and Newsletters can be viewed here.

Calluna vulgaris
'Sunset'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

10 x 18 (25 x 45)

Gold and Bronze in Spring, Gold in Summer, Red in Autumn and Winter

Lilac Pink in
August-October

Compact variety with valuable winter foliage colour.

See 'Sunset' plant description page

Calluna vulgaris 'Tricolorifolia'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

10 x 16 (25 x 40)

Green, Pink/Cream tinted in Spring, Green in Summer and Autumn, Chocolate Brown in Winter

Lavender in
August-September

Calluna vulgaris
'Velvet Fascination'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

18 x 28 (45 x 70)

Silver Green

White in
August-September

See 'Velvet Fascination' plant description page

Calluna vulgaris
'White Lawn'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

2 x 16 (5 x 40)

Clear Green

White in
August-September

See 'White Lawn' plant description page

Calluna vulgaris
'Wickwar Flame'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

18 x 26 (45 x 65)

Gold in Spring and Summer, Orange in Autumn, Red in Winter

Lavender in
August-November

Calluna vulgaris
'Winter Chocolate'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

10 x 17 (25 x 42)

Salmon in Spring, Gold with Pink tips in Summer and Autumn, Bronze in Winter

Lavender in
August-October

See 'Winter Chocolate' plant description page

Calycanthus floridus

Deciduous Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

96 x 120 (240 x 300)

Dark Green

Dark Red in
June-August

"Carolina Allspice, Sweet Shrub". From southeastern USA. Grown for its flowers
Full Sun
Zones 6-10
Fertile, humus-rich, moist soil.

Seeds and whole plant are slightly poisonous.

Camellia japonica

Evergreen Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

336 x 300 (840 x 750)

Glossy Dark Green

... in
March-May

Small scraggy tree in natural habitats in Japan, Korea and China. Part Shade. Zones 5-10. Well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Their solid form benefits from association with shrubs of lighter, more open habit, such as bamboos, Prunus mume cultivars, and early-flowering deciduous trees, which provide beneficial overhead shade.

Camellia reticulata

Evergreen Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

600 x 180 (1500 x 450)

Dark Green above, paler beneath

Rose-Red in
April

More upright than Camellia japonica.
Part Shade
Zones 8-10
Well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.

Camellia 'Nijinski' (reticulata hybrid) 25 june 2013 taken by Kavanagh

Camellia sasanqua

Evergreen Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

240 x 120 (600 x 300)

Dark Green above, paler beneath

White in
October-November

From southern Japan with small leaves. Being densely leafed, they can be grown as hedges and even as street trees. Suited to espaliering against a house wall, since it is tender
Part Shade
Zones 9-11
Well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.

Campanula
'Birch Hybrid'

Details of smaller Campanulas and which container to grow the plant in:-

A. The plant can be grown in sinks, trough, pans or scree beds

B. The plant is best accomm-odated in a trough or sink.

Why not use Dwarf Campanulas by Graham Nicholls

Evergreen Alpine below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

4 x 20
(10 x 50)

Bright Green

Mauve-blue
in June-August

Herbaceous Campanulas "Bellflower" prefer full sun and well-drained soil and to be used in rock gardens or borders.
All Campanula are Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.
Prostrate
Zone 4-9
"Open sunny area to Part Shade
Moist
Well-drained soil
Use in Alpine, rock garden conditions." is Pruning Group 1

Campanulas thrive in an open position in sun or part shade in well-drained, sandy loam, with ample grit and leaf-mould.

Campanula companions - Polygonatum, hosta, coreopsis, eryngium, roses, achillea, verbascum, papaver, dicentra, geranium.
If you have a lonely perennial, there is probably 1 from 300 species of campanula for it.

Campanula glomerata 'Superba'

Campanula garganica is a better ground cover at only 6 inches (15 cms) with its pale blue flowers, than the Superba' which its relatively closed cover of leaves develops after several years of growth.

Deciduous Rhizome Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

30 x 36 (75 x 90)

Dark Green

Violet-Purple in
June-August

"Clustered Bellflower".
Suitable for cutting.
Invasive Spreader / creeper.
Zone 3-8
"Open sunny area to Part Shade
Moist
Well-drained neutral to alkaline soil
Cut back after flowering to prevent self-sowing and encourage a second bloom" is Group 2

Blue and purple companions by backing this plant with Iris 'Braithwaite' flowers of deep blue and pale blue.

Campanula lactiflora 'Pritchard's Variety'

Campanula species
No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

54 x 24 (135 x 60)

Mid-Green

Violet-Blue in
June-September

"Milky Bellflower".
Full Sun , but prefers light Shade
Zone 4-8
Well-drained, moist soil
Suitable for cutting.
Clump-forming.
Group 1
Comes from open forests, scrub and mountain meadows in the Caucasus and western Asia.

Campanula latifolia

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

48 x 24 (120 x 60)

Mid-Green

Violet in
June-August

Suitable for cutting.
Great bell flower, self-sows, vigorous.
Part Shade
Zone 4-8
Well-drained, moist soil
Group 1
Use in back of border, or for a wild garden, where it may be allowed to seed.

Campanula
persicifolia

Deciduous Rhizome Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 12 (90 x 30)

Bright Green

Lilac-Blue in
June-July

"Peach-leaved Bellflower". Excellent Cut Flower. Self-sows.
Full Sun, Part Shade. Zone 3-8. Moist, well-drained soil. Group 1.

Blue-flowered variants combine with glaucous or silver foliage and are effective with white, cream, or yellow shrub and ground cover roses. All benefit from being placed ahead of neighbours of their own height, and behind plants such as pink, catmints, lavenders or hostas.

Campanula
persicifolia 'Telham Beauty'

Deciduous Rhizome Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 12 (90 x 30)

Bright Green

Light Blue in
June-August

Excellent Cut Flower.
Full Sun, Part Shade
Zone 3-8
Moist, Well-drained soil
Group 1

Campanula porten-schlagiana

Evergreen Alpine 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

72 x 24 (180 x 60)

Mid-Green

Deep Blue
in June-September

"Dalmation Bellflower, Wall Bellflower". From rocky places in the mountains of Croatia.
Full Sun
Zone 4-9
Rocky soil
Group 2
This effective groundcover makes a surface as well as underground runners and so forms a lovely carpet or hangs in a decorative curtain over the edge of a low wall. It is most effective in old walls. It is best kept away from small plants.

Campsis grandiflora

Deciduous Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

360
(900 cms)

Mid to Dark Green

Dark Orange to Red in
August-November

"Chinese Trumpet Vine" is a not very efficient self-sticking climber to get 360 (900cms) with its showy orange trumpets, paler on the flared lobes. It is suitable for a dry soil garden.
Zone 7
Campsis should be planted in a warm, sunny position and will soon cover a wall or pergola. Also useful to mask an old tree. When large enough, prune like vines to within a few buds of the old wood in November.

Campsis radicans

Deciduous Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

360
(900 cms)

Dark Green

Orange to Red in
August-November

"Trumpet Creeper, Trumpet Vine, Trumpet Honeysuckle" of the south-eastern USA, a rampant self-sticker to 480 (1200cms), bearing its vivid orange-scarlet trumpets from mid-summer to the first frosts.
Use on sunny walls and fences, for covering large pergolas, gazebos and for climbing large, high-canopied trees in dry soil gardens.
Full Sun
Zone 7
Deep, well fed, well-drained soil with a high organic content. Support with trellis, since support by its tendrils may not be strong enough due to the weight of the branches or grow it as ground cover on a south-facing bank

Campsis x
tagliabuana 'Madam Galen'

Deciduous Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

360
(900 cms)

Dark Green

Orange-Pink in
August-November

This zone 6 hybrid Campsis x tagliabuana is the most suitable trumpet vine for cool climates so long as it is given full sun, to encourage it to be generous with its salmon-scarlet trumpets borne in showy clusters on growth to 360 (900). The annual flowering shoots are frequently damaged in a cold winter, and are best cut away in spring every year.

Cardamine raphanifolia

Deciduous Rhizome Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 24
(60 x 60)

Dark Green

Lilac or White in
June

"Bittercress, Cuckooflower." is a fairly good carpeter for moist places.
Full Shade to Part Shade - tolerates sun if kept moist. Grow in a woodland or part shade location
Zone 5-8
Humus-rich, moisture-retentive, moist soil. Top dress with leaf mould or other organic material. Cut back as foliage begins to fade.

Cardamine companions - Corydalis, Pacific Coast iris, primula, pulmonaria, viola, brunnera, helleborus, narcissus.

Cardiocrinum giganteum

Bulb above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

96 x 18
(240 x 45)

Glossy Dark Green

Strongly Scented White in
July-September

"Giant Lily".

Carex comans

Grass below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

Carex comans 'Red' photo from Coblands

12 x 30
(30 x 75)

Yellow-Green in Spring, Pale Grey or Reddish Brown in Summer and Autumn

Brown Spikes in
July-August
 

Native to damp grassland, river flats, or the sides of forest tracks in New Zealand.
Part Shade
Zone 7
Grow in a moist cleft on a rock garden where the foliage can tumble downwards or in a contrasting-coloured or metal container.

Companion with Persicaria affinis for the bronze form of Carex comans

Carex elata 'Aurea'

Grass 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

28 x 18
(70 x 45)

Arching, sharp-edged, Rich Yellow, Narrowly margined Green leaves

Brown and Green spikes in
May-June

"Bowles Golden Sedge".
Full Sun
Zone 5
Grow in damp soil, or with its toes in water and it looks striking with blue water iris and other blue and variegated water plants.
Carex elata comes from swamps and still freshwater in northern Europe, including Britain.

Carex hachijoensis 'Evergold'
(Carex oshimensis 'Evergold') contrast with
Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' and
Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata'

Evergreen Grass below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 14
(30 x 35)

Dark Green with a broad cream yellow central stripe

Brown spikes in
April-May
 

Variegated form of Japanese Sedge.
Light shade
Zone 6
Moisture-retentive soil with good drainage.
Originally from dry and rocky slopes in Japan and can be used as edging or underplanting for spring bulbs or summer bedding.

Carex pendula

Evergreen Grass 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

54 x 60
(135 x 150)

Shiny Mid-Green leaves, which are 36 inches long and Blue-Green beneath

Dark Brown 36-60 (90-150), arching spikes in
May-June

"Weeping Sedge"
Part Shade
Zone 5
Best in large areas of wild garden or by big ponds.
Clump-forming large-size woodland rush, arching and graceful in leaf and flyer in lime-free soil.
Found in deciduous woods and streamsides throughout Europe, Asia and North Africa.

Carex siderosticha 'Variegata'

Grass below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 16
(30 x 40)

Pale Green, margined and narrowly striped White, and pink flushed at the bases

Pale Brown spikes in
May

Part Shade
Zone 6
Creeping slowly to make dense masses in moist woodland, which can be especially effective when combined with early small spring bulbs.

Carpinus betulus

No HB
The tree is wind-pollinated and the catkins are visited by honeybees for pollen only.

Deciduous Tree above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

960 x 840 (2400 x 2100)

Mid-Green in Spring and Summer, Yellow to Orange in Autumn

Yellow and Green catkins in
March-May

"Common Hornbeam, European Hornbeam"
Full Sun, Part Shade
Zones 6-9
Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata'

Deciduous Tree above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

360 x 180 (900 x 450)

Mid-Green in Spring and Summer, Yellow and Orange in Autumn

Yellow and Green catkins in
March-May

Full Sun, Part Shade
Zones 6-9
Well-drained, moderately fertile soil.

<--- 2 mature Carpinus betulus fastigiata in their autumn foliage. Photo by Kavanagh.

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue'

Deciduous Sub-Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 36
(90 x 90)

Grey-Green, turpentine-scented foliage topped a haze of flowers

Blue to Purplish-Blue in
August-October followed by verdigris-green seed heads.

"Hybrid Bluebeard, Blue-mist Shrub". Native to eastern Asia. Prized for its masses of delicate flowers from late summer to autumn.
Full Sun
Zones 5-9
Dry.
Any, well-drained, humus-rich soil including chalk.
Use as edging in sandy soil. Liable to be cut in severe winters, but can be protected with hessian and stakes. To prune, cut back the old flowering shoots in February, leaving strong growths 9-12 inches (23-30) from the base. Remove thin growths entirely or cut them back to one or two buds.

Catananche caerulea

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 12
(60 x 30)

Light Green

Lilac-Blue in
July-September

"Blue Cupidone, Cupid's Dart". There are also white and 'Bicolor' selections, needing to be propagated by root cuttings, for seed gives mixed results.
Full Sun
Zone 7
Well-drained dry soil.
Makes a good cut flower, either fresh or dried. From dry meadows in southwest Europe.

Caulophyllum thalictroides

Deciduous Rhizome Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

30 x 6
(75 x 15)

Mid-Green

Green or Yellow-Brown in
April-May

"Blue Cohosh". A dense, clump-forming plant that is ideal for late-season interest in a woodland garden.
Part Shade or Full Shade
Zone 3
Moist, humus-rich, acid or neutral soil. From Eastern North America

Ceanothus
'A.T. Johnson"

Details of smaller Ceanothus and which container to grow the plant in:-

A. The plant can be grown in sinks, trough, pans or scree beds

Evergreen Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

96 x 96
(240 x 240)

Light Green

Rich Blue in
August-October

Many of the larger growing Ceanothus species are suitable for high cover on warm sunny banks in maritime and sheltered districts. Best on acid or neutral soils; short-lived on chalk. They can develop root rot from receiving more summer waterings than they would in the wild. Two deep waterings a month in hot-summer areas are plenty after the plants are established.
"California Lilac, Wild Lilac, Redroot".
All Ceanothus can be used for Flower Arranging - see other Flower Arranging Plants.
Full Sun
Zones 8-10
Well-drained soil and shelter from strong wind.

Ceanothus
'Autumnal Blue'

Ceanothus species
No HB, ST, LT, SOL
Those that flower early in the year seem to offer the most attraction for pollen

Evergreen Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

120 x 96
(300 x 240)

Bright Green

Pale Blue in
May-October

"California Lilac".
Full Sun
Zones 8-10
Well-drained soil and shelter from strong wind.

Ceanothus are among the most valuable shrubs for dry gardens where frosts are not too severe. Plant in March or October. Cut spring-flowering species back in May; late-flowering plants must be pruned in early spring. Plants of evergreen species grown as bushes will not need severe pruning.

Ceanothus x delineanus
'Gloire de Versaille'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 60
(150 x 150)

Dark Green

Pale Blue in
July-September

"California Lilac". Full Sun. Zones 8-10. Well-drained soil and shelter from strong wind.
Thrives trained against a wall and combine with white, cream, or very pale yellow flowers from Viticella clematis or repeat-flowering climbing roses. Put with silver foliage plants or glaucous grasses.

Ceanothus
'Italian Skies'

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 120
(150 x 300)

Mid-Green

Bright Blue flowers in dense clusters in
May

"California Lilac". It forms a vigorous spreading shrub.
Full Sun
Zones 8-10
Well-drained soil and shelter from strong wind.

Ceanothus 'Marie Simon'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 60
(150 x 150)

Mid-Green

Pink in
July-September

"California Lilac".
Full Sun
Zones 8-10
Well-drained soil and shelter from strong wind.

Ceanothus 'Southmead'

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 60
(150 x 150)

Dark Green

Rich Blue in
May-June

"California Lilac".
Full Sun
Zones 8-10
Well-drained soil and shelter from strong wind.

Ceanothus divergens

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 60
(90 x 150)

Dark Green

Purple-Blue in
April-May

Quite hardy and easy, but poorly coloured.
"California Lilac".
Full Sun
Zones 8-10
Well-drained soil and shelter from strong wind.

Ceanothus
thyrsiflorus repens

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 96
(90 x 240)

Mid-Green

Sky-Blue in
May-June

It is hardy and makes a large Spreading / creeping bush, and is thoroughly to be recommended.
"California Lilac, Blue Blossom, Bluebrush".
Full Sun
Zones 8-10
Well-drained dry soil and shelter from strong wind.

Cedrus deodara 'Aurea'

Evergreen Upright Conifer above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

180 x 120 (450 x 300)

Golden-Yellow in Spring, Yellowish Green in Summer, Autumn and Winter

...

"Golden Deodar" with golden branch tips. From western himalayas.
In dry climates it grows slowly, and its dark green needles are shorter than in areas where it has ample moisture. Cedars should be given a good start in enriched soil if they are to thrive.
Full Sun
Zones 7-10
Well-drained, chalky soil

Celmisia walkeri

Evergreen Alpine below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 12
(30 x 30)

Grey-Green above and densely White woollly beneath

White
in June

From New Zealand.

Centaurea cineraria
(Centaurea gymnocarpa)

Centaurea species are valuable to bees because they are rich in nectar
Yes HB, ST, LT, SOL

Evergreen Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

32 x 18
(80 x 45)

Grey-White

Purple in
July-August

"Knapweed". The Knapweed plants are for poor, well-drained soils in meadows and borders, and are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Full sun
Zone 9
Use as bedding plant in mixed planting towards the front of beds or borders. Also, suitable for dry soil.

Bee Forage Plants and UK Butterfly with Egg, Caterpillar, Chrysalis and Butterfly Usage of Plants.

Centaurea macrocephala

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 24
(150 x 60)

Mid-Green

Yellow in
July-August

Incredible flower buds, on noxious weed list in some USA States. Do not let it escape your garden. Use its flower heads for drying and used in dried flower arrangements.
Full Sun on dry soil
Zone 4-8
Bachelor's Button, or Cornflower.

Centaurea companions - Echinacea, cosmos, nepeta, beared irises, geranium, papaver orientale, iris sibirica; the wild seashore garden

Centaurea montana

Honey Bees collect Nectar and Bumble bees visit the flowers

Details of smaller Centaurea and which container to grow the plant in:-
B. The plant is best accomm-odated in a trough or sink.

Deciduous Rhizome Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

18 x 24
(45 x 60)

Mid-Green, woolly beneath and densely wooly stems

Blue in
May-July

"Perennial Cornflower, Mountain Bluet, Mountain Knapweed".
Full Sun
Zone 4-8
Well-drained chalk.
Spreading / creeping slowly to make a large clump.
Traditional cottage garden plant popular for cutting and is a useful plant for bridging the "June gap" between spring and summer flowers.
Mildew can be a problem, but cutting them back after the first bloom will produce a fresh crop of leaves and a second bloom.

Use as edging with pinks, lavenders and columbines. It can be associated with Bearded irises, achilleas, dicentras, early-flowering cranesbills, daylilies, and silver foliage plants such as artemisias, and used for contrasts with yellow including trollius.

Centranthus ruber

Evergreen Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 36
(90 x 90)

Mid-Green

White, Pink or Crimson in
May-August

"Red Valerian" is often naturalized in cracks in walls, self-sows. Survives summer drought without assistance.
Full Sun to Part Shade. Well-drained dry chalky soil. Zone 5-8.
Good cut flower and attracts bees and butterflies. Deadhead to stimulate continued bloom. There is a deep red form, atococcineus and and a white, albus.
Mix the pink-flowering ruber with blue mountain knapweed (Centaurea montana), and the long-flowering cranesbill (Geranium 'Johnson's Blue').
Companions - Echinacea, cosmos, nepeta, beared irises, geranium, papaver orientale, iris sibirica on a wild seashore garden.

Cerastium tomentosum

Details of smaller Cerastium and which container to grow the plant in:-

• A. The plant can be grown in sinks, trough, pans or scree beds

Herbaceous Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

3 x 12
(7 x 30)

White

White in
May-August

"Snow-in-Summer". Spreading / creeping ground cover of slivery grey foliage in dense mats.
Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.
It is best used for large- or small-scale planting wherever its unusual foliage colour can contrast well with its surroundings. It may be used on slopes or level ground, or between stepping-stones, or edging for a path. Do not plant in a rock garden as it invades and smothers lesser plants and small shrubs.
Use on a dry wall - especially a lime-and-mortar old wall in a cottage garden - or bank and as far away from any inviting flower bed as possible.

The most suitable for small beds is the even smaller Cerastium tomentosum var. columnea which has brighter, white foliage and is less rampant.

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

Deciduous Rhizome Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

18 x 8
(45 x 20)

Bright Green, rounded and smooth in Spring and Summer, Rich Red in Autumn. The leaves take on autumn tints while the flowers are appearing.

Brilliant Blue in August-October

"Dwarf Plumbago, Blue Leadwort".
Compact and low-Spreading / creeping.
Full Sun to Part Shade
Well-drained gritty soil.
Zone 6-9
The rounded, smooth leaves take on bright autumn tints while the flowers are appearing. It can cover large areas and is attractive as edging, tucked into corners or under shrubs - like dust-dry corners beneath cypresses, where no rain ever seems to penetrate.
It combines well with English boxwood, ajuga, or sempervivums.

Ceratostigma Companions - Grow as groundcover under late-season coloured foliage such as grasses, Berberis thunbergii, Acer palmatum, Hydrangea quercifolia, Disanthus and Fuchsia.

Ceratostigma willmotianum

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 60
(90 x 150)

Mid to dark Green with purple margins in Spring, and Summer, Red in Autumn

Rich Blue in
August-November

"Chinese Lumbago". Prized for its small flowers and suitable in coastal districts. Often cut to ground in winter, but if not, prune back in spring to well-ripened wood.
Full Sun to Part Shade
Well-drained gritty soil
Zone 6-10
Green with red tints in leaves and stems in autumn.

Cercis siliquastrum

No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Deciduous Tree above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

360 x 324 (900 x 810)

Bronze in Spring, Blue-Green in Summer, Yellow in Autumn, heart-shaped leaves. The foliage appears after the flowers

Clusters of Bright Pink in
April

erupt from the branches, and even the trunk.

"Judas Tree, Love Tree". Native regions close to the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts.
Full Sun
Zones 7-9
Thrives in hot, dry summer weather, as long as the soil moisture is adequate in winter and spring. It flowers in just 3 or 4 years from seed - C.s. f. albida has white flowers,
C.s. 'Bodnant' has thundercloud-purple flowers.
Flowers may be used in salads.

Makes a good specimen tree or can be grown with others, but should be planted in permanent position when very young. Resents transplanting, but if this becomes necessary, do it in May. Any good soil in full sun. Prune to shape and remove dead wood after flowering or after the flat, black seed pods have ripened.

Chaenomeles x superba

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 72
(150 x 180)

Mid-Green

White, Pink or Crimson in
April-July

"Flowering Quince".
Full Sun
Zones 6-10
Well-drained but not too rich soil and a dry atmosphere. Cut back hard each year. The flowers appear in stalkless clusters on the previous year's wood, followed in summer by yellow green fruits with waxy, strongly perfumed skins that make fine jams and jellies.
Chaenomeles make good shrubs trained on walls with wire supports, as specimen, as hedges or trained over rock banks. Prune hedges when the blooms fade, also established bushes, but in this case only thin the crowded stems. Wall trained specimens, cut back the secondary shoots after flowering (end of April) to 2 or 3 eyes.

Chaenomeles x superba 'Crimson and Gold'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 72
(90 x 180)

Mid-Green

Red with Yellow anthers in
April-July

"Flowering Quince".
Full Sun
Zones 6-10
Well-drained but not too rich soil and a dry atmosphere. Cut back hard each year. The flowers appear in stalkless clusters on the previous year's wood, followed in summer by yellow green fruits with waxy, strongly perfumed skins that make fine jams and jellies.
It freely suckers which makes it a blessing for ground-cover but a nuisance otherwise.

Chaenomeles x superba 'Rowallane'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 72
(90 x 180)

Mid-Green

Scarlet in
April-July

"Flowering Quince". Full Sun. Zones 6-10.
Well-drained but not too rich soil and a dry atmosphere. Cut back hard each year. The flowers appear in stalkless clusters on the previous year's wood, followed in summer by yellow green fruits with waxy, strongly perfumed skins that make fine jams and jellies. Trained low across a wall, then combine it with spring bulbs, wallflowers, euphorbias and geums.

Chamaedaphne calyculata

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

30 x 36
(75 x 90)

Dark Green

White in
April-May

Chamaemelum nobile
(Anthemis nobilis)

Herb below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 18
(30 x 45)

Fresh Green

...

"Roman Chamomile". From western Europe, including the British Isles.
Mat-forming
Full Sun
Zone 4
Any well-drained soil. Dried flower heads are used to make chamomile tea.
Mowed and rolled, it can serve as a lawn substitute or a living, growing path, made more attractive by the pleasant fragrance it gives off when walked upon.

Chelidonium majus
'Flore Pleno'

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 12
(60 x 30)

Bright Green

Yellow in Spring-Summer

"Greater Celandine". Self-seeding. Ground cover. Best in a wild garden.
Full Sun or shade
Zone 5
Any soil
Grows in woodland and the bottoms of hedges almost throughout Europe and western Asia.

Chionanthus
virginicus

Deciduous Tree above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

120 x 120 (300 x 300)

Dark Green in Spring and Summer, Yellow in Autumn

White, faintly scented flowers composed of narrow petals in
July

"North American Fringe Tree". From native forests of southeastern USA. May take 10 years to flower. It is drought tolerant once established.
Full Sun
Zones 5-9
Well-drained soil. The flowers are succeeded by dark blue, egg-shaped fruits. Prune by removal of weak wood after flowering and thin crowded bushes.

Chionodoxa

Deciduous Bulb

<--- Chionodoxa lucillae photo taken by Foord in april 1979

6 x 2
(15 x 5)

Dark Green

Blue in
April

"Glory-of-the-Snow". Further cultivation details in penultimate row.
Chionodoxa luciliae flowers in its native lands on stony hillsides, emerging as the snow melts in spring.
Chionodoxa forbesii and its cultivars have Honey Bees collect Pollen and Nectar.

Plant Chionodoxa in October 2.5 inches (6.25cms) deep and from 3-4 (7.5-10) apart. Lift only when overcrowded, when the leaves die down.

Bee Forage Plants and UK Butterfly with Egg, Caterpillar, Chrysalis and Butterfly Usage of Plants.
All Chionodoxa are Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.

Choisya ternata 'Aztec Pearl'

Evergreen Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

96 x 96
(240 x 240)

Dark Green, long-fingered, elegant foliage

Pink-tinged White in
May

Excellent hedging plant
Full Sun, Part Shade
Zones 8-11
Slightly acid, humus-rich, well-drained dry soil

Choisya ternata

Evergreen Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

96 x 96
(240 x 240)

Bright Green, polished leaves formed of 3 leaflets

White in Spring - fragrant. May repeat flower in the late summer

"Mexican Orange Blossom". From Mexico. Compact, rounded bush making an excellent hedging plant, that will exist beneath the shade of trees.
All Choisya ternata can be used for Flower Arranging - see other Flower Arranging Plants. Plant in April or September, and in April cut out old wood or trim if required.
Full Sun, Part Shade
Zones 7-11
Slightly acid, humus-rich, well-drained dry sandy soil.

Choisya ternata 'Sundance'
 

Evergreen Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

84 x 84
(210 x 210)

Bright Yellow maturing to yellow-green

White in
May

"Mexican Orange Blossom". From Mexico. Compact, rounded bush making an excellent hedging plant. Full Sun, Part Shade. Zones 7-11
Slightly acid, humus-rich, well-drained sandy soil.
Associate with Clematis montana var. rubens with mature shrub or for juvenile plants use Alpina Clematis

Chrysanthemum parthenium

Annual below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 12
(30 x 30)

Mid Green

White in Summer

"Feverfew". Used as fillers or for contrast among other bedding plants. Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.

Companions - Grasses, perovskia, hardy fuchsias, sedum, aster, solidago, salvia.

Cimicifuga japonica

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 24
(60 x 60)

Dark Green

White in
August-November

Ground-hugging foliage, purplish black stems.
Full Shade to Full Sun
Humus-rich, cool, deep soil.
Zone 4-8
Cut down in fall after frost leaving several inches of stems so you know where they are and do not accidentally step on the crowns in the winter.

Companions - Hakonechloa, boltonia, geranium, hosta, heuchera, aconitum, ferns, Anemone japonica, miscanthus, rodgersia, lilies.

Cissus striata
(Ampelopsis sempervirens)

Evergreen Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

360
(900 cms)

Obovate, leathery, Glossy, Mid-Green

Green in
June-August followed by small, purplish fruits

"Ivy of Uruguay". The serrated leaves are shiny green, forming a dense carpet. Not fully hardy in cold sites and is a greedy feeder, doing best in a rich, fertile soil in England's warmer counties. It is a rapid creeper with adhesive tendrils, when established.

Cistus 'Silver Pink'

Cistus species
No HB, ST, LT, SOL
Bees are attracted for the pollen. The flowers seldom last more than a day, in some cases only the morning.

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 36
(60 x 90)

Dark Green

Clear Pink in
June-July

"Rock Rose". Evergreen. Withstands sea winds well. A most desirable variety.

Due to these Cistus shrubs mainly originating from the Mediterranean basin, it is perhaps wise in the UK to have them in pots, which are plunged into the ground outside after the last frost in the spring and returned to a frost-free greenhouse before the first autumn frost. They are indispensable in dry gardens.

Cistus x corbariensis
(Cistus x hybridus)

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 60
(90 x 150)

Dark Green

White in
June-July

A tender shrub for full sun and well-drained soil. It suffers in cold winters but is suitable for the warmer counties. It only makes dense cover when fully exposed to sun and air. Ideal for covering banks, with pink buds opening to ivory flowers. In dry, poor soils the foliage deepens to bronze and copper with the onset of winter. Zone 8. <--- Cistus x corbariensis. Photo taken by Garnons-williams at Sissinghurst Castle on 21 April 2013

Cistus x cyprius

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 60
(150 x 150)

Dark Green

White in
June-August

This plant makes a good loose hedge or sturdy bush. Associate with artemisias, catmints, phlomis, alstroemerias, and bulbs like gladioli.
Cistus are effective in rock gardens, dry crevices in walls, edging and as informal borders where there is no traffic. They do not transplant well. They are not long-lived shrubs and need renewing every 10-12 years. Remove points of shoots to form bushy shrubs when the plants are young. In later years avoid pruning as much as possible.

Cistus x florentinus

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 60
(90 x 150)

Grey-Green

White in
June-August

Each afternoon the crumpled-silk Cistus petals shatter to carpet the ground beneath the shrubs, but a long succession of buds await to open the next day and the next. Dry soil.

Cistus x purpureus

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 36
(90 x 90)

Dark Green

Dark Pink in
June-August

It has large, rose-pink flowers, each petal bearing a deep chocolate-maroon blotch at the base.
Associate with the small crimson flowers and loosely branched habit of Leptospermum scoparium.

Clematis armandii

Clematis species produce an abundance of pollen and some yield nectar as well
No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Evergreen Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

144 x 96
(360 x 240)

Dark Green

White in
April

Climber for large walls or fences to cover pergolas and roofs of small buildings.
All Clematis are Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.
All Clematis can be used for Flower Arranging - see other Flower Arranging Plants.
Full Sun with roots in shade
Zone 7
Any moisture-retentive, well-drained soil
Clematis appreciate monthly feedings throughout the growing season. Mulch in the winter season with well-rotted manure and old mortar rubble.

Clematis cirrhosa

Evergreen Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

108 x 60
(270 x 150)

Dark Green above, slightly bronze beneath

Cream in
March-April

Clematis companions - Clematis x durandii with cornus alba (variegated forms) and salvia guarantica; Clematis recta 'Purpurea' with bronze fennel, phlox paniculata, miscanthus, physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo', dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff'.

Clematis integrifolia

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 24
(60 x 60)

Light Green

Mid-Blue in
July-September

"Solitary Clematis". Needs good support to stop it sprawling. Fluffy silvery-brown seedheads
Full Sun. Well-drained, humus-rich chalky soil. Zone 3-9.
Let it scramble into silver-foliaged shrubs of similar height. It is effective as a foil fr soft, light yellows. Grow it through Rosa gallica var. officinalis to contrast with the rose's carmine flowers.

Clematis macropetala

Deciduous Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

96 x 60
(240 x 150)

Dark Green

Blue in
April-July

It does not require pruning. All of Clematis plant is poisonous.

Plant with Forsythia suspensa f. atrocaulis in front

Clematis marmoraria

Deciduous Alpine below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

6 x 8
(15 x 20)

Glossy Dark Green

Greenish-White
in April-May

Deciduous. Prostrate shrub with shiny, dark green, divided leaves. The flowers are followed by fluffy white seed heads.

Clematis montana 'Elizabeth'

Evergreen Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

360 x 96
(900 x 240)

Purple-flushed Mid- Green

Pale Pink in
May-June

All the montanas enjoy a north-facing aspect (south-facing in the southern hemisphere) are not fussy about soil and do not require pruning.
Clematis montana with white flowers associates with pale lilacs, early yellow or pink roses and mauve wisteria. Pink flowering montana with white wisteria or early-flowering white roses.

Clematis montana grandiflora 'Alba'

Evergreen Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

360 x 96
(900 x 240)

Mid-Green

White in
may

Clematis is best on retentive soils, neutral or limy; sun, or shade from buildings. Clematis montana and Clematis rehderiana are vigorous on acid soils. All clematis are fragrant except clematis tangutica, clematis glauca and clematis orintalis. Since clematis is a creeper with twining leaf-stalks, it is not wise to grow it on house walls, since it could get to the roof and gutters.

Clematis montana
var. rubens

Evergreen Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

360 x 96
(900 x 240)

Bronze-Purple

Mid Pink in
May-June

For woodier clematis species - prune back to the lowest pair of buds in early spring. Regular tying in of new shoots, ideally at least once a fortnight, helps to spread out the stems for maximum floral display and prevent them kinking at the base, which encourages clematis wilt disease. If the rootball is set 3 inches (8 cm) or so below the soil surface, the plant will usually regrow after an attack by wilt.

Clematis recta

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

48 x 30
(120 x 75)

Grey-Green

Heavily scented White in
August-November

"Ground Clematis". Guide it into a stout shrub or support discreetly with brushwood.
Full Sun
Well-drained, humus-rich chalky soil.
Zone 3

For all herbaceous clematis - cut old growth to the ground in the spring when new growth is beginning.

Clematis tangutica

Evergreen Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

180 x 96
(450 x 240)

Sea-Green

Yellow in
June-September

It forms a dense carpet of twiggy stems. It will quickly Spread or creep and performs beautifully on a sunny slope or bank.
These clematis tangutica have decorative seedheads, some persisting over winter, so use over a shrub in the garden rather than supported on a wall.

Clerodendrum bungei
(Clerodendrum foetidum)

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

72 x 72
(180 x 180)

Dark Green tinged with purple when young

Very fragrant dark Pink in
August-November

"Glory Flower". Suckering shrub from China and the Himalayas. It will be Spreading / creeping rapidly if not contained or controlled.
Full Sun. Zones 7-10. Deep, moist, fertile soil.
This grown against a sunny wall for protection and to encourage production of its vibrant pink blooms, associates easily with the purple foliage of the claret vine - Vitis vinifera 'Purpurea'.

Clethra alnifolia

Deciduous Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

96 x 96
(240 x 240)

Mid-Green

Very sweetly scented, White in
August-September

"Sweet Pepper Bush" thrives in a warm, sunny, sheltered position in the south and west of England. A compost of rich, moist loam and leaf-mould or peat suits them. Hardy.

Clethra fargesii

Deciduous Shrub above 2 feet in height

120 x 120 (300 x 300)

Dark Green, turning Red and Yellow in Autumn

White in
August-October

Clethra require lime-free soil. Remove old and weak wood in winter.

Colchicum

Herbaceous Bulb

4 x 1
(10 x 2)

Green

Pink some in
October-November others in March-April

See photos of Colchicums in Colchicum and Crocus Gallery.
All Colchicum are Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.
Colchicum autumnale - "Naked Ladies, Autumn Crocus".
Plant Colchicum in Jul-Aug in full sun, 5 inches (12.5cms) deep and 6 inches (15) apart in moist, cool loam. Lift from the ground (triennially) in August to increase.
No HB - it produces a useful late-season source of pollen for honeybees. Colchicum speciosum and Colchicum bivonae also benefit honeybees in September) and its cultivars have Honey Bees collect Pollen and Nectar. Bumble bees also visit the flowers.
Bee Forage Plants and UK Butterfly with Egg, Caterpillar, Chrysalis and Butterfly Usage of Plants.

Convallaria majalis

Honey Bees collect Pollen

No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Deciduous Rhizome below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

9 x 12
(23 x 30)

Dark Green

Stongly scented White bells in
May

Spreading / creeping "Lily-of-the-Valley" takes time to settle down in a woodland garden, or under deciduous shrubs.
Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.
All Convallaria majalis can be used for Flower Arranging - see other Flower Arranging Plants.
Best in Part Shade in well-drained, humus-rich, alkaline soil.
Zone 1-9
Rampant weed-excluding carpet groundcover. Work abundant leafmould into the soil before planting and mulch with leafmould in autumn.

The red fruit is very poisonous.

Convallaria majalis 'Albostriata'

Deciduous Rhizome below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

9 x 12
(23 x 30)

Bright Green striped Creamy-White

Stongly scented White in
May

Best in Part Shade in well-drained, humus-rich, alkaline soil.
Zone 1-9
Cut convallaria species to the ground when it dies back. Top dress with leaf mould in autumn, Divide when they flower poorly due to overcrowding.

Convalleria companions - Ferns, oxalis, epimedium, asarum, iris foetidissima, brunnera macrophylla, arum italicum

Convallaria majalis var. rosea

Deciduous Rhizome below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

8 x 12
(20 x 30)

Dark Green

Pale mauvish-Pink in
May

Best in Part Shade in well-drained, humus-rich, alkaline soil.
Zone 1-9
This is less vigorous than Convallaria majalis.
Use around shrubs, such as the taller rhododendrons and camellias, and are also effective with ferns.

Convolvulus cneorum

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

30 x 36
(75 x 90)

Silvery-Green

White, funnel-shaped flowers in
May-August

"Shrubby Morning Glory, Silver Bush Morning Glory" in
Full Sun
Well-drained dry sandy soil
Zone 6-8 - resents the combination of wet and cold in cool temperate winters, but also dislikes intense heat in summer, especially if the nights are hot - perhaps grow it in a patio pot outside in late spring-summer, but inside frost-free greenhouse in rest of year.
Companions - Lavender and other gray-leaved plants, low-growing grasses, artemisia, tall sedums, salvia. Associate with Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens and wallflower Erysimum 'Bowles Mauve'.

Coreopsis auriculata

Coreopsis species
No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Deciduous Rhizome Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

32 x 24
(80 x 60)

Mid-Green

Bright Yellow in
June-July

Full Sun
Well-drained moist soil
Zone 3-9
Coreopsis (Tickseed) is long-blooming, but are not long-lived - 3-4 years before the show begins to dwindle; regenerate from divisions at the outer edge of the clump to extend their life.

Companions - Echinacea, campanula, penstemon, santolina, salvia, solidago, grasses, aster, lavandula, perovskia; try Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' with hakonechloa

Coreopsis verticillata

This is very freely worked by honeybees in the late summer, so cultivate it in large groups or patches

Deciduous Rhizome Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 18
(60 x 45)

Mid-Green
photo of Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' by Garnons-williams at RHS Wisley on 1 August 2013 --->

Yellow in
July

"Whorled Tickseed" has thread-fine leaves and vivid flowers over a long season. A good filler plant for gaps.
Full Sun
Zone 4

Coreopsis plants prefer
Full Sun to Part Shade
Fertile, well-drained, sandy or chalk dry soil. Zone 3-9.
Deadhead to keep flowering. Top-dress with manure in autumn and cut back hard after frost.

Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

72 x 72
(180 x 180)

Green, edged White

Creamy-White in
May-June

"Red-barked Dogwood, Tatarian Dogwood". Red branches and twigs, brightest in winter or late autumn. Cut back annually almost to ground level to encourage new growths, which have the best colour.
Full Sun, Very Light Shade. Zones 4-9.
Rich, fertile, well-drained soil.
Excellent winter accent plant against white snow or dark evergreens. Associate with Geranium x magnificum.

Cornus alba 'Kesselringii'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

72 x 72
(180 x 180)

Brown in Spring, Dark Green in Summer, Reddish-Purple in Autumn

Creamy-White in
May-June

Full Sun, Very Light Shade
Zones 4-9
Rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Excellent winter accent plant against white snow or dark evergreens. Best stooled every 2 or 3 years.
Associate with variegated green and gold euonymus, or with pennisetums or pampas grass.

Cornus alba
'Siberica Variegata'

No HB, ST

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 60
(150 x 150)

Green, White margins

Creamy-White in
May-June

"Red-barked Dogwood, Tatarian Dogwood". Red branches and twigs, brightest in winter or late autumn. Cut back annually almost to ground level to encourage new growths, which have the best colour.
Full Sun, Very Light Shade
Zones 4-9
Rich, fertile, well-drained soil.
Excellent winter accent plant against white snow or dark evergreens.

Cornus canadensis

Herbaceous Alpine below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

5 x 12
(12 x 30)

Mid-Green

4 White bracts per flower
in May-June

"Creeping Dogwood". Has bright green leaves and small green flowers with white bracts, sometimes followed by bright red berries. It Spreads / creeps all over the place and needs to be kept in check. Does well in woodland (especially pine trees) and mountain gardens and as a ground cover around rhododendrons and similar plants on peaty soil.

Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

72 x 144
(180 x 360)

Dark Green, Red or Orange in Autumn

White in
May-June

Bright Yellow-Green winter shoots. Cut back annually almost to ground level to encourage new growths, which have the best colour.
Full Sun, Very Light Shade
Zones 2-10
Rich, fertile, well-drained soil.
Excellent winter accent plant against white snow or dark evergreens.

Corokia cotoneaster

Deciduous Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

96 x 96
(240 x 240)

Dark Green

Fragrant Yellow in
June

"Wire-Netting Bush". From New Zealand and grown largely for its unusual angular, interlacing branch pattern. Suits mild coastal climates and tolerates wind.
Full Sun, Light Shade
Zones 8-10
Fertile, well-drained soil.

Coronilla valentina
(Coronilla
glauca)
Valentina means 'of Valentia' (Spain).

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 60
(150 x 150)

Bright, glaucous Green

Apricot-scented, Bright canary- Yellow in
March-April

Native of Mediterranean region.
Full Sun
Zones 9-10
Fertile, well-drained soil and protection from strong winds. Cut leggy plants back to the base in spring.

Coronilla valentina glauca 'Variegata'

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 36
(90 x 90)

Blue-grey, Creamy-White margins, leaves

Fragrant Yellow in
April-June

Native of Mediterranean region for edging, a sunny bank or a gravel garden. Associates well with yellow, white, or blue flowers, yellow-green foliage and flowers, and glaucous foliage.
Full Sun. Zones 9-10. Fertile, well-drained soil and protection from strong winds. Cut leggy plants back to the base in spring.

Cortaderia selloana 'Sunningdale Silver'

Photo taken by Kavanagh on 19 Aug 2012 --->

Evergreen Grass above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

120 x 96
(300 x 240)

Mid-Green

Silvery-White spikelets in
September

Pampas grass will grow in most soils, and once established is drought-resistant with being a noxious weed in Australia and New Zealand.
Waterside position. Zone 7.
Surround by inulas, thalictrums, Knatia macedonica and daylilies.
Makes striking specimen plant, effective against a background of dark foliage or when lit from behind by the sun; in borders they need to be used towards the front. It has very feathery, creamy-white, open plumes clustered on erect stems and suitable in dry soil

Corydalis nobilis

Deciduous Rhizome Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 18
(60 x 45)

Bluish-Green

Light Yellow in
June

Will grow in full sun but flowering period is much lengthened if growing in cool, somewhat moist, partly shaded, conditions.

Corydalis companions - Ferns, primula, epimedium, hosta, ranunculus ficaria, pulmonaria, brunnera, omphalodes

Corylus maxima 'Purpurea'

Deciduous Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

240 x 144 (600 x 360)

Purple

Purple and Yellow in
February

"Filbert". It has deep, dark purple, spring foliage, softening to a dull greenish purple in summer.
Provide ample space in Full Sun or Part Shade
Zones 4-9
Moist but well-drained, chalky soil. For fruit set, there is a cold requirement of about 1000 hours below 45 F (7 C). Cool, moist summers also assist nut production

Cotinus coggygria 'Flame'

Deciduous Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

144 x 144 (360 x 360)

Dark Green in Spring and Summer, Orange-Red in Autumn

Purplish-Pink in
August-November

"Venetian Sumac, Smoke Tree".
Full Sun
Zones 6-10
Soil that is too moist or fertile discourages free flowering.

Cotinus coggygria
'Royal Purple'

Deciduous Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

144 x 144 (360 x 360)

Deep Purplish-Red in Spring and Summer, Red in Autumn

Deep Pink in Aug-Nov

"Venetian Sumac, Smoke Tree". Specimen plants can be underplanted with dark-leaved heucheras laced with Lilium speciosum cultivars.
Full Sun
Zones 6-10
Soil that is too moist or fertile discourages free flowering. Deeper purple foliage than above in spring and summer.
Whole plant of Cotinus coggygria is slightly poisonous

Cotoneaster
'Coral Beauty'

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 72
(90 x 180)

Glossy Dark Green

White in
July-September

"Rockspray".
Cotoneaster is one of the small-fruited genera of the pome-fruit group of the rose family, that includes Pyracantha, Crataegus and Amelanchier. The name means 'useless quince'. Most Cotoneaster grow best in poor or chalky soil. Plant from Oct-Mar. No pruning is necessary though certain species require thinning out after flowering or fruiting.
All Cotoneaster are Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.

Cotoneaster
'Hybridus Pendulus'

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

72 x 60
(180 x 150)

Dark Green

White in
June

The lower-growing species are popular for rock gardens, embankments and foundation plantings. Some species make good hedges and espaliers.

Cotoneaster conspicuus

Honey Bees collect Pollen and Nectar. Bumble bees also visit the flowers

Evergreen Shrub above 2 feet in height

12 x 84
(30 x 210)

Shiny Dark Green

White in
July-September

Best used in containers or rock gardens.
Since it belongs to the rose family, it should be replaced by a plant not from the rose family when required.
Cotoneaster conspicuus 'Decorus' blends well in wild and woodland gardens, where it tolerates dappled shade. In a sunny site it associates with deutzias, philadelphus, small-flowered roses, kerrias, kolkwitzias, lilacs, spiraeas, potentillas and plants like columbines, cranebills, foxgloves and geums. Drape its foliage with a small-flowered clematis; and alongside plant bergenias or hostas.

Cotoneaster horizontalis

Cotoneaster species Bumblebees are strongly attracted by cotoneasters especially this one and Cotoneaster adpressus.
No HB, ST, LT, SOL
Careful choice of cotoneaster varieties can increase the benefit to bees by extending the flowering season over several months.

Deciduous Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

18 x 60
(45 x 150)

Glossy Dark Green in Spring and Summer, Orange in Autumn

Pinkish-White in
May-June

Flower bud of Coton-easter horiz-ontalis in jun 1971 photo by foord

"Rock Cotoneaster, Wall Cotoneaster". Flowers followed by deep red fruit. Native to mountain areas of western China, it is deciduous in cool climates but only semi-deciduous in warmer climates
Full Sun
Zones 5-10
Moderately fertile, well-drained soil. It is good in combination with low-growing junipers. It has heavily textured foliage and is especially effective on banks and in low dividers to discourage traffic.

It should be noted that Cotoneaster horizontalis, Cotoneaster integrifolius, Cotoneaster simonsii, Cotoneaster bullatus and Cotoneaster microphyllus are invasive non-native species in the UK. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Variation of Schedule 9) (England and Wales) Order 2010 prohibits planting or causing them to grow in the wild.

Do not grow this variety in England or Wales. Birds eat the berries, who excrete the seed.

Cotoneaster horizontalis 'Variegatus'

Honey Bees collect Pollen and Nectar. Bumble bees also visit the flowers

Deciduous Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

15 x 60
(37 x 150)

Green with Cream margins in Spring and Summer, Red with Cream margins in Autumn

Pinkish-White in May-June

"Rock Cotoneaster". Flowers followed by deep red fruit. Native to mountain areas of western China, it is deciduous in cool climates but only semi-deciduous in warmer climates
Full Sun
Zones 5-10
Moderately fertile, well-drained soil. It is good in combination with low-growing junipers. It has heavily textured foliage and is especially effective on banks and in low dividers to discourage traffic.

Do not grow this variety in England or Wales. Birds eat the berries, who excrete the seed.

Cotoneaster integrifolius

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 60
(90 x 150)

Glossy Dark Green

...

Cotoneaster are deep-rooted and good soil binders.

Do not grow this variety in England or Wales. Birds eat the berries, who excrete the seed.

Cotoneaster lacteus
(Cotoneaster parneyi)

Evergreen Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

144 x 144 (360 x 360)

Dark Green above, Yellow-White felted beneath

White in
June-July

"Rockspray Cotoneaster". Chinese shrub with white flowers followed by large bunches of orange-red fruits that persist through winter.
Full Sun
Zones 7-11. Moderately fertile, well-drained soil

Cotoneaster linearifolius

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

30 x 30
(75 x 75)

Glossy Dark Green

White in
July

Cotoneaster rotundifolius

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 120
(150 x 300)

Glossy Dark Green

White in
June

Crataegus prunifolia
(Crataegus persimilis)

Crataegus species
Yes HB, ST, LT, SOL

Deciduous Tree above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

300 x 360 (750 x 900)

Dark Green in Spring and Summer, Red or Orange in Autumn

White in
June

"Hawthorn". Plant in Oct-Nov in ordinary soil. Thin-out branches when overcrowded.
It will grow in sun or shade and in all soils except acid peat, which it avoids. Its virtues as a hedge plant are well recognised and as a farm hedge or fence plant it stands supreme. Usually hawthorn blossoms do not appear until those of apple (malus) are over but in some seasons flowering overlaps. The resulting honey, which is a blend of apple and hawthorn, is considered by some to be one of the finest flavoured that could be desired.

Crocosmia 'Lucifer'

Herbaceous Bulb 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 3
(90 x 7)

Mid-Green sword-like, ribbed leaves

Tomato-Red in
August

Full sun. Well-drained, MOIST soil. Zone 5-9.
May need support. Good seedheads.
"Montbretia". In some soils common montbretia increases so fast that it ceases to flower, it should be thinned and given a fertiliser, or moved into a fresh spot. If flowering diminishes, they should be divided in early spring.
Associate its flowers with strong yellow, gold or scarlet flowers, and with bronze or purple foliage.

Crocosmia 'Solfatare'

Herbaceous Bulb 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 3
(60 x 7)

Bronze

Apricot-Yellow in
August

Full sun
Well-drained, MOIST soil
Zone 7-9

Crocosmia companions - Hemerocallis, agapanthus, berberis, euphorbia griffithii, miscanthus, carex, dahlia, phygelius, physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo', anemanthele lessoniana

Crocosmia masoniorum

Evergreen Bulb 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 12
(150 x 30)

Mid-Green

Reddish-Orange in
June-October in sprays

Full sun
Well-drained, MOIST soil
Zone 7-9
Good cut flower, invasive and very robust.
Crocosmia have attractive upright foliage and their vibrant vivid flower colour produced in late summer.

Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans'

Evergreen Bushy Conifer above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

240 x 144 (600 x 360)

Fresh Green in Spring and Summer, Red-Bronze in Autumn and Winter

...

"Japanese Cedar, Sugi". A solid column of foliage to 360 inches (900 cm) high and 96 inches (240 cm) across, needles are long and soft; in winter the tree turns a striking dull bronze or plum colour.
Full Sun, Part Shade
Zones 7-10
Deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil

Cryptomeria japonica 'Vilmoriniana'

Evergreen Bushy Conifer 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

12 x 6
(30 x 15)

Yellow-Green in Spring, Summer- Autumn, Bronze in Winter

...

As above. Suitable for rock gardens.
Full Sun, Part Shade
Zones 7-10
Deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil

Cyclamen cilicium

Deciduous Tuber below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

2 x 3
(5 x 7)

Mid-Green above, purplish beneath

White or Pink in
October-November

Hardy cyclamen flower throughout the year with their different varieties. The require shade for most of the day, a soil rich in grit and humus and a position where they will not become too utterly dry in summer or wet in winter - see cyclamen in Autumn Bulb Gallery. Any soil and leaf-mould mulch.
All Cyclamen are Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.
All Cyclamen can be used for Flower Arranging - see other Flower Arranging Plants.

Cyclamen cilicium 'Album'

Deciduous Tuber below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

2 x 3
(5 x 7)

Mid-Green above, purplish beneath

White in
October-November

If this and the one above are not planted - corm should be just breaking surface and 2-3 inches apart - under trees, which provide fallen leaves in the autumn, then mulch with a little sifted leaf mould or peat moss in November. A little bonemeal added to the soil and used as a top dressing each spring will keep them happy.

Cyclamen coum

Deciduous Tuber below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

2 x 4
(5 x 10)

Deep Green with Silver pattern

White and Red in
March-April

"Eastern Sowbread". Cyclamen coum is native to two areas, the mountains and coastal areas that border the southern and eastern Black Sea coasts, and southern Turkey south to Israel. It is found amongst rocks and roots in deciduous and coniferous woodlands and scrub, similar to hederifolium in ease of cultivation and conditions required to flourish. Coum produces many seeds, self sows and will colonize an area. Coum should not be planted in the same bed as hederifolium as it will be overtaken by the more robust species.

Cyclamen
hederifolium

Deciduous Tuber below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

5 x 6
(12 x 15)

Mid to Dark Green, hand-somely mottled, foliage lasting from
Oct-May

Scented Pink in
November-December

The most prolific and dense-leaved species, seeding itself in the rather heavier limy soils, particularly under trees. Plant in summer, when dormant, from pot-grown seedlings, not from dried imported bulbs. A mulch of leaf-mould keeps weeds at bay after leaves have died down and benefits the plants.This will flower when its tubers are smaller than a fingernail, and lives until they grow as large as dinner plates. They will grow even in the dry, rooty shade of trees to create clumps. Zone 5.
It mixes well with colchicums and autumn-flowering crocuses. The white flowers of Cyclamen hederifolium f. albiflorum stand out against black mondo grass - Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'.

Cynara scolymus

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

72 x 48
(180 x 120)

Grey-Green

Purple in
October

"Cardoon".
Zone 6-10
Companions - Rhubarb, large-scale grasses, artemisia 'Huntington'; most effective as a specimen plant

Cynoglossum nervosum

Cynoglossum species
No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

30 x 20
(75 x 50)

Mid-Green

Blue in Summer

"Himalayan Hound's Tongue". Can be short-lived
Full Sun
Zone 5
Well-drained, deep, poor soil. Use in herbaceous or mixed border.

Cytisus 'Hollandia'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 60
(150 x 150)

Dark Green

Cream and Cerise-Red in
May-June

"Broom". Cut back all branches of all cytisus by at least a third, and then plant in October. Except when quite young, only trim to keep in shape; pruning must be systematic and regular so that it is not necessary to cut into old wood. Spring-blooming species and varieties should be trimmed and pruned directly after flowering; late-flowering kinds must not be pruned until the following Feb-Mar.
The whole plant of all Cytisus are poisonous.

Cytisus 'Lena'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

48 x 60
(120 x 150)

Dark Green

Dark Yellow in
June-July

Cytisus are excellent plants for hot, dry locations. In the Southwest USA, they combine well with many coastal plants, brooms tolerate salt-laden air and do well in sandy soil. They are very effective trailing over walls and down slopes.

Cytisus praecox 'Zeelandia'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 60
(150 x 150)

Dark Green

Pale Yellow in
May-June

"Warminster Broom, Moonlight Broom".
Full Sun, Part Shade. Zones 5-9. Most soils.
Associate with Tulipa 'Queen of Sheba and Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' in the background.

Chamaecytisus purpureus
(Cytisus purpureus)

Deciduous Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

18 x 24
(45 x 60)

Dark Green

Pink to Deep Lilac in
July in
June

"Purple Broom". Native to southeastern Europe. Broadly Spreading / creeping habit with low, arching branches, sparsely leafy.

Flowering in the next season is promoted by cutting back as soon as flowering has finished, but do not go back into the old hard wood.
Full Sun
Zones 6-9
Very Well-drained soil, preferably in a raised position such as a rock garden. They seldom survive transplanting.

Cytisus 'Killiney Red'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

48 x 60
(120 x 150)

Dark Green

Rich Red in
June-July

All brooms prefer well-drained soils, preferably lime-free, and full sun.

Cytisus scoparius
f. andreanus

No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 36
(90 x 90)

Dark Green

Yellow-and-Red in
May-June

"Common Broom, Scotch Broom" is found on moorland, sandy commons and on bleak rocky dry hillsides. They should be planted 36-48 (90-120) apart and their green twigs are attractive in winter.
Full Sun
Zones 5-9
Most soils
Cytisus canariensis and Cytisus scoparius are noxious weeds in Australia, where all brooms can become weedy.

Cytisus x beanii

Honey Bees collect Pollen and Nectar. Bumble bees also visit the flowers

Deciduous Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 24
(30 x 60)

Hairy Dark Green

Golden-Yellow in
May-June

Its stems are so dense in hummocks, that though they are not evergreen, they act as fairly successful ground-cover.

Zone 7

Cytisus x kewensis

Honey Bees collect Pollen and Nectar. Bumble bees also visit the flowers

Deciduous Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 72
(30 x 180)

Hairy Dark Green

Cream in
June

This is almost prostrate, with spreading branches thickly set with cream pea flowers in spring.

Zone 6