New Perennials from Blooms of Bressingham for 2003
PRESS AREA

Geranium sanguineum ‘Alan Bloom’ (P.P. #9006) “Bloody Cranes Bill”

‘Alan Bloom’s’ attributes include the heat and cold tolerance typical of the species. However, this cultivar was selected for its more compact foliage and habit, and for its large, bright pink flowers, with moderate magenta tendencies. The flowers are produced more abundantly from early to late summer and are significantly larger than those of the species. The attractive, dark-green foliage forms luxuriant, spreading mounds and the deeply cut leaves turn a rich red in fall. Performs best in moist, organic soils in full sun or partial shade. Ideally suited to front of border, rock garden or even ground cover.

Helenium ‘Mardi Gras’ (Pat. Pend.) “Helen’s Flower”

‘Mardi Gras’ produces a riot of multicolored blooms for six to eight weeks in summer, from late June to early August. Yellow petals, lavishly splashed with orange red, form wildly patterned stiff skirts around deep brown, mounded center cones. The “tie-dyed” flowers are 1½ inch to 2 inches in diameter. A massed planting will form tight shrubby bushes of impressive size in two years. Perfect for the back of the border, or to anchor the center of a perennial island bed. Sturdy stems sway gracefully in summer breezes. ‘Mardi Gras’ will thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. While it’s happiest with frequent waterings, it does not require high fertility levels.

Helichrysum ‘Ruby Cluster’ (Pat. Pend.) “Straw Flower”
Winner of the Royal Horticulture Society’s prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

With most plants, gardeners eagerly await the opening of the buds into their final, full-flowered form. Not so in the case of ‘Ruby Cluster’, whose buds are as attractive and interesting as the flowers they will become – perhaps even more so. From June until August, showy 2-inch clusters of ball-shaped, deep pink buds are cradled in soft, silvery foliage. They open to starry white flowers with prominent yellow centers and the genus’ distinctive stiff, papery texture, gradually fading to a soft oatmeal hue. ‘Ruby Cluster’ thrives in a sunny spot in well-drained but not very fertile soil. Like many plants with wooly foliage, it is remarkably drought-tolerant but needs protection from excess moisture to overwinter outdoors. Though not hardy in much of North America, it is evergreen in areas mild enough to enjoy it for more than one season. Elsewhere, this is a marvelous annual.

Lychnis coronaria ‘Gardener’s World’ “Rose Campion”

‘Gardener’s World’ comes from England and is named for the popular magazine and BBC TV program. From late June into August, the upright plants bear clusters of deep, rich red flowers. Fully double, the 1½-inch blooms resemble miniature carnations, contrasting beautifully with silvery, wooly foliage on erect stems. Formerly Coronaria tomentosa, the straight species has high-wattage magenta flowers and an unfortunate tendency to self-sow in the garden. ‘Gardener’s World’ represents tremendous improvements on both scores: The flower is larger, with a far more refined and attractive color, and it is sterile. It will bloom where it’s planted – period. Best garden performance is in full sun, but light shade can be helpful in very hot areas. Good drainage is essential to successful overwintering. Some support may be required.

Polemonium ‘Bressingham Purple’ (Pat. Pend.) “Jacob’s Ladder”

Highly decorative fernlike leaves are neat, uniform and symmetrical, like most varieties of Jacob’s Ladder, but with a colorful twist. The foliage takes on a rich, dark purple hue in spring and again in fall. In between, the leaves turn somewhat greener or even fully green in summer, depending on light intensity. Beautiful flowers of deep electric lavender-blue appear in late spring/early summer, rising in elegant clusters on graceful, sturdy burgundy stems above the attractive mounds of foliage. It can handle some sun in much of the Northern U.S. and Canada, but will be happiest in light shade, especially in very hot climates.

Pulmonaria ‘Opal’ (P.P. #12931) “Lungwort”

Long known as one of the premier plants for shade, the genus Pulmonaria is enjoying a new renaissance of popularity. ‘Opal’ forms neat, symmetrical, rounded mounds and covers itself in clusters of small, glowing flowers, which open as pale opalescent blue, then mature to paler hues. Flowering persists for about five weeks in spring, from mid-April well into May, but the foliar display shines all season long. The deep green leaves are generously and attractively splashed with large, uniform freckles of sparkling silver. A perfect choice to brighten up those dark, shaded places in the garden.

Pictures available