With high summer in full swing, Åsa Gregers-Warg is drawn to cool blues and soft yellows, but enjoys the drama of dark foliage and the regal presence of a tall eucalyptus
BUPLEURUM FRUTICOSUM
Impervious to drought and scorching temperatures, this stalwart, Mediterranean shrub makes a first-rate choice for well-drained soil, where it will form a large, evergreen dome adorned with a mass of chartreuse umbels in late summer. A light prune in early spring keeps it compact, but it also responds well to a hard prune if it has become rangy or was damaged by cold weather. Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings taken in midsummer. We also grow B. falcatum, a short-lived perennial, which is allowed to self-seed in our Gravel Garden.
Height and spread 1.5-2m x 1.5-2.5m.
Origin Mediterranean region.
Conditions Well-drained soil; full sun. Drought tolerant.
Hardiness RHS H4†.
Season of interest Flowers: July – September; foliage year round.
PONTEDERIA CORDATA
A handsome plant for shallow water, where its thick rhizomes quickly form a dense colony of lush, green, somewhat heart-shaped leaves, presenting a great sanctuary for wildlife. In a small pond the spread can be controlled by using an aquatic pot. In high summer, tightly packed, deep-blue flower spikes rise just above the foliage, each flower embellished with two small yellow spots as a guide for pollinators. To protect the crown from cold in winter, make sure it sits 5-7cm below the water’s surface. AGM*.
Height and spread 1-1.5m x 50cm-1m (eventually wider).
Origin North and South America.
Conditions Marginal aquatic; full sun.
Hardiness RHS H5, USDA 3a-10b.
Season of interest Flowers: July – September; foliage: June – September.
SAMBUCUS NIGRA F. PORPHYROPHYLLA ‘EVA’
When it comes to dark foliage plants, I tend to prefer using dusky hues or, in this case, finely cut foliage, as it gives the shrub a lighter appearance. I find the dramatic foliage of this elder, along with its pinkish flowers, works equally well with a soft colour palette, as it does with hot, strong tones. S. racemosa ‘Sutherland Gold’ is a choice yellow-foliaged elder, while the green-leaved S. nigra subsp. canadensis ‘Maxima’ produces enormous, beautiful creamy heads. Where space is limited, they can be pruned hard in spring. AGM.
Height and spread 3m x 2m.
Origin Garden (species Europe).
Conditions Tolerant of most soils; full sun for best foliage colour.
Hardiness RHS H4, USDA 4a-7b.
Season of interest Foliage: May – September; flower
