ARALIA ELATA

Aralia elata - Japanese Angelica Tree

Commonly known as the 'Japanese Angelica Tree, Aralia elata is a considered to be either a tall, suckering shrub or small, sparsely-branched tree.

Native to Japan, China, S. Sakhalin, and S. Korea, it was introduced to western science in approximately 1830, and first named as Aralia grandis in 1840 by the Dutch botanist Friedrich Anton Wilhelm Miquel (1811–1871). The name Aralia elata var. elata is now the accepted name, as described by German botanist Berthold Carl Seemann (1825–1871).

Aralia elata - Japanese Angelica Tree

Under favourable conditions, you can expect Aralia elata to growing up to 10 m in height. The bark is rough and gray with prickles, while the large, double-pinnate leaves are approximately 60–120 cm long. The leaves are gathered mainly in a ruff-like arrangement towards the tips of the stems and will often turn an attractive pale-yellow to reddish-purple colour in the autumn.

The small, white flowers appear in late summer and are produced in large umbels. The subsequent fruit is a small black drupe (stone fruit).

Aralia elata will perform best in deep loamy soils, in partial shade, however it will grow in poorer soils and in full sun. Provide a sheltered position away from strong winds to prevent damage to the leaves.

Despite its exotic appearance, Aralia elata is both tolerate of drought and many urban pollutants.

Be aware that handling bark and roots can cause allergic skin reactions.

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ARALIA ELATA

COTINUS COGGYGRIA 'ROYAL PURPLE'

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

Commonly known as the 'Smoke Tree' due to the wispy, 'smoke-like' appearance of its feathery plumes, Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' is a popular, multiple-branching, deciduous ornamental shrub. The genus name derives from the Greek word 'kotinus' meaning olive.

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' was a selected cultivar raised at Lombarts Nursery in Boskoop, Holland, and introduced into the United States in 1953.

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

The true species is native to a large area from southern Europe, east across central Asia and the Himalayas to northern China and has been grown in Britain since 1656

Noted for its velvety, dark-purple foliage and flowers, under favourable conditions it will mature over time to reach an approximate height of between 3-5 metres. Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' is generally as tall as it is wide.The ovate to obovate leaves are up to 7 cm long and emerge a rich maroon red in spring. They will turn their characteristically dark purplish-red to purplish-black later on in the summer. Small purple flowers are produced in July borne on loose, feathery panicles of blooms.

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' is surprisingly easy to grow and will perform well in most ordinary, well-drained garden soils. Provide a position of full sun to achieve the darkest colour,

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

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COTINUS COGGYGRIA 'ROYAL PURPLE'

ROSEBAY WILLOWHERB

rosebay willowherb

Known as 'Fireweed' in the United States as it is often the first plant to grow following the ravages of fire, rosebay willowherb - Chamerion angustifolium is a perennial herbaceous plant native throughout the temperate Northern Hemisphere.

Although rarely heard now, it was also known as bomb weed due to its rapid colonization of bomb craters during the second world war.

Botanical illustration of rosebay willowherb

Once considered a British  rarity, rosebay willowherb was originally confined to just a few locations with damp, gravelly soils. Today it is a common sight in many British gardens due to the expansion of the railway network, and the associated soil disturbance. However it is usually considered to be little more than an invasive weed.

Growing to approximately 2 metres tall, it has a strongly spreading habit due to its creeping underground stems and can easily produce clumps of around 1.5 metres. The leaves are uniquely unusual and easily identified during all stages of its lifecycle. This is because the leaf veins do not terminate on the edges of the leaf like other genera, instead they form circular loops which join together inside the outer leaf margins.

Flowering from July to September, the 4-petalled 2 cm wide pink blooms appear in terminal racemes, followed by reddish-brown linear seed capsules. The seeds have silky hairs which aids wind dispersal.

Ornamental form of rosebay willowherb can be grow in most moist but well-drained, humus-rich soils in full sun or partial shade.

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ROSEBAY WILLOWHERB

BUDDLEJA GLOBOSA

Buddleja globosa

Commonly known as the 'Orange Ball Buddleja', Buddleja globosa is a deciduous ornamental shrub noted for its deep-yellow to orange blooms. native to both dry and moist forests of the Andes in Peru, Chile and Argentina. It has a long history of cultivation, first introduced to British gardeners by the firm of Kennedy and Lee (two families of prominent Scottish nurserymen at the Vineyard Nursery in Hammersmith, west of London) in 1774. It was subsequently described and named by Scottish botanist Professor John Hope (10 May 1725 – 10 November 1786) in 1782.

Botanical illustration of Buddleja globosa

Buddleja globosa is an erect, medium-sized shrub which under favourable conditions can attain a height and width of approximately 3-5 metres. In the milder regions of northern Europe it can almost be considered as an evergreen species. The large lanceolate leaves are tawny beneath with a wrinkled surface. The scented blooms are borne in globular heads, arranged in terminal, tapering clusters 12-20 cm long. The flowers appear in May and June, borne on the previous season's wood.

Plant Buddleja globosa in October and November or in May and April. They will be happy in a good loamy soil, and will even tolerate lime. They will perform best in full sun.

As this species flowers on the previous seasons growth, they should be lightly pruned after the blooms have faded by removing them along with approximately 5 to 10 cm of stem.

Buddleja globosa received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society's in 1993.

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Buddleja globosa

WEIGELA FLORIDA

Weigela florida

Originally classified as Weigela rosea by English botanist John Lindley (1799 – 1865), Weigela florida was the first species within the genus to be collected for Western gardens. Names in honour of German scientist Christian Ehrenfried Weigel (1748 – 1831), it was first discovered for western science by Scottish plant hunter Robert Fortune (1812 – 1880) who sent back the first specimens to England in 1845. It was renamed as Weigela rosea by Russian-German botanist Alexander Georg von Bunge (1803 – 1890), and published in the Annales des Sciences Naturelles; Botanique in 1839.

Botanical illustration of Weigela florida 

Native to north China, Korea and Manchuria, Weigela florida is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub which under favourable conditions can be expected to reach a height and spread of approximately 2 metres. It has a wide spreading habit and arching branches with ovate-oblong to ovate, acuminate leaves. Each leaf is finely wrinkled with prominent veins.

The blooms are funnel-shaped, reddish or rose-pink on the outside, but paler within. Typically the flowers appear in May and June along all of the shoots produced the previous year. Occasionally a second crop of blooms can appear later on in the summer to early autumn.

Plant Weigela florida from October to March in any good, moist but well-drained soil.It will thrive in full sun or semi-shade.

This is arguably the most commonly seen species in production although there are a number of ornamental cultivars that are worthy of garden space. Both Weigela florida 'Foliis Purpureis' and Weigela florida 'Variegata' have received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

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WEIGELA FLORIDA
WHEN AND HOW DO YOU PRUNE BACK WEIGELA

THE ELEPHANT-HAWK MOTH

The Elephant hawk moth - Deilephila elpenor

The Elephant hawk moth - Deilephila elpenor is a large, impressive species with an adult wingspan of between 58-70mm. It is widespread in the England and Wales, scarcer in Scotland and only found in isolated pockets in Ireland.

It is arguably one of the most attractive of our native moths with olive-green patterned pink forewings and body. The hind wings are marked pink and black.

Elephant hawk moth caterpillar - Deilephila elpenor

The juvenile caterpillars are green in colour, and appear from July to September, when they pupate. As the caterpillars mature will either remain this colour turn brown and heavily marked. They also have large eye-spots on the 4th and 5th body segments. The thick body tapers to an end with a backward facing, curved 'horn'.

Like the majority of moths, it's a nocturnal species with the adults emerging in May and August. It can sometimes been seen at dusk feeding on nectar-rich blooms, and resting during the day.

The Elephant hawk-moth usually only produces one generation per year which overwinters as a pupae. The common name reflects the trunk-like front of the body, which along with the eye spot will swell up when alarmed to scare off predators. The 'trunk' is also raised up in a snake pose in order (it is believed) to protect the head of the caterpillar.

Honeysuckle is a particular favourite as well as other tubular flowered plant species such as petunias and the Fuchsia triphylla cultivars. The caterpillar feeds on Rosebay Willowherb, Great Willowherb, Bedstraw and various garden fuchsia species and hybrids.

Main image credit - nick goodrum licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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THE ELEPHANT-HAWK MOTH

WHAT DOES BOX CATERPILLAR LOOK LIKE?

RED ADMIRAL BUTTERFLY

Red Admiral butterfly - Vanessa atalanta

Although believed to be a British native, as it is one of the last butterflies to be seen before winter sets in, the Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta natural habitat actually ranges throughout temperate Europe, North Africa, Asia and North America which makes it a migrant species.

It is a striking black species with bands of red on its forewings and hindwings, and white spots near the tops of the forewings. Look carefully and you will also see some small blue spots at the bottom-most tip of the hind wings. The undersides of the wings are mostly black, but with a dull repeat of the upper wing patterns. There is no colour or pattern distinction distinction between male and females. The eggs are green  but turn darker as they age.

Red Admiral butterfly - Vanessa atalanta

There is a certain amount of variability with the caterpillars, although they will always have a black head. The most usual form is black-ish, with a freckling of white spots. There is also a series of yellow marks down each side which form a wavy line. On each segment there are black or yellow spines. Each segment will have a red ring at the base. Pales versions of the caterpillar can occur with a greenish or yellowish body and pale spines. The pupa is grey with gold marks.

Red Admirals arrive in the UK from North Africa and southern Europe in the early summer onwards. They eggs singularly on the undersides of leaves, which will hatch after just a week. The solitary caterpillar will then live inside a 'tent' make from curled leaves, and will be ready to pupate after a month or so. The pupa will hang head down from a line of silk

Main image credit - By ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ ΖΑΧΑΡΑΚΗΣ - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69029398

In text image credit - By Charles J Sharp - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51145681

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RED ADMIRAL BUTTERFLY
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NAKED MAN ORCHID - Orchis Italica

Naked Man Orchid - Orchis Italica

At first glance the naked man orchid - Orchis italica, does not appear to deserve its rather cheeky common name. Native to the Mediterranean, this species of orchid looks like many other European orchids with its bright pink, densely clustered flowers. However, bend down and take a closer look and you may not quite believe what you are seeing. Why? Because each individual flower looks remarkably like a naked man in all his glory.

Naked Man Orchid - Orchis Italica

Given the right conditions, the naked man orchid plan will appear in large clusters in the spring, flowering from late March to April. The flowers borne in a dense spike approximately 20 inches in height and can vary in colour from white to dark pink. They sometimes have darker spots on the lip and the hood has dark pink veins. It prefers to grow in a  low nutrient soil partial shade.

Like most plants whose shape give indications of organs or parts of the body that can be healed, this one is no different. Since Roman times, it has been used as a treatment for men's virility as an aphrodisiac.

Luckily the naked man orchid is edible, in fact its tuberous root is particularly nutritious and can be made into a flour similar to arrowroot, known as salep. It’s used predominantly in Turkey in desserts and beverages however its popularity caused the naked man orchid to become a victim of its own success. Without sustainably grown populations, wild plants have been collected for centuries and in the past century has created a decline in the wild orchid population. It now has a 'threatened status' making it illegal to harvest wild plants or to export true salep powder.

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CHRISTMAS STAR ORCHID - Angraecum sesquipedale
THE ANGEL ORCHID - Habenaria Grandifloriformis
THE MOTH ORCHID -  Phalaenopsis species and cultivars
THE ORCHID CACTUS - Disocactus ackermannii
THE SWADDLED BABIES ORCHID - Anguloa Uniflora
HOW TO GROW THE WHITE EGRET FLOWER - Pecteilis radiata

THE MOTH ORCHID - Phalaenopsis species and cultivars

The Moth orchid - Phalaenopsis species and cultivars

The Phalaenopsis genus of orchids contains approximately 60 species and numerous cultivars, many of which have been produced artificially under laboratory conditions. Native to southern China, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, New Guinea, the Bismark Archipelago, and Queensland, Phalaenopsis orchids are a highly ornamental, extremely popular and long lasting flowering plant.

The generic name Phalaenopsis simply means 'Phalaen-like', this comes from the similarly named genus Phalaena, which contains a group of large moths. The flowers of some of the species within Phalaenopsis genus are said to resemble moths in flight, which explains their common name - Moth orchids.

Phalaenopsis japonica

Most Phalaenopsis species are epiphytic (a plant that grows non-parasitically upon another plant) shade plants, although there are a few which are considered to be lithophytes (plants that grow in or on rocks). Unfortunately there hasn't been much research undertaken on Phalaenopsis in their natural habitat, although we know that in the wild some species grow below the canopies of moist and humid lowland forests protected against direct sunlight, while others will grow in seasonally dry or cool environments.

A number of Phalaenopsis species have a unique and fascinating 'body-part recycling' system whereby the spent flowers metamorphose into working green, photosynthesising leaves after pollination. As with many other flowering plants, the petals of the Phalaenopsis orchid are designed to attract pollinating insects, but in all other plant genera so far discovered the petals are discarded after pollination. In many Phalaenopsis species, the flowers escape a programmed death by producing chloroplasts. The flowers turn green, become fleshy and begin to photosynthesise just as regular leaves do.

Phalaenopsis orchids are typically hardier than other species of orchids, which makes them an excellent choice for first-time orchid growers. In the wild, Phalaenopsis species are accustomed to subtropical temperatures around 20 to 35 °Celsius, although they are robust enough to adaptable to indoor temperatures of between 15 to 30 °Celsius. Avoid temperatures below 18 °C as over-watering can causes root rot. As expected from their native habitat, they requires high humidity and low light levels so keep your Phalaenopsis out of direct sunlight and regularly spray with rainwater distilled water.

Phalaenopsis orchids are usually grown in clear pots with is the result of their epiphytic lifestyle. Like the spent flowers mature roots are also able to produce chloroplasts within the roots also allowing them to photosynthasise. This is why they will fair far better in pots that will allow in light.

When potting on use a coarse bark mixture with added charcoal, perlite. In warmer climates add some sphagnum moss, or horticultural sponge to prevent the rooting medium from drying out too quickly. Do not worry if your orchid roots are exposed about the rooting medium as this is perfectly natural. Avoid the temptation to try and push them back into the soil as this can do more harm than good.

there is a saying with orchids and that is to water weekly and feed monthly. The preferred method is to carefully submerge the entire pot for a minute or so and then allow to drain before placing it back in its usual position. Using tepid rainwater, or reasonably pure tap water if you are lucky enough to have it. Avoid using cold water and don't allow water to remain in the crown of the plants for more than a couple of hours as it can induce rotting. Do not allow the root system to fully dry out. Feed with a specialist orchid fertiliser or a quarter strength regular fertiliser.

Re-pot after flowering, but only to the next sized pot. If you over-pot then it may take several years for moth orchids to re-flower. Wash away old compost from the roots before working the new compost gently and firmly around the roots.

In text image credit - By snitch from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan - This file has been extracted from another file: Phalaenopsis japonica (Rchb.f.) Kocyan & Schuit., Phytotaxa 161- 67 (2014). (34153976831) (2).jpg, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69679255

For related articles click onto the following links:
CHRISTMAS STAR ORCHID - Angraecum sesquipedale
NAKED MAN ORCHID - Orchis Italica
THE ANGEL ORCHID - Habenaria Grandifloriformis
THE MOTH ORCHID -  Phalaenopsis species and cultivars
THE ORCHID CACTUS - Disocactus ackermannii
THE SWADDLED BABIES ORCHID - Anguloa Uniflora
HOW TO GROW THE WHITE EGRET FLOWER - Pecteilis radiata

SEDUM SPECTABILE

Hylotelephium spectabile

Although correctly classified as Hylotelephium spectabile, Sedum spectabile, is a gorgeous ornamental herbaceous plant native to China and Korea and often grown as drought-tolerant groundcover. It goes by the genus common name of stonecrop, a reference to their habit of growing on rocks or stony ledges.

Close up of Hylotelephium spectabile blooms

Under favourable conditions you can expect Sedum spectabile to achieve a height of approximately 40 cm  tall, However, while the broad thick erect stems can grow to around 70 cm, they tend to collapse under their own weight, forming a spiral effect on the ground. The thick, shallowly scalloped, and broadly elliptic, grey-green leaves are formed in an alternate pattern on the top 3/4 to 1/2 of the stem, naturally dropping off from the base of the stem during the growing season.

The pollen rich, star-shaped pink flowers are produced in flat terminal clusters up to 15 cm across which appear in late summer

Grow Sedum spectabile in a moderately fertile, in a well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Plant in full sun. It is particularly drought and heat tolerant, especially once established.

The stems will naturally die off over the winter but leave them in place until the spring when they can be easily snapped off at the base.

Sedum spectabile received the Awarded of garden merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1993.

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SEDUM SPATHULIFOLIUM 'CAPE BLANCO'
SEDUM SPECTABILE

SEDUM SPATHULIFOLIUM 'CAPE BLANCO'

Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco'

Also known under the cultivar name of  'Cappa Blanca', Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco', is a hardy, ornamental ground cover plant whose parentage is native to western North America. The Sedum genus is commonly known as the 'Stonecrops' due to their preference for rocky habitats. The species name spathulifolium refers to their spade-shaped leaves.

Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco' is an evergreen perennial with succulent stems and crowded rosettes of thick, purple-tinged grey-green leaves. The leaves emerging from the meristem are bloomed a striking, silvery-white. Under favourable conditions is can forming a wide mat up to approximately 10 cm in height.

Flattened heads, approximately 5 cm wide, of bright yellow flowers appear in May and June. After flowering, leave the dead stems on the plants until the spring when they can be easily snapped off.

Plant Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco' during suitable weather between October and May. Grow in a sheltered position in a moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. That being said it is also known to tolerate light shade. It is surprisingly drought tolerant, but protect from excessive winter wet as this can cause root rots to take hold.

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SEDUM SPATHULIFOLIUM 'CAPE BLANCO'
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NICOTIANA SYLVESTRIS - The Flowering Tobacco plant

Nicotiana sylvestris - the flowering tobacco plant

Nicotiana sylvestris is an imposing yet stunning flowering half-hardy annual, and is believed to be one of the parents of Nicotiana tabacum, the plant used in modern tobacco production. Nicotiana tabacum does not exists in the wild and is only found in cultivation.

Nicotiana sylvestris - botanical illustration

Native to Argentina, Nicotiana sylvestris is a leafy plant which can grow up to  5 ft tall. Its stout stems carry lyre-shaped, and slightly sticky leaves which are mid-green in colour. The blooms are produced on spikes which appear in August. Each flower is white, trumpet shaped and approximately 3 1/2 inches long. The are highly fragrant and open in the evening. The scent is strongest at night, so that they can attract pollinating moths. They will close in full sun, but can remain open on dull days. Once pollinated each flower will eventually produce a large quantity of small seeds.

Grow Nicotiana sylvestris in a rich, well-drained soil preferably in a warm and sunny position. They may require additional support but only in exposed areas, and some shade from the mid-day sun in hotter climates.

Nicotiana sylvestris gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993, the genus name of which was named after Jean Nicot, a 16th century French diplomat and scholar.

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NICOTIANA SYLVESTRIS - The Flowering Tobacco plant