Herbaceous Plants

Herbaceous simply means the plants have no woody stems. 'Annual' or 'biennial' explains the longevity of many, and 'perennial' identifies the remainder who expand over successive years. The herbaceous group contains such tremendous diversity of colour, form and texture that the great Victorian gardens of the past were able to create fabulous jaw-dropping summer displays using purely herbaceous plants. Such displays are rarely seen today because of the labour required to cultivate them.

The mixed herbaceous border is a more practical modern derivitive that uses the structure and protection of shrubs and trees to prolong interest in the border, especially during the winter months when the herbaceous plants rest over until the following spring.

Herbaceous borders, whether they are mixed or straight are hard work, no question. Every autumn will find the herbaceous enthusiast digging up plants, dividing them and dispersing them to various locations. Hard work, no doubt about it, but very rewarding. Early summer is the time to meet old friends again springing up in new places in the borders. I've lost count of the number of times I have found myself saying 'that wasn't there last year', before I've realised the plant was moved by me the previous November to its new location, and I can see by the emerging plants surrounding it that the new location is a definite improvement.  If you like to paint 3D with your plants, the herbaceous border is for you.

With few exceptions, herbaceous plants are hungry plants. When you consider that many only 're-awake' towards the end of spring and yet they can grow up to about 2m, flower, disperse their seed and return the sap to their roots all in just six months or less  - they have to be.

Don't expect any border to develop like they do on tv, they do retakes. Real life isn't like that: the two foot plant you put near the front might spring to five feet, conversely the five foot plant . . . . It's happened to me, and by the time I have realised the 'mistake' it's been too late, the flowers have arrived. Best to enjoy the show, make a note of it and be sure to make some changes in the autumn. As any enthusiastic gardener will agree, "gardens and especially herbaceous borders need to evolve."

Alstromerias provide an abundance of exotic colour that lasts for months.

Asters offer a splash of bright, fresh colour that can rejuvenate and extend the season of your border.

Lupins for unmistakeable colour, shape and texture during early summer.

Poppy orientale a great plant for the border in early summer.






Camassia bulbs provide a useful and reliable colour-bridge between spring yellows and warm summer colours.





Pitcher plants are an exciting group of carnivorous plants which can be surprisingly  easy to grow.





Perennial Plumbago - exciting blue and white blooms that flower all summer long and are surprisingly easy to grow.

Jovellana is a suckering herbaceous sub-shrub covered in flower.