New assortment

SCENTED GEM is a Mexican orange blossom variety whose name is no exaggeration: it is highly fragrant and truly a jewel. It originated as a selection of previous cultivars and was bred by Peter Catt from Liss Forest Nursery Ltd in Hampshire in England. It was first introduced at the French Salon du Végétal trade fair in 2017, and the following year it ranked second in the "Best Ornamental Variety" competition of the prestigious English magazine Horticulture Week (established in 1840, the second oldest after the Curtis's Botanical Magazine). The cultivar is protected under European patent no. 59035 from 2021.

SCENTED GEM choisya has something from both its forerunners – the cultivars Aztec Pearl and White Dazzler. The first to notice is its semi-rounded habit and dense growth even at a young age. It bears evergreen, medium green, and very glossy leaves which are divided into palmate, elongated, and narrowly lance-shaped leaflets. When crushed, the leaves release a pronounced, spicy aroma, but they are not meant for culinary use. From late April to early June, it produces a profusion of star-shaped, 5-petalled flowers. They are white but open from pink buds which is why its provisional name was Pink Bud. They are decorated with yellow stamens at their centers, and release a strong and sweet fragrance. Both their scent and structure are reminiscent of orange blossoms, which is why this plant is called Mexican orange blossom in English. Late in summer, it reblooms and continues to open its flowers till the last sunny and warm days of autumn.

It is still a relatively new cultivar, so its mature height cannot yet be definitively stated. However, based on its growth so far, the breeder estimates it will reach about 1.5 meters in height and width in a beautifully domed shape. Thanks to its unique leaf structure, Mexican orange blossom is ideal as a specimen shrub for representative spots and is also great in mixed borders among other evergreen shrubs of contrasting foliage and habit. It can also be used for exclusive, informal hedges. Being evergreen makes it perfect for planting in areas you frequently visit or see, even outside the growing season—such as near French windows in living rooms, along entrances, or in front of office buildings, where it provides lovely greenery year-round.

The strong winter hardiness of hybrid Choisya in Europe likely came as a surprise even to the breeder of the original hybrid. Dutch growers discovered it after several unusually harsh winters post-2010. While other commonly grown evergreens such as laurels and photinias, which are also cultivated here, suffered severe damage, Choisya plants remained completely unaffected by frost, even at -23 °C. We ourselves have tested their remarkable resistance to winter sunlight, which doesn’t scorch their leaves. The foliage remains beautifully lush and green throughout the year. Old leaves only drop after several years, keeping the shrub dense and opaque, which has led to its use in highly attractive and uniquely foliaged hedges.

Mexican orange blossom is best grown in the same way as sun-loving rhododendrons. It has shallow roots and thrives in acidic, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil, preferring dryness over wet conditions. It will not survive in heavy clay or water-retentive soil. We strongly recommend planting it with mycorrhiza (root fungi), which ensures good root establishment and nutrition, particularly during the first critical months after planting. Once established after the first year, it requires minimal or virtually zero care. SCENTED GEM has so far been tested for hardiness down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6) and further trials continue.

Last update 27-04-2025

TUTTI FRUTTI is a French variety of avens bred by Julien Caillarec. He is a passionate grower, breeder, and plant specialist who, together with his father Daniel, runs Pépinières Caillarec, a nursery specialising in perennials. This nursery, established in 1991, offers more than 2,500 species, including rare and unique varieties. Julien is renowned for his ecological approach to cultivation, avoiding chemical treatments and emphasising sustainability.

Introduced in 2022, the TUTTI FRUTTI avens is truly enchanting. Its semi-double flowers blend two warm shades—vivid golden yellow and apricot orange. The blooms, about 3–4 cm wide, emerge from reddish buds on well-branched stems, reaching a modest height of just 20–30 cm. They begin flowering as early as late April in warm springs, with the main flush lasting 4–5 weeks. Under favourable conditions and with regular fertilisation, they may rebloom until mid-summer.

TUTTI FRUTTI grows densely, forming compact, mostly basal clumps, reminiscent of the growth habit of one of its parents—water avens (Geum rivale). The leaves are pinnate, bright green, and grow partly upright and partly in basal rosettes, making them an attractive ground cover. While most of the foliage remains evergreen through winter, it is advisable to cut the plant back to the crown in spring. This encourages the growth of new leaves and flower stems. It looks stunning in the foreground of any perennial border or as a colourful, flowering addition among small (dwarf) shrubs. Due to its resilience and low-maintenance nature, it is also ideal for public greenery.

Geum is not demanding in terms of soil. It will thrive in any reasonably drained soil of any pH and fertility. Most types appreciate constant moisture. However, hybrids derived from Geum chiloense (scarlet avens) cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions, whereas those with Geum rivale (water avens) parentage appreciate higher moisture and can even grow in shallow water. With sufficient nutrients, it produces better foliage with a richer green colour. Flowers form reliably even in poorer soils, provided it has enough sun. Nevertheless, feeding every two weeks with organic liquid fertiliser results in more vigorous growth and extended flowering compared to unfed plants. It is hardy to at least -29 °C (USDA zone 5) and suitable for outdoor pots and planters.

Last update 27-04-2025

Raspberry Splash lungwort stands out with its unique flower colour, which is initially vibrant raspberry pink and later transitions to purple and bluish violet. This change is caused by chemical processes in the flower cells, specifically by changes in pH, which influence pigments called anthocyanins. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and appear at the tips of about 25 cm long, slightly arching, and sparsely leaved stems. Blooming in Central European conditions begins during the first warmer days of spring, usually in the first half of April, and lasts for about a month.

Leaves are the second, and often the more significant feature for which we purchase these hybrid lungworts. Once the plant finishes flowering, you remove the stems with spent flowers, and new leaves begin to sprout from the ground. These leaves are considerably larger compared to those present before flowering and showcase a striking transformation in colour. While earlier leaves appear subdued and less prominent, the post-flowering foliage bursts with vibrancy, featuring dark green tones accented by irregular silver-grey blotches that resemble leopard’s fur. This dramatic change highlights the plant's ornamental value, making it a centrepiece of any garden bed.

The semi-evergreen, broadly lance-shaped leaves are noticeably hirsute, adding a unique texture to their appealing look. Raspberry Splash is a hybrid variety combining two different species: Pulmonaria longifolia 'E.B. Anderson' which gives the leaves more elongated shape, and Pulmonaria saccharata 'Leopard' which contributed to the spotted pattern. The plant forms dense mounds with elegantly arranged leaves in an almost horizontal rosette owing to which it is also suitable as ground cover. Additionally, it is one of the few varieties that tolerates full sun without sun scorch. It is protected by patents PP12138 (USA – 2001) and 11545 (EU – 2003).

Large-leaved lungworts require fertile and loose soil that won't dry out often but also won't remain permanently waterlogged to avoid fungal diseases. In the wild, they grow naturally under trees that provide moisture retention in the soil and in loose, nutrient-rich soil, regardless of pH. These plants prefer partial shade or shade; in full sun, their leaves can suffer burns, except for sun-tolerant varieties. Although some leaves may remain handsome after winter, it is recommended to prune the whole clump early in spring, just above the ground level. Lungworts are hardy to about -34 °C. (USDA zone 4).

Last update 27-04-2025

Red Lark delphinium was bred in 2007 by Robert Legro in Enkhuizen, the Netherlands, with the goal of creating the reddest possible cultivar, surpassing all previous varieties with pink flowers. Specifically, it aimed to outshine Princess Caroline, which is the closest in colour but significantly paler and taller. Interestingly, although it was brought to Chicago, USA, for tissue propagation as early as 2009, it wasn’t until 2023 that it captured the attention of the horticultural community. That year, it received the Retailers' Choice Award during the National Hardware Show (NHS) in Las Vegas focusing primarily on household, workshop, and garden products. In the same year, it debuted at the European Plantarium 2023 trade show, where it wowed visitors and earned the KVBC Silver Medal in the Best Novelty category. It was undoubtedly the most photographed exhibit at the event. The cultivar is protected under US patent no. PP29761, granted in 2018.

The flowers of Red Lark delphinium are a true masterpiece and a breakthrough in breeding. They are up to 4 cm across, fully double, and lack the typical “bee” in the centre. Arranged in upright racemes 40-50 cm long, the blooms showcase a vivid coral-pink to red hue that subtly transitions to softer tones towards the base, creating a beautiful gradient. The foliage consists of palmately lobed, deeply incised leaves in a medium green shade, forming a dense understory enhancing plant’s lush appearance.

Red Lark reaches a maximum height of 60 cm and has a compact, upright habit. This shorter stature makes it ideal for smaller gardens or as the front-to-middle row in perennial borders. The sturdy and resilient stems provide stability even in windy conditions, eliminating the need for staking. Additionally, they make Red Lark an excellent choice as a cut flower, allowing its unique colouration to shine in any bouquet. The intense colour, compact growth, and relatively easy care make Red Lark delphinium a perfect addition to modern gardens. Its striking blooms combine beautifully with other pastel-toned perennials or, for contrast, neutral-coloured surrounding plants, creating harmonious yet dynamic compositions.

The flowers appear in a main flush from late May to July on 40-60 cm tall stems, opening gradually from the bottom to the top. They then sporadically rebloom until late summer, especially if regularly fertilized. Alternatively, you can cut the plant back to the ground after its main flowering period to encourage new growth, leading to a second flowering flush in September and October. It’s a breathtaking sight to see fresh, vibrantly coloured blooms in autumn, when most other plants have lost their charm and vigour, making it a standout feature in any perennial garden.

Grow larkspur in any moist but well-drained, humus-rich garden soil in full sun. It will benefit from mulching as it likes constant moisture. The plant contains toxin which may cause severe discomfort if ingested, or, to some, it may irritate skin. The plant belongs among medium-lived with a life span of 4-6 years, unless you dig out the clumps in the spring, divide them and plant back only the young and healthy ones, disposing of exhausted and old mother plant’s roots. Use a high phosphorus fertilizer every year for profuse flowering. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4), possibly more.

Last update 21-04-2025

Silver Spear is another gem from the Siberian bugloss family. Not only does it boast impressively large leaves, but its forget-me-not-like flowers are stunning, especially in mass plantings. They appear in spring (April) atop slender stems that reach about 30–40 cm in height and are crowned with delicate, terminal clusters composed of sky-blue flowers. They bloom for a long time, often for 6–8 weeks, and after flowering, it’s recommended to cut back the flowering stems to the ground because they show signs of exhaustion as they wither and make seeds and do spoil the lush appearance of the entire clump.

It’s during this period that the plant begins to develop large and strikingly coloured leaves, one of its key features. During the flowering season, the stems have small, inconspicuous leaves, while the showy leaves start emerging from the ground only after flowering. They are broadly heart-shaped, measuring 12–15 cm in diameter, somewhat hairy to slightly rough to the touch, and deciduous. The dark green base color is barely visible, as the leaves are flooded with bright silver-gray marbling, leaving only the margins green.

This perennial looks best when mass planted. It is not invasive, does not self-seed, and its rhizomes do not spread throughout the garden. It stays in its place and slowly grows into a larger, more appealing clump. As it spreads slowly on its own, for a dense ground cover plant several specimens closer together right from the start, at least 5 or 6 plants per square meter. The leaves will soon cover the surface, but the roots and flowering stems will grow more slowly.

Siberian bugloss is a tuberous perennial that thrives in lightly shaded to fully shaded locations, where it can fully showcase its attractive foliage. It requires well-drained, but moist, and cool soil. It is not susceptible to diseases or pests. Regular fertilizing will enhance growth and produce denser tufts, but it is not needed. Still, if you decide to feed the plant, do so every two weeks from the time the flowers appear until midsummer. Fully hardy to approx. -40 °C (USDA zone 3) and suitable for outdoor containers, too.

Last update 23-04-2025

Bedazzled Pink is a charming moss phlox with bright pink flowers. It blooms from the end of April, i.e., about a week earlier than other varieties of the subulata type, and features flowers with five petals, each shaped like a wide letter V. The centre is adorned with tiny, dark purple eyes or rays emanating from the throat of the flower. It has a mild but pleasant fragrance. Its evergreen leaves are rosemary-like – narrow, short, glossy and bright green in colour. The plant is low-growing and slowly forms larger mounds, but it’s worth the wait because the carpet it is eventually capable of creating is stunning, compact, and dense. For mass planting, use five plants per square meter. After blooming, it’s recommended to trim the plant to encourage denser growth and prevent formation of old and leafless, woody stems in the middle. It is protected by US patent No. PP31483 from 2020.

Grow phlox in full sun, in rockeries or along the edges of flowerbeds. They require well-drained soil and, once established, they can withstand long periods of drought. The soil doesn’t need to be particularly fertile, and they’re not picky about pH levels. They spread sideways as ground-cover plants. It is highly recommended to cover the ground under and around them with mulching fabric to prevent grass and weeds from sprouting through the blooming cushions. Excellent hardiness goes down to at least -34 °C (USDA zone 4) and very probably more. They’re also suitable for troughs and outdoor containers.

Last update 24-04-2025

The modern series of wallflowers called LEYA is bred by the global breeding company Selecta One and currently includes more than six varieties. LEYA GOLDEN GLOW is among the brightest, always drawing attention on perennial benches in garden centers. Its flowers are deep golden yellow with striking amber to bronze hues as the blooms mature. They begin to bloom very early – as early as the end of April – and as the stems grow taller, they continuously form new buds at their tops, ensuring a prolonged blooming period lasting several months. By the end of summer, the plants can reach up to 50 cm in height. If such stems look bothersome to you, trim them back in midsummer, and the plant will produce new stems with fresh buds rising from within the clump. The leaves are narrowly lance-shaped, medium green, slightly glossy, and persist through mild winters. The entire clump with leaves is dense and compact and can triple in size during a single growing season.

During flowering, you may fertilize the plant only carefully and with organic fertilizers only. Over-fertilizing may result in spectacular blooms but can weaken the plant so much that it may not survive the winter, as it will produce an excess of seeds, thinking its life cycle is complete. It’s worth mentioning that wallflowers are short-lived perennials. Nevertheless, they are gaining popularity, as even the few years they last in a flower bed will reward you with long-lasting blooms like few other perennials can.

Wallflowers love full sun and thrive in well-drained, rather poor soil of an alkaline (lime-rich) or neutral reaction. After planting, water moderately until establishment, but later, they require no watering. In colder regions, it’s advisable to cover the plant with evergreen boughs in winter to prevent root waterlogging from snow and to protect it from hard frost. Most wallflowers, unless bred as sterile, often self-seed near the original mother plant, ensuring continuity even after the mother plant dies. Hardiness varies greatly but is most commonly listed as down to about -21 °C. (USDA zone 6).

Last update 18-04-2025

FLOWERFESTA® PURPLE is a compact, repeat-flowering lilac with enchanting, pastel purple to pale lilac pink, very fragrant flowers. They come out for the first time in early May and bloom for about 3 weeks. After a short pause they re-bloom in early summer, and at the beginning of autumn a new flush of flowers appears for the third time. Individual flowers are narrowly tubular, composed in large, upright panicles, and release a pleasing, sweet perfume. Leaves are rather small (3-5 cm long), rounded to ovate, deciduous, and fresh green.

It forms a bushy shrub 1-1.5m tall and a wide. It can be placed among smaller plants as a small flowering specimen or used in green hedges among shrubs of different leaf shapes and colours. If you purchase a good looking plant you probably won't need to prune it ever, otherwise you can prune it just after flowering (in June) in order to encourage formation of a good framework. If you need to rejuvenate it, do so before flowering and fertilize it after.

Lilacs can be grown in many soil types. For best result use reasonably fertile, moist but well-drained soil, preferably neutral or alkaline. Full sun is essential for profuse flowering, but part shade will be tolerated with slightly fewer flowers. Fully hardy to min. -34 °C (USDA zone 3), and suitable for outdoor pots.

Last update 05-05-2025

In 2008 Dutch breeder Henricus Stemkens began a project of crossbreeding candytuft with the aim of developing new varieties of remarkable qualities. He named his series SNOWSURFER™, and in 2016, introduced his second creation called SNOWSURFER™ FORTE. This variety is vigorously growing, producing large inflorescences early in the season of spring Iberis. The inflorescences are 5–7 cm wide and composed of snow-white flowers that bloom as early as the end of April.

The leaves are small, evergreen, deep green, and the plant is well-branched, making dense clumps despite its vigorous growth. It forms a low, mounding habit, and after flowering, it is recommended to prune it by half to promote even denser growth and to prevent the formation of empty patches with strong, leafless, semi-woody stems. The variety is protected by these patents: PP29382 (USA – 2018) and 45499 (EU – 2017).

Candytuft needs free-draining, neutral to alkaline soil, preferably poor soil that retains some moisture but doesn’t stay dry for too long. Though an alpine, this plant thrives in moist soil, though it dislikes boggy or waterlogged conditions, especially in winter. It prefers full sun and is very hardy, able to withstand temperatures as low as -34 °C (USDA zone 4) when protected from winter wet.

Last update 18-04-2025

TIA is an autumn saxifrage variety from the DANCING PIXIES® series with attractive flowers. It is a low-growing perennial whose blossoms consist of strikingly elongated petals of uneven length. They are glowing pastel pink in colour and appear atop 20-25 cm tall stems. They bloom from late summer into autumn – from September to October – bringing brightness to autumn garden beds and containers alongside heathers, anemones, liriope, and other autumn-flowering plants suited to partial shade.

Its deciduous leaves are very glossy, dark olive green, and mahogany flushed when young. They are roundly palmate, shallowly lobed, and reminiscent of marsh marigold or coral bells leaves, with their undersides typically purple. Even after blooming, the foliage provides a lovely backdrop and pairs well with many perennials as it is completely distinct from most of them. The plants are dense and form a slowly spreading ground cover, enlarging their clumps year after year.

Autumn saxifrage is somewhat picky about location and soil type. It prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight with a maximum of 5 hours of direct sun. The soil has to be moist but well-drained, rich in organic matter, and preferably acidic which makes it and ideal companion plant to heath and heather, dwarf rhododendrons and azaleas or kalmias. For best results keep it mulched and water it during dry spells of spring and summer. Hardy to about -23 °C (USDA zone 6). NOT suitable for pots and dry rockeries.

Last update 07-04-2025

TRINA is an autumn saxifrage variety from the DANCING PIXIES® series with attractive flowers. It is a low-growing perennial whose blossoms consist of strikingly elongated petals, with one or two asymmetrically protruding from each flower, making them completely unique and playfully whimsical. They are nearly white in the middle, but vibrantly magenta-pink at margins. It blooms at the end of summer and into autumn – from September to October – bringing brightness to autumn garden beds and containers alongside heathers, anemones, liriope, and other autumn-flowering plants suited to partial shade.

Its deciduous leaves are very glossy, dark green, and maroon flushed when young. They are roundly palmate, shallowly lobed, and reminiscent of marsh marigold or coral bells leaves, with their undersides typically purple. Even after blooming, the foliage provides a lovely backdrop and pairs well with many perennials as it is completely distinct from most of them. The plants are dense and form a slowly spreading ground cover, enlarging their clumps year after year.

Autumn saxifrage is somewhat picky about location and soil type. It prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight with a maximum of 5 hours of direct sun. The soil has to be moist but well-drained, rich in organic matter, and preferably acidic which makes it and ideal companion plant to heath and heather, dwarf rhododendrons and azaleas or kalmias. For best results keep it mulched and water it during dry spells of spring and summer. Hardy to about -23 °C (USDA zone 6). NOT suitable for pots and dry rockeries.

Last update 07-04-2025

Dwarf purple rhododendron is one of the hardiest and reliable species in our region, favoured even by growers who aren't particularly fond of the large-flowered hybrids. It is a small, slow-growing, and very dense evergreen shrub with tiny, oval-elongated, bluish-green, aromatic leaves.

Album is a form rather than a recognized variety, a selection which is characterized by very light lilac-pink to nearly white flowers. These are small, bell-shaped but widely open, and although their colour is not particularly striking, the entire shrub is enchanting thanks to them. Mature plants bloom so profusely that the leaves disappear completely under a blanket of flowers for a few weeks. The main flowering season is from late April to mid-May, though it can produce a few more blooms at the beginning of autumn. It grows in a cushion-like form, rarely reaching 50 cm in height, but it can be twice as wide by around 15 years of age.

As a sun-tolerant species, it can be placed in a large rockery, or a border with other sun-loving ericaceous plants like heather, mountain laurels, and deciduous azaleas. It is a perfect ground cover under tall trees and a low-growing companion for compositions with large shrubs. Unless you are making a bonsai, do not prune it.

Grow this dwarf type in any location, from full sun to full shade, just make sure it is always well mulched. The roots are shallow, spreading to the sides in search of nutrients. Never plant it too deep. The soil has to be acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), rich in humus, cool, and always moist. The ideal soil mixture is peat with lime-free, light garden soil, topped with leaf mould. Very hardy to about -34 °C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 14-03-2025

ICE N‘ ROSES® is an attractive series of large-flowered hellebores from German breeder Josef Heuger, which can bloom as early as December under favourable weather conditions. Otherwise, it will keep its buds tucked away and bloom during the first warm days at the end of winter. Among large-flowered hellebores, ICE N‘ ROSES® MARY MARBLE shines as one of the most unique varieties, celebrated not only for its captivating blooms but also its striking, marbled foliage. The flowers are single coloured with a diameter of 6-7 cm, vividly burgundy red in colour, darkening as the seeds mature. The centre is adorned with creamy stamens and a crown of true, vestigial petals. The stems are approximately 40 cm tall, reddish-brown, upright, and the open flowers face upwards or sideways, with some slightly drooping. They form a compact clump.

The evergreen leaves are among the most beautiful of all hellebores. They are glossy, broadly palmate, divided into 3 to 5 individual leaflets of dark green colour with prominent veining, creating a silvery-grey marbled effect. It is particularly striking during the cold days of winter and early spring, when the veins take on a pale purple or even a pink hue. Young leaves have distinctly serrated edges, but the notches almost disappear over time. This hybrid is a cross between H. lividus, H. argutifolius, H. niger, and sometimes other spring hybrids. Breeder Josef Heuger named it Helleborus x iburgensis after the town of Bad Iburg, where it was launched in 2018 during the State Garden Show (Landesgartenschau) which is a prestigious garden exhibition taking place each year in a different region and town.

Hellebore likes heavy, evenly moist, neutral to alkaline, rich in humus soil in dappled shade or filtered sun. This hybrid will prefer at least half a day with direct sunlight. Fertilizing will increase flowering and help the leaves remain strong and nice throughout the winter. Grow it somewhere near your house entrance or close to the window you look out of frequently so that you can enjoy the plant when it starts flowering since at that time the weather outside is not yet ideal for walking around the garden. The flowers can cheer up a number of grey and dull days of late winter therefore thumbs up for hellebore! Harmful if eaten. Hardy to about -29 °C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 04-04-2025

VERBOOM CINDERELLA hellebore was created by the Dutch breeder Henk Meijer for Kwekerij Verboom B.V. It is Helleborus orientalis hybrid producing 5-6 cm across, semi-double, white flowers with plentiful and conspicuous, dark maroon freckles. The flowers typically have 3 layers of petals and sepals, which beautifully highlight the centre with creamy white stamens. Under favourable winter weather, it can bloom as early as February, but should late winter be too cold and bring strong frost, it waits until March to flower freely for up to 2 months. The stems are 30-40 cm high, with newly opened flowers facing upwards and later nodding like a bellflower as they mature.

The evergreen leaves are leathery, palmately divided, dark green, and glossy. As they may become exhausted after winter, the plant will not be harmed if you trim all the leaves before blooming to allow the stems with fresh flowers to stand out. New leaves will emerge in spring. The variety is protected by several patents, including PP20832 (USA – 2011) and 31344 (EU – 2012).

Hellebore likes heavy, evenly moist, neutral to alkaline, rich in humus soil in dappled shade or filtered sun. This hybrid will prefer at least half a day with direct sunlight. Fertilizing will increase flowering and help the leaves remain strong and nice throughout the winter. Grow it somewhere near your house entrance or close to the window you look out of frequently so that you can enjoy the plant when it starts flowering since at that time the weather outside is not yet ideal for walking around the garden. The flowers can cheer up a number of grey and dull days of late winter therefore thumbs up for hellebore! Harmful if eaten. Hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 06-04-2025