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Rozanne is one of the most charming hardy geraniums, @CostasK, because it flowers for months and months.

 

Thank you @ViewAhead That's precisely why I went for them I was tempted by some Dreamland ones at B&Q because they had really lush foliage, but I decided to be a bit patient and order Rozeanne online instead.

 

The Mexican fleabane you mentioned would look good in that spot @CostasK. I have several all over my garden. They often flower until December and remain semi evergreen over winter. A Heuchera might be another option. The orange or red ones stand out well, I’m yet to be convinced by the lime green one that looks like lettuce .

 

I love lime foliage. Lettuce?

 

Thanks for sharing your experience @Plantminded.

I like heucheras & heucherellas. We have several. I keep gravitating towards them in garden centres and my partner goes "NOT AGAIN! We have enough!"

Mexican Fleabane is a strong contender, precisely because of the long flowering season. It's also good for pollinators and not as hungry as my other contender. I do like it.

My other option is (yet another) rose A small one though. The reasons I am considering that alongside the Mexican Fleabane are:

• I am a little bit obsessed...
• They do well for me
• There are two climbing roses in the border already, and I think that having a small one in the middle at the front of the border might complete the arrangement nicely.

On the other hand, they are high maintenance, not as good for nature, will be competing with the other plants for nutrients & water.. Plus, if the variety is not actually small, there won't be enough height contrast with the calamagrostis brachytricha behind it. So I am taking my time deciding.

 

I do too, but that Heuchera is an exception . (PS, you missed .)

 

I think you have made a good case for the rose @CostasK, but take your time. You could sneak an Erigeron in elsewhere perhaps .

 

Oh go on @CostasK , you can have them all!

Just call it "a nod towards cottage garden heritage", "biodiversity focused" or similar and cram in all your favourites.

The late Geoff Hamilton advised that dense planting of variety of species is best as if a pest lurks around, there is always bound to be a predator nearby.

Whatever you decide to go for, Erigeron is indeed a good plant and there is always room for some. It will self seed to decorate the most unexpected places nearby. A lovely plant.

 

Very compelling arguments @Selleri! Who am I to argue with the need for bio diversity?

Thanks for sharing your experience with Erigeron as well. I am sure I'll find a place / places for it, even if it doesn't end up being in that particular spot (though I haven't ruled it out).

 

Fair enough!

*has second try*



Gotcha!

@CostasK, the answer to your partner having an opinion on your choices is ...

... go to the GC on your own! Then, when you get your treasures home, it is a done deal.

Any plant next to any plant is fine in my book, as long as it does not result in sunshine yellow and cerise pink in the same eyeful.

 

I know I'm in the minority but - I loathe that Geranium Rozanne.

I always disliked that Heuchera Lime Marmalade too, but I've come round to it. It's useful for gaps and anything that covers bare ground to prevent 'you know what' being deposited on a border is worth having.

 

Good morning @ViewAhead That's a good plan. Well, I will be on my own this weekend, so if plants jump on my trolley without me noticing, it won't be my fault. I hear erigerons can be pretty naughty in that sense

To be fair, those comments are said jokingly anyway. Regarding heucheras, I do agree that we don't need more. If I am set on getting a plant however, he knows not to try to stop me. He said we have enough roses about 5 roses ago...

P.S. I've just looked up Lime Marmalade. It really does look like lettuce! I have a couple of Marmalade ones (they are not one of my favourites though), but not Lime Marmalade.

 

What - like this you mean?

 

Yep!

 

I've sent for some Lady Jane Tulips to naturalize under shrubs. While I was at it I also sent for some miniature Narcissi, Sabrosa and Heart-to-Heart ... couldn't not send for them