Tuesday 21 August 2012

Rhamnus ludovici-salvatoris

Rhamnus ludovici-salvatoris
A terrific dense twiggy shrub endemic to the Balearic Islands, and almost never available in the UK. The literature tells us that it is probably not hardy but these have been undamaged by recent winters here. These are from seed collected on Ibiza and are remarkably variable (I'm not totally convinced they are not hybrids with some other local Rhamnus ) but generally they have small leaves, some more or less spikey (like a tiny holly), some more or less glaucous, some turning glossy green with age.
Rhamnus ludovici-salvatoris
For sun and free drainage.
Would make a great little pot plant, or even (why not?) bonsai.
Thanks to Frutos and Susana Torres for the seed.
2L pots ~ £9




Monday 20 August 2012

Dipelta ventricosa

Dipelta ventricosa
A gorgeous and very choice member of the Abelia group. A tall upright deciduous shrub, as easily grown on chalk as on acid soil, in sun or part shade.
Dipelta ventricosa
Beginning to flower in late winter, the main display is in mid to late spring. Attractive deciduous leaves and peeling papery bark. Fully hardy. rare, I think, only because it's slow to propagate.
4L pots ~ £14