Cowslip Primula Veris yellow Spring flowering hardy perennial plants

The Cowslip (Primula veris) is a member of the primula genus (primrose family) It is becoming more common again in English meadows and village greens since there has been a change in farming practices that is, away from intensive agriculture to a more conservation minded approach to food production. The Cowslip has long been thought of as a wildflower. In more recent times however, gardeners including myself, have introduced the cowslip to grass areas to bloom in April/May after early spring bulbs have finished. This hardy perennial prefers a sunny position in chalky alkaline not acidic soil. It will tolerate a partially shaded position but the quality of flowering may be reduced. Best planted or sown in Autumn, the Cowslip will naturally spread. If planted in grass, mowing should not be done until after the seeds have set and dispersed in late July (uk)

There are quite a few old English legends and myths surrounding the Cowslip. The name herb Peter was used widely in years gone by. It comes from the tale of St Peter who drops his keys at the gates to Heaven and a Cowslip springs from the spot where they land. The flowers were thought to be hiding places for fairies and that the plant had special powers to open the places where fairies hid their treasure. A woman who washes herself with water full of cowslip petals was said to be able to draw her lover closer to her. Today the Cowslip is the County Flower of four English counties.

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Dicentra Spectabilis (Lamprocapnos) Bleeding Heart Herbaceous Perennials for shade

Introduced to the UK from it's native origins in China by plant collector Robert Fortune in 1846, you may know and perhaps be more familiar with Dicentra (Lamprocapnos) Spectabilis by its common name bleeding heart, so called because of the heart shaped pink flowers which hang from it's arching stems. This herbaceous perennial is a spectacular early flowerer from spring to the early days of summer. There are numerous different varieties and colours in the family papaveraceae, but by far this is the most common choice and colour in Britain's cottage gardens.

Dicentra Spectabilis are quite easy to grow and will can tolerate most soil types. The more loamy the soil the better your Dicentra will do so if your soil is particularly poor add in plenty of humus rich compost before planting.  They are do ok in sun but prefer shady or partially shaded areas.

By mid and certainly late summer the Dicentra's show is very much over. Don't be to worried if your plant foliage starts to go yellow and brown mid way through the summer season. This can be cut back or trimmed but don't be tempted to cut it hard back whilst there is still some green as the plant is still absorbing strength from the leaves ready to appear again next Spring. You can lift and split your Dicentra's every 4-5 years if required.

Dicentra Spectabilis Alba is the most common white flowered variety. Its leaves have a lime green colour and almost fern like quality. Happy to be planted in a partially shaded cool border or woodland glade, it will usually have a longer flowering time and can maintain its leaves later than some of its pink cousins.

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Bluebells of Ancient English Woodlands (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

In Ancient times when deep oak woods and forests were mystical places, the people of those times believed bluebells were synonymous with the fairies who lived there. Superstitions tell that if anyone wandered into a bluebell ring they would soon fall under the enchantment of the fairies and meet their death. Equally they believed that bluebells rang to summon the fairies to secret gatherings amongst the old oaks. Anyone it is said who heard a bluebells tiny chime would soon wither and die.

 British native bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are a common sight in spring in the Ancient woodlands throughout the land. Undisturbed for years the bulbs are well adapted to woodland life and carpet the woodland floor well before the trees come into leaf. Without leaves on the trees there is more light available which helps the plant complete it's natural perennial cycle. Sometimes known by the local name Auld man's bells, the bluebell of course, gets it's common name from the blue bell shaped flowers that hang from the stem.

There are several reputable nurseries that now sell the British bluebell (Hyacinthoides no scripta). It is illegal of course to dig them up in native English Woodlands. Bluebells can be planted throughout late Autumn and very early Spring. They do best in the loamy leaf mould under deciduous trees like Oak, Ash and Beech. Care should be taken not to plant them where the ground is prone to waterlogging

They are a great source of early nectar for insects and bees coming out of the long winter months. Walking through a woodland carpeted with bluebells is truly something to lift the soul.

The National trust has a guide to where you can find a bluebell wood open to the public. Follow this link to find out a wood near you HERE

General discussion and your views are welcome please say hello. I regret however because of my busy schedule, I am unable to answer many questions. Sneaky advertising will be deleted sorry. Thanks so much for visiting my blog today.