Plant of the month
I originally started the Plant of the Month series as a way to support my apprentices in learning more about a wide variety of plants.
What began as a teaching tool has grown into a year-round feature on my social media, where I highlight a different plant each month.
When I started sharing on social media, I received great feedback, which encouraged me to continue posting every month. I share information, examples, and interesting facts to help my community discover and appreciate the diversity of the plant world.
Plant of the Month: Cyclamen
The shelves at my local garden centre are full of cyclamen at the moment, and I can’t resist sharing how wonderful they are. They’re such great plants for naturalising, adding colour and interest at a time of year when the garden can look a little dreary. I love how well they grow in partial shade in reasonably fertile, well-drained, humus-rich soil – perfect for planting in drifts under trees. They give an instant effect, and each year they just get better as the plants become established and multiply.
The frost-hardy species that are usually available are varieties of C. coum (COO-um) and C. hederifolium (hed-er-e-FO-le-um). C. coum is very hardy, with rounded, silvery-green leaves and small pink flowers that appear in late winter or early spring. C. hederifolium has ivy-like leaves and blooms with pink flowers in late summer or early autumn. There are now so many beautiful colours to choose from – white, pinks, purples, deep pink, purple, and even red. Each flower opens out with backward-facing, upswept petals, giving them such a unique and elegant appearance.
Cyclamen leaves, flowers and roots all grow from a tuber, or swollen stem (a bit like a potato). Most have leaves and flowers that appear in autumn and grow through winter, then die back in spring as the plant becomes dormant for summer.
There are also Cyclamen known as “Florists’ Cyclamen” (C. persicum – PER-sik-um), which are frost tender but do beautifully indoors in cool rooms. When I was an apprentice with Manchester Parks Department, one of my favourite jobs was to gently pull off the odd flowers from these plants as they started to grow.
It encouraged more flowers, so that when they were at their best, they could be taken out of the greenhouses and used to decorate places like Manchester Town Hall for special events. I think I loved that job so much because, surrounded by a greenhouse full of Cyclamen, I always ended up with a huge bunch of flowers to take home and delight my mum.
Cyclamen at the garden centre – by me 😊
Individual flower: Meneerke bloem, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Plant of the Month: Japanese Anemone
Anemone hupehensis (an-EM-o-ne hew-pee-HEN-sis) – pronunciation awaiting confirmation
Anemone x hybrida (an-EM-o-ne x hi-BRID-a)
Also known as Eriocapitella, Japanese anemones are a fantastic way to bring colour to your borders in late summer and autumn. Most blooms are pink, but there are also exquisite white varieties, such as A. x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert'.
They range in height from 50 cm to 1.5 m, so choose a variety that fits your space. The RHS ‘Find a Plant’ section lists over 100 different types.
These plants thrive in moist, well-draining soil, with either partial shade or full sun. They’re easy to propagate from root cuttings or by division, making them ideal for sharing or expanding your garden on a budget.
Despite their thin, wiry stems, the flowers make excellent cut blooms. And here’s a fun fact: Anemone hupehensis originates from the Hupeh (Hubei) region of China!
Photos:
• Philipp Guttmann, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
• D-Kuru, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license
Verbena bonariensis
Verbena bonariensis
(Ver-BE-na bon-ar-e-EN-sis) – Purple Top
Once you notice this plant at this time of year, you’ll start spotting it everywhere over the next couple of months. With its tall, wiry stems and clusters of purple flowers, it makes an impact without overwhelming the rest of the garden.
It’s also fantastic for pollinating insects – the more you have, the better.
In the right conditions – a sunny position and well-drained soil – Verbena bonariensis can grow up to 2 metres tall. It does like to self-seed, which some people may find a bit much, but I think it adds another dimension.
I love the effect of seeing a garden softened by a gentle purple haze of Verbena.
One of my fondest memories of this plant is in the cottage garden of the late print artist Ann Brunskill and her husband in Kent. The garden, dotted with timeworn statuary, was filled with flowering Verbena bonariensis.
It created a wonderful sense of surprise as you wandered through, discovering each corner.
📸 Karelj, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
📸 © Copyright Oast House Archive
Legumes
Not, as you might think, a general term for vegetables (à la française), but a fascinating group of plants from the Leguminosae family – also known as Fabaceae, or more simply, “peas and beans”.
This family includes not only reliable favourites for the vegetable garden but also some unexpectedly beautiful ornamental plants. This month, we’re celebrating the “not only, but also” nature of legumes – grown for their flavour, yes, but also for their form, flowers, and creative potential in the garden.
While there are plenty of ready-made supports you can buy – from arches to screens – some of the most charming ideas come from repurposing things you already have.
Got an old tree lying around? Why not give it a new life as a climbing frame for beans? Larry Hodgson suggests using an old Christmas tree to support Scarlet runner beans – a simple, sustainable solution with plenty of charm.
Or try creating a tipi-style support like the one made at Whidbey School. Imagine looking up through a living tunnel of leaves and blooms – a magical effect, especially when viewed from below.
Of course, it’s easy to get caught up in the structures – but the plants themselves are worth a second look.
Take the Asparagus Pea: striking flowers paired with unusual, winged pods that taste like asparagus. A real treat for the eyes and the plate.
Even the humble Broad bean has its own quiet beauty – a garden classic with real presence.
Runner bean 'Painted Lady', recently highlighted by Gardeners’ World, offers both delicious beans and soft, bicolour flowers that wouldn’t look out of place in a cottage border.
And finally, don’t overlook the visual appeal of legumes themselves – Borlotti beans, for example, with their richly patterned pods and speckled seeds, are a joy to grow and harvest.
Wisteria
Wisteria, sometimes called Wistaria, is a striking climber that puts on an unforgettable show from early to late spring, with cascading blooms in white, pink, and purple. Even when bare in winter, its twisting stems add structure and charm to the garden.
Main types:
• Wisteria floribunda (Japanese Wisteria) – Grows up to 8m with long flower racemes, and twines clockwise.
• Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria) – Can reach an impressive 25m and twines anti-clockwise.
(Wisteria japonica is now classified as Millettia japonica.)
Interestingly, you can often tell the species apart by the direction in which the vines grow.
Take care: The seeds and pods are highly poisonous to both humans and animals – especially dogs – even though the flowers are sometimes used decoratively in sweets. They're rated as more ornamental than edible.
Though it may start slowly, Wisteria develops into a strong and vigorous plant. Its vines can damage weaker structures, so it’s best grown on sturdy supports. Buds form in late summer and open around mid to late April the following spring.
A stunning addition to any garden – just be sure it’s right for your space.
Photo 1: Terri’s Wisteria
Photo 2: Hiroaki Kaneko, CC BY-SA 3.0
Bergenia crassifolia
Bergenia crassifolia (ber-ghee-NE-a kras-sif-OL-e-a) Elephants’ Ears
This genus consists of 10 species, most of which produce pink flowers, though white and purple varieties are also available.
With their large, evergreen, leathery leaves, they make excellent ground cover plants. Blooming early in the year, they produce quite showy flowers. They thrive in most moist but well-drained soil, and while they prefer rich soil and full sun, they will also grow in poor soil and shade, making them a valuable addition to any garden.
They are generally pest and disease free although they can be troubled by slugs, snails and weevils
So, if have space in your garden, these are definitely worth planting, and you will have relatively trouble-free plants which will brighten up an area early in the year.
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale (ta-RAX-a-kum) – Dandelion
Often dismissed as a weed and the bane of many traditional gardeners, the dandelion is actually one of the first flowers to provide essential food for insects, making it an important contributor to biodiversity.
Whether by chance or choice, I have plenty of dandelions in my garden, and I love watching the bees settle on them.
The name "dandelion" comes from the French dent de lion (lion’s tooth), a reference to the jagged edges of its leaves. The French also call them pissenlit (wet the bed) due to their natural diuretic properties. The species name officinale indicates its traditional use as a medicinal plant.
Both the leaves and petals are edible and often sold in French supermarkets alongside lettuces and endives. You can even buy seeds specifically for growing dandelions as a vegetable crop.
The dried and ground roots can be used as a coffee substitute. I also came across a recipe for making “vegan honey” from dandelion flowers – I haven’t tried it yet, have you?
And who hasn’t blown on a dandelion “clock”? These delicate seed heads, made up of tiny parachuted seeds, can travel up to five miles on the wind!
A few years ago, as an environmental artist, I sketched some concepts for nature-inspired sculptures—here are a couple based on the way dandelion seeds disperse.
📷 Photos of dandelion sculpture ideas.
📷 Photo of dandelions: Sunasce007, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
📷 Photo of a garden in use, with hawthorns in bloom.
📷 Photo of dandelion salad: Flickr: Chiot's Run
Hamamelis mollis
Hamamelis mollis (Witch Hazel)
Hamamelis mollis (ham-a-MEL-is MOL-is) is a breathtaking sight at this time of year!
This large shrub or small tree dazzles with bright yellow flowers that resemble crinkled ribbons. Plus, the fragrance is absolutely delightful!
Following its vibrant floral display, the mid-green leaves can take up a bit of space during summer, but they transition into stunning shades of orange and yellow in autumn.
For year-round interest, try weaving a clematis through it!
Looking for a different colour palette?
The RHS suggests Hamamelis × intermedia 'Jelena' with orange petals or 'Diane' with red petals.
For more details, contact Hilary at info@allchangeconsulting.co.uk.
Photo credits:
Orjen, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tubifex, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Holly & Ivy
Holly (Ilex aquifolium – I-leks ak-we-FO-le-um)
Ivy (Hedera helix – HED-er-a HE-liks)
Holly and ivy have long been associated with Christmas, a tradition dating back to medieval times.
The well-known carol The Holly and the Ivy originated as a folk song with many variations. Its lyrics and melody were formalised in 1909 by English folk song collector Cecil Sharp, based on a version sung by Mary Clayton in the market town of Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, England.
As native evergreen plants, holly and ivy play an essential role in supporting wildlife by providing food and shelter.
Holly makes an excellent hedge, either on its own or as part of a mixed planting, and also works well as a standalone tree. Ivy serves as a great groundcover plant when its spread is managed through regular maintenance.
Image Credits:
Holly Tunnel © Copyright Humphrey Bolton, licensed under Creative Commons.
Holly berries and snow © Copyright Patrick Roper, licensed under Creative Commons.
Ivy on frame and as groundcover – by me 😊
Bee on Ivy © Copyright Pete Beard.
Sarcococca
Sarcococca (Sweet Box)
Sarcococca, also known as “Sweet Box,” may be understated in appearance, but its impact is undeniable!
This hardy evergreen is perfect for those looking to add a low-maintenance, shade-loving plant to their garden.
With a captivating fragrance that blooms from December to March, varieties like S. confusa and S. hookeriana 'Purple Stem' bring a delicate charm and delightful scent to brighten up the winter months.
Visit your local garden centre to bring home this seasonal gem and let its enchanting scent transform your garden!
Tête-à-Tête
Narcissus ‘Tête-à-Tête’, Miniature daffodil ‘Tête-à-Tête’
These dwarf daffodils bloom in early spring. The name Tête-à-Tête translates to "head-to-head," though in this context, it evokes the English phrase for a private conversation between friends.
The flowers grow in small clusters, side by side on a stem. The plants have deciduous, strap-like leaves and generally reach about 30 cm in height. When left in the ground, the bulbs will slowly multiply.
They thrive in most soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained, and will grow in both full sun and partial shade. To ensure they flower the following year, bulbs should be purchased at size 8–10 and planted (preferably in natural groupings) at 1½ to 2 times their own depth.
So, why choose a spring-flowering plant as October’s plant of the month?
The 26th of October marks the anniversary of my mother’s passing (Audrey Lilian Mason).
Over the years, I’ve developed a tradition of planting one of her favourite flowers on this day. The wonderful thing is, they often bloom on her birthday, the 10th of February, allowing me to honour both occasions with a single planting.
Sometimes I plant them in pots for indoors, but more often, I plant them in the garden.
Black Hamburg
Vitis vinifera ‘Schiava Grossa’ (pronounced VI-tis vin-IF-er-a) Grapevine, also known as Black Hamburg.
This stunning, productive climber thrives in an unheated greenhouse but can also be grown against a sunny, sheltered wall.
In summer, it produces small, unremarkable green flowers, followed by sweet, juicy black grapes later in the season.
It can reach 8-12 meters in height, according to the RHS, but with regular pruning, it can be kept more compact.
The mid-green leaves turn striking shades of yellow and red in the autumn.
While growing grapevines might seem daunting, I encourage you to give it a try—the rewards are well worth it!
Chicory
Chicory
One of the most asked-about plants at the RHS Tatton Show was Chicory (Cichorium intybus).
This stunning plant features bright blue to purple daisy-like flowers and can grow between 1 and 1.5 metres tall.
If you were fortunate enough to see them in the morning, you might have noticed how they “glow” in the early light, making them even more striking.
Chicory is generally considered a short-lived perennial, so it’s a good idea to have several in your garden.
They also have a tendency to self-seed, so don’t be surprised if new plants start appearing where they feel at home!
Climbing Hydrangea
Climbing Hydrangea
Hydrangea petiolaris (hy-DRAN-je-a pet-e-o-LAR-is) Climbing Hydrangea
Flowering in summer, this quiet, unassuming plant suddenly becomes one of the showiest shrubs in the garden,
It is an excellent large climber for most growing conditions in full sun or partial shade. It’s one of those plants whose flowers can brighten up a dark east or north facing space in a spectacular way.
Although it will grow to a large shrub (RHS: Higher than 12m) it will take between 10 to 20 years to achieve that. It also spreads to between 4 and 8 metres (RHS) so make sure you have space for it!
After the fabulous flowers, the leaves turn an amazing yellow colour before they fall.
When the leaves have fallen, the shrub displays an expansive network of intertwined branches, which cling to their supports with aerial roots.
So, if you have the space, this is a plant which is well worth considering.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna (kra-TE-gus mon-o-JIN-a) Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a well-known native plant found in many hedgerows and also as small trees. It also supports many other species, making it invaluable for biodiversity.
This is a short story about a project I created for my daughter and her partner: They had just moved into a newly built house and wanted to create a garden suitable for themselves and their children.
The garden was the usual associated with new houses with
“tiny patio and seeded lawn”.
However, at the bottom of the garden were the only remains on the whole of the new estate of an overgrown hedgerow. I showed them the possibility of clearing all the bramble and cutting back the lower branches to create multi-stemmed trees.
They had to remove one of them to fit the patio they wanted, but the trees have become a feature of the garden, providing an appearance of maturity,at no cost. The trees provide shade to parts of the garden, privacy from the neighbours, flowers in the spring and berries in the autumn and of course, lots of birds and butterflies.
April - Bluebell
Bluebell
Hyacinthoides hy-a-sinth-OY-dees non-scripta non-SKRIP-ta English Bluebell
H. hispanica his-PAN-ik-a Spanish Bluebell
English bluebells are well known, native plants with drooping blue or occasionally white flowers on one side of the stem. They have strap-like leaves and are a vigorous bulbous perennial growing to about 30 cm tall. The flowers are fragrant and are great for pollinators in late spring and are lovely cut flowers.
Spanish bluebells carry larger flowers which grow all around the stem. When planted near native bluebell woodlands, they can outcompete the native species and hybridise with them too, changing the genetic make-up of the native species. They were introduced into gardens and have since escaped.
Remember not to pick, uproot or damage wild bluebells, but if you’ve grown your own, they make lovely fresh cut flowers.
Clematis Armandii.
Clematis Armandii (KLEM-a-tis ar-MAN-de-i)
Vigorous evergreen climber with single white flowers in winter and spring, which smell like vanilla.
Excellent to use over trellis, through dead trees, over pergolas (to provide heavy shade).
The RHS suggests positioning in full sun, south or west facing although mine is on a trellis at 90˚ to a north facing wall, where it is very happy giving me some privacy from our neighbours (who are lovely, btw).
Want to know more?
Lily of the Valley
Convallaria majalis (kon-val-LAIR-e-a mag-A-lis) — Lily of the Valley
Caution: Highly poisonous to animals including humans
The flowering period of these strongly scented blooms is quite short, lasting only three to four weeks.
However, thanks to their ability to thrive in partial to full shade and spread via rhizomes, they make a charming yet practical addition to many gardens.
In some areas, they’re even considered invasive due to their persistence — truly a case of horses for courses!
The mid-green leaves emerge in spring from shoots that have lain dormant over winter. These are soon followed by delicate, white, bell-shaped flowers hanging from arching racemes.
By autumn, the foliage dies back, with fresh growth appearing the following spring.
In France, there’s a lovely tradition on 1st May where children give sprigs of Lily of the Valley to women in neighboring homes while singing:
“Le Muguet, le muguet, le muguet, le premier mai”
(Lily of the Valley, Lily of the Valley, Lily of the Valley, the first of May)
It’s a sweet gesture meant to bring good luck and happiness with the arrival of spring.
📷 Photo credits:
Photo 1: GT1976 - Wikipedia
Photo 2: Creative Commons licence, Author: 些細な日常