Baptisia australis (False Indigo) AGM.A favourite perennial in our own garden, grown for its many rich, indigo-blue flowers borne in terminal racemes. Strong upright stems are clothed in blue-green foliage. The genus name derives from the Greek word ‘bapto’ meaning to dye and refers to the black roots of this genus that yield an inferior form of the dye indigo. Suited to full sun in a good moisture-retentive soil. 90cm (3ft).
Beesia calthifoliaClumps of glossy, leathery leaves, with unique markings. The spikes of starry white flowers are borne from April onwards. For a well-drained leafy soil in shade. 30-45cm (12-18”) high.
Bidens heterophyllaThis late summer performer produces masses of pale yellow daisies. Lots of tall feathery foliage provides a verdant backdrop to nearby companions in the herbaceous border. Even though it is a tall plant reaching up to 1.8m (6ft), it requires no staking. Open sunny position in soil that does not dry out.
Blechnum penna-marina AGM.An evergreen creeping fern from New Zealand, its long, almost leathery leaves arise from rhizomes and are initially a reddish bronzy-green when new, slowly ageing to a glossy green. Prefers a shaded site, although it will also tolerate sun. Once settled in it will grow rapidly. 15cm (6”).
Blechnum spicant (Saw Fern) AGM.This fern grows wild from here to Japan and over to Western N. America, along streams and wooded ravines in acidic soil. Forms flat rosettes 60cm (2ft) across and fertile fronds 60cm (2ft) high in summer.
Bletilla striata var. japonica f. gebina variegataWhat a long name for this beautiful hardy orchid. Palest pink-white flowers in May-June. Variegated foliage to 45cm (18”). Shady woodland soil.
Boltonia asteroides var. latisquamaJust as the year pulls to a close, this herbaceous daisy comes into its own, flowering throughout September & October. Producing dense panicles of white frilly-petalled flowers, it provides late season fuel for butterflies and other insects. Suitable for any fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. Up to 1.8m (6ft).
Borago pygmaeaThis is an interesting and most useful member of the borage family. Coarse, hairy foliage and blue borage-type flowers throughout summer and into autumn. Grows in sun or light shade and in most soil types. Self seeds enough to be welcomed. 25-30cm (10-12”) high.
Briza maximaA loosely upright, clump-forming grass. In May through to July it sends up graceful, trembling, silvery-green fading to straw-coloured flower spikes. An annual species, it will gently self sow around, usually germinating in autumn and forming a green dome throughout winter. Good for a dry border in full sun. 45cm (18”).
Briza media (Quaking Grass)A perennial grass forming short dense tussocks of slender leaves. During late spring and mid summer it sends up erect airy stems of small, fawn-brown nodding flowers that are good for drying or even better left to age naturally in the border. 45cm (18”).
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' PBR.An exciting new selection with heavy silver mottling to the leaves, creating a year round frosted look; even more dramatic when in covered in massed stems of powder blue flowers. Cultivation as B. macrophylla. 45cm (18”).
Brunnera macrophylla 'Langtrees'The typical blue forget-me-not flowers in spring. Silver-grey spotted foliage.
Brunnera macrophylla AGM.This is a robust and useful spring flowering perennial, with orbicular leaves followed by sprays of airy bright forget-me-not blue flowers. Good in an open border or woodland situation, as long as the soil is not too dry. 45cm (18”).
Butomus umbellatus AGM. (Flowering Rush)One of our more elegant native marginal plants, never exceeding its welcome in any water feature. It bears fine sword-like foliage reaching 90cm (3ft). From June onwards umbels of pink flowers are produced; if retained they form good seed capsules.
