Blues Colour Collection

Comprising six reliable and versatile perennials and making use of both flowers and foliage, this beautifully harmonising collection of blue, purple and silver-themed plants will bring a calming and elegant feel to borders and containers.

Blues Colour Collection contains jumbo plugs of the following varieties:

• Viola ‘Sorbet’ – prolific, free-flowering and very winter-hardy violas that will give months of colour from spring to autumn. This reliable perennial has a neat, uniform habit that is perfectly suited to hanging baskets, window boxes and containers. Thrives in sun or part shade in moist but well-drained soils. Height: 20cm (8"). Spread: 23cm (9").
• Veronica umbrosa ‘Georgia Blue’ – a vigorous creeping speedwell bearing vivid pure blue flowers throughout spring and summer, above a mat of bronze-tinted semi-evergreen foliage. This easy, undemanding and versatile perennial is ideal for planting under shrubs or around bulbs, edging paths and borders, rockeries or containers, preferring full sun and good drainage. RHS AGM. Height: 10cm (4"). Spread: 100cm (39").
• Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurea’ – this aromatic evergreen shrub makes a fabulous addition to well-drained borders and container displays, its dusky purple leaves mixing beautifully with other blue and purple plants. The leaves of purple sage are a valuable culinary herb. Short spikes of lilac flowers, loved by bees, may be produced in summer. RHS AGM. Thrives in full sun and a free-draining soil, showing good drought resistance. Height and spread: 70cm (28").
• Thymus ‘Silver Posie’ – a very attractive variegated thyme that excels as an ornamental as well as an edible. Each leaf is daintily edged in white to give a shimmering effect. Forming a compact little bush, this hardy evergreen produces short spikes of lilac-pink flowers in summer that are highly attractive to bees. This essential culinary herb is as versatile in the garden as it is in the kitchen: given a sunny spot with good drainage, it will thrive in beds, containers, rock gardens, stone walls and even cracks in paving. Leaf colouring intensifies in winter, making ‘Silver Posie’ a lovely addition to winter and spring container displays. Thrives in full sun and a free-draining soil, showing good drought resistance. Height: 30cm (12"). Spread: 45cm (18").
• Helichrysum angustifolium – the fine, highly aromatic silvery foliage of this evergreen curry plant provides year-round interest and blends beautifully with a purple and blue colour scheme. Flattish yellow flowerheads are produced in summer. An amazing curry-like smell is released when the leaves are rubbed or brushed. Thrives in full sun and a free-draining soil, showing good drought resistance. Height and spread: 60cm (24").
• Lamium maculatum ‘Beacon Silver’ – Lamium or dead nettle (non-stinging!) are very useful hardy perennials. Tough and resilient, they thrive in shade on almost any soil, making ideal ground cover or a must-have addition to a woodland or wildlife garden. ‘Beacon Silver’ is a stunning variety forming a shimmering carpet of silver foliage with toothed green margins. From April until midsummer, the clusters of bright purple-pink flowers provide a rich supply of nectar for pollinating insects. Provided it is watered until established, this attractive dead nettle is a great plant for tricky spots in dry shade. Its ideal conditions are moist but well-drained soil in partial or deep shade. Height: 15cm (6"). Spread: 60cm (24").

Culinary note: Some parts of these flowers are edible. For more details about edible flowers click here.