A pretty half hardy perennial climber which is usually grown in this country as a half hardy annual. It has large variegated leaves. The new spring leaves are edible. This can also be used for making beer, although it is said to be an inferior taste to ordinary hops. Medicinally, this has been used in the past as a diuretic. It will quickly grow to 3 metres tall.
culture:
– a half hardy perennial
-needs a rich, moist but well drained soil
-will grow in full sun, or semi shade
– can be grown as an annual or if growing as a perennial, it must be taken in for the winter and protected from frost
propagation:
– sow seeds in early spring in a greenhouse. Seeds need bottom heat to germinate successfully.
-divisions and cuttings in spring through summer
A half hardy deciduous shrub growing to 3metres high. An intoxicating tea is made from the crushed leaves placed in water and left out in the sun for 3 days to ferment. If drunk in large quantities, this will have a hallucinogenic affect with visions that are overcast in yellow. Medicinally, it has been used to stabilize blood pressure and relieve anxiety. Use caution when using this plant as it can be toxic.
culture:
– a half hardy deciduous shrub
– Grows best in a loamy, well drained soil
– Root stock is hardy in most parts of England, but top growth will be killed back in winter
-If growing outside, make sure to mulch heavily around the base of the plant in autumn
– It will not tolerate shade, so must be grown in full sun
propagation:
– sow seeds in early spring in a greenhouse. The seeds need bottom heat to germinate properly
-cuttings in spring or summer.
A hardy perennial herb from the Himalayas of Tibet and western China with exotic greenish-white to blue tubular flowers that squeeze together atop a 2 ft high unbranched stem . It has large fleshy droopy leaves. Medicinally, it is used to aid in digestion, treat rheumatoid arthritis and in small doses, to calm nerves and is a tonic for the liver. The fresh or dried leaves can be made into a tea or the fresh leaves can be just be eaten. A very easy plant to grow.
culture:
– a hardy, herbaceous perennial
– Grows best in a loamy, well drained soil
– Full sun or dappled shade
propagation:
– sow seeds in early spring or autumn in a cold frame. The seeds need 3-4 weeks of of cold to germinate properly
-divisions in spring.
A half hardy shrub native to Cape, South Africa. It is a very aromatic plant with leaves that smell strongly of ‘Vicks Vapour rub’. Grows to 1 metre tall and has evergreen/ silvery leaves resembling that of rosemary. In Winter, it is covered in many small white flowers. Wild Rosemary can be used in cooking and for pot-pourris. Traditionally, African Wild Rosemary has been used for hundreds of years to treat various ailments. it has been used to treat colds, flatulence, skin complaints such as acne, boils, cuts, eczema, and sores. It is a diuretic , and increases perspiration. This can used used as a hair growth stimulant , a hair conditioner, and seems to have an invigorating effect on the skin. A herbal tea can be made to be drunk or let cool and apply to skin/ or hair. To do this, collect several twigs, place in a saucepan and fill with water to just above the tops of the twigs. simmer gently with the lid on tightly for about 15-20 minutes. remove from the hob and let cool for a further 15-20 minutes. then drink, or apply to face/hair. This plant seems to have similar medicinal properties to the common rosemary. Needs a well drained soil and a sunny position. I have one plant which is now 3 years old. it has survived 3 years of our winters here on the East Coast of Britain. best to grow in a pot and take indoors for the winter.
culture:
– a half hardy, evergreen shrub
– Grows best in a loamy, well drained soil
– Full sun
– This plant is supposedly not frost tolerant, although i have a 3 year old plant which has survived our harsh winters here on the east coast of England
– It is best to take inside for the winter
– it will not tolerate wet soil, so make sure to keep the compost on the drier side.
-needs a position in full sun
propagation:
– sow seeds in early spring or in a greenhouse. Seeds need bottom heat to germinate properly.
– Cuttings from spring through summer
A half hardy evergreen shrub growing to 1.8 metres tall. The fruit of this shrub are edible and sweet. What it is best known for is it’s leaves which are made into a tea called ‘Mormon tea’. Traditionally, the green or dried twigs are steeped in boiling water. the twigs can be roasted before-hand to improve the flavour of the tea. Medicinally, the leaves and stems are used to treat many ailments including asthma, rheumatism, and colds, coughs, stomach ulcers, kidney problems, respiratory problems. The stems are a blood purifier, diuretic, and tonic. A poultice from the mashed up stems can be used to treat syphilis, sores, and burns. This plant produces a light tan coloured dye.
culture:
– a half hardy, evergreen shrub
– Grows best in a loamy, well drained soil
– Full sun
– This plant is not frost tolerant, so must be taken inside for the winter
– it will not tolerate wet soil, so make sure to keep the compost on the drier side
-This plant tends to be a very slow grower
propagation:
– sow seeds in early spring or autumn in a greenhouse
– divisions in early spring
– layering any time of the year
