That wild vibe

Plant development has changed greatly over the last few years, and much of it has been due to consumer demand as we seek out plants and flowers which benefit wildlife better

On my recent trip, I really saw that – rather than achingly dwarf plants with neat growth – breeders are relaxing things with airy, wilder vibe plants.

Here’s a selection to get your seed ordering fingers exercising!!

 

Unlike tall verbena, this compact variety is perfect for small gardens, growing to just 2.5 feet in height. Its deep flower colour will still give you that classic verbena style.

 

Known for attracting pollinators, this Agastache features sunset-colour flowers over silvery foliage. It also has a mild licorice scent!

 

Find stems topped with explosions of purple flowers, this plant is just as wonderful in the garden as it is for a cut flower arrangement.

 

A must for mass planting, Ammobium is instantly reconisable for its papery white flowers with golden centres – a little like an egg, sunny side up!

 

This frothy yellow plant is also known as dill, and is widely used in culinary practices as a spicy, herby addition to a meal.

 

Also known as Swan River Daisy, this is a carefree plant that comes in a range of complementary colours, ideal for creating a cloud of joy in your beds and pots.

 

An elegant-looking early flowering cosmos, its flowers are white, tinged with a deep pink edge. So eye catching!

 

A beautiful vintage-looking delphinium, with papery lilac-grey flowers that tower at the back of a border at 1.2m in height.

 

This is super easy to grow, and with minimal effort will produce a sea of robust blue flowers in summer.

 

The Orlaya in this photo has gone to seed, but before this stage, it produces pretty white flowers with lacey petals – also great for summer bouquets!

 

Everyone goes crazy for this poppy – just look at it! Those frilly grey flowers are nothing short of mesmerising!

 

Another eye catching poppy, this one features ladybird-like spots on its petals. It’s also very easy to grow!

 

Much taller than other penstemons, this plant will produce spike of blue-violet flowers that sit at 2ft in height.

 

Producing a mound of soft pink flowers in early spring and summer, this Saponaria is great for pots and the front of borders.

 

Hang it in baskets, trail it out of pots or create some abundant edging – this Silene pendula is a cascade of colour!

 

Do you like this new trend in plant breeding? let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!