Individually, pot-grown, bedding plants cost more per plant than pack bedding, but are generally hybrid varieties which are more vigorous, carrying more, often larger, flowers. 

Do not over-plant; remember that your display is going to keep on growing and flowering all summer. If you plant too closely, spindly, overlong growth will occur. The basket or pot would still look good initially, but the weaker stems would tend to be flattened by high winds.

These plants must be protected from frost.

We start selling them from early May onwards, for planting in tubs, baskets and containers that can be protected.

They can be planted outside without protection in tubs, baskets, containers and gardens after the end of spring frosts (early June).

Heights given are only a guide to eventual height.

Some of these varieties are covered by plant breeders rights legislation - see information page (home page menu).

For our price reduction offer on pot bedding see the notice at the end of the following list of usually available varieties.

Price code E 47p each:

BEDDING DAHLIAS. 

We grow several varieties of bedding Dahlia; some have chocolate leaves, others are green-leafed. All are mixed-colour selections. We select varieties which are brightly coloured, but these are seed-raised plants and so subject to the variability of genetics. 30cm (12 inches).

Price code H 72p each:

DAHLIAS. 

Larger-flowered, named varieties raised from cuttings. 

We grow a range of colours and heights suitable for most gardens,

 but do not grow the number of varieties you would find at a specialist, Dahlia nursery.

Price code N £1.06 each:

AMARANTHUS (LOVE-LIES-BLEEDING). 

Tiny, red blooms arranged in spectacular long tassels. Does not like acid soil so you may have to add a little lime. 60cm (24 inches).

AMARANTHUS (DWARF VARIETIES). 

The flower tassels on the dwarf varieties tend to be more purple than red and upright rather than pendulous. 30cm (12 inches) or 25cm (10 inches).

CALCEOLARIA (BEDDING). 

Not to be confused with the more tender varieties of Calceolaria sold as pot plants which would be unlikely to stand-up to outdoor conditions. Mixed-colours (with a high preponderance of yellow). They will grow on most soils, in full sun or partial shade. 25cm (10 inches).

CHRYSANTHEMUM (MINI-MARGUERITE). 

Masses of white daisies with yellow eyes. They do not like a soil which is too acid and do best in well-drained, sunny positions (if your garden is usually too wet, why not try them in a patio pot containing free-draining compost?). 25cm (10 inches).

DIANTHUS (F1 HYBRID VARIETIES). 

Covered with single, carnation-like flowers. Keep well watered in dry weather and deadhead to prolong flowering. White with red eye 25cm (10 inches). Pale pink with red eye, deep pink with red eye or mixed colours 15cm (6 inches).

GAZANIA. 

Spectacular, coloured daisies. 

A well-drained soil is preferred, but direct sunlight is essential to open the flowers. 

Pink, orange-bronze, yellow with a red stripe down the centre of every petal and mixed colours. 

Heights range from 20cm (8 inches) to 25cm (10 inches).

HELIOTROPE. 

A strong, evening fragrance is given off from tiny, purple flowers arranged in large, showy heads. Full sun and a sheltered position is essential (many plants can be grown successfully in what is not the best position for them - Heliotrope is not one of them). 30cm (12 inches).

MARIGOLD (DWARF AFRICAN). 

These F1 hybrids carry massive, yellow or orange heads on dwarf plants. They will grow happily in most soils and, while preferring a very sunny position, are quite adaptable, giving a good display in most situations. 30cm (12 inches).

MELAMPODIUM. 

Bright-yellow flowers, comes into its best flowering in late summer. Dislikes being over-wet. 25cm (10 inches).

MIMULUS. 

A mixture of mainly yellows and reds. They need some shade and a soil which won't dry out. Ideal for wet positions. 15cm (6 inches).

NICOTIANA. 

This dwarf, F1-hybrid variety keeps its flowers open during the day unlike the taller, pack-bedding variety (unfortunately it doesn't have the same scent either). Any soil, sun or partial-shade. 30cm (12 inches).

PETUNIA (DOUBLE FLOWERED GRANDIFLORA). 

Large, fully-double flowers, mixed self-colours or picotee, edged with white. They give a spectacular display in hot, sunny weather, but are susceptible to rain damage (if any flowers are spoiled by heavy rain remove them before they begin to rot). Ideal for conservatories, we have known them to still be in flower at Christmas when grown as a pot plant. They will grow in most soils and, while preferring full sun, should be successful if receiving three or more hours of direct sunlight every day. Deadheading, feeding and cutting back if they grow too straggly will keep your display going on much longer.

SALVIA STRATA

A unique combination of blue flowers on silver flower spikes. Although you may see them listed as tender perennials, we feel that they are best treated as a one year bedding plant. Early into flower they continue right up to the first frosts and are very drought tolerant. 35cm (14 inches).

TITHONIA ROTUNDIFOLIA FIESTA DEL SOL (MEXICAN SUNFLOWER)

A position in full sun is essential. This plant loves summer heat-waves, but must be kept well-watered if we get one. They will grow on most reasonably-fertile, well-drained soils and are useful for giving height to the back of a bedding display. Fiesta Del Sol grows to 70cm (28 inches) but is very compact and needs no support. Bright orange flowers in late summer and autumn

TORENIA FOURNIERI (WISHBONE FLOWER)

     F1 HYBRID DUCHESS BLUE AND WHITE

      Blue bicolour petals with white tube and margins.

     F1 HYBRID DUCHESS PINK

      Soft rose-pink bicolour petals with white tube and margins.

Originally from tropical Asia, Torenias are ideal for use as summer bedding plants in sheltered, partially shaded positions. 

They can also be used as summer pot plants in house or greenhouse provided they are not put in sunny positions. 20cm(8").

Price code P £1.16 each:

BACOPA. 

We grow the pale-blue and white varieties. The flowers are small, but produced in large quantities, and the cascading growth reaches well down from baskets or window boxes, etc. Keep clipping back dead flowers; they seem to do well in sun or partial shade.

BIDENS. 

A plant for sunny borders or large hanging-baskets. Bright, golden-yellow flowers are produced on spreading, feathery foliage. Only a few plants are required to brighten up a large space.

CAMPANULA (TRAILING TYPE) 

Cascading stems covered in blue or white flowers from midsummer onwards. They do well in sun or shade.

CENTRADENIA. 

Bright-pink flowers and reddish foliage. This trailing, greenhouse plant does well in sun or partial shade, but it needs a sheltered position or to be grown in a conservatory.

CUPHEA 

Tender perennial shrub used as a summer bedding, or indoor pot plant. 30cm (12 inches). Upright growth, covered in small flowers all summer. We have both the carmine-rose and lavender-pink varieties. 

DIASCIA. 

We grow pale pink, deep pink and near red. 

They are spreading or trailing depending on variety 

and flower well in most locations

.

DICHONDRA argentea SILVER FALLS.

Silver Falls, a new silver foliage plant for summer hanging baskets.

Dichondra argentea performs well in shade or full sun, producing cascading stems 90cm to120cm long. This is a very easy-to-grow variety that is very heat and drought tolerant. They can either be added to a mixed planting or grown as a single basket item.

FELICIA (SPREADING/TRAILING). 

Blue flowers (green-leafed form only). Felicia likes a sunny position; water well in dry weather.

FELICIA (UPRIGHT). 

Blue flowers and either green or variegated, green and cream leaves. Felicia likes a sunny position; water well in dry weather. 25cm (10 inches).

HELICHRYSUM 

This type of trailing Helichrysum is grown for its foliage, not for the flowers which are insignificant. They will grow well in most locations provided that they are not over-watered.

     MICROPHYLLA

      The small, silver-leafed form

     PETIOLATUM GOLD

      Golden-leafed variety.

     PETIOLATUM SILVER

      Silver-grey foliage, larger leaf.

     PETIOLATUM VARIEGATA

      Variegated,  green leaves edged with creamy-gold.

HYPOSTES. 

Normally grown as a pot plant, these green/pink/white, spotted-leafed plants can be useful for adding unusual colour to baskets and pots. Partial shade is best; if they get too much direct sun the leaves tend to roll up to protect themselves from sun-scorch. 15cm (6 inches).

IMPATIENS (DWARF NEW GUINEA HYBRIDS). 

Mixed colours, large flowers. They must have partial shade and be watered well in dry weather.

IVY. 

We grow a small range of ivy 

suitable for baskets, etc. 

They thrive best in shady positions and not in full sun or where they will get too much wind.

LAMIUM. 

Although they do have attractive white or pink flowers they are mainly used for their colourful foliage, golden, silver or various types of variegation (two colour). Most have a low, spreading habit and will grow in most positions provided they are not allowed to dry out in hot weather.

LAURENTIA. 

Produces a ball-like cloud of fine foliage topped by lobelia-like flowers of blue or white. 20cm (8 inches).

LYSIMACHIA. 

Golden-yellow flowers and bright-yellow, trailing foliage; does well in partial shade.

NEPETA (TRAILING). 

Another foliage variety for hanging baskets. Very hardy and reliable. Green leaves edged with white.

NOLANA (SMALL-FLOWERED). 

A large quantity of small, lilac-purple flowers on trailing stems. Prefers a sunny position, deadhead regularly.

PLECTRANTHUS. 

Trailing foliage plant similar to trailing Nepeta, but a little more upright and less able to withstand harsh weather.

POLYGONUM. 

Spreading, trailing-growth, pink flowers.

PORTULACA 

(This is the larger leaved form of our usual pack bedding Portulaca).

SENECIO VARIEGATA

Long trails of waxy, green and gold foliage. Ideal for adding foliage interest to hanging baskets.

THUNBERGIA (BLACK-EYED-SUSAN). 

Golden or orange flowers (some have a distinctive black eye and some don’t). Full sun is essential if they are to flower profusely. They will either trail or climb; be careful adding them to mixed baskets or they may climb up the other plants and the basket chains.

VERBENA. 

We have pink or red, trailing varieties, but the Tapien-types listed in the next section are more prolific.

Price code Q  £1.25 each:

FUCHSIA (TRAILING VARIETIES). 

We grow a selection of named, 

trailing varieties which should grow 

and flower well in sun or light shade (prefer shade), 

but you must keep watered 

in dry weather and feed regularly.

FUCHSIA (UPRIGHT VARIETIES). 

We grow a selection of named varieties in different colours. They should grow and flower well in sun or light shade (prefer shade), but you must keep watered in dry weather and feed regularly.

GERANIUM, BEDDING TYPE (Pelargonium zonale). 

Good for dry positions; they grow well in sun or light shade. We grow a range of F1 hybrid varieties including the following colours: pale pink with a red eye, pink flecked with red, orange, red, bright scarlet, magenta, light salmon, deep salmon and white. 30cm (12 inches).

GERANIUM (Pelargonium zonale). 

We also grow the F1 hybrid, Multibloom geraniums; these are usually more compact and come into flower earlier. The flower heads may be a little smaller, but they usually have more flowers. Bright rose, coral rose, red, pink, white or scarlet.

GERANIUM, TRAILING (Pelargonium peltatum). 

A selection of colours or mixed. They have a good, cascading growth and are excellent for baskets, but beware of planting in positions that are too exposed. The trailing stems can be brittle enough to snap off in high winds.

PETUNIA MILLION BELLS® (Calibrachoa). 

Cluster-flowered petunias. The flowers are small, but present in large numbers. Ideal for a sheltered position (we find a tendency for the stems to break in high winds).

     CHERRY (Sunbelchipi)

      Rich-cherry-pink, upright growth 25cm (10 inches).

     LEMON (Sunbelki)

      Small lemon-yellow flowers. Spreading habit.

     BLUE (Sunbelkubu)

      Trailing, violet-blue with a small white eye.

PETUNIA SURFINIA®. 

Trailing habit: we grow the following varieties to complement the colour range found in Waves petunias. 

     BLUE VEIN

      A very pale lilac-blue with darker veins and throat.

     PURPLE MINI

      Masses of smaller purple flowers.

     RED

Bright, 

scarlet-red  

flowers.

     SKY BLUE

      Bright pale-blue.

     WHITE

      Pure white flowers.

PETUNIA TUMBELINA™ PRISCILLA. 

Trailing habit. Fragrant, lavender-purple, double flowers.

PETUNIA WONDER WAVE® SERIES. 

     WONDER WAVE® PURPLE

      Bright-magenta purple, extremely prolific.

     WONDER WAVE® PINK

      Rich-pink.

     WONDER WAVE® SHINY ROSE  

      Brilliant rose-pink with deeper veining.

     WONDER WAVE® SALMON 

      Soft salmon pink.

     WONDER WAVE® PEARLY 

      Pale lavender to pure white.

     WONDER WAVE® LAVENDER

      Luminous pale purple-pink.

PETUNIA hedgiflora F1 Hybrid Tidal Wave Series

Ideal for planting in larger containers. 

Covered with flowers, they develop a shrub-like shape which should hold its form all season. 

Some of the lower branches may cascade over the sides of the container. 25cm (10 inches) to 30cm (12 inches).

One plant may be enough for a small tub, or three if the container is large enough (advice is given on purchase).

     Rich cherry pink.

VERBENA TAPIEN®. 

These spreading/trailing plants 

are good in baskets, tubs or garden. 

Multiple flower-heads up to 5cm (2 inches) across. 

Best in full sun; water well in dry weather. 

     PINK

      Rosy-pink flowers on sprawling green foliage.

     VIOLET

      Violet-purple, scented flowers (they only seem to give off scent on warm days).

VERBENA TEMARI® SCARLET

Multiple  flower-heads up to 5cm (2 inches) across. 

A vigorous grower, this variety compliments the Verbena Tapiens® pink and scented, violet-purple varieties. 

Price code S £1.42 each:

COBAEA SCANDENS. 

Climbing plant with purple, bell-shaped flowers. Unless you have a really sheltered position Cobaea is best grown in a conservatory.

IPOMOEA (MORNING GLORY) 

A climbing plant for sheltered, sunny corners. The colourful, trumpet flowers don't last long, but more should open every day. Red or blue.

MINA LOBATA. 

Tender climbing-plant for sheltered, sunny gardens (best kept outside, they can be too vigorous for a conservatory). Clusters of small, red/orange/yellow flowers.

OSTEOSPERMUM. 

These colourful daisies are best planted in the sun to make sure the flowers open fully. Mixed colours. 25cm(10 inches).

PELARGONIUM ANGEL EYES® 

Pelargonium Angel Eyes® 

bear a multitude of rich 

burgundy flowers edged with white. 

Their spreading/trailing habit makes them ideal candidates for summer baskets in sunny positions.

PELARGONIUM CAPITATUM. 

Small, lavender-pink flowers, scented foliage. Good for patio tubs; you get the scent as the breeze wafts through the leaves.

TROPAEOLUM (CANARY CREEPER). 

Bright-yellow flowers, very vigorous, by summer's end they can have turned an ugly, chain-link fence into a sheet of foliage and flowers. Unfortunately not for the most exposed gardens.

Price code T £1.61 each:

ARGYRANTHEMUM (MARGUERITE). 

One plant in a large pot or small tub should produce a ball of bright, daisy flowers. 

They do not like a soil which is too acid and do best in sunny, well-drained positions.

     BUTTERFLY. 

      Deep yellow, 37½cm (15 inches).

     DANA.    

      Pure white, 45cm (18 inches).

COMMELINA COELESTIS (BLUE SPIDER).

Tender perennials with vivid blue flowers from late June to August. 40cm (16 inches). Useful for beds or containers. Plant in full sun or partial shade.

Lift the plants before the first frosts in autumn and over-winter in frost-free conditions. Start into growth in spring by applying gentle heat.

SPILANTHES oleracea PEEK-A-BOO (The Eyeball Plant).

Price code U £1.82 each:

Price reduction offer on pot bedding varieties normally priced at £1.06, £1.16, £1.25 or £1.42 each:

Many varieties are grown right through the bedding-out season in successive batches. Others are only available in one or two batches (we grow as many as we think there will be a call for).

Changeable weather alters production targets and any batches which are brought-on sooner than we expected may create a short-term surplus of that variety.

There is often a good selection of these plants available in the season. 

They are sold at a standard price of 99p each provided that you purchase a minimum of five plants at any one time (your selection, they don't have to be five of a kind). This offer normally excludes royalty varieties.

Dwarf Dahlias priced at 47p each will be on constant offer at ten plants for £4.09.