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Japanese gardening made easy.
How to make a Japanese garden. Japanese plants for your garden.
Many Grasses are used we have more information on grasses here.
These are some easy to grow plants that would often be found in Japanese or Oriental gardening. Many are easily adapted to our climate and many will thrive here. Some will need to be wrapped or indoors in the winter. This is my no means an extensive list, however it should give you a taste, and ideas for more investigation. Many of the plants we have in stock or we can obtain for you. This list is expected to grown over the next while so be sure to check by once in a while. If you need any help contact us.
Cryptomeria japonica Montrosa Nana
Small Japanese Cedar.
A small compact coniferous bush with slender branchlets.
Height 1m. Spread 1m.
Evergreen.
Foliage colour Green.
Hardy.
Sheltered Site.
Planting instructions Back-fill with soil mixed with peat and a suitable fertiliser.
Cryptomeria japonica Elegans
Large Japanese cedar.
Forming a bushy cone of feathery foliage, this conifer is tinted red-bronze during autumn and winter. Makes a splendid specimen plant. if not the best you can have, Works well in shaded corners with Japanese maple or Juniperus scopulorum Skyrocket tress to give contract with the blue foliage and or Juniperus squamata Blue Swede as ground cover.
Height and Spread: 180cmx120cm(6 ft x 4 ft) in 10 years.
Position: Grows best on a sunny, sheltered site in moist but not waterlogged soil that is slightly acid.
Rhododendron Geisha Red Noriko Azalea
A compact dwarf, evergreen shrub with masses of clusters of bright crimson flowers in spring. Really stunning plant, great in Containers. Nice rockeries.
Height 140cm. Spread 140cm.
Flower colour Crimson. Flowers from May to June.
Evergreen.
Foliage colour Green.
Hardy.
Planting instructions Back-fill with soil mixed with peat and a suitable fertiliser.€7
Japanese rhubarb Rheum
A great show plant for almost anywhere. Grows best in dampish soil. ideal as a pond side plant or with a bog garden.
Works a treat with Mellianthus or Gunnera. and Ligularia,
Height and Spread: 240cmx360cm(8 ft x 12 ft).
Position: Requires humus-rich, permanently moist soil in sun or partial shade.
Plant care: Protect with dry mulch in winter.
Chamaecyparis pisifera Tsukumo
Japanese - False Cypress.
A dwarf rounded bush of irregular shape, with usually light green foliage in summer, dark green in winter.
Height 0.4m. Spread 0.6m.
Evergreen.
Foliage colour Green.
Hardy.
Planting instructions Back-fill with soil mixed with peat and a suitable fertiliser.
Bamboo Pseudosasa japonica
An upright thicket-forming bamboo with olive green canes when young maturing pale beige. Dark green narrow leaves are silver-grey beneath with a yellow midrib. Green flowers are rare. Height 6m. Flower colour Green. Evergreen. Foliage colour Green. Hardy. Planting instructions Back-fill with soil mixed with peat and a suitable fertiliser.
€12 / 20 depending on size
Fargesia nitida "Jiuzhaiqou"
Fountain Bamboo. A dense clump-forming bamboo with dark purple-green canes with small narrow green leaves. Height 3m. Spread 1.5m. Evergreen. Foliage colour Green. Hardy. Planting instructions Back-fill with soil mixed with peat and a suitable fertiliser.
€15 / 25 depending on size
Pieris japonica Mountain Fire
R.H.S. Award of Garden Merit.
A rounded, evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves, red when young, turning glossy chestnut-brown. Clusters of pendent white flowers in late winter and spring.
Height 4m. Spread 3m.
Flower colour White. Flowers from February to April.
Evergreen.
Foliage colour Green, Red, Brown.
Frost hardy. Shelter from cold drying winds.
Planting instructions Back-fill with soil mixed with peat and a suitable fertiliser.
Position: Grows best on a sheltered, lightly shaded site in moist, lime-free soil.
Plant care: Apply a mulch of peat or leaf mould in spring.
Japanese primrose
Primula japonica "Miller's Crimson"
Japanese primrose.
A perennial with large green leaves. Stout stems with tiers of crimson flowers in late spring and early summer. Primroses are well suited to a variety of garden situations and can be used to complement spring blooming bulbs, in exciting container arrangements, as a natural ground cover for ornamental garden trees, or to provide a bright spot of color to a shady garden area.
Shakespeare mentions primroses in several of his plays making them popular in Shakespearian themed gardens. A vast amount of folk-lore and legend surrounds these bright flowers including the belief that the proper amount of primroses planted around a rock would create a fairy ring. Wouldn't you love to see if you could create a fairy land in your garden?
Height 45-75cm
Spread 45cm.
Flower colour Crimson.
Flowers from May to June.
Herbaceous.
Foliage colour Green.
Hardy.
Planting instructions Water thoroughly before planting
€4
Spiraea nipponica Snowmound
An arching shrub with rounded dark green leaves.
Clusters of white flowers cover the plant in mid-summer.
Height 1.8m. Spread 1.8m.
Flower colour White. Flowers from June to July.
Deciduous.
Foliage colour Green.
Hardy.
Planting instructions Back-fill with soil mixed with peat and a suitable fertiliser. 2 litre pot€6
Common Name: Sedge
Genus: Carex
Species: oshimensis
Cultivar: 'Evergold'
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Moist
Height: 30cm
Spread: 30cm
Time to divide plants: April to June
A grassy-looking evergreen Japanese sedge with long golden leaves, each with deep green margins. The plants make graceful, arching clumps that do not spread. They are ideal for all year round containers, and also look good planted beside lined ponds that have normal border soil around them. Since they tolerate light shade, they are well worth including for foliage in an evergreen border. Thrives in moist soils, preferring partly-shaded sites. The Royal Horticultural Society have given it their prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
Common Name: Maiden grass
Genus: Miscanthus
see also Miscanthus sinensis Zebrinus
Species: sinensis
Cultivar: 'Gracillimus'
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Moist
Height: 130cm
Spread: 120cm
This clump-forming Miscanthus grass bears arching, silvery green leaves with a central white stripe. The plant flowers late, in August and September, when it sits well with vividly coloured perennials. The white flower heads turn from white to reddish brown, and the foliage is tinted deep bronze in autumn. Plants retain their structural presence throughout winter. Cut back stems before new growth appears in spring.
Common Name: Arisaema
Genus: Arisaema
Species: sikokianum
Skill Level: Experienced
Exposure: Partial shade
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Chalky/alkaline, Boggy
Height: 30cm
Spread: 15cm
It is hard to believe that the lords and ladies of the British hedgerow is a relative of this staggeringly beautiful plant. This species has elegant, dark purple spathes and pure white club-shaped spadix. It needs well-drained, humus-rich soil in dappled shade to flourish.
Picea pungens Globosa
Colorado Spruce.
This is a grafted tree in a dwarf root stock, used in Japanese or rock gardens or as feature specimen . Needs to be lookded after donest like it to wet or to dry, good draining soil is essential. Stunning when established. See Cryptomeria for further inspiration.
A rounded conifer with congested branches of blue-grey leaves in winter, in late spring becoming bright blue for the whole summer.
Height 1.2m. Spread 1m.
Evergreen.
Foliage colour Blue, Grey. Hardy.
Planting instructions Back-fill with soil mixed with peat and a suitable fertiliser.Special request only email us for info approx 10-20 euros depending on size 2 weeks delivery time can be expected.
Common Name: Japanese rose
Genus: Kerria
Species: japonica
Cultivar: 'Pleniflora'
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic, Chalky/alkaline, Moist
Height: 300cm
Spread: 300cm
Time to divide plants: September to November
Also known as Jew's mallow or quite simply as Kerria, this is a popular spring flowering shrub, just a single species from China but with several lovely varieties. It will grow almost anywhere, and soon develop into a thicket of tall graceful stems as suckers grow from the creeping roots, but it is best kept out of direct sunlight to avoid bleaching the flowers. In this form these are fully double, like golden pompons, ideal for illuminating a dark corner or north-facing wall. Chop round plants annually to restrain their spread. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Common Name: Kerria
Genus: Kerria
Species: japonica 'Simplex'
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic, Chalky/alkaline, Moist
Height: 200cm
Spread: 250cm
This hardy shrub from China and Japan is usually seen in its stiffly upright, double flowered form, 'Pleniflora'. However the species is a more delicate, arching shrub with flowers like large buttercups. It will thrive in most situations.
Common Name: Lilyturf
See also Ophiopogon planiscapus Nigrescens Lilyturf black grass
Genus: Liriope
Species: muscari
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Moist
Height: 30cm
Spread: 45cm
Time to divide plants: March to May
Flowering period: August to November
This plant is evergreen with neat, low, grassy foliage, and blooms throughout autumn, producing prolific crops of flowers shaped like elongated grape hyacinths, with similar blue colouring. It can be left undisturbed for many years to form low-maintenance ground cover in beds of its own, or in light shade beneath trees or shrubs. In a border it is tolerant of dry conditions. Alternatively, grow in clumps in a flower border, and divide occasionally to keep the plants down to an acceptable size. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Common Name: Camellia
Genus: Camellia
Species: japonica
Skill Level: Experienced
Exposure: Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Acidic, Moist
Height: 900cm
Spread: 800cm
Flowering period: March to May
One of the classic spring flowering Camellia shrubs with colourful waxy flowers over fine glossy foliage. Even after flowering it is a decorative evergreen for the remainder of the year. It does need an acid soil but even if your soil is limy, it grows superbly in a large tub filled with ericaceous, or lime-free compost.
Common Name: Toad lily
Genus: Tricyrtis
Species: hirta
Cultivar: 'Miyazaki'
Skill Level: Experienced
Exposure: Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Moist
Height: 80cm
Spread: 60cm
Time to divide plants: February to April
This unusual plant resembles a delicate lily which needs to be seen close up so that the flowers can really be appreciated. The flowers are heavily spotted with purple and have a group of stigmas forming a solid cross protruding from the centre of each. This plant spreads slowly to form modest clumps in moist growing conditions elsewhere it is likely to struggle. An ideal plant for a shady spot it looks good growing among shrubs in dappled light but is also superb grown with hardy ferns.
Common Name: Bletilla
Genus: Bletilla
Species: striata
Skill Level: Experienced
Exposure: Partial shade
Hardiness: Half Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light
Height: 50cm
Spread: 50cm
Time to divide plants: March to May
Flowering period: May to June
This is a lovely half-hardy orchid, with long linear leaves and sprays of magenta pink flowers from spring to early summer. Plant in moist, well-drained soil in a sheltered site with partial shade in summer. Mulch in winter, but in colder areas it is better to lift the plants and store them in a frost-free place.
Common Name: Butterfly bush
Genus: Buddleja
Species: davidii
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Dry
Height: 300cm
Spread: 150cm
Time to take cuttings: November to February
Buddleja davidii is a fast-growing and undemanding shrub from China. It is ideal for a wide range of positions in the garden, providing they are sunny and the soil is well-drained. The long, heavy flowering heads transform the bush and make a stunning display for four to six weeks, attracting clouds of butterflies. Prune hard in spring to keep plants within bounds. To propagate, take hardwood cuttings in winter.
Genus: Aucuba
Species: japonica
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic, Chalky/alkaline
Height: 300cm
Spread: 300cm
Flourishing in adversity, this is a hardy, evergreen Acuba shrub that is one of the best for shady positions, even in smoky town gardens. Its glossy green leaves, splashed with gold are guaranteed to brighten the dullest corner and look good all year round. Small, purplish flowers in mid-spring are followed on female plantbw by bright scarlet berries, which often persist from autumn to spring.
Common Name: Kamuro-zasa
Genus: Pleioblastus / Bamboo
Species: auricomus
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light
Height: 120cm
Spread: 150cm
Time to divide plants: March to May
Also known as P. viridistriatus, this compact bamboo is ideal for smaller gardens where many species are too tall or vigorous. It is also specially valued for its cream and green variegated foliage, something rarely found in bamboos. It makes a perfect specimen plant and slowly spreads to form a good sized clump which looks effective in a border with evergreens and ornamental grasses, or beside a pond in well-drained soil. It is also superb in a large container for all-year-round effect, which will naturally restrict its size. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it their prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Common Name: Cape jasmine
Genus: Gardenia
Species: jasminoides
Skill Level: Experienced
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade
Hardiness: Half Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Acidic
Height: 300cm
Spread: 200cm
There are few plants that have such an exotic fragrance as the evergreen shrub, gardenia. From summer to autumn, the large, showy flowers open white, fading to deep ivory over time. Plant in lime-free (ericaceous) compost and top-dress plants every spring, and apply a monthly fertiliser during the growing season. Also water plants with rain or distilled water to help reduce lime build-up in the compost.
Common Name: Heavenly bamboo
Genus: Nandina
Species: domestica
Skill Level: Experienced
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Moist
Height: 150cm
Spread: 100cm
Despite its common name Nandina is not a bamboo, but a relative of berberis. It forms a tall shrub, up to 1.8m (6ft) high, with bright green leaves that turn reddish-purple in autumn and winter. The brilliant leaf colour often remains all winter plant it with other Japense plants like maples. Plants also produce clusters of small white flowers that are followed by attractive bunches of red berries after a good summer. Although it is a hardy plant, grow it in a sheltered spot as the growth can be damaged by hard frosts of cold winds.
Common Name: Japanese anemone
Genus: Anemone
Species: hupehensis
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Dry, Moist
Height: 120cm
Spread: 45cm
Time to divide plants: October to April
Japanese anemones are among the best late summer and autumn border flowers, with tall upright stems that do not need staking. The large wide open blooms associate well with most other late flowers, especially if allowed to spread gently among perennials and shrubs. 'hybrida Serenade' is taller than most varieties, with creamy pink flowers and yellow centres nice dark foiliage contrasts well with the pale ice cream pink of the flower try planting with Helleborus orientalis. Mulch plants for winter protection, or lift and overwinter them in sand in a frost-free place. The Royal Horticultural Society have given it the Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Lonicera japonica "Aureoreticulata" Climbing plant Japanese Honeysuckle.
A twining climber with glossy dark green leaves attractively veined yellow and fragrant purple-flushed white flowers followed by blue-black berries. Height 6m. Flower colour Purple, White. Flowers from May to August. Fruit colour Blue, Black. Fruits from August. Evergreen. Foliage colour Green, Yellow. Hardy. Planting instructions Back-fill with soil mixed with peat and a suitable fertiliser.
Osmanthus delavayi
A must have, rounded shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of very fragrant tubular white flowers from mid to late spring. If you want a scented garden this is a plant you must have. Japanese use an orange flowerd wich is some waht better but we rarly have these, due to import difficulties. but let us know if you want an orange one.
See also Philadelphus Virginal
And
Choisya ternata Sundance (Lich) Mexican Orange Blossom
Scented Cimbers such as honey suckles, Jasmines.
and small perennials like Pholx or Dianthus
Height 3m. Spread 3m.
Flower colour White.
Flowers from April to May. Fruit colour Blue, Black.
Fruits from June. Evergreen.
Foliage colour Green.
Hardy.
Shelter from cold drying winds.
Planting instructions Back-fill with soil mixed with peat and a suitable fertiliser.€8
Email for more info or any questions.
