Category Archives: Free Plant

The Free Plant Autumn 2025

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Thymus × citriodorus ‘Lime’ is the free plant for the Autumn 2025 plant fair. Thymus × citriodorus ‘Lime’, commonly known as Lime Thyme, is a fragrant evergreen perennial herb prized for its distinctive citrus aroma and vibrant foliage. A hybrid within the mint family (Lamiaceae), it’s thought to have originated from crosses between common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and lemon thyme (Thymus pulegioides), combining the culinary versatility of thyme with a refreshing lime scent. Its compact growth habit and ornamental appeal … Continue reading →

The Free Plant Spring 2025

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Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is the free plant for the Spring 2025 plant fair. Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is a popular montbretia variety known for its vibrant red flowers and attractive, arching foliage. It’s a show-stopping perennial that blooms from late summer into autumn, offering a bold display of colour and attracting pollinators. A cormous, herbaceous perennial with a robust and very upright growing habit up to 5′ (1.6m) tall when in flower. It has mid-green, pleated blade-like leaves and arching deep red flower … Continue reading →

The Free Plant Autumn 2024

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Camissia quamash is the free plant (for 800 visitors, released during the day) at the Helmingham Plant Fair, September 2024. Native to western North America in large areas of southern Canada and the northwestern United States, Camissia quamash is Ideally suited to naturalised planting schemes including wildflower meadows or grassland where the soils are reliably moist (but not waterlogged).  It will also make a handsome addition to the herbaceous border, where its bright blue flowers and greyish green leaves will … Continue reading →

The Free Plant Spring 2024

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Geranium sanguineum ‘Rod Leeds’ is the free plant for the Spring 2024 plant fair. This little known geranium was discovered in the garden of Rod Leeds in Suffolk by Elizabeth Strangman and Graham Gough during a visit in 1986. The geranium was a self sown seedling. By 1996 it was in the Washfield catalogue. It was given the following description: ‘Geranium ‘Rod Leeds’ is an excellent plant of rather upright habit. Magenta pink flowers over a particularly long season.’ Propagate … Continue reading →

The Free Plant Autumn 2023

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Tulipa orphanidea ‘Flava‘) is the free plant (for 800 visitors, released during the day) at the Helmingham Plant Fair, September 2023. A dwarf bulbous perennial, to 30cm tall, with lance-shaped grey-green leaves. Flowers are multi-flowering, bronze-yellow with orange flares, and appear in mid spring.  Plant 10 to 15cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil, with protection from excessive wet and shelter from strong winds.

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