Easy Annuals

Known as an 'everlasting' because the flowers will last indefinitely when dried, Helichrysum bracteatum bloom non-stop from ten weeks after sowing and continue until late autumn. The soft lemon double blooms on tall, well-branched plants are useful for beds and borders and one of the finest subjects for bouquets.

The cut flower grower's staple, producing tall vigorous branching plants that are filled with large papery flowers. Helichrysum 'Silvery Rose' produce large pearlescent white blooms, frosted with a delicate rose pink colour at the tips. Reminiscent of vintage mother of pearl, they bloom ten weeks after sowing and continue till first frost.

Helichrysum bracteatum is the most well known and is probably the best of all the everlasting flowers. They make one of the finest subjects for bouquets, apart from being useful for beds and borders. It is the cut flower grower's staple. 'King Size Silvery-White' produce substantial slky-white blooms that are held atop strong multi-branching bright green stems.

Throughout the summer, large, pure white flowers of Ipomoea alba open quickly at night, releasing sweet perfume into the evening air. Position near to your patio where you can enjoy the fragrant scent in the evening. A wonderful plant for a moth, night, or fragrance garden, the large white blooms appear to illuminate the garden

Ipomoea nil ‘Blue Picotee’ produces large, ruffled cobalt-blue blooms that are edged with bright white surrounding a deep rose throat. This extremely carefree and free-blooming, annual climbing vine will grow to around 120 to 180cm (4 to 6ft) tall. It will bloom early and load itself with masses of attractive funnel shaped flowers up to 10cm (3in) wide all summer long.

Ipomoea pennata is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful of all annual vines. The feathery foliage with thin, thread-like leaves give the plant a light, airy texture. In summer the plants burst into flower and are covered with hundreds of scarlet red, star shaped flowers.

This heirloom morning glory originated in Bavaria in Germany and named for the original Seed-saver Baptist John Ott, Ipomoea purpurea 'Grandpa Ott' flowers of intense violet-blue, with a ruby red star. It is a good climber for walls, trellis work or if allowed to scramble through other plants or trees.

Ipomoea 'Kniolas Black' is one of the darkest of all Ipomoea varieties available. It blooms with the most stunning dark velvety purple-black flowers, each with cerise throats. Very easy to grow, this extremely carefree and free-blooming climber will bloom early and load itself with masses of attractive dark purple-black flowers all summer long.

Mammoth Sweet Peas belongs to a type of sweet pea called an 'Early Multiflora Gigantea'. Marked by the longest stems, and large fragrant blooms, they are very popular with commercial cut flower growers. 'Mammoth Crimson' produce large crimson-red flowers that are borne on beautifully long stems.

Extra early, extra large blooms are the feature of this award winning sweet pea, an excellent choice for early spring colour and the best strain for producing early cut flowers. If you have never seen this kind of sweet pea on long stems before, and don’t quite understand what all the fuss is all about…they are marvellous …guaranteed to make you fall completely in love with them.

Mammoth Sweet Peas belongs to a type of sweet pea called an 'Early Multiflora Gigantea'. Marked by the longest stems, and large fragrant blooms, they are very popular with commercial cut flower growers. 'Mammoth Salmon Cream' produce large flowers that are borne on beautifully long stems.

Named for the ‘Father of the Sweet Pea’ this stunning heirloom grandiflora type has dramatic orange blooms and is fantastically fragrant. 'Henry Eckford' is one of the original Antique or Heirloom varieties, use for cut flowers or plant where their scent can be appreciated.

Originally bred and introduced by a Mr Viner in 1901, Sweet Pea 'Nellie Viner' produces long stemmed blooms that have nicely rounded clear pink flowers. In the vase it is a very useful pink, that blends beautifully with more delicate shades or can be used as a contrast displayed with the darker tones. The long-stemmed sprays produce an irresistible medley of fragrances and make exceptionally fine cut flowers.

The original ‘Painted Lady’ sweet pea arose as a sport from 'Cupani' in about 1730. It was the very first named sweet pea cultivar. Recently reselected, this modern form produces larger, more numerous flowers and retains the distinctive colour combination of lotus-pink and white petals with a rich, old-time sweet scent.

Lovingly nicknamed the 'unicorn sweet pea', 'Enchante' is an amazing tri-colour variety in blush pink, white and soft mauve or lavender. Raised and introduced by Dr Keith Hammett, this fabulously feminine sweet pea will produce fist fulls of demure little blooms for a gorgeous display.

Lathyrus odoratus 'Midnight' is very special variety of sweet pea, seed of which is seldom available.Beautifully formed scented blooms of dark crimson, almost black. An amazing colour. The flowers are almost twice the size of a regular sweet pea and its stems are almost twice the length and so are perfect for cutting.

Dr Keith Hammett has bred many incredible new varieties, now referred to as the 'Modern Grandiflora's', they feature larger petal sizes and longer stem lengths and, importantly, their scent has been retained. 'Moody Blues' combines three of Keith's most popular varieties.