Pretty flowers but don’t know what they are

Jacquimcmahon

I got two of these pretty plants in mixed trays for « autumn colour » they are almost stopped flowering now but does anyone know what they actually are and can I leave them in the baskets over winter?

Hostafan1

I think the blue one is ceratostigma willmotianum. Maybe a salvia behind it, a sedum bottom right corner??

Borderline

I think they are Ceratostigma Plumbaginoides. They are fine to leave in baskets over winter.

Jacquimcmahon

Thanks hostafan and borderline just had a look and you are right it’s a ceratostigma. Everywhere says it likes dry soil so the daskets should be fine as they always dry out quickly. Of course now that I’ve looked it up I’ve seen other ones I want! This gardening lark is dangerous for my wallet.

Obelixx

There's a difference between liking dry conditions and being completely dessicated in a basket.  Try and put your ceratostigma in well-drained ground or in pots so their roots can access moisture without drowning or crisping.

If you join a local garden club you'll meet people who are keen to share info and offer or swap spare plants which brings down costs as well as helping you learn what grows well in your area.

Jacquimcmahon

Thanks Obelixx but as I live in Paris where most folks buy nothing but plants in full flower I’m learning what I can wherever I can. I went to the garden center today where they had loads of beautiful chrysanthemums in full flower, or Christmas decorations.... but can’t get greenhouse heater even after trying all three different centers near me! Apparently no call for them as no one grows from seeds here! Explains how seeds cost a fortune and the range is pathetic.

Obelixx

There must be a gardeners' club in Paris, surely.  You could contact this lot and ask - https://jardinage.lemonde.fr/dossier-82-jardiniers-france-importante-association-amateurs.html 

As for seeds, buy online.  I happily use Chiltern Seeds, Plant World and Seedaholics to buy good quality seeds in a huge range of varieties, especially perennials which interest me more than annuals and biennials.   Veggies too.

If you belong to the British RHS you can buy from their annual seed collection scheme too.

Jacquimcmahon

Thanks Obelixx I’ll hava a look at that site. To be honest I’ve lived here for close to 30 years and still have not seen a single garden in my area with a greenhouse! But then I do live in a commuter town which is well known for weekday residents who work in Paris but spend weekends elsewhere. Ideas of pretty gardens here mean a few pots of pelogoniums bought in full flower in May!

floralies

As Obelixx says there are lots of good places online to buy seeds and also plants and shrubs. Have you just bought your greenhouse as you are looking for a heater? There are plenty of these online at various prices also. I share my greenhouse with my neighbours in our hamlet, it makes for good conversations as well!

Obelixx

I still order seeds form the Uk but I use Promesse des Fleurs for bulbs and shrubs and some perennials that I don't find easily round here or are more expensive.  Good so far.   @Busy-Lizzie uses another website to order lots of plug plants for her pots and bedding.

Love the idea of chats in the greenhouse.

Jacquimcmahon

It’s the first year I’ve really tried to over winter some stuff, hence the search for a small size heater. I could buy online but was looking to compare models. I recently bought plug plants from an online shop called jardin Express which is the first time I’ve found them on a French website. 
I lost loads of plants last winter as it got to minus 14 for a few days, so I’m doing whatever I can to avoid similar issues this year.