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Plant identification

MacWilliamMacWilliam Posts: 27
in Plants
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Hello there, wise gardeners.

 I have 3 unidentified plants in my garden. Can anybody help me with a name for them? Something else than Peter, Paul and Mary. 

I know the first two are really good ground cover once they start thriving. They are a few inches tall and are hardy perennials. That's all I know about those.

The 3rd one is about a foot and a half, looks like a cross between a thistle and a pineapple at the moment, with spiky leaves. That one must have been in my garden since 2004 when somebody gave me loads of plants she was clearing while revamping her garden. It is the first time I have seen it in all these years.

 

Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer.

mw

Northern Scotland
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Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 26,984

    I, is Stachys macrantha aka S. grandiflora

    3 is an acanthus, can't say which species , rather short for some of the more common ones.

    I recognise 2 but the name won't come at the moment (blame senility) image



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 16,527

    The scsnthus looks like spinosus in early bud. Mine are currently in full f lower spike

  • MacWilliamMacWilliam Posts: 27

    Wouah... thanks a lot nutculet and fidgetbones. Bet you must live a long way south of Inverness. 

    Northern Scotland
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 16,527

    Near nottingham. If you live near inverness, that would explain why its still in bud.

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 16,527

    Sorry about the spelling. That should say Acanthus spinosus.

  • Lily PillyLily Pilly Posts: 3,845
    I think the second is tarragon? Is it soft! Try a leaf



    I am south Scotland and acanthus not in flower yet
    Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
    A A Milne
  • MacWilliamMacWilliam Posts: 27

    Hi Lily

    Does look like Tarragon, is soft, will have a go... but I dont think it is.

    Regarding the acanthus, i have read that it does not like being moved. This and the rampant pink geranium on top of it, could explained the 10 year delay in popping it's head.

    Northern Scotland
  • MacWilliamMacWilliam Posts: 27

    Well, I dont think it is Tarragon. I happen to have some growing in the garden and it is quite different. The  silver grey on the leaves rubs off quite easily. They are green underneath. Looks like it is going to flower.

    I'll update the image when it does.

    Northern Scotland
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601

    It isn't terragon. I have it in my garden but I don't know what it is called. It spreads from the roots and can be invasive but the silver leaves are very attractive and stay pretty all summer. The flowers aren't anything to get excited about buy it all looks very well with strong greens or pink or blue companions.

  • MacWilliamMacWilliam Posts: 27

    Thanks Posy

    all this makes sense as it came from a huge clump in a border in somebody's garden. Invasive is exactly what i am planning for this new friend.

     

     

    Northern Scotland
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