Donations of Phygelius capensis; Digitalis purpurea 'Alba' & Bergenia cordifolia
Jan Welland
Posts: 15
Hello again, I write for some more advice 
I've been given for free 1 of Phygelius capensis; 3 Digitalis purpurea 'Alba and 6 Bergenia cordifolia I have this patchy piece of non descript garden which is great in the Spring/Summer but come Autumn/Winter, gets very little sun. I've got three rose bushes which I inherited in this patch and they seem to do well with the changing seasons. I just wanted to know if any of the above will thrive in this patch of garden? could the Phygelius capensis survive in a large pot or is it best to plant in the ground against a wall? and would the Foxglove survive under these conditions. I would like to create a bit of wild garden for bees etc for next year. Also could the Bergenia cordifolia survive in large pots to give some greenary in the Autumn/Winter? Any help and advice, most welcome 
Posts
They could all go into the ground immediately. You haven't told us the width and length of this garden/ border which would give us a better idea of the space you are referring to. A picture would be even better.
Hi there, I did that as I was typing message, so I've taken some photos today. I would say the size of it is about 7' long by 4' wide and with all the stones that are lying about, my plan is to make a small pathway so that I can get to the roses at the front and tend the other plants once they're put in the ground. Hope the photos help
You've helped me before Ladybird and I've also got a lovely Alpine Strawberry to plant as well 
Hi again Jan. I would get a half moon edger (or spade) and cut so that you have just a small oval of grass (you can get rid of the grass later if you prefer to just have an oval of stones or an attractive paved circle) and therefore you will increase the borders around the edges. The soil here can be improved by adding lots of compost (John Innes Number 3 if you don't have your own). Bergenias will grow just about anywhere and I would be tempted to plant them in two groups of three plants. One group near the metal hoop thing (sorry - not sure what that is) and the other group near the gate in front of the plant there, The three white foxgloves I would plant in between your Hypericum (can't see it very clearly so I'm guessing thats what it is!) and the rose but bringing them just slightly forward so they are not against the wall. The Phygelius I would plant in front of the faux (posh!) ivy screen, about halfway between the black pot and the grassy plant at the other end. I would get lots of mini daffodils and plant them in thick clumps around the borders to provide a splash of colour in the Spring. Further planting could follow next year to add more interest.