Keeping up with change

Some new varieties need a little explaining, says Peter

- Peter Seabrook

RULES for good plant cultivation remain much the same, but some plants are now cultivated for specific use, and I worry that gardeners are not being given enough guidance in this area. One example would be petunia and garden chrysanthemums: visiting the Kerleys in Cambridgeshire, I saw their latest Xanthe Series – small-flowered autumn chrysanthemums. They feature an arching habit specifically to suit growing in hanging baskets.

Growers just pot up rooted cuttings – no pinching, no disbudding. These new introductions naturally grow in a semi-pendula and rounded shape to suit baskets. When choosing petunias, advice will be needed at the point of purchase so as not to buy a specialist plant that may not suit its intended use.