‘Not again!’ Gardeners cry when they discover another plant has changed its name
Recently, while singing loudly the praises of one of my favorite perennials, ‘Gaura lindheimeri’, I was gently told that I had misunderstood the name. It is now called Oenethera.
My heart sank at yet another complicated plant label to remember. ‘Not again!’ I thought. And it’s not the only change.
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If you grew up with Sedums, they now mainly fall under the Hylotelephium banner.
And the fabulously named Mother in the Tongue of the Mother-in-Law – which used to be Sansevieria, is now a Dracaena.
Most Calatheas have become Goeppertia, and did you know that Rosemary is now classified as Salvia?
In reality, using the old terms is unlikely to get anyone into a garden center – and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with calling them by their common names.
But it’s also worth knowing why things change.
Since the 1870s, every plant – thanks to the Swedish biologist Carl Linnaeus – has an accepted scientific name, which is universally understood and avoids confusion.
If you speak to a gardener around the world and use the correct name, they will fully understand what you are looking for.
But if you use the local name, you can get something completely different.
Even within Great Britain, a harebell in England is known as a harebell in Scotland.
Every plant has two main names: the genus and the species.
All plants in the genus have similar characteristics and share a common ancestor, such as Rosa, Acanthus, Clematis or Dahlia. They also all require similar growing conditions.
The second name gives you clues as to what type of plant it is – alba means white, azurea – blue and compacta means – you guessed it – compact.
But recent developments in the field of DNA are causing scientists to look much more closely at plants and their history.
And they’ve discovered that some of these plants have been completely misnamed – and belong to a completely different group.
Guy Barter, head horticulturist at RHS, said: “Plant names are not static, but change as botanists discover more about the relationships between plants, often through DNA analysis.
“Although difficult for gardeners, it helps in better understanding plants, which aids in growing them.”
It seems like it’s time to take a closer look at our genus and study the species. Good luck!
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SPACE INVADERS
We’ve all heard of Japanese knotweed and the enormous problems it can cause.
But a new study from Reading University has uncovered six other surprising plants that could be considered ‘invaders’ in the future.
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The team created an online survey for gardeners to report ornamental plants exhibiting “invasive behavior” in their gardens.
Based on reports from 558 gardeners, 251 different plants were identified as problematic.
And based on that, techs created a shortlist of plants whose invasive potential should be assessed.
Published in the journal NeoBiota, including Mexican fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus); ciper spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias); chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordata); Himalayan honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa); and purple top (Verbena bonariensis).
Lead author Tomos Jones said: “This is crucial for focusing research efforts and resources, such as conducting formal risk assessments to investigate the invasive potential of those shortlisted.”
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SEED OF THOUGHT
Mr Fothergill’s encourages gardeners to use the new ‘Pudsey Wildlife attracts mixed flowers‘ and upload photos of their progress and end results – tagged with #growforpudsey – to Facebook and Instagram, for a chance to win £100 worth of gardening supplies.
Each £2.99 pack of the mix contains a selection of hardy and semi-hardy annuals and perennials, ready for any bed. And money is also being raised for it Children in need.
The flowers not only provide a colorful display, but also encourage beneficial wildlife to enter the garden.
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SPRING IN OUR STEPS
It’s officially spring!!! That’s why Aldi has launched their latest range of garden items, with products starting from just £1.49.
It includes a walk-in greenhouse from £29.99 and grow bags from £8.99 – with more products landing on March 7.
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TOP TIP!
March is your last chance to plant bare-root trees, shrubs and roses, so get them in the ground now.
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THIS WEEK’S VACANCY!
There is still time to apply a layer of mulch – to keep weeds away and retain moisture in the soil.
In the coming weeks it is also worth feeding your border with well-rotted manure and compost.
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TO RESCUE!
Avoid wear and tear with this £8 foam-filled Dunelm kneeler
Or enjoy Agriframe’s £19.99 offer
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TO WIN!
TWO lucky readers can get their hands on a beautiful ‘Container Collection and Pot Pairing’ from our friends at Crocus worth around £100 each.
There are two types of pots to win: the Lucca Terracotta worth £49.99 or the Oval Zinc Dolly worth £54.99
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And choose the Holiday Romance Container Plant Collection worth € 22.98
Or the Trusted Friend Container Collection worth €30.97
To enter, complete this form or visit www.thesun.co.uk/CROCUSCOMP
Or write to Sun Crocus Competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP.
Please include your name, age, email address or telephone number. UK residents 18+ only. Ends at 2359 GMT 16/03/24.
Terms and conditions HERE
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TO LEARN!
Q. My eight year old apple tree has gall disease all over its branches. Will this affect the apples and if so should I cut down the tree? Tony Cheng, via email.
a. I’m happy to tell you that this isn’t Crown Gall – even though it’s an easy mistake to make – but Burr Knots.
Very common in apple trees, it is a way they try to spread themselves.
Prune them so there is good airflow – and they can be an entry point for pests and diseases, so keep a close eye on them.
If there are many of them, this can eventually weaken the tree, especially in high winds.
But see how the tree goes over the next year and hopefully you’ll get lots of nice apples.
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