Mother’s Day gifts much better than a bouquet!

Thompson & Morgan gin garden set

This windowsill herb-growing kit is great for gin-loving mums
Image: Thompson & Morgan

Ditch the daffodils this Mothering Sunday and give a growing gift that will provide many years of enjoyment!

Our range includes the perfect plants for mum’s home or garden, with many delivered ready to display.

From pretty pinks to perky pineapples, fragrant flowers or fresh herbs to garnish their G&Ts, browse our special collection of Mother’s Day Gifts for ideas that every mum will love.

Pretty, pink & delivered ready to display!

Pink Hydroponic Anthurium flower

This hydroponic Anthurium makes an eye-catching Mother’s Day gift
Image: Thompson & Morgan

With long-lasting pink flower bracts and glossy heart-shaped foliage, this amazing Anthurium makes a fabulous focal point!

Supplied with a clear glass vase to display its network of roots, these fascinating flamingo flowers capture the latest trend for hydroponic house plants.

Fabulous fragrant flowers!

White orchid arch with purple and yellow flowers in grey pot

Enjoy this delicately scented orchid throughout the winter months
Image: Thompson & Morgan

This gorgeous Dendrobium orchid is arranged as a beautiful arch, showcasing its gleaming white blooms in a dazzling display.

The long-lasting scented flowers will transform any room with their simple yet luxurious style.

Perfectly petite pineapple!

Pineapple plant in pot

This striking mini pineapple plant removes toxins from the air
Image: Thompson & Morgan

Grow your own exotic fruits with this amazingly architectural Pineapple plant! Ideal for a bright windowsill or conservatory and with air-purifying properties, it’s sure to create a tropical talking point in the home. In summer, plants produce cones of purple flowers with bright red bracts, followed by slowly-developing fruits.

Grow Your Own Gin Garden

Thompson & Morgan gin garden kit

Grow your own cocktail ingredients with this beautifully boxed kit
Image: Thompson & Morgan

Supplied with everything you need to grow herbs to perfectly complement your favourite gin and tonics!

A great gift for gin lovers, this beautiful gin garden gift set fits perfectly on a windowsill, so mum can pick fresh herbs to flavour her drinks. Kit contains a wooden crate with chalk board and chalk, zinc pots, seeds, soil and snips for harvesting herbs.

Grow a blaze of spring colour!

Bright pink rhododendron flower

This striking Rhododendron flowers prolifically each spring
Image: Thompson & Morgan

Perfect for growing in patio containers, evergreen Azalea ‘Mother’s Day’ will burst into bloom each May with a blaze of spring colour!

Its pillar box-red, semi double flowers are complemented by the glossy green leaves of this neat little shrub, offering an unforgettable display for years to come.

Shop the full range

Lasting longer than a bunch of cut flowers, living gifts give joy for many years, creating memories mum will love.

This is just a small selection from our gift range – shop all Mother’s Day 2024 gifts here.

RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year Winners 2023

T&M is thrilled to announce that Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’ has been crowned the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2023


RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year winner

When four of our entries were shortlisted, we hardly dared to hope that one of these would take the winning spot. We are immensely proud to have scooped a hat trick with Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’ exhibited by Sparsholt College and supplied by Thompson & Morgan taking the top spot. Closely followed by Hydrangea ‘Euphoria Pink’ and Weigela ‘Camouflage’ both exhibited by Stonebarn Landscapes and supplied by Thompson & Morgan taking the runner up and third place spots respectively.


RHS Plant of the Year 2023 Winner

Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’


Agapanthus Black Jack

Larger and longer-lasting blooms produced in profusion!

‘Black Jack’ offers bigger flowers and more blooms through the season. This amazing Agapanthus produces 10 times as many florets per flowerhead for a flowering season twice as long as its competitors.

The “must have” Agapanthus for a striking display

Easy to grow and heat tolerant, ‘Black Jack’ boasts strong vigour and a striking presence in borders and containers. Large flowerheads are filled with black buds that open to deep black-purple striped blooms – these fade to deep purple and take on a dazzling metallic sheen with age.

A unique variety from 20 years of breeding

De Wet Plant Breeders, South Africa, set out to produce disease resistant, vigorous, heat-tolerant and multi-flowering cultivars and a black cultivar was always high on the wish list. 17 years into the program, they finally got “the one”! ‘Black Jack’ is a unique Agapanthus that’s the result of years of dedicated hybridised breeding.

Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’

Flowers: July to September
Height: 80cm. Spread: 70cm

1 x 9cm Potted Plants
Code: KF2470
£14.99

3 x 9cm Potted Plants
Code: KF4998
£29.99

Find out more


RHS Plant of the Year 2nd Place

Hydrangea serrata ‘Euphoria Pink’


Hydrangea Euphorbia Pink

Exhibited in partnership with Mr. Nagasaki T. from Japan representing Osco Garden BV, Aalsmeer/Netherlands.

The first Hydrangea serrata that’s all about stunning foliage AND flowers!

The striking tricolour foliage of this handsome Hydrangea flushes vibrant pink, white and green each spring. As the pink fades, unique lacecap-style blooms burst from pale pink buds into two-tone red flowers with pale centres.

Ideal for pots, containers & borders

This easy to grow shrub is ideal for moisture-retentive but well drained soil in sun or shade and is hardy down to -20C.

Flowers: July to September
Height: 80cm. Spread: 70cm

The latest in Hydrangea breeding

Hydrangea serrata ‘Euphoria Pink’ was discovered in a long-term Japanese breeding programme with rooted cuttings sent to Osco Garden BV in Aalsmeer, The Netherlands. Van Son & Koot Nursery BV from Kaatsheuvel / Netherlands rooted cuttings under license and prepared the plants for The Chelsea Flower Show.

Hydrangea serrata ‘Euphoria Pink’

1 x 13cm Potted Plants
Code: KF1217
£19.99

3 x 13cm Potted Plants
Code: KF4999
£34.99

1 x 3 Litre Potted Plant
Code: KF1218
£29.99

2 x 3 litre potted plants
Code: KF5000
£49.99

Find out more


RHS Plant of the Year 3rd Place

Weigela ‘Camouflage’


Weigela Camouflage

Vivid variegation plus bright red blooms!

‘Camouflage’ is a stunning compact Weigela with variegated bright green and dark black/green foliage. These petite plants become smothered with bright ruby-red funnel-shaped flowers borne on aching stems in May and June, attracting pollinators to the garden.

Sensational for small spaces

Weigela ‘Camouflage’ is a deciduous, low-maintenance, fully hardy shrub that’s perfect for small gardens and container growing. Grow in a sunny or semi-shaded position, in any well-drained soil.

From T&M’s own breeding programme

T&M’s Weigela breeding programme began in 2008 with the aim of producing compact plants with fabulous, coloured foliage, which are ideal for any size of garden. The programme continued until 2018, when selections were made from stock in the field and ‘Camouflage’ is the first in a series with variegated foliage.

Flowers: May to June
Height and spread: 60cm

Weigela ‘Camouflage’

1 x 9cm Potted Plant
Code: KF0321
£12.99

3 x 9cm Potted Plants
Code: KF5161
£29.99

Find out more


T&M’s New 2023 Flowering Plants Range

The plants featured are only a small selection of the new flowering plants on offer from T&M and the full range is available to browse and buy online.

View all new plants for 2023

Announcing our Plant of the Year nominees

Announcing our Plant of the Year nominees for The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022

World-renowned, inspirational and quintessentially British, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is an unforgettable experience for gardening enthusiasts and the jewel in the crown for growers hoping to win the prestigious Plant of the Year 2022 award with their new introductions.

We have submitted four fabulous flower plants as our nominees for the RHS Chelsea 2022 Plant of the Year award – the best varieties for a floriferous display of long-lasting colour, with outstanding performance in the garden.


Four fabulous flowers for a glorious garden!

Azalea ‘Starstyle Pink’

Yes, this really is an Azalea!

This distinctive little Azalea is delightfully different, fun and exciting, making it ideal for modern gardens.

The result of 23 years of breeding, Azalea ‘Starstyle Pink’ is a unique new variety with compact growth, profuse unusual flowers twice a year, plus highly decorative lush evergreen foliage. Height and spread: 50cm.

Azalea 'Starstyle Pink'

Fabulous flower power

Enjoy masses of distinctive hot pink, star-shaped flowers blooming profusely in spring and again in autumn, set against long, narrow, pointed evergreen leaves.

Great looks & behaviour

This compact and versatile evergreen is perfect for patio pots, borders, conservatories or even inside the house thanks to its good heat and cold tolerance.

A low maintenance marvel

‘Starstyle Pink’ is low maintenance, fully hardy and perfect for adding a pop of colour wherever it is needed in the garden.

Available as:
1 x 10.5cm potted azalea plant (KC8105)
1 x 3 litre potted azalea plant (KC8109)


Weigela ‘Magic Carpet’

Weigela ‘Magic Carpet’ is the outstanding outcome of a 10-year breeding programme to produce compact plants with vivid foliage, plus an abundance of flowers. It will delight you with its pretty pink flowers and fabulous colour changing foliage. Height: 60cm. Spread: 46cm.

Weigela Magic Carpet

A Weigela with the wow factor

Compact ‘Magic Carpet’ will whisk you away with a profusion of pink, funnel-shaped flowers on arching stems in May and June, bridging the gap between spring and summer and offering early support for pollinators.

First of a kind foliage

The fabulous colour changing foliage of this pretty plant transitions from apricot orange to golden yellow as the seasons change, giving months of interest even as the blooms fade.

A versatile variety for the garden or patio

‘Magic Carpet’ is the perfect choice for containers and will also look amazing as mass landscape planting, brightening beds and borders with a carpet of colour.

Available as:
1 x 9cm potted weigela plant (KC0879)
2 x 9cm potted weigela plants (KC7820)


Geranium ‘Intense’

New Geranium ‘Intense’ is a neon pink sensation!

Intense by name, intense by nature, its non-fading, vivid pink blooms and extreme flower power will astound you!

This compact hardy perennial has the flower power to stand alongside annual summer bedding, while offering much more versatility and a longer season of interest. Height: 25cm. Spread: 50cm.

Geranium Intense

Glowing ground cover with neon pink blooms

More vivid than other pink varieties, masses of stunning, neon bright, single blooms sit perched on short stems, attracting butterflies and bees from June to September.

Hardy and versatile

Versatile, vigorous and with a trouble-free growth habit, this hardy geranium is ideal for mass planting as ground cover, borders and all types of containers, so you can enjoy these beautiful blooms wherever you wish in the garden.

Colour changing foliage for added autumnal interest

The fragrant semi-evergreen foliage turns red in autumn as an added bonus.

Available as:
1 x 9cm potted geranium plant (KC7851)
3 x 9cm potted geranium plants (KC7852)


Salvia ‘A Little Bit’

This new Salvia ‘A Little Bit’ is more than just a little bit special!

A seedling selection from a crossing of Salvia nemorosa and Salvia pratensis, the ravishing result is a compact and extremely hardy perennial with big, bold blooms.

These compact, tidy plants boast a long flowering season, a wide range of garden uses and true winter hardiness making Salvia ‘A Little Bit’ the obvious option for gardeners looking to add impact to their planting schemes. Height: 25cm. Spread: 30cm.

Salvia 'A Little Bit'

Giant deep purple flowers

Salvia ‘A Little Bit’ is a hardy cultivar of Salvia nemorosa but with much larger, showy, deep violet-blue flower spikes of Salvia pratensis.

Colourful and compact

The beautiful blooms are held on a tidy, low and compact plant reaching just 25cm high – perfectly proportioned for smaller borders and a fabulous focal point in a patio planter.

Long flowering and low maintenance

Successive flower spikes are produced below the first main spike, making ‘A Little Bit’ an especially long-flowering perennial. These pretty plants are easy to grow, winter hardy and an important food source for pollinators.

Available as:
1 x 9cm potted salvia plant (KC8104)


All varieties featured above are available to buy online at https://www.thompson-morgan.com/chelsea-2022

Anthurium Plant Care Guide

Anthurium is tropical species that we are lucky enough to be able to cultivate in our homes. This plant stands out with large, dark green, heart-shaped leaves. It is an evergreen plant that can bloom for months without excessive care. Some of the more popular species are Anthurium Crystallinum, Clarinervium, Veitchii but there are many more.

In adult plants, the leaves reach an impressive size, accompanied by unique flowers every year from June to February that will last for months.

Anthurium plant

©Shutterstock: Anthurium plants produce flowers every year from June to February that will last for months.

 

Have I drawn your attention yet? Keep reading and you will learn how to cultivate this unique plant like a trained botanist!

Soil Requirements for Anthurium Care

These epiphytes usually grow in rock cracks or on limestone soil. They have big, fleshy roots that can easily rot in moist soil. Soil should be adjusted to the original conditions of this amazing plant so a well-drained, light and the loose substrate is best.

The roots need constant good aeration, but the soil mixture should retain enough moisture to keep them hydrated between watering. They need a balanced substrate that is neither too dry nor too moist.

Orchid and potting soil mixture or a pre-made orchid mix is most commonly used. You can prepare the right mixture for your flamingo flower by yourself. Use a mixture of humus, peat, and sharp sand. The soil must be highly permeable. A slightly acidic soil can also have great benefits for these plants. The recommended range is from 5.5 pH to 6.5 pH.

Anthurium Light Requirements

A location with partial shade or indirect daylight will make Anthuriums thrive. They can tolerate the gentle early sun, and they will greatly appreciate the long hours of bright light for the rest of the day. Keep in mind that they can’t stand being exposed to direct sun rays.

East-facing windows are most favorable for this plant. Windows facing West will provide enough light, but be careful because the intense afternoon sun could scorch their leaves. Direct sun exposure on a south-facing window will almost certainly be too intense for this tropical plant.

Anthurium plant

©Thompson & Morgan: A location with partial shade or indirect daylight will make Anthuriums thrive

 

Once a week, clean the leaves of your plant with a damp cloth. Cleaning the leaves is healthy for the whole plant. Removing dust allows better absorption of natural light and encourages plant growth.

Anthurium Watering Needs

These tropical beauties need regular watering. During the summer, they should be watered moderately every two to three days. During the winter you can water once every ten to twelve days. It is recommended to use rainwater, distilled or boiled water which has been left to cool.

One way to make sure you don’t over-water your plant is to place the pot in a deeper container of water and leave it to soak for a while. When you notice that the air bubbles have stopped coming out, move the pot onto the side to drain before returning it to its usual position.

When pouring the water directly into the pot, make sure the soil is allowed to dry well before the next watering. Anthurium plants have thick, dense roots that rot easily in waterlogged soil. The appearance of yellow and dry Anthurium leaves can happen due to excessive watering or soil dryness.

Temperature and Humidity

Anthurium is native to the rainforests of Mexico, so it is quite natural that they require a humid environment and high indoor temperatures for proper growth.

The optimal temperature range is between 16C (60.8°F) and 30C (86°F). The temperature of the room should be balanced at all times, because sudden jumps or drops in temperature could damage the plant.

Given the natural habitat of this plant, it’s not surprising that the ideal place for your Anthurium plant is the bathroom or kitchen due to the increased humidity. These are the rooms that will best resemble the warm, humid conditions that they enjoy. If you want to place it somewhere else, make sure it is as far away from the heaters as possible, because they dry the moisture from the air.

Adequate humidity during the summer months can be maintained by spraying the foliage with a mist of warm water. In summer, when the heat is great, they can be sprayed several times during the day, and in winter once a day when the air in the room is dry. Avoid excessive spraying is also not good as it can lead to necrosis of the leaves.

Fertilizing

If you want to have a plant of lush and large leaves, fertilize twice a month from spring to autumn. Avoid feeding in winter when growth is minimal. Keep in mind that too much fertilizer can be just as harmful as excessive watering.

For potted plants like your Anthurium, liquid fertilizers are better absorbed and easy to apply. They are highly concentrated, so you would have to dilute them before use. Always follow the instructions carefully.

Anthurium plant

©Thompson & Morgan: If you want to have a plant of lush and large leaves, fertilize twice a month from spring to autumn.

 

Propagation

These ornamental plants can be propagated in the spring by planting seeds, or by dividing young plants that grow at the base of a large plant.

Anthurium seeds are sown in the same soil in which the adult plant was grown. Until the seedlings sprout, it is recommended to keep the pots in partial shade. When the first shoots sprout, move the pots to the bright daylight. Finally, take the young plants out of the ground with the roots and plant them in a separate pot.

When using the root division method, it is necessary to remove the plant from the pot. Divide them gently without damaging the roots. They should be planted immediately in different pots.

When using older plants to divide the roots, make sure that each part has its root system and leaves. Store the pots in a place with high humidity where temperatures never go below 16C (60.8°F). These babies should be watered regularly to keep the compost moist.

Repotting and Pruning

Young Anthuriums are sometimes transplanted once a year due to intensive growth. It is advised to transplant in March or April. Older plants are usually transplanted once every two years or whenever the roots become tight in their pots.

Anthurium plant

©Thompson & Morgan: Older plants are usually transplanted once every two years or whenever the roots become tight in their pots.

 

The new pot should match the size of the plant. Never transplant into oversized pots, but one or two sizes larger than the old one .  Choose a fairly wide and low pot because of the short roots this species has. The above-ground part of the plant should remain above the ground and, as it grows, additionally cover it with a loose base of moss.

Summary

With gentle care, Anthurium will grow and bloom for many years. It is extremely durable and doesn’t require a lot of time to give it the conditions it needs. I’m sure it will be worth the effort when you feel the touch of exotic tropical regions spreading through your home. Here’s a quick summary of my Anthurium growing tips!

  • Use a fast-draining substrate
  • Provide medium to bright light exposure
  • Keep the air humid by misting
  • Water regularly with distilled water
  • Maintain temperature
  • Feed it with organic fertilizer
  • Cut damaged leaves regularly
  • Transplant every two years

We hope this article will help your anthuriums to thrive. For more exotic plants advice and tips, visit our hub – T&M’s ultimate resource on tropical plants.

How to get the most from your petunias

Petunia ‘Pegasus Wine Splash’ from Thompson & Morgan

Petunia ‘Pegasus Wine Splash’ petals are attractively flecked with burgundy
Image: Petunia ‘Pegasus Wine Splash’ from Thompson & Morgan

Petunias are hugely popular bedding plants that you can order as plugs or garden-ready plants. Alternatively, you can sow your own petunia seeds as a cost-effective way to replenish hanging baskets and fill your garden with colour. 

Here, T&M’s resident expert, Kris Collins, shares a few simple tips to increase the flower power and longevity of your petunias. 

Why grow petunias?

Petunia 'Frills & Spills™ Susanna' from Thompson & Morgan

Buy scented petunias to add an extra dimension to your displays
Image: Petunia ‘Frills & Spills™ Susanna’ from Thompson & Morgan

Petunias are something I turn to every spring in order to get my garden ready for summer. I couldn’t be without them in my hanging baskets. Trailing types, covered in masses of fragrant trumpet blooms, such as Petunia ‘Easy Wave Ultimate Mixed’, are perfect for lending that luxurious feel to your summer garden.

Most commonly used in container displays, there are actually many varieties that work well in border plantings too. Prolific growth smothers weeds and traps moisture in the soil, whilst also providing a carpet of colour.

Petunias require very little specialist upkeep. As long as you’re prepared to water regularly and remove spent flowers as they go over, you’ll be in for a season of scent and colour right through to autumn.

Which petunia should I choose for my space?

Petunia ‘Back to Black’ from Thompson & Morgan

Petunia ‘Back to Black’ produces gorgeous velvety black flowers
Image: Petunia ‘Back to Black’ from Thompson & Morgan

When it comes to choosing your petunias, firstly consider where you want to grow them. Grandiflora types, like Petunia grandiflora ‘Cascade Pink Orchid Mist’ F1 Hybrid, are best saved for basket and container displays – the large blooms are better shown off at height, and will be less prone to weather damage and mud splash.

For a show-stopping petunia bedding display, multiflora types including Petunia ‘Frenzy Mixed’ are the best option. They have smaller flowers and more of them, creating a carpet of colour that will shrug off a summer shower.

How often should I water my petunias?

Petunia 'Surfinia' Collection from T&M

Keep hanging baskets out of direct sun to reduce water loss
Image: Petunia ‘Surfinia’ Collection from T&M

Watering is very important for healthy petunias. In the height of summer you may need to water containers and baskets twice a day, but at least every other day in an average British summer.

For those that work long hours and have less time for watering, it’s a good idea to move petunia hanging baskets and small containers to a shady spot during heatwave conditions, keeping them out of the afternoon sun until you can get home to give them a drink.

Alternatively invest in an auto watering system to reduce your workload and keep your baskets evenly moist.

Do petunias need deadheading?

Petunia ‘Trailing Surfinia White’ from T&M

Keep petunias blooming by removing wilting flower heads 
Image: Petunia ‘Trailing Surfinia White’ from T&M

Remove spent flowers as often as possible. Don’t just clear away the spent petals, but make sure to remove the entire flower head otherwise seed pods will form, the plant will think it has achieved its objective, and flowering will start to reduce.

Should I feed my petunias?

Petunia ‘Trailing Surfinia Purple’ from T&M

Petunia ‘Trailing Surfinia Purple’ produces electric flowers and long trailing stems
Image: Petunia ‘Trailing Surfinia Purple’ from T&M

Feed your petunias using a specialist petunia fertiliser for the best results. Add the fertiliser to the compost mix before planting containers and baskets and it will feed your plants for the whole season.

We’ve seen some excellent results with petunias in our technical trials for Incredibloom. Our one-off granular feed, applied at planting time to soils or composts, encourages up to 400% more blooms and provides everything your plants need for up to 7 months – covering the whole growing season.

Can I train my petunias?

Petunia 'Trailing Surfinia Blue' from Thompson & Morgan

Train your petunias by pinching out young growing tips
Image: Petunia ‘Trailing Surfinia Blue’ from Thompson & Morgan

Pinch out the growing tips of your plants during the early stages of growth, and do this two or three times before planting out to encourage side shooting. This will lead to much more compact plants with many more flowers.

By mid-August, some petunia varieties may start to look a little tired and straggly. To encourage a second strong flush of blooms to last well into autumn, cut the whole display back by a third and offer a general purpose liquid feed. Within a week or so the plants will start to bush out again and fresh new flowers will soon follow. Within 2 weeks, just in time for your August Bank Holiday garden parties, the display will again be in full bloom with no sign that it has been pruned.

If you’re growing your petunias from seed, aim to sow plants 10-12 weeks ahead of safe planting. So if you’re generally safe to start planting out bedding plants in your area from the 1st week of June, aim to sow your seeds in the first week of March. I’ll be looking at sowing petunias in more detail before then, so stay tuned!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found our top tips helpful! If you think we’ve missed anything let us know! For even more info, visit our petunias hub page for lots more resources to help you grow and care for petunias. Get your garden ready for summer – check out our summer flowers hub page for advice, inspiration and top tips!

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