ILLICIUM YUNNANENSE

A superb evergreen shrub from Mark Fillan which has just come into flower. It seems to be growing robustly, despite last summer's drought.

FLOWERING IN MARCH

Stachyurus yunnanensis is evergreen and so does not suffer from the curse of S. praecox - the late frost.
It seems perfectly hardy but is happier against a wall.
Ribes sanguineum 'Tydeman's White' is a robust currant that  will perform anywhere and only needs to be fiercely pruned to keep it in check.
Bergenias get a bad name - but I love them.
B. emeiensis is perfectly hardy and is flowering now. It has neat foliage and delightful white flowers with a hint of pink.