London Pride

London Pride is a classic, old-fashioned ground-cover plant that has been a staple of British gardens for centuries. It is a naturally occurring hybrid that is incredibly tough and versatile, often found thriving in the cracks of damp stone walls or lining shaded garden paths. It forms low-growing rosettes of leathery, spoon-shaped, dark green leaves with scalloped edges. In late spring and early summer, it sends up delicate, airy sprays of tiny, star-like white flowers that are intricately spotted with pink and yellow. These dainty blooms hover above the foliage on slender red stems, adding a misty quality to the border. It is remarkably adaptable, coping with full shade and poor soil, though it prefers some moisture and protection from the hottest midday sun. Hardy to H7, it is evergreen in most UK winters, providing valuable structural interest year-round. It is an excellent choice for a traditional cottage garden or a rockery where it can slowly colonise rocky crevices.

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: May, Jun, Jul.