Conservatory plants
The first thing that springs to mind with me is what constitutes a conservatory plant? I’m sure that the purists would have a list of definitions as long as your arm. We however, have quite a simple way of defining our ‘conservatory plant’ category. If it isn’t fully frost hardy then we place it in this group.
Most but not all of the plants here are on the fringe of hardiness, usually happy just being kept free from frost during the winter months. Here at the nursery we put the heaters on when the forecasters predict 5 degrees or lower. There are of course things that we grow that are a little more tender than most – we grow these because we love them. These are usually at home in a heated well lit room or a conservatory. No frost at all for these and a minimum of 5-10C in the winter.
Then there are plants that will handle just a few degrees of frost. Many of the Begonias fall into this category. Again, with us, we keep them frost free just in case but we aren’t quite so worried if the inside of the tunnel freezes slightly.
It’s a nightmare.
So you sort of get the story, this category is a nightmare and each plant should be looked at on its own merits and should match your individual requirements.
The reason that we grow these is that there are some really special plants here and we feel that it is the most exciting area of our website. Begonias, Seemannias, Impatiens, Plectranthus, Fuchsias and Geraniums (Pelargoniums) to mention but a few. Take a look here and see for yourselves, you won’t be disappointed.
For more information have a look here at the RHS website, they will add a little more info to the brief page above
