National Trust Bulb Collection
Blue Diamond has worked closely with National Trust gardeners to introduce for Spring 2024, new collections of summer flowering bulbs which includes varieties of Dahlia, Lily of the Valley and Gladioli.
The dahlia collection will be of particular interest, especially for lovers of crime writer, Agatha Christe, as we are introducing this Spring, the new and exclusive variety, dahlia ‘Orient Express’ along with other varieties curated to form the ‘Thriller Trilogy’ which includes dahlias inspired by those planted at Greenways, where Agatha and her family spent together.
Old favourites from last year will also feature in our summer flowering bulb collection and include collections of Agapanthus and Crocosmia.
Also look out for our new summer flowering bulb range of ready to plant trays which this year includes bulbs inspired by National Trust gardens at Dyrham Park, Clumber Park, Plas Newydd and Wimpole Hall.
Through sales generated from the National Trust Collection by Blue Diamond, a minimum of 10% of the retail sales price per product will be given to the National Trust to help look after nature, beauty and history for everyone, for ever.
NEW and EXCLUSIVE: Dahlia ‘Orient Express’ inspired by gardens at Greenway, the home of Agatha Christie.
Dahlia ‘Orient Express’, named after Agatha Christie’s famous book, written in 1934, is a new and exclusive variety to Blue Diamond and the National Trust. Selected for its dramatic flame-coral, decorative type, flower head on bronze foliage, ‘Orient Express’ will add drama to your garden. Dahlia ‘Orient Express’ is ready to plant between March and June and will flower from July until October.
‘Dahlias form an integral part of the herbaceous planting at Greenway in Devon where Agatha Christie and her family spent many happy hours together. At Greenway, we grow these spectacular flowers to be enjoyed by visitors through late summer and into autumn, just as Agatha would have done in the 1950s.’
Ashley Brent, Head Gardener, Greenway, Devon, National Trust
Image Credit: © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler
Dahlia ‘Thriller Trilogy’ inspired by the gardens at Greenway
‘The Thriller Trilogy’ collection of dahlias are inspired by the gardens at Greenway in Devon, where Agatha Christie and her family spent many happy hours together. Dahlias in this collection are designed to complement each other and include three different types of flower heads; Ball, Dinnerplate and Anemone across an antique bronze colour palette. Dahlias are ready to plant between March and June and will flower from July until October.
“Novelist Agatha Christie loved dahlias, she even managed to weave the dahlia into one of her classic murder mysteries featuring the eponymous detective, Miss Marple. In her short story, ‘The Four Suspects’, Miss Marple's knowledge of horticulture leads her to recognise some familiar dahlia names that appear in a riddle and she's quickly able to name the murderer.”
Ashley Brent, Head Gardener, Greenway, Devon, National Trust
Image Credit: N/A
The National Trust Dahlia Collection
The National Trust Dahlia Collection consists of 12 varieties which have been chosen to perfectly complement each other in height, variety and colour combination. The range is inspired by the use of dahlias in National Trust properties where they are used to add colour and drama to the borders. The National Dahlia Collection and the restoration of many dahlia gardens and borders by the National Trust have contributed to dahlias being in vogue once more. You can see them in dedicated gardens, mixed borders, bedding and container planting in many of the gardens the National Trust care for. Dahlias are ready to plant between March and June and will flower from July until October.
“There is a longstanding tradition of gardening at the National Trust to have seasonal bulb displays and there is no better way of adding colour and interest to your garden”
Andrew Jasper, Head of Gardens, National Trust
Image Credit: N/A
Lily of the Valley, inspired by the gardens at Osterley Park
Lily of the Valley is known for its delicate bells and beautiful, sweet scent, and it was also the late Queen Elizabeth II's favourite flower. At Osterley Park they are also treasured! In the spring, the pure white, bell-shaped blooms spread to create an intoxicating, fragrant carpet. Set against lush green leaves, Lily of the Valley also makes a wonderful cut flower for scented, springtime posies, and the plant traditionally features in spring wedding bouquets. Available in packs of 5, Lily of the Valley is ready to plant between February and April and will flower in May.
'‘’The intoxicating, sweet scent from Lily of the Valley is unmistakable in late spring. A symbol of love, joy and happiness to many, Lily of the Valley has been gifted to loved ones across Europe since the 16th century. Here at Osterley Park, we have a patch that has been happily naturalising since the 18th century – it’s a beautiful, low maintenance plant! ‘’
Andy Eddy, Head Gardener, Osterley Park, National Trust
Image Credit: N/A
Agapanthus Collection, inspired by the gardens at Killerton House
The Agapanthus Collection is inspired by the border planting at Killerton House and consists of 6 varieties in colours from white to deep purple. Agapanthus are known for their impressive, large, globe shaped flowerheads and are beautiful and reliable summer plants, ideal for both containers and borders. Agapanthus is ready to plant between September and April and will flower from July until September.
“The African Lily (Agapanthus) loves a warm sunny position, where it will provide an exotic display from late summer into early autumn. The sturdy upright flowers add important structure to our borders at Killerton and also make excellent cut flowers.”
Karl Emeleus,Head Gardener, Killerton House & Gardens, National Trust
Image Credit: ©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
Crocosmia Collection, inspired by the gardens at Anglesey Abbey
Crocosmia brings flashes of vibrant, eye-catching colour to the garden. It provides late summer interest and will return year after year. The Crocosmia Collection is inspired by the collection in the gardens at Anglesey Abbey and consists of 5 varieties, available in packs of 12 or 15 bulbs, with colours from fiery red to golden orange. Crocosmia is ready to plant between March and May and will flower from July until September.
“We look forward to late summer when the bright red spikes of Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ push up and cover the dying foliage of Allium ‘Purple Sensation’. Placing blue tones towards the far end of a garden and hot reds closer to the house, heightens the feeling of distance and can make a smaller space feel much larger.”
David Jordan, Senior Gardener, Anglesey Abbey, National Trust
Image Credit: ©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler
Gladioli, inspired by Peckover House and Garden
Gladiolus x colvillii, otherwise known as the ‘sword lily’, is more delicate and dainty in appearance when compared to the larger hybrid varieties. Bearing pretty, elegant blooms from late-spring to mid-summer. It's perfect for growing in a mixed border and makes an excellent cut flower.
We grow these striking, yet compact, gladioli to add a pop of colour and elegance to our spring container displays and cutting border. They make an exceptional cut flower, and our volunteer floral designers use them in their creations for the house.
Louise Gardner, Senior Gardener, Peckover House and Garden, National Trust
Ready to Plant trays, inspired by gardens of the National Trust
Planting bulbs needn’t be complicated. These cleverly designed, recyclable cardboard trays are completely bio-degradable and are pre-filled with bulbs at the correct spacing. Simply pop the entire tray into a planting hole in the ground or in a container, such as a large pot, cover with peat free compost and water in.
Each tray is oval in shape and two sizes are available which are 37cm and 24cm in diameter. Plant between March and May for a kaleidoscope of summer colour
Choose from a 'Ready to plant' available in 4 stunning colour combinations from peaceful blues and whites to vibrant purples and reds inspired by Dyrham Park, Clumber Park, Plas Newydd and Wimpole Hall.
“Dyrham Park’s Dutch designed Gardens complement our collection of historic Blue and white Delphware inside the house. This bulb tray will bring a bit of Dyrham’s Gardens to you with the blue and white reflecting the tin- glaze of the pottery”.
'Piers Horry, Garden ＆ Outdoors Manager, Dyrham Park, National Trust