Week 23: Vinca Spp; Periwinkle.

p.H 7.5 - ALKALINE

Common Name: Periwinkle 

Latin Name: Vinca Spp.

Type: Evergreen perennial

Location: Fletcher Moss Park, Didsbury. 

Ultimate height: Up to 1m

Ultimate spread: Up to 1.5m

Located Vinca Spp height: 200mm

Leaf Shape: Dark green shiny ovate leaves stalked in opposite pairs.

Bark: No bark but long thin green stems

Preferred soil type: Well drained sand, chalk, clay or loam

Fruit/Flowers: Flowers have 5 petals which are slightly truncated and are blueish purple in colour with white centres. The fruits are displayed in capsules.

Distribution: Native to Southern and Central Europe. Well known garden plants throughout Britain.

I have displayed two of my Vinca findings, one of which is clustered amongst a boarder-like hedge. The second being of a ground covering nature within a planting bed. From observation, it seems that the plant, which is located amongst the hedge, has self seeded, meaning that its presence was un-intentional. However, the Vinca coverage seems to have been planted with intent to achieve a dense, and boundary-like edge to the curving pathway. The shear span of its coverage also indicates that this Vinca was planted intentionally, as additional space surrounding its initial plant location was provided in order for it to expand and cover a wider area. Because of the mass of space given for it to dominate, the plant will continue to excel in health, as it has no opposition to share nutrients with. Its low growing tendencies are beneficial for this location as it allows views across the park and remains un-challenged when in inclement weather. Due to the large tree in close proximity, a high growing plant will have struggled for sunlight, which would have been prevented by the tree canopy above. It also brings a deep-green colour palette to the area with petite, purple flower; adding to the surrounding 'subtle' colour palette. 

Week 22: Sedum Herbsfreude; Stonecrop.

pH 7.5 ALKALINE

Common Name: Stonecrop

Latin Name: Sedum Herbsfreude

Type: Herbaceous/evergreen perennial

Location: Manchester Metropolitan University, Roof Top

Ultimate height: 0.5 - 1m

Ultimate spread: 0.1 - 0.5m

Located Sedum Herbsfreude height: 500mm

Leaf Shape: Leaves are oblong in shape and have sharp jagged edges. They are a glaucous green in colour and thick in depth.

Bark: No bark, however stems are thick in diameter and transition in colour from a pale green, pink and grey brown. 

Preferred soil type: Well drained sand, loam and chalk.

Fruit/Flowers: Large flat clusters of flowers form in early autumn. The pale green buds open into a pale pink star shaped flower, which quickly progresses through into a distinctive deep rich pink colour.

Distribution: Native to the Northern Hemisphere 


I located this Sedum Herbsfreude on the roof garden of my University Building. Its condition seemed to be of a healthy standard, and its roots were of equal qualities. I mention its roots, as they can be prone to root rot and fortunately in this instance, that isn't the case. Its health may be subjected to its roof top location, as they prefer to be exposed to sunlight. This is excellent for this particular plant as there are no obstructions for its sun exposure, further proving to be the cause to its health. The bed in which it was located, is a multi-functioned seating area and has numerous species sharing the bed however, they are scarcely planted, allowing a plentiful standard of nutrition for the Sedum. Without a doubt it is subject to intentional planting as self seeding in such a secluded, and high rise building is next to impossible; with no presence of animals or any other accidental transportation possibilities. 

Week 21: Euonymus Fortunei; Silver Queen.

pH 7.5 ALKALINE

Common Name: Silver Queen

Latin Name: Euonymus Fortunei

Type: Evergreen/deciduous shrub or small tree

Location: Fletcher Moss Park, Didsbury. 

Ultimate height: 1.5 - 2.5m

Ultimate spread: 1 - 1.5m

Located Euonymus Fortuneii height: 200mm

Overall shape: Irregular shrub like coverage

Leaf Shape: Dark green ovate shaped leaves margined with white 

Preferred soil type: Well drained clay, chalk, loam or sand

Fruit/Flowers: Small pale green flowers in summer then occasionally pale pink fruits form

Distribution: Native of East Asia

I located this particular Euonymus Fortunei within a planting bed in close proximity to the central park entrance/exit. Its location was at a low level of the gardens, resulting in the soil conditions being slightly damper than those higher up the park when weather conditions are wet. This doesn't seem to effect the health of the plant as it is surrounded by multiple, high growing shrubs which will make use of the additional water contents within the soil. It seems to have been intentionally planted to provide a ground cover to the bed, and to cooperate in a heirachy planting strategy, with the surrounding plants acting as the higher levels. The exposure to sun/shade is of equal quality (part shade) which is preferable for the Euonymus Fortunei. Its striking silver and deep green provides the base of the planting scheme to be of a focal point, aiding with site circulation and boundary awareness. 

Week 19: Pyracantha Coccinea; Firethorn.

pH 7.5 ALKALINE

Common Name: Firethorn

Latin Name: Pyracantha Coccinea

Type: Bushy evergreen shrub

Location: Fletcher Moss Park, Didsbury. 

Ultimate height: Up to 4m

Ultimate spread: Up to 4m

Located Pyracantha Coccinea height: 2m

Overall shape: This shrub has an irregular shape but is often trained against a wall or fence

Leaf Shape: These leaves are oblong and a dark glossy green colour

Bark: Chapped and thorned.  Green in colour with light brown raised spots. Branch/twig smooth in texture with smaller light shaded, and raised spots


Preferred soil type: Suitable in all soil type but will not survive in areas prone to water logged soil

Fruit/Flowers: Fruits are a very destinctive red/orange coloured berry present in autumn and winter. During spring and summer the shrub has clusters of very small white flowers.

Distribution: Native of Southern Europe and South Asia, introduced in the UK in the 18th century. 


I located the Pyracantha Coccinea within a planting bed, adjacent to a footpath within the gardens of Fletcher Moss. Whether it has been planted intentionally or unintentionally is hard to distinguish. It may have been intentionally seeded to bring vibrant colours and a dense boarder-like shrub to the highly used footpath, or it may have been self-seeded by means of bird transportation. The specie is in good health, which in some cases may be due to the mass of planting surrounding. My theory behind this is that the Pyracantha Coccinea doesn't grow well in waterlogged areas, and this particular specie is located at the lower parts of the gardens, often resulting in highly damp soil conditions. When this blog post was created, the weather was hot resulting in soils being of a dry nature however, I have since returned in damp weather conditions and its soils water content can become quite plentiful.  Point being; due to the mass of congestion planting within this particular area of the park, the water levels within the soil will be used by other species allowing the Pyracantha to grow successfully. 

Week 18: Garrya Elliptica; Silk Tassel.

pH 7.0 NEUTRAL

Common Name: Silk Tassel

Latin Name: Garrya Elliptica

Type: Evergreen/Deciduous 

Location: Parsonage Gardens, Didsbury. 

Ultimate height: 2.5 - 4m

Ultimate spread: 2.5 - 4m

Located Garrya Elliptica height: 700mm

Overall shape: Irregular shrub

Leaf Shape: Leathery dark green leaves with saved margins

Bark: Fissured and ridged light brown bark

Preferred soil type: Well drained sand, clay loam and chalk

Fruit/Flowers: Male flowers hang in drooping pendent catkins which can grow up to 20cm in length. They are grey-green in colour and are present from winter through to spring.

Distribution: Native to the California Area of America but also present throughout the United Kingdom as an ornamental species.


I located this specie in Parsonage Gardens in Didsbury. It is obvious that its planting was intentional, and of recent happenings as it is immature and is supported in growth by a bamboo shoot running central up the plant. Its choice of location is of two functions, to provide a barrier amongst the back wall of the garden to prevent people climbing in/out of the space. Its second function is of aesthetic appeal, using the red brick wall as a backdrop to enable the Garrya Elliptica to be a stand out feature to the space.  Its conditions are of a healthy standard so far in its journey to maturity, although a couple of its leaves have been effected by a fungal leaf spot disease. Removal of effected leaves should be of a sufficient remedy. Its placement is well distanced from any other plant and so, will maximise the nutrients available encouraging the good standards of its health. The soil has a very light top layer of wood chip covering, potentially being an indication to a moisture content stabilisation attempt, or simply an attempt to improve aesthetic qualities.