The Sea Holly idea has proven to be a huge success. However I don't think I've time to germinate and grow them in a year (I don't think they flower in the first year?) Does anyone know of a good garden centre I could either order them online from or one in the South Yorkshire area that I could contact to see if they sell them?
Cirsium atropurpureum are kinda purple and thistley (in a good way!) but would have to do them as cut flowers and I don't seem to think they last long!
As you can see from the Fothergill's link, this particular Mallow is deep purple.
I have some that I seeded, growing in my unheated greenhouse at the moment, ready for planting out in Spring. They grow tall but there is no reason why you shouldn't cut them off up the stem.
Posts
The Sea Holly idea has proven to be a huge success. However I don't think I've time to germinate and grow them in a year (I don't think they flower in the first year?) Does anyone know of a good garden centre I could either order them online from or one in the South Yorkshire area that I could contact to see if they sell them?
Sea Holly grows from perennial roots - so they flower in the first year. You should be able to order them online now for a few pounds for 2-3.
Just a suggestion but if it's big and bold there is Amaranthus
http://www.thompson-morgan.com/flowers/flower-seeds/half-hardy-annual-seeds/amaranthus-caudatus-fat-spike/6955TM?source=google-prodex&gclid=CL_E2-DX7rsCFQcTwwodNR0ALQ
and a Malva in T&M (easy to grow
http://www.thompson-morgan.com/flowers/flower-seeds/perennial-and-biennial-seeds/malva-sylvestris-mystic-merlin/3164TM
Thanks Blair and Matty. I've ordered a few catalogues to help her choose I'm now on the hunt for a reliable online supplier.
Cirsium atropurpureum are kinda purple and thistley (in a good way!) but would have to do them as cut flowers and I don't seem to think they last long!
Echinacea are good purple and daisy like.
If your friend wanted to plant seed you could try the Annual Cornflower (Centaurea Cyanus)?
I have seen some purple varieties but most are on the bluey side. Thistle type flower though.
There is a lovely cornflower called "The Bride" which is also an annual but unfortunately it's white!
How about some Mallow? It is very big and blousy and it will be in full flower in August. Very easy to grow from seed as well.
There is a lovely photo here:
http://www.coughtrey.me.uk/picfiles/common_mallow-02.htm
There are some deep purple 'Mystic Merlin' for sale here at Fothergill's:
http://www.mr-fothergills.co.uk/Malva-Mystic-Merlin.html
As you can see from the Fothergill's link, this particular Mallow is deep purple.
I have some that I seeded, growing in my unheated greenhouse at the moment, ready for planting out in Spring. They grow tall but there is no reason why you shouldn't cut them off up the stem.