Aubrieta

[ideasguy]

I always thought these were spring flowers, but I had one some time ago which flowered in summer.
Over the years, I lost it though 

I have one in full bloom right now (July) I think I got it from a local clergyman, who was an expert in the plant world (in these parts).
No name for the plant!

Can anybody recommend varieties which flower in summer?

[Palustris]

Off hand, no. But if you shear the spring flowering ones back after flowering they will reward you with another less spectacular show around now.
The only variety I row is one called Elsa Lancaster which is a rather odd form of the normal A. deltoides.

[ideasguy]

Thanks for the tip on shearing them back, Eric. I didnt know they would respond to that treatment.

I'd appreciate a photo of "Elsa" for the Master Database, Eric. I like a photo of a general view of the plant, then a close up.
I had to add that plant name - it wasnt one of the 30,000 !! What do you think of it? Is it better than the species?
Theres a good description of your plant here on the BBC website.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/11276.shtml

[Palustris]

Er....sorry but I do not have a photo of Elsa. the plant I have has always been so poor I have not bothered taking one.

[ideasguy]

Thanks for that Eric. Looks like its not one to be recommended. Flies in the face of the description given on the BBC website - it says its vigorous.

[Palustris]

I have only seen it grown well once and that was in a pot on the show bench at an Alpine Garden Soc. show a few years back. I have never managed to keep it alive in the open garden and it just mimps along in the alpine house. Never even managed to get a rooted cuting of it either to try in a pot.
If you do not cut back Aubrieta you tend to get self sown plants all over the place in varying colours and less good than the named varieties.

[ideasguy]

Thanks for that Eric. Funny, I've never noticed my Aubrieta self seeding. They grow very well in Ireland,and you'll find them in nearly every garden here - very popular.