Description

Mary Evelyn is a contrast variety that keeps its structure and stays useful in real gardens. The collarette form gives dark, wine toned outer petals, a lighter inner frill, and an exposed centre that pollinators can reach. That open centre is what makes it biodiversity friendly, while the dramatic colour combination makes it valuable in designed borders where you need a strong focal note. It can be used as a repeating punctuation point through long borders, particularly where you need depth to sit behind paler planting. It works well near pale stone, gravel, or light paving, where the wine red reads even darker and the collar flashes in moving light. In public beds, use it in drifts rather than single plants so the colour lands as intentional. It suits sunny mixed borders and cutting patches. The stems bring instant contrast to bouquets, and regular deadheading keeps plants flowering well into autumn. This cultivar pairs effectively with long-flowering perennials, ornamental grasses and pollinator-friendly companions. Or build a deep red and gold scheme with Gladiolus Purple Art or Velvet Raspberry, Crocosmia Lucifer and Begonia red types. Add a clean break with Zantedeschia aethiopica or white Tigridia to keep the palette sharp. It performs reliably in sheltered urban gardens, adapting well once established and tolerating the cooler, wetter spells typical of the Irish climate. Best planted in fertile, free-draining soil with good sun exposure, it also benefits from shelter from strong Atlantic winds.