Key to symbols

Our seeds, bulbs, seedlings and plants are accompanied with symbols to give you a little more information about them. You can see the definitions at any time by hovering over the symbol with your mouse.

Below are all the different symbols we use around our website. For more information on the plants we sell, please see our bulbs, plants and seeds information page.

Plant types

For more information, please see our article on Understanding different types of plants.

	Hardy annual can withstand a degree of frost will flower, set seed and die within one year
	Half-hardy annual will need to be protected from frost will flower, set seed and die within one year
	Biennial will live for two years - flowering and setting seed in the second year may self-seed to replace itself
	Perennial can last substantially longer than one year a great investment as they will remain in your garden for years
	Tender perennial frost tender will need to be brought inside for the winter
	Short-lived perennial will flower in first and second years but may struggle after that often described as 'grown as a hardy annual' or similar

Growing conditions

	Full sun needs a site with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day
	Partial shade needs sunlight for at least two or three hours a day, in the early morning or late evening part of the day may be screened from direct sunlight by an obstacle such as a fence, wall or tree
	Full shade needs a north- or east-facing site, or a thick canopy of trees or shrubs needs less than three hours of sunlight a day
	Needs support a tall, climbing or top-heavy plant that needs support as it grows
	Perfect for pots recommended by Sarah to be grown in pots or containers

Further information

	RHS Award of Garden Merit a mark of quality awarded since 1922 to garden plants by the Royal Horticultural Society award usually made after plant trials to judge the performance under UK growing conditions
	Cut-and-come-again will keep producing flowers/fruit if you keep harvesting
	Loved by garden birds varieties which are recommended by Sarah to encourage a wide variety of birds to visit and feed in your garden Some bird species such as goldfinches can be shy, so prefer to feed from growing plants rather than visiting feeders in the open The symbol is also used to indicate plants which birds will find invaluable for nesting materials
	Loved by pollinators full of nectar to provide a valuable food supply for bees and other pollinating insects encourages pollinators into your garden most on the RHS Perfect for Pollinators list, but some also recommended by Sarah from her own garden
	Good for cutting recommended by Sarah to add to your flower arrangements most have a good vase life
	Scented recommended by Sarah for its scented flowers or foliage grow in a position where the scent will be enjoyed
	Edible edible flowers or seeds to add to salads, baking etc Please exercise caution – check which parts of the plant are edible and if they need to be cooked first. Only proceed if you are certain.
	Organic seeds which have been produced by wholly organic means and certified as such by Organic Farmers and Growers
	Exclusive to Sarah Raven collections or mixes that work well together, carefully chosen by Sarah only available from Sarah Raven in the UK
	Bestseller a firm favourite with our customers
	Gift Wrappable in a Sarah Raven Hessian Sack If in stock, selected items can be gift wrapped in our exclusive hessian sack, with ribbon and a Sarah Raven gift card. You will be able to add this to your basket once you begin the checkout process.
	Gift Wrappable in a Sarah Raven Gift Box If in stock, selected items can be gift wrapped in our exclusive gift box, with tissue paper and a Sarah Raven gift card. You will be able to add this to your basket once you begin the checkout process.