The "Bloody Dock" is useful in spite of its unattractive name. Rosettes of attractive, fresh green leaves, distinctively lined in purple, and which are good to eat like spinach, sprout forth long sprays of reddish-brown flowers which are good for drying. ... Learn More

Basal clumps of shiny grayish blue, linear to oval leaves arise in early spring above which are displayed attractive racemes of pinkish purple flowers with dark purple tips which bloom freely all summer. Closely allied to Corydalis, Rupicapnos is a genus of seven species of plants that occur in southern Spain and north-western Africa and can be perfectly grown as long as they get hot overhead sun as they do in their native countries. ... Learn More

This is a tall, single stemmed, slow growing palm from the South-eastern states of the US, and has compact, spherical heads of many fan-shaped leaves to 2m long. A sub-tropical or warm temperate palm, they require a hot humid climate in the summer to grow well but they are nonetheless very hardy and in the winter are capable of surviving temperatures down to at least -14 C. A very tough and hardy palm all round, being tolerant to both salt, wind and poor drainage, making it suitable for coastal gardens. ... Learn More

A lovely plant discovered on the Alpine Garden Society M.E.S.E. 1999 Expedition. Whorls of violet bracts and flowers on branching stems which carry fragrant leaves. ... Learn More

This stunning herbaceous perennial has sky blue flowers on tall, showy, branched spikes with large, wavy, grey-green leaves. In the wild it is found in northern Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and south-western Spain, usually between 500-1200 meters. ... Learn More

Several small stems grow almost horizontally from the roots before bearing upright inflorescences which carry apple-green, hairy leaves and creamy white flowers which are sometimes tipped with a yellow lip. It grows in western Greece, parts of Turkey and Iraq, and Iran, usually between 2000-6500 feet elevation and is frost hardy but desires a dryish sheltered spot in winter. ... Learn More

Multiple, strong dividing stems, with a self-supporting growth habit, carry simple, fragrant, broad leaves, with candelabra-fashion arrays of protruding, snow-white flowers opening along their lengths. One of the sources of the essential oil, Linalool, this plant, one of the aromatic medicinal plants, grows in the E. Mediterranean to Afghanistan, and on the mountains of Israel. It is used in Jordanian folk medicine for the treatment of microbial infections, malaria, inflammation and even to disinfect homes after sickness. ... Learn More

Fiery red flowers are displayed along the length of long mid-green stems with an interesting square cross-section, and emerge from a profusion of attractive, smallish, almost triangular, deeply veined, perfumed foliage. This attractive perennial will make a fine display shining out from the mid- to rear sections of your border, or as a fine specimen plant in a large container. In a hot dry spot, once established it is almost indestructible, flowering away when most others have shrivelled. And even if it is cut back by a hard winter it invariably re-shoots the following spring. ... Learn More

Salvia deserta, a striking member of the sage family, is a drought-tolerant perennial perfect for low-maintenance gardens. Known for its tall spikes of vibrant blue to lavender flowers, this plant not only adds a splash of color but also attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its hardy nature makes it a favorite for gardeners in regions with hot, dry summers, thriving in well-drained soil and full sunlight. Ideal for borders, rock gardens, or wildflower meadows, Salvia deserta offers a seamless blend of beauty and practicality. It’s a low-water solution for eco-conscio ... Learn More

A compact, upright, half-hardy perennial to 50cm tall that is usually grown as an annual with lance-shaped leaves and spikes of deep blue flowers with white eyes borne from summer into early autumn ... Learn More

Enormous hairy basal leaves form a base for an immense display of white-tongued vivid purple-blue flowers on long, strong branching stems. This spectacular plant is bone hardy, long-lived and makes a stupendous display all summer long! ... Learn More

This reliable, robust, fragrant Himalayan plant has strong square stems holding large spreading panicles of purple-splashed, yellow hooded flowers, an unusual colour for salvias. Both the leaves and the flowers have a distinct minty-lavender perfume and are slightly sticky, hence the name. ... Learn More

Another hardy, but tender-looking salvia. Large deep purple and white flowers on stout sticky stems held well above the foliage in spring and summer. "One of the best border salvias." (William Robinson) Sorry, few seeds collected. ... Learn More

The bright green foliage of this famous Central American plant, native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala, compliments the mauve spikes of flowers that appear in July and August. The seeds are a highly nutritious food source and contain high amounts of omega-3,6 and 9, and are harvested for use in health recipes and drinks, and were in fact once the third most produced staple food there, until it was condemned by the European invaders in the 1500s and was almost wiped out altogether. The leaves and stems are also popular in sandwiches, soups, salads and stews. The local name Chia com ... Learn More

This gorgeous, large flowered Salvia with blue to mauve flowers, with white throats, flowers all through summer, sometimes flowering on into the autumn if dead-headed. Drought-tolerant once established. ... Learn More