This diminutive, and rarely encountered gem lives in damp and even wet, boggy spots in moist meadows, marshes, and stream banks in northern parts of North America and Eurasia. In the UK it is confined to cold, high moorland areas where it displays its short-stemmed, pale lilac flowers over spreading mats of small cordate leaves. In the right spot it will slowly spread, stem-rooting, to make a low carpet of leaves and flowers. ... Learn More

Strong sprays of sizeable, deep purple, early spring flowers open amongst long, thin, arrow-shaped leaves in late spring and early summer. Soundly perennial and dying down to a winter bud resting underground, this is the true rare Chinese form of this most attractive flower. ... Learn More

"Common Violet". Its popular name does not do justice to this lovely plant, indeed it is not as common as it used to be. Producing drifts of blue-purple flowers from April to June, it will happily naturalise in a mixed border or on a gravel drive, associating well with wild primroses. Seed collected from plants in our own wildflower meadow. ... Learn More

This rare, and surprisingly hardy violet grows at great altitude on the Brazilian and Japanese mountains, where it exists in wet rocky cracks forming low, stoloniferous, slowly spreading, octopus-like plants, which root as they touch the ground. In time this becomes a large colony producing an endless, year-round display of short stemmed creamy-white flowers, with a delicately purple-pencilled lower lip, above oval, hairy leaves. Picture has buds only, but there are flower pictures online....sorry! ... Learn More

This is a rare variant of the normally blue-flowered shrub, one plant of which was discovered on the Greek island of Kos. Strong branches bear fragrant leaves, almost exactly identical to those of cannabis plants, which terminate in most attractive clusters of fragrant, pinkish-mauve flowers. It is also called Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, Abraham's Balm or Monk's Pepper, as it was once used to flavour stews in monasteries, (not recommended for honeymooners). It is a native of the Mediterranean region and although hardy here on the UK south coast in Devon, it may need shelter elsewhere. It is ... Learn More

Strong branches bear fragrant leaves, almost exactly identical to those of cannabis plants, and terminate in most attractive clusters of fragrant blue-mauve flowers. Vitex agnus-castus, also called Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, Abraham's Balm or Monk's Pepper, was once used to flavour stews in monasteries, (not recommended for honeymooners). It is a native of the Mediterranean region and although relatively hardy in Devon, it may prefer shelter elsewhere. It is one of the few temperate-zone species of Vitex, which is generally a genus of tropical and sub-tropical flowering plants. ... Learn More

Vitis amurensis, commonly known as Amur Grape or Siberian Grape, is a vigorous, deciduous climbing vine native to the Amur River region of Siberia, China, and Korea. This cold-hardy species is known for its ability to withstand temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F), making it one of the hardiest grapevines available. The plant features large, deeply lobed, green leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple in autumn, adding ornamental value to landscapes. Small, fragrant flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, followed by clusters of edible, dark purple-black grapes in late ... Learn More

Up to 10 tall spikes of small yellow star shaped flowers appear from dramatic strappy pleated leaves and are displayed from spring through to summer. A large and dramatic waterside plant originating from South Africa, it needs full sun and damp peaty soil. Will tolerate light frost. Definitely a statement plant. ... Learn More

An incredible, brand new hardy plant from the riversides of the African mountains. This vigorous selection from W. rivularis will run gently underground, giving a long succession of very large ivory-white flowers from June until late August. ... Learn More

Dazzling clusters of perfumed orange flowers absolutely smother the canopy of evergreen foliage on this biennial, bushy plant. It should be sown in spring or late summer for blooms the second year when the appealing fragrance of the flowers makes them a good choice for flower arrangements. They are also a great addition to any landscape or meadow planting. Butterflies and bees love this late-spring-through-summer, long-blooming flower. ... Learn More

These dazzling flowers will provide a stunning display in early spring. Their sumptuous orangey/red colour looks amazing when teamed with rich plums and purples, or can add an extra vibrancy to yellow, orange and red schemes. Often grown as a biennial plant, wallflowers perform best in full sun where their bright, fragrant flowers will shine. They look particularly effective in a large patio container or at the front of a sunny fertile, well-drained border. ... Learn More

These neat, dwarf plants complement perfectly spring bulbs and early pansies. Tightly packed clusters of slender, deep purple buds open to vibrant cherry-red flowers that are deliciously scented – and popular with pollinators. Just right for containers and beds, where space is limited or to underplant tall bulbs, they will continue to bloom until the end of May, thriving with a little deadheading. ... Learn More

A very old established dwarf variety of neat habit with clusters of scented, velvety crimson-red flowers. When planted in groups, they bring a splash of sheer drama to your garden. With a beautiful scent, these easy to grow flowers are loved by flower arrangers and pollinating insects alike making them a must for any gardener. ... Learn More

Unusual in this genus because of its height, this fishtail-like palm from the Himalayan region has a solitary trunk and large, stiff, feathery leaves arranged in opposite rows in the same plane. An extremely unusual looking palm, the leaves form just two rows on either side of the trunk, so that looking down on the palm from above, the leaves would all form a single straight line. The long, attractive leaflets are dark green above, and greyish white underneath. ... Learn More

This famous medium to large evergreen palm has a tree-like growth habit, and a sturdy columnar trunk crowned by beautifully shaped, fan-like, waxy gray-green blades, up to 3-6 ft. long (90-180 cm). Erect at first, they spread and arch from stout, spiny petioles, and unlike other palms, the dead leaves fold down against the trunk rather than dropping off. This palm tree is sometimes called " Petticoat Palm" in reference to the shaggy mass of dead leaves hanging against the trunk and forming a dense skirt. In summer, gorgeous, creamy-white, tubular flowers are produced in huge sprays, up to 15 f ... Learn More