With long leaves, radiating out from each leaf stem, giving them a fox tail-like appearance, white flowers blossom, followed by clusters of orange -red fruit. This spectacular palm, native to Queensland, is great for growing in pots and containers on a sunny patio or in a conservatory or greenhouse. It is tender to frost so needs to be brought inside during the colder winter months. The Foxtail Palm remained undiscovered until 1978 when an Aboriginal man brought this species to the attention of authorities. It is now named after him 'Wodyeti'. ... Learn More

A rare and seldom-seen plant, native to the Albanian Alps, forming a stunning low evergreen rosette of long shiny leaves, with crinkled or scalloped edges. Taller stems arise, bearing spikes of sizeable, deep-blue tubular flowers during the summer. To thrive it is imperative that it has a rich and gritty soil that stays evenly moist. This unique and protected plant is endemic to the Gartnerkofel mountain of the Carnic Alps on the Austrian-Italian border where it was discovered in 1779 by Franz Xaver von Wulfen, after whom it is named. ... Learn More

A rarely-seen or offered scarcity, clusters of star-shaped purple flowers top a reed-like stem in the spring. Does best in full sun but thrives in a damp environment and will tolerate up to 5mm of water above the soil. A good pond marginal, it can tolerate some frost but prefers protection from severe conditions. ... Learn More

Large sunflower-like heads sit atop hairy stems with large leaves that grow to 50cm. This very rarely seen and most unusual native Californian flower is found in grasslands and open meadow habitats where it is one of the food plants for Goldfinches who feast on its seeds, whilst butterflies will come for the nectar! ... Learn More

A fast growing, wiry stemmed annual with crisp petalled, papery flower heads in shades of purple, rose and white. Extremely pretty, they are simply charming in borders, as a cut flower or dried for floral arrangements later in the year. ... Learn More

The outstandingly attractive feature of these plants is the stunning, tightly-packed clumps of white flowers which arise on a tall spike making a superb specimen plant actually related to lilies. This grass-like perennial has narrow foliage forming a stout tussock, which is often burnt right back by wildfires in their native habitat, but quickly re-sprouts and often flowers afterwards. In the old USA the leaves have long been used to make baskets and carriers. Superb as dot plants, they are also suited to a large rockery, container or mixed border, where they are sure to impress and mystify even the most seasoned of plant enthusiasts. The name Bear grass, comes from observations that bears like to eat the young fleshy stems. This plant is also related to the Veratrum and Melianthum and distantly related to Yucca, which it somewhat resembles. ... Learn More

Towering spikes of fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers appear in July and August above clumps of stiff, dark green, lance-shaped leaves. Adam's needle makes an excellent focal point for a sunny, well-drained Mediterranean-style garden. A gravel mulch accentuates the architectural foliage and helps to protect the crown of the plant from frost damage. The leaves have sharp tips and serrated edges, so it's best not planted where you are going to brush past it. Though all Yuccas appreciate a good amount of sun and well drained soil, they are fairly low maintenance and as such need fairly little watering. ... Learn More

A truly divine plant, midsized and similar to Yucca rostrata but with wider, rigid, bright blue-grey leaves, complemented by clusters of pure white flowers in late-spring. It is native to northeastern Mexico and will withstand heat, drought and moderate to quite severe freezes. It’s perfect for adding a touch of drama to the garden and does well in exotic and tropical planting schemes. Grow in a very free-draining soil in a sunny, sheltered spot. Although hardier than most yuccas, it may need protection in winter, particularly from wet conditions. Alternatively, grow in a pot, which you can move indoors in autumn. ... Learn More

This striking architectural plant produces an abundance of thin glaucus, silver grey leaves which continue to form from the centre eventually forming a trunk which can reach up to four metres in height. They can also produce a large flowering spike from the centre every few years. The species is native to Texas, Chihuahua and Coahuila. A very popular plant in a tropical or exotic themed garden due to being quite tolerant of the average UK winter. ... Learn More

From architectural clumps of thick, bright green, arrow-shaped leaves arise serene white flowers (actually spathes). As well as being a superb garden plant this can be a wonderful architectural plant for pond margins. It is native to southern and east Africa in Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya and Madeira. The Royal Horticultural Society has awarded it the prestigious Award of Garden Merit. (AGM.) ... Learn More

An excellent item for dot planting. Beautiful variegated leaves in striations of white, pink, purple and all shades of green. Absolutely striking in a container or the back of a mixed border. Ornamental Corn is excellent to dry and use in autumn bouquets (combine with fresh flowers) and dried flower arrangements. Just cut off the cobs and remove the surplus leaves and hang them upside down in a cool environment with some draught. ... Learn More

Native to the Gulf of Mexico region, this hard-to-find species is a truly elegant rain lily with long, dark green foliage and long stems ending in lovely, narrow-petalled, pale yellow flowers, red-blushed on the exterior, fading into a pink-peach colour. Surprisingly, this species grows well in wet to very dry soils. ... Learn More

This bizarre but lovely plant has white lily-like flowers, and two-pronged, greenish-yellow glands on each petal. Although it bears grass-like leaves, it is not a true grass, but surprisingly belongs to the trillium family, Melanthiaceae and has a wide distribution throughout North America ... Learn More

Absolutely stunning, creamy-white orchid-like flowers have a showy, patterned lip, heavily pencilled in deepest red. These open on strong stems bearing attractive, banana-like leaves, in mid to late summer, and later appear the attractive bright red seed capsules which persist for a long time before the stem finally dies away in winter leaving a rhizome deep underground. ... Learn More

A robust plant with excellent garden performance. Produces masses of double, deep red, dahlia-like flowers. This taller variety, adds colour and height to borders and floral arrangements. Flowering all summer, attracting bees and butterflies, until the first frosts. ... Learn More