Strikingly attractive, long-tailed, neatly pin-striped spathes, open in May and June on mottled, 10 to 15 inch stems with the spoked leaves piercing like parasols above the flowers. It appears rather later than many other species but is an exquisite garden plant being excellent outside in the garden in a half-shaded spot in a humus-rich soil, well drained but moisture retentive. Once established this valuable plant will increase quickly by tuber-bearing stolons and seed. ... Learn More

This truly spectacular plant rears its glossy spathe hood, which is startlingly striped in purple-brown to maroon and vanilla-cream. From the Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces in China this magnificent plant has an equally attractive leaf made up of many narrow leaflets that radiate out from a central axis, the effect being much like the spokes of an umbrella! ... Learn More

A long-lived attractive tuberous plant with striking, cobra head-like flowers amidst long-stemmed deeply divided leaves. Later appear the large heads of bright red berries which persist throughout the winter being especially attractive when it snows. ... Learn More

This exciting Himalayan arum relative has most impressive, deeply-cut, hand-like leaves, from which arise the fascinating 'flowers'. A floppy yellow hood-like spathe protects the purple waxy spadix. Very long-lived and bulks up by division of the corms. ... Learn More

The compact variety of this lovely shade-loving plant opens its flowers in early summer on erect stems bearing most attractive, bright yellow spathes with brown throats, these are yellowish green on the outside and faintly-striped. The two palmate divided leaves are ovate to lance-shaped. ... Learn More

The "Whipcord Cobra Lily" has a distinctive green whip-like spadix, which is of a considerable length and points skywards. It arises from the mouth of its "jack-in the-pulpit" flower, which flares at the mouth to reveal the pale green, white-striped, interior. This is one of the best in the genus, being also the largest, sometimes growing to more than 6 feet! The blooms appear later in the year than many other varieties, thus prolonging the season of interest, the initially green clustered fruits finally ripening to amazing, absolutely enormous heavy heads of bright red berries late in the ... Learn More

This favourite of children is best known for its spring to early summer display of hooded, green spathes which are attractively striped with purple. It is actually a tuberous perennial producing one or two insignificant leaves, each divided into three narrow leaflets. Finally, autumn brings clusters of densely packed, showy red berries. ... Learn More

A fantastic iris relative from southern africa that produces spires of deep violet blue flowers, above clumps of sword shaped leaves. prefering full sun and a free draining position this plant will quickly produce a large architectural display in a border or large container. ... Learn More

The mountains of South Africa are home to this unusual, bright showy plant which looks like a cross between a giant sisyrinchium and an iris. Sprays of the deepest cobalt blue stars arise from compact iris-like leaves. Long-lived in a well-drained sheltered spot. ... Learn More

The "Calico flower" is a tender evergreen vine with most intriguing flowers and beautiful bright green heart shaped leaves which grow closely together to create a dense mass of foliage. In summer the vine produces quantities of 3 inch greenish-white flowers which have a s-curved tubular shape, flared at the mouth, resembling a 19th century Dutchman's pipe. The inside of the mouth is covered with a purplish-brown pattern reminiscent of calico fabric hence its name. Winged seeds are borne in dry capsules that split like small parachutes. In the wild these plants are important food sources fo ... Learn More

Aristolochia grandiflora is an exotic tropical vine renowned for its extraordinary, curvaceous flowers that evoke the image of a giant, ornate pipe or pelican’s beak. The blossoms, marked by subtle veining and warm, earthy hues, create a dramatic focal point as they dangle gracefully from lush, heart-shaped foliage. With a faint, intriguing fragrance that lures specialized pollinators such as flies and beetles, this ornamental climber adds a touch of mystery and bold tropical charm to pergolas, trellises, or garden walls. Its vigorous growth and distinctive appearance make it a prized addition ... Learn More

These elegant and unusual climbers bear large, yellow-throated flowers which are intricately marked with reddish-purple and take the form of a "Sherlock Holmes' pipe", and grow from the leaf axils. Once established they are very long-lived. ... Learn More

This tall, hairless slender twiner, native to Brazil, bears extremely outrageous, almost sensuous blooms, which are patterned with a rippling network of burgundy, red, and purple over a creamy-yellow background, the two lips giving an impression of a gaping mouth, the species name 'ringens' meaning snarling in Latin. This rugged and robust vine will also do well in a container with regular watering. If you happen to be going there on holiday, the roots of this plant are well known as an antidote for snake bites in New Granada. But please do not rely on this cure......... ... Learn More

Aristolochia saccata is a species within the Aristolochiaceae family, first described by Nathaniel Wallich in 1830. Due to limited available information, specific details regarding its morphology, habitat, and distribution are scarce. The genus Aristolochia comprises both evergreen and deciduous lianas and herbaceous perennials, often characterized by their distinctive flower structures. Members of this genus are known for their unique pollination mechanisms, typically involving trap-like flowers that temporarily capture insects to facilitate pollination. ... Learn More

This dwarf alpine form makes a very dense bun or cushion of needle-like leaves with soft pink balls of flowers, which are held just over the foliage. It thrives in a gravel scree garden, or alpine trough where it can be best admired. RHS AGM winner ... Learn More