Puckered, folded and pleated leaves, from beetroot red to deep purple and which appear to be transparent in the sun, produce a mound from which arise thin stems carrying fluffy white, superbly contrasting flowers. ... Learn More

These plants have been selected for the most attractive marbled and veined leaves. The colours and shades of mahogany, bronze, aluminium and silver are most distinctive on young spring foliage. Flower sprays in shades of pink and white. ... Learn More

One of the most popular introductions in recent years and ever-popular in both parks and gardens, a cascade of diminutive white flowers open on thin stems above solid clumps of beetroot coloured foliage. Bone hardy and long-lived, these plants are perfect whether for formal beds or edging. ... Learn More

Deep crimson to purple flowers with darker striped petals and dark eyes, open on stems clad in dissected foliage which is very reminiscent of Japanese maple leaves. These are at least as attractive as the flowers, and can vary from dark bronze to deepest purple, and this is the one hibiscus that is grown for its beautiful foliage as well as for the flowers! The fast growing and shrubby habit of this unusual plant makes it a good choice for a seasonal hedge, an attractive annual specimen plant, or even an indoor container plant. Very few seeds obtainable. ... Learn More

Possibly the largest flowers of any of the mallow family, these truly astounding, exotic, supersized blooms can grow to the size of a dinner plate across (10"-12" or 25 - 28 cm), usually white with a crimson centre, but often in shades of white, pinks and crimson and even more shades! Individual blooms can be picked and floated in a large flat dish, like a huge water lily, as a unique table centre-piece. Whether grown in the garden, in tubs, or in the greenhouse, they will delight and amaze all who see them. This gem thrives in sunny, moist, or even wet sites where it is sought after by many ... Learn More

Enormous and quite remarkable flowers, (up to 6 inches or 15cm wide) and either single or double, appear profusely from summer until late autumn. The massive blossoms on this fast-growing, RHS award-winning plant undergo a magical transformation, opening pure white or palest pink in the morning before turning hot pink or even red by the evening, all colours together creating a magical, multicolour effect. It will be a gem in the late season garden when it is in full bloom and most other flowers are dying down! ... Learn More

Beautiful flowers open ivory-white to pale yellow with a dark red spot at the base of each petal, the attractive leaves being deeply three-to-five-lobed, arranged alternately on the stems. The fleshy seed pods are also most attractive turning bright red as the fruit matures. Native to West Africa, this attractive shrub has a long list of herbal attributes. ... Learn More

Hieracium aurantiacum is also called Pilosella aurantiaca, with common names including Orange Hawkweed, Tawny Hawkweed, Devil's Paintbrush and Grim-the-collier! This favourite old cottage garden plant has brilliant coppery, orange-red flowers with black tips (hence its name) which appear on short stems for a long period in spring and summer. It will run slowly and is perfect for a wild garden or a rockery. ... Learn More

In early spring prostrate rosettes of pointed, radiating leaves appear to have been quickly dipped in chocolate. Yellow flowers later are a bonus. This amazing form of Hieracium maculatum will certainly be included in many designer gardens in the future. ... Learn More

Very large, bright yellow daisies open on branching stems in early summer over prostrate clumps of broad, woolly, velvety, grey leaves which tempt you to stroke them. One of the very few 'choice' hawk weeds and what a little beauty! It occasionally self seeds but isn't a problem, and it does perfectly well in the poorest soil as it is found naturally in rocky high places in the Alps in France, Switzerland, and Italy. ... Learn More

This is one of the very few dandelion relatives you should ever let in to your garden but it should be encouraged as it is a little gem. Frilly yellow flowers on dividing stems arise above attractive clumps of large, floppy, hairy leaves resembling rabbits ears. ... Learn More

One of the most unusual shrubs in the UK, this beauty bears willow-like leaves, arranged tight to the branches. Both male and female plants occur, but only the females bear the amazing solid clusters of soft golden berries. These are famous for their many health benefits and are most commonly used in herbal teas. It is also making its way in to some of the most adventurous chef’s kitchens, becoming a very popular alternative in household recipes. With a sweet, sharp flavour, the berries add a fresh twist to many recipes, and also make a refreshing health juice drink. Some studies have also s ... Learn More

From New Zealand comes this unusual shrub/small tree which, surprisingly, belongs to the mallow family. Delightful sprays of white flowers are borne from midsummer onwards. ... Learn More

This vigorous, astonishingly hardy, evergreen climber has extremely fragrant flowers which can vary from white through pale green to pale purple, and appear in clusters in spring and early summer. Much later, right into early winter, very large, pinkish-purple sausage-shaped fruits ripen. In late winter and spring these split open revealing the seeds held in a mass of edible white jelly. This beautiful, vigorous, evergreen climber has dark green leathery leaves which are composed of three oblong, pointed leaflets held on strong twining stems enabling it to climb. It is native to central China ... Learn More

Tall spires hold numerous large, silky, glistening, almost black trumpets, in fact the darkest we have seen. If left to self-seed these flowers are amongst the most magnificent of specimens. In addition, this herb can be used in the same manner as marshmallow; the flowers, with the calyx removed, are commonly used to treat colds as they are a demulcent. Historically, hollyhocks have been used for many other types of medication and also as dye plants. ... Learn More