A fast growing tree legume from tropical America with small white flower heads that appear in compact round heads. Preferring a moist, warm climate, it grows in a wide variety of soil conditions. The large seeds pods are semicircular and resemble a elephant or monkey ear, hence the 'ear tree' as it is more commonly known. It is the national tree of Costa Rica, where the seed pods are widely used as a food source for livestock. ... Learn More

Beautiful star-shaped flowers, in shades of brown and purple, grown on spikes which can grow up to 2 feet high. The grey-green, straplike leaves grow in a tuft from the crown at the base. Prefers a sunny spot, in well drained soil and is ideal for beds and borders. ... Learn More

Desert Candles are native to dry, semi -desert grasslands and so need lots of sun and well drained soil and a sheltered position from wind. They produce tall flower spikes from low, rosette like strap leaves which make it an ideal addition to the back of borders and beds. A real magnet for pollinators due to the sheer number of flowers, but if you can spare them from the garden and the bees, they are great for cutting to give a real impact and height to any floral arrangement. In some areas, additional frost protection maybe needed to protect the roots. Also known as foxtail lilies or desert candles, eremurus produce tall flower spikes (called racemes) from low, rosette-like strap-shaped leaves in the early part of summer and flower till midsummer. These spectacular 'racemes' can reach a height of anything from 1-3 metres depending on the variety. A half hardy perennial, these plants need lots of sun and good soil drainage as it is native to dry semi-desert grasslands. Foxtail lilies will also need frost protection and shelter from wind in the case of the taller varieties. Group Fleshy-rooted perennial Flowering time Early to midsummer Planting time Spring or late summer to early autumn Height & spread 1-3m (3-9ft) by 0.4-1.5m (20in-5ft) Aspect South facing, full sun Hardiness Hardy, but requires free draining soil Difficulty Difficult ... Learn More

This compact, clump forming fleabane generally produces only one lavender-purple flower per stem, but gives a vibrant show of colour in contrast to the grey-green foliage. Native to North America, where it grows on ridges, rocky slopes, and outcroppings, it is ideal for troughs, rock gardens and edging, giving a vibrant splash of colour in early summer. ... Learn More

This is the tree that is grown worldwide to produce plum-sized, juicy, sweet purple/brown figs and although there are hundreds of cultivars this is still a favourite. Fruits will ripen from midsummer onwards in the UK but earlier in warmer countries. These are good, fertile seeds and are ready-stratified for sowing. Fruit from seedlings may vary but all should be superb fruits. ... Learn More

This small exotic perennial produces stems of bright yellow flowers, with heart-shaped narrow, green leaves. Native to the Himalayas and Thailand, it prefers well drained soil , in full sun or partial shade, but will not tolerate frost, so should be brought inside for the winter months and the rhizome kept dry. It also makes a good houseplant as long as it is kept humid. ... Learn More

Renowned for its beauty this can be grown as an ornamental shrub or tree. The trunk has shedding bark and it produces fragrant flowers. The small fig-like fruit are considered to be the sweetest of all the guava varieties with a musky fragrance and tropical notes of papaya, passion fruit, melon and ripe pear. Considered to be a 'super fruit', the skin is high in Vitamin C and the pink flesh contains more beta carotene than the white variety. ... Learn More

Stunning flowers on upright, erect stems, in shades of cream, yellow, maroon and purple, often with intricate patterns and markings, and long narrow leaves. Ideal for the garden border and due to the wide colour variations, this makes a great addition to a cut flower garden. ... Learn More

A brand new and incredibly bright, dwarf, shining canary-yellow foliage form of Iris foetidissima. Semi-evergreen clusters of golden daggers arise from compact clumps and are astonishingly vivid in very early spring. The pale blue, typical iris flowers open soon after. Seedlings come quite true but very few seeds collected. ... Learn More

A beautiful iris with sword-like, dark green leaves and flowers blooming in shades of deep blue, violet and lavender, with darker veining and a bright yellow centre. Native to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey, this iris makes a stunning addition to a sunny border. It is often used as an ornamental plant in combination narcissus and tulips in Turkish gardens and parks. ... Learn More

Velvety, fleshy, pulpy fruit, rather like a tomato or small apple, fills this rarely-seen member of, believe it or not, the willow family! An attractive tree at all times, it is widely grown in warm temperate to tropical gardens around the world. And as it is many-branching, and has a dense crown, It is also used as an inpenetrable hedging plant, on account of the masses of spines that adorn the inner branches. And finally, it has valuable uses in local and popular medicine, specifically for relieving pain and rheumatism. ... Learn More

This exotic vine has heart-shaped leaves and produces small yellow flowers followed by unusual looking spiky fruits which change colour from green to yellowy-orange when ripe. The seeded, lime-green jelly like interior of the fruit is rich in nutrients and has a mild flavour which is sometimes described as a cross between cucumber, courgette and kiwifruit (although as it ripens, it tastes more like a banana). It is thought to be the ancestor of all other cultivated melons, and should be grown like an ordinary cucumber but with less water and in a dryer atmosphere. ... Learn More

With attractive dark red frills, and open leaves, an ideal lettuce for both the experienced and novice vegetable gardener, due to its tolerance to both heat and cold and is bolt resistant. It can be harvested whole, or is also suitable as a cut and come again variety, bringing a more unusual colour to the average salad bowl. ... Learn More

Prized for its long flowering period, This lily produces a stunning display with the flowers resembling a Turk's cap of bright orange with an array of reddish maroon spots, and a whorl of leaves around the stems. It is a real eye-catching addition to the garden, and is also very popular with pollinators, especially butterflies. Native to North America, where it is a popular plant in both butterfly and hummingbird gardens. Preferring full or partial sun, mature plants can produce up to 20 blossoms per stem. ... Learn More

With graceful heads of out-facing orange flowers and dark spots, this lily is popular with bees and a wide variety of pollinators. Native to north-eastern China, Korea, and eastern Russia where it is found in forests on gently sloping hills, it is a woodland species and likes moisture and shade. A hardy lily, which can withstand temperatures of -15C. ... Learn More