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

A spectacular alpine viola which makes a low dome of branching stems and leaves densely studded with small bright yellow flowers all summer long. It will, if you are lucky, self-seed into cracks and unexpected corners. This is the plant that has occasionally found fame as a patio or basket plant. What a waste! ... Learn More

This rare, and surprisingly hardy Brazilian violet grows at altitude, 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 display of short stemmed creamy-white flowers above oval, hairy leaves. Picture is buds only, 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 one of the few temperate-zone species of Vitex, which is generally a genus of tropical and sub-tropical flowering plants. ... 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

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

Delicate pale blue bells on countless short slender stems hover above compact mats of tiny spathulate leaves. (New Zealand Harebell) ... 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 planted in spring or late summer for blooms the second year when the 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

Large, vibrant, rose-pink, fragrant, tubular, trumpet-shaped flowers sit upon tall stems rising to more than one metre, and these bloom from late spring to early summer. Occasionally white-flowered seedlings may appear. Foliage is attractive fans of sword-shaped, iris-like green leaves. The genus name honours Sir William Watson (1715-1787), English scientist and physician, who discovered this species on the island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean, once called Ile Bourbon in honor of the Bourbon kings of France. ... Learn More

The lovely Bugle Lily, native to the hills of South Africa, has sword-shaped leaves above which open delicate, soft-apricot coloured flowers, borne on a tall spike-like inflorescence, and that do actually resemble a bugle. Seeds ripen in late summer and finally in late autumn clusters of small brown bulbils form high on the dying stems, and can be easily picked off to start new colonies elsewhere before they fall! ... Learn More

The lovely Bugle Lily, native to the hills of South Africa, has sword-shaped leaves above which open delicate, soft-apricot coloured flowers, borne on a tall spike-like inflorescence, and that do actually resemble a bugle. Seeds ripen in late summer and finally in late autumn clusters of small brown bulbils form high on the dying stems, and can be easily picked off to start new colonies elsewhere before they fall! ... Learn More