Sizeable, golden-eyed, ivory-white flowers open on tall stems above fleshy leaves. Resembling an anemone rather than a typical begonia, this extremely rare plant is endemic to the high tropical or subtropical montane forests of Equador, where it is threatened by habitat loss and classified as vulnerable by IUCN. (The International Union for Conservation of Nature). In colder areas the plant may be cut to the ground, but the tuber invariably sprouts again the following spring. ... Learn More

Large stunning clusters of bright red flowers are displayed on this scrambling shrub which is rare in cultivation, and will make a magnificent and easily grown ornamental for warm temperate climates. One of the world's largest begonias, it can grow up to 3 m tall in its native haunts in the cloud and montane rainforests in Colombia and northwestern Venezuela, where it is happy at between 1700 and 4000 m. ... Learn More

Yes! A Hardy begonia! Fleshy, olive green, deeply-veined foliage is held beneath fragrant light pink flowers 3cm wide in summer. Planted in moisture retentive but freely draining soil and mulched well with bark for more frost protection, this begonia, that can be grown outside all the year around and has top growth hardy to minus 2 degrees C but the tuberous roots have always survived every winter, even at minus 10C here! ... Learn More

Begonias are usually prized for their unusually attractive leaves and this one is at the top of the league! Its leaves resemble those of a maple tree, however, they are enormous, up to 30cm across, and much more spectacular, with serrated edging and bright green centres that contrast dramatically with the deep purple of the rest of the leaf. The solid rhizomatous clump is composed of giant leaves surrounded by a contrasting wide black-green border, all being held at the end of red-speckled leaf petioles. Growers have reported that this variety has proved reliably hardy to 15 degrees F making it a stunning garden specimen! This wonderful begonia was first discovered in Mexico in the 1830s, the name referring to the leaves of heracleum, or "Giant Hogweed" to which it is obviously unrelated. Very rare fertile seeds. ... Learn More

This lovely shrub-like perennial and low-maintenance houseplant displays large, asymmetrical, deeply-folded, dark green leaves with a superb metallic sheen, and striking red veins underneath. Large clusters of hairy, pink flowers open on sturdy, thin, erect stems. Coming from Brazil, it prefers temperatures above 10 °C (50 °F), so in temperate regions it is best grown under glass, or planted out in spring when it is sufficiently warm. At lower temperatures it may lose its foliage and die down but will re-sprout again with increasing warmth. ... Learn More

Very late in the year, as daylight hours shorten, clouds of confetti-like flowers with prominent bright yellow anthers open, en-masse, atop the strong flower stalks. Because it only flowers when the weather is cool, if only in comparison to that of spring and summer, it is an impressive foliage plant during the warm months, with visual impact with its amazing leaf size and overall scale. As an annual in a warm climate, this astounding plant gathers strength all season, soaring to four or even six feet by frost. But in even warmer or hot climes, the "tree" begonia makes good on its name, with thick canes twelve feet (4 metres) high and more, each with a few enormous rhubarb-like leaves nearly a foot across, which are displayed loosely on strong, upright canes. So to guarantee a shower of flowers late in the year, try one in a large pot indoors in good light. ... Learn More

Clusters of purple-spotted-orange flowers appear from midsummer onwards into early autumn. In a sheltered position it will multiply and slowly spread, or for more controlled flowering it does well in a large container. ... Learn More

This beautiful, primitive, rare endemic plant is restricted to the mountains of Tasmania where it grows in high-altitude alpine and subalpine heaths and woodlands. The showy clusters of pale pink flowers, each of which has 4 pointed segments which spread then curl back, open from red buds. Later appear the brilliant red or yellow fruits, which are oval-shaped, narrowing at the leaf base. Like most proteas, this smallish erect shrub, which has entire, glabrous, fairly succulent leaves, has exceedingly attractive flower, but will be a real challenge to grow well and should walk away with any show-bench prize. This exceedingly scarce plant is the only species of the ancient Bellendena genus, and Phylogenetic studies sometimes place this genus as basal to the rest of the Proteaceae! ... Learn More

This attractive bellevalia has bi-colored inflorescence, flowers turning from a bright lilac-blue to pale brownish green on opening with long basal leaves spreading on the ground. In its native environments of Italy, Greece and western Turkey, it occurs on rocky hillsides, but is easily grown in any rich, well drained soil in a sunny spot. ... Learn More

Between March and May this small bulbous plant from the Middle East has fleshy, mid green, lance like leaves and bears numerous short stems of pale-rimmed dark, inky-blue flowers. It prefers a very well drained soil in full sun and a dry summer dormancy or baking in the ground, making it ideal for a hot bank, scree or rockery in areas where summers may be wet. Will naturalise where happy. Also make a lovely pot plant! ... Learn More

From April onwards, tight conical clusters of pale blue buds open into compacted spikes of flared, waxy white flowers, each flower bell having attractively contrasting navy blue anthers. These flowers have an attractive fragrance which is especially noticeable in the evening. This lovely little plant should be grown more often but is rare in cultivation. ... Learn More

Dark-eyed mauve dahlia-like flowers arise from clumps of prickly thistle leaves. An intriguing introduction from high in the South African mountains. This newcomer demands a hot sunny spot to give of its best. We have included seed from a few pure white-flowered seedlings. ... Learn More

From a yucca-like, but softer leaved rosette of sword-like leaves, arise huge arching spikes of red and green flowers, much resembling a dragon's head. One of the world's most magnificent hardy plants, very long-lived in a well-drained sheltered spot. Very few good seeds are ever collected. ... Learn More

A striking new double form with a compact, lax habit, and an exceptionally long flowering period. The golden, daisy-like, double blooms smother the ferny foliage from early summer onwards. Brighten up your hanging baskets and containers, or let their trailing stems spread through gravel gardens and the front of borders. Likes a sunny position. ... Learn More

This wonderful, robust, strong evergreen fern from Chile is by far the most distinctive of our few reliably hardy evergreen ferns. Growing to 3 ft or more, it has thick, leathery dark green pinnatifid fronds. It spreads quite easily, in time developing into a colony, and will form a dramatic impact to your garden. ... Learn More