Rarely offered, this naturally occurring enormous variant of the Globe artichoke is native to the Mediterranean, where it was domesticated in ancient times. This giant is a true hardy perennial with silvery, thistle-like foliage, and tall flower stems, which are topped by fat thistle-like buds which resemble small globe artichokes in summer. Whilst the flower buds can be eaten in the same way as the artichoke, the stems which resemble large celery stalks, are usually eaten after being braised or steamed. With an artichoke-like flavour, they are also used as a vegetarian source of enzymes for ... Learn More

Trusses of tubular red flowers open above long, thick, hairy rough leaves. This unusual plant from Southern Europe makes a delightful specimen for a stony spot where it will slowly naturalise if it is happy. ... Learn More

This local form of Cynoglossum montanum has strong stems carrying rough, hairy, pointed leaves, which are tipped with clusters of rose pink flowers in spring and midsummer. These vigorous plants are superb for making a quick-growing statement in the garden. ... Learn More

Dazzling, bright blue flowers, similar to forget-me-nots, are carried in small clusters on dividing stems over strong clumps of rough, narrow, mid green leaves in summer. This plant thrives best in bright, full-sun conditions in well-drained soil. ... Learn More

Strong stems carrying rough, hairy, pointed leaves are tipped with clusters of burgundy flowers in spring and midsummer. These vigorous plants are superb for making a quick-growing statement in the garden. ... Learn More

This exotic-looking beautiful flower opens in a quite unusual shade of french mustard! The individual flowers open for just a day or so, and then another flower opens on the same stem, making a long display as long as buds are produced. These plants will perform well in dryish warm screes but excel themselves in a container when they can multiply up. In the wild they are found from S. Brazil to N.E. Argentina. Few seeds collected. ... Learn More

This beautiful flower is widespread in the British Isles where it is found at up to 600 m above sea level. It is the more northerly equivalent of D. praetermissa with a delightful stocky dwarf habit with deep blue-tinged, green leaves and compact crowded flower spikes of deep rich violet-purple flowers. The individual blooms are deeply coloured and have a characteristic diamond shaped lip. It grows well and bulks up, doubling annually in ordinary garden soil, which is ideally damp but well drained. ... Learn More

Dahlia australis, commonly known as Southern Dahlia, is a species dahlia native to regions of Mexico and Guatemala. This herbaceous perennial is characterized by its upright growth habit, reaching heights of up to 150 cm. It features dark stems and bright green, trifoliate leaves. In late summer to early autumn, it produces nodding, star-shaped single blooms approximately 5 cm across, with eight pointed lilac-pink petals surrounding a yellow central disc. While it may be shy to flower under certain conditions, when it does, it adds a delicate charm to the garden. Thriving in full sun and well- ... Learn More

Cactus Dahlias make for an impressive display, bearing curvaceous, spiky blooms in a range bright colours. Their star-shaped flower form means they stand up well to inclement weather, because they’re less prone to being weighed down by heavy rain, or blown about by wind, than other Dahlia types. They are easy to grow from seed and make excellent cut flowers. For best results grow in full sun in moist but well-drained soil, and lift the tubers in November to overwinter for the following year. ... Learn More

Numerous brightest orange-red flowers open in late summer on plants which have quite finely dissected, bright green foliage. Originating from the mountainous regions of Mexico, they can grow extrely large in the right conditions, especially in good soil and with shelter of a wall. Although often reputed to be tender, the plants that produced these seeds have lived happily outside here with no protection for more than 15 years. ... Learn More

This improved dwarf strain of Dahlia is a superb mix of vibrant colours - yellows, oranges and red, to pink, white and purples. Producing double and semi-double blooms against a backdrop of lush, deep bronze foliage, they are ideal for larger pots and planters, in borders or dotted around to fill in gaps. Very easy to manage and will deliver a good performance come rain or shine in summer. ... Learn More

Beautiful yellow-eyed, lavender-pink starry flowers open on branching stems, above shiny divided foliage, throughout the summer. It is soundly perennial here in Devon, but a well-drained protected spot is recommended elsewhere where it will makes a deep long-lived tuber. Very few seeds collected. ... Learn More

Give your garden a vibrant splash of late summer colour with Dahlia 'Pompone Mixed'. The small but perfectly formed, ball shaped flowers in double form are in bright solid colours in a wide band of shades. The tall stems of this decorative Dahlia add height and structure to the back of borders, and are perfect for cutting for your own bouquets. The first year will provide a very economical collection of these delightful blooms and each plant will produce tubers that can be carefully lifted at the end of the season for storing and re-planting the following year. ... Learn More

This extremely rare specimen is an absolutely magnificent plant for the back of the border, and we had never previously heard of this plant or family! Tall, strong, fabulous, arching, cane-like stems sprout large, pendulous, terminal sprays of creamy-yellow-green flowers, and are clad in palmate leaves resembling the famous drug! When dried the flowers and stems make gorgeous winter displays. Bone hardy, non-invasive and perhaps the tallest herbaceous perennial you can grow, this is yet another reliable "baffle-the-expert" plant. ... Learn More

This impressively tall, rarely-seen, multi-value plant grows hairy feathery foliage which is traditionally collected in Crete as a wild vegetable in the spring. The fragrant flowers have a delicate lace-like structure with a single deep purple or black flower in the centre of the rose flowered curved umbel. These seeds were freshly collected for us in Crete, and when they ripen in the early summer, the umbels curve strongly inwards to protect the loose ball of detached seeds, producing a truly impressive and very beautiful structure, much like eggs in a nest. Indeed, an old English popular nam ... Learn More