The large deep red flowers of this sturdy, densely shrubby Protea are an excellent addition to any "wild-life" garden, as the large amount of nectar produced attracts birds, bees and other insects. The latin name "repens" is wrong and was caused by a mix-up in ancient times. The botanist Thunberg later named the same plant Protea mellifera, referring to the sweet nectar produced by the flowers. However, this later correct name was not valid so so this upright shrub is now called Protea repens! Proteas require extremely well drained soil which is both acidic and very low in nutrients, fertiliser containing excess phosphates or nitrates may kill them! Proteas should not be fed with standard liquid feeds. Protea feed is available from specialist stockists. As a rule proteas prefer full sun on a south facing slope in an open unshaded position. ... Learn More

This rarely-offered plant has striking, linear, purple-brown and white foliage. This slow-to-grow endemic shrub from South Island, Fiordland, the Southern Alps and northwest Nelson in New Zealand is more of less hardy, preferring montane to low alpine forest in damper regions mainly west of the Main Divide. ... Learn More

This attractive tree has a loose crown which is rounded and open, and produces bunches of fragrant yellowish flowers in summer followed by persistent hop-like fruits. An excellent wildlife plant, it also produces copious nectar and pollen for insects. Originating in North America, especially in Ontario to Connecticut and Michigan, it grows also on dry rocky slopes in the mountains of Mexico. ... Learn More

Large fragrant nocturnal white flowers open on stems bearing enormous mature leaves which can reach a length and width of up to thirty five centimetres. Indeed, they can be used as actual dinner plates or as packaging and storage for wrapping materials inside. The leaves are also used as a primitive method of re-enforcing roofs and preventing leaks. The wood is flexible and durable and is often used for box making. Mostly planted as an ornamental or shade tree, the leaves, flowers, and wood thus all serve a large variety of functions. It is home to Southeast Asia, from India to Burma. ... Learn More

This attractive, moderate-sized, evergreen tree flowers from March to May when its yellowish male flowers crowd into rounded axillary clusters, the female flowers being solitary and greenish yellow. It has pendent branches and dark grey bark, with both bark and leaves being used as medicine, the leaves and fruits traditionally used as medicine for rheumatism. The fleshy fruit has a hard seed-containing stone within, which is strung into necklaces for putting on children, the belief being they ward off evil. The plant contains mustard oils as a chemical defence against herbivores and is widespread across SE Asia. ... Learn More

This large spreading evergreen tree bears dark green leaves which are tough and leathery, with pale undersides. Finally becoming a large and impressive specimen, it is native to the Mediterranean region, although it grows well in almost all parts of the UK once established. The male flowers are catkins and the female flowers give rise to large seeds or "acorns", in a very similar way to the English Oak, Quercus robur. Seeds are rarely produced, and only in "Mast" years which occur with oaks only every five to ten years, hence their scarcity. It takes one of its common names from 'holm', an ancient name for holly (whose botanical name is Ilex). ... Learn More

It can take a full 50 years before this tree has its first crop of very large seeds, called acorns, which are produced on attractive "pixie pipes". Sadly, these seeds are not produced every year, but only in occasional "Acorn or "Mast" years when the tree has built up strength and feels like it! These special years occur with oaks only every five to ten years, hence their scarcity. We have numerous old oaks growing here, so we are always able to sell fresh, top grade, carefully cold-stored seeds, grown and collected from our own ancient 200 to 300 year old oak trees at Plant World. This most well-known and best-loved king of the forest can live for more than a millennium and can take as long as 150 years before producing the strongest and most durable timber. Until the middle of the 19th century, when iron took over for building ships, thousands of oaks were felled every year, it was estimated that it took 2,000 trees to make a single large ship. Plant one for your grandchildren! ... Learn More

Collected on our 1994 Chile expedition, (RB 941010,) this shrubby and spiny unlikely verbena relative, with small, shiny evergreen leaves, produces clusters of smallish mauve bell-flowers in spring followed by most attractive violet berries in autumn. ... Learn More

Tight clusters of pinkish-red, bell-shaped flowers open throughout the summer on this dwarf and choice evergreen shrub which grows just above the tree line in the Alps, Pyrenees, Jura and northern Apennines, on acid soils. The undersides of the leaves are covered in rust-brown spots, which give the species its scientific name. ... Learn More

This is not just a superlative rhododendron, it is in fact one of the most magnificent plants one can grow. Maturing as a large evergreen shrub, it can, in many years, become a tree, with enormous, magnificent, glossy dark green leaves up to 30cm in length, with whitish down beneath. The large flowers, in dense rounded trusses, are bell-shaped, cream to pale yellow with a purple blotch in the throat. Both the BBC and Independent TV companies filmed this in full flower during the spring here in Plant World Gardens, whilst visitors come to our gardens especially to see these plants in full bloom! ... Learn More

Closely related to Kerria, this rarely encountered deciduous shrub is the only species in this (monotypic) genus. It has arching shoots and tapered, sharply toothed, deeply veined mid-green leaves, above which, in late spring and early summer, sizeable, four-petalled white flowers are produced from shoot tips, the large glossy black berries following later. ... Learn More

"Stag's-horn Sumach". Velvety shoots produce large divided leaves turning brilliant purple and orange in autumn. Clusters of deepest red fruits are displayed on female plants. If cut back hard in spring, enormous leaves, up to three-feet long, are produced. ... Learn More

Seemingly not in cultivation. We can find no references. Masses of medium sized pink flowers on a dense shrub. Vladimir, our botanist guide, asserts that this is the best rose for grafting purposes, but not apparently discovered in the West. ... Learn More

Native to Europe and southwest Asia, this lovely rose bears fragrant, paler-centred pink flowers throughout spring and early summer. A vigorous plant, it is ideal in the wild garden or covering an unsightly wall! ... Learn More

This rose is one of the only species worth growing from seed, all aspects being desirable. Thornless, purple-red stems of attractive grey leaves, and pale-centred, cerise pink flowers age to bunches of dark red hips. Superb as a bush, but magnificent as a standard. ... Learn More