Masses of sizeable, sumptuous, beautiful royal-purple blooms open wide, amidst velvet leaves, constantly from March or April. These continue all through autumn and sometimes into early winter, or even all-year-round in warmer climates. Perfect trained as a shrub, or even allowed to grow finally into a small tree, it is one of the world's most spectacular plants. In the wild, Tibouchina lepidota is fairly widespread in montane and cloud forests of the Andes mountains between Venezuela and Peru from 800 to 3200 m, and therefore has a considerable measure of hardiness. ... Learn More

This gorgeous and completely hardy Australian shrub grows to around 2 feet tall,with bluish-purple drupes clustered at the ends of branches which, predictably, hold thyme-like leaves. Flowers form attractive pink clusters, often appearing at the same time as ripe fruits from the previous season. Flowering period is during summer. T. thymifolia occurs on scattered mountains, mainly in the central part of Tasmania and often on dolerite bouldery ground. ... Learn More

These famous berries have been popular not only because of their delicious sweet, slightly sour taste, but also because of their high level of benzoic acid, which is a natural compound that conserves products made with lingonberries. Lingonberries contain many other healthy compounds, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. As well as vitamin C, studies suggest that the high levels of antioxidants compared to other berries can limit the negative effects of eating high-fat food. The berries also contain tannins, which can have an effect on urinary tract disorders, and like cranberries, li ... Learn More

A plant to puzzle and impress your friends. This handsome Chilean plant has long tubular greeny-yellow flowers throughout spring and summer followed by yellow berries. It makes a solid shrub decorated with small, evergreen, glossy, dark green, rather musty-smelling leaves. ... Learn More

Flattened heads of strongly fragrant pinkish-white flowers open above a foil of evergreen leaves from December to May. Attractive dark blue-black berries appear later, and indeed growing several in the same area will encourage a good display of these. Native to the Mediterranean area of Europe and North Africa, this lovely, long-flowering shrub is perfect for brightening partly shady areas when little else is in flower. Reliable and easy-to-grow, the dark green foliage provides a dense backdrop for ornamental or feature plants. ... Learn More

This popular shrub bears clusters of bright pink, funnel-shaped flowers in spring and is the perfect specimen for a large shrubbery or even for growing in a lawn. ... Learn More

An unusual white form of the popular garden shrub originally discovered in Korea and China in the mid-19th century. ... Learn More

A truly outstanding deciduous shrub bearing showy funnel-shaped flowers. But this form is special! The buds open to give white flowers which age to pink and finally to red. The whole effect is quite stunning with flowers of all colours on the same plant! ... Learn More

This short, tender shrub has elliptical green leaves, producing small bell-shaped, five-petaled flowers and small red berries. Preferring a sheltered spot in full sun, this plant will grow well after all chance of frost is gone, but would need to be brought inside the green house to overwinter, or grown again from seed. The berries are very popular with birds! ... Learn More

A curious, rarely seen and attractive shrub in the rue family. Sprays of greenish-yellow flowers in spring later produce attractive bunches of bright red berries amidst shiny aromatic leaves. Enormous thorns are produced on the old wood. ... Learn More