Hanging clusters of long, tubular, pinkish red and orange flowers open on this rare, superb and sought-after plant, followed by small, edible fruits. It is easily cultivated in cool temperate climates without extremes of heat or cold, either in a well-drained spot in the garden or a large container. In a severe winter it can be cut to the ground, but invariably re-emerges the following spring. A marvelous shrub to about 1.5 m tall it is native to paramo and cloud forests of the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador between 2500 and 4000 m. ... Learn More

This lovely endemic (only grows in Tasmania) shrub opens its white flowers in May and June followed by showy pure white 'berries' throughout the autumn. It is snow & frost hardy in the UK, but prefers a cool spot in the garden. Native to Tasmanian temperate rainforest, it has attractive red foliage on young growth which have coarse reddish-brown hairs on the leaves as they mature. ... Learn More

Genista radiata, or fantastic spreading broom, a deciduous shrub known for its vibrant bright yellow flowers and low-growing habit. It is adaptable to various soil types and growing conditions, thriving in full sun or partial shade. This hardy shrub requires minimal maintenance once established and is drought-tolerant. With its cascading branches, Genista radiata serves as an attractive ground cover or border plant, adding visual appeal to outdoor spaces. Its vibrant blooms attract pollinators, making it a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for gardens. Spread 90-120cm ... Learn More

Gliricidia sepium, commonly known as Gliricidia, Mexican Lilac, or Madre de Cacao, is a fast-growing, semi-deciduous tree native to Central and South America. It is highly valued for its versatility and ecological benefits. The tree features pinnate leaves and produces clusters of fragrant, pea-like, pale pink to lavender flowers with yellow throats during the dry season. These blooms are followed by flat, green seed pods that mature into brown pods containing hard, shiny seeds. Thriving in full sun and adaptable soils, Gliricidia sepium is widely used in agroforestry systems for purposes s ... Learn More

Gmelina arborea, commonly known as Gmelina, Yemane, or White Teak, is a fast-growing, deciduous tree native to South and Southeast Asia. It is highly valued for its quality timber, which is lightweight yet durable, making it ideal for furniture, cabinetry, and construction. The tree features a straight trunk with a broad, umbrella-shaped crown, and its leaves are large, ovate, and bright green. During the blooming season, it produces tubular, yellow flowers with purple streaks, which are both fragrant and attractive to pollinators. These are followed by fleshy, drupe-like fruits that turn yell ... Learn More

Stiff stems with grey leaves carry bunches of starry white, fragrant flowers excellent for cutting. This rare buddleia relative from alpine South Africa (the 'River Star'), is traditionally used to restore strength. We grow a lot here! ... Learn More

A shrub or small tree, rarely more than 2 m (6 ft.) tall, growing in dry deciduous forests, in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and South Africa. It usually develops multiple stems, covered by dark gray-brown bark, upright, elliptical leaves with toothed margins, grayish-green above and pale green below and yellow or orange flowers, followed by spherical, reddish brown, edible fruits. In Botswana, the fruits of Grewia flava are highly appreciated and are used in the preparation of traditional beer and snacks. It is best adapted to warm temperate and drier tropical climates. Seeds germina ... Learn More

Purple star-shaped flowers that appear in early summer, and continue for a very long time, are much-loved by bees, birds and butterflies, and are finally followed by red-brown berries. This rare, choice and captivating hardy evergreen shrub, with a neat, natural, compact topiary shape, is a valuable addition to any garden or even a patio, where it will thrive, especially in a hot summer. It is both frost and drought-hardy, and will thrive if planted in well-prepared soil either in full sun or shade. Besides being an attractive flowering shrub or compact tree, it can sometimes be trained to d ... Learn More

Grewia similis, commonly known as Cross Berry or Lavender Starflower, is a scrambling shrub or small tree native to regions of Africa, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, eastern tropical Africa, and Ethiopia. It typically grows up to 3 meters in height and may exhibit a climbing habit with woody knobs on older stems. The plant produces simple leaves with serrated edges and lovely lavender flowers, followed by small, orange-red, sweet, and edible fruits measuring 5–10 mm in diameter. These fruits are consumed fresh and are also used to sweeten porridge. In its native habitat, Gr ... Learn More

This rarely grown American sub-shrubby plant is an unlikely member of the 'Loosestrife' family. Thin woody stems, which will slowly spread to form a clump, produce masses of small, bright yellow flowers in early spring. ... Learn More

Deep crimson to purple flowers with darker striped petals and dark eyes, open on stems clad in dissected foliage which is very reminiscent of Japanese maple leaves. These are at least as attractive as the flowers, and can vary from dark bronze to deepest purple, and this is the one hibiscus that is grown for its beautiful foliage as well as for the flowers! The fast growing and shrubby habit of this unusual plant makes it a good choice for a seasonal hedge, an attractive annual specimen plant, or even an indoor container plant. Very few seeds obtainable. ... Learn More

This is the very-rarely seen or offered pure white-flowering variety of the normally red flowered shrub, which if grown alongside the red one can make a dramatic statement. Relatively hardy in a well-sheltered and well-drained spot. ... Learn More

Possibly the largest flowers of any of the mallow family, these truly astounding, exotic, supersized blooms can grow to the size of a dinner plate across (10"-12" or 25 - 28 cm), usually white with a crimson centre, but often in shades of white, pinks and crimson and even more shades! Individual blooms can be picked and floated in a large flat dish, like a huge water lily, as a unique table centre-piece. Whether grown in the garden, in tubs, or in the greenhouse, they will delight and amaze all who see them. This gem thrives in sunny, moist, or even wet sites where it is sought after by many ... Learn More

Beautiful flowers open ivory-white to pale yellow with a dark red spot at the base of each petal, the attractive leaves being deeply three-to-five-lobed, arranged alternately on the stems. The fleshy seed pods are also most attractive turning bright red as the fruit matures. Native to West Africa, this attractive shrub has a long list of herbal attributes. ... Learn More

One of the most unusual shrubs in the UK, this beauty bears willow-like leaves, arranged tight to the branches. Both male and female plants occur, but only the females bear the amazing solid clusters of soft golden berries. These are famous for their many health benefits and are most commonly used in herbal teas. It is also making its way in to some of the most adventurous chef’s kitchens, becoming a very popular alternative in household recipes. With a sweet, sharp flavour, the berries add a fresh twist to many recipes, and also make a refreshing health juice drink. Some studies have also s ... Learn More