This rarely-seen, but most attractive tree, sometimes used in parks and public gardens, bears attractive divided leaves surmounted by sizeable panicles of fragrant white male and female flowers which are very decorative in May and June. Fairly slow growing, it makes a large shrub to small or medium-size tree and is rarely taller than 10 m under cultivation. It prefers somewhat drier soil and a warm, sunny position. Very few fertile seeds collected. ... Learn More

A spectacular plant from the highlands of Central America, this rather un-Fuchsia-like shrub with glossy-green leaves, bears on red stems many beautiful, large panicles of bright pink flowers all through the summer and autumn. It was even reported to have flowered continually for 13 months through a particularly mild winter in Cornwall. It can survive a few degrees of frost but would benefit from some protection over the winter. ... Learn More

An absolutely stunning, showy species, native to southern Peru, Bolivia and northern Argentina, producing exotic, hanging clusters of 10 centimetre flowers in a stunning combination of pure white and fluorescent red. The long trumpet-shaped blooms open progressively down the cluster for several months, followed, quite incredibly, by tasty green fruits! This is an extremely valuable plant that can either be grown in a large pot or be centre-stage in the garden. Freshly picked seeds are very rarely offered for sale. ... Learn More

We are offering the even rarer form of this elusive flower which displays incredible bi-coloured flowers with an ivory white tube and fluorescent scarlet petals. These pendent blooms, borne in late summer and autumn, are displayed in large drooping corymbs up to 20 cm long. This hard-to-find variety from the Andes mountains, which in the right climate can become an impressive shrub, sends down super-long clusters of trumpet-shaped blooms which open progressively down the cluster over several months. Hardy to about -4 °C for short periods, it is best in a sheltered spot or a large pot indoors. ... Learn More

We collected this most beautiful and bone-hardy plant, which can flower just four months after sowing, on our Chilean Expedition of 1994. Scarlet and purple 'ballerina' flowers open throughout summer and autumn and into winter in mild places, making a gorgeous hedge. ... Learn More

These seeds have been collected from plants, some of which are sizeable bushes, in all shapes, colours and sizes which have actually overwintered outside, here in our gardens in Devon. You will get a surprising mixture of new forms from these seeds. ... Learn More

A spectacular plant from the highlands of Central America, this rather un-Fuchsia-like shrub with glossy-green leaves, bears on red stems many beautiful, large panicles of bright pink flowers all through the summer and autumn. It was even reported to have flowered continually for 13 months through a particularly mild winter in Cornwall. It can survive a few degrees of frost but would benefit from some protection over the winter. ... 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

This medium-sized shrub or small tree produces a generous quantity of flowers, its arching branches often being weighed down by the densely packed racemes of fragrant, nectar-rich pink blossoms. With a medium-sized, open crown it is particularly valued for its use as a shade and support tree, as a producer of green manure and forage crop in plantations, and when cropped down is even established as living fences. It is deciduous, but may be evergreen and flower sporadically through the year in areas with rain all year round. A very valuable multipurpose tree and important component of various agroforestry systems, it is often cultivated in many tropical countries of Central and South America, S and SE Asia, the Pacific islands and Africa where it serves as a pioneer species to establish new sites. ... 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

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 develop a climbing habit! Finally, it is an essential plant for all wildlife friendly gardens. ... 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

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 shown that it can help with cardiovascular, memory, growth, anti-inflammatory, and skin health. The berries are popular in Denmark, especially in home made pies and jams, where they are an alternative to more traditional berries. A powerful antioxidant, the berries are sometimes called Nature’s most balanced fruit, full of vitamins and minerals such as, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D, K, P and also omeaga 3, 6, 7 and 9. In ancient times, both leaves and young branches were fed to horses to support weight gain and also appearance of the coat. This lead to the name of the genus, Hippophae derived from hippo (horse), and phaos (shining)> ... Learn More

From New Zealand comes this unusual shrub/small tree which, surprisingly, belongs to the mallow family. Delightful sprays of white flowers are borne from midsummer onwards. ... Learn More

In spring the spectacular trusses of pink and white flowers hang between the huge distinctive leaves, which have five or more long leaflets. The common name "horse-chestnut" originated from the erroneous belief that the tree was a kind of chestnut, (it is only distantly related), and that that eating the fruit cured horses of chest complaints despite this plant being poisonous to horses. In Britain and Ireland, the gorgeous, very large and highly polished seeds (when freshly-collected) are used for the popular children's game conkers, when the seeds are drilled, threaded onto string and used to hit another's "conker" until one breaks, they are the "loser"! The large seeds are said to repel spiders although many do not believe these claims! This lovely flower is the symbol of the city of Kiev, capital of Ukraine. Seeds are best planted about 6-8 cm. deep after they have dried and shrivelled a little. They will sprout within 3 to 6 months as a rule. ... Learn More