One of the most astonishingly beautiful plants to grace our planet, this absolutely exquisite hardy pineapple relative produces rosettes of jagged, pineapple-shaped, silvery-green leaves, from which erupt, when the plant is large enough, stout spikes of exotic,It makes a superb rock garden plant in well drained soil, where it is remarkably hardy and even does well in a container. After flowering that spike dies, but many more basal rosettes are formed for future years. These plants were grown from high altitude seed collected on our 1994 Andean seed-collecting expedition. ... Learn More

Another superb hardy pineapple relative with rosettes of jagged, grey-green leaves. Stout spikes of exotic yellow-green flowers. An excellent container or rockery plant ... Learn More

Puyas are perhaps the hardiest member of the pineapple family, making sensational rosettes of serrated leaves. Spikes of exotic blue-green flowers when mature. Plant in a wall or bank. "Worth the cost and effort to grow this rare plant." (G.S.T.) ... Learn More

A bromeliad from central Chile that forms large groups of rosettes with slender greyish green leaves that are viciously spiny along the margins. The inflorescence is a tall, upright, branched, reddish stalk with bluish-purple flowers. A very easy plant in cultivation, suitable for temperate climates. May need protection in winter. ... Learn More

Possibly the most ornamental of all puyas, its agave-like leaves, formed in clusters of neat rosettes, are attractively dusted with white powder. This king of ornamental puyas originates from high altitudes in the Andes in north western Argentina. When fully mature, magnificent spires of deep blue, orchid-like flowers appear. ... Learn More

Exotic, flaring, lime-green bells, loved by butterflies and bees, open on stiff upright stems which erupt in early spring from relatively small rosettes of thick, spiny foliage. This Bolivian plant is probably the quickest to bloom of all puyas, often in only a year after planting, whereas some puyas can take several years to blossom. In addition it is completely drought tolerant and is quite incredibly frost hardy if kept well-drained and dry. ... Learn More

From 3,000 species of Bromeliads (the pineapple family) this one is the king! After many years of growing a huge rosette of slender leaves, a massive stalk erupts, which can rise to more than 5 metres, and contain countless thousands of ivory-white flowers, each creamy-white blossom being 2 inches (5 cm.) wide, with bright orange anthers. These gorgeous flowers , for a short time, will attract hordes of pollinating insects and butterflies, as well as hummingbirds in warmer climes! It comes from the cool Andean highlands, at about 13,000 feet, so is believed to be frost-tolerant down to about ... Learn More

Spires of almost wax-like, deep reddish-violet flowers arise from a large rosette of saw-toothed leaves when mature. Plant in a wall, bank or well-drained position. ... Learn More

An exquisite colour mix of giant daisy flowers which make great, long lasting, cut flowers. Always a favorite for florists and amateur gardeners alike. ... 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 ... 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 w ... Learn More

Bright sprays of fragrant cruciform flowers open in early spring on this rare, miniscule and very unusual member of the cruciferae, which deserves a place in a pot in an alpine house, or in a well-drained scree or rockery. Primuloides means 'like a primula', making this another one to baffle the experts! ... Learn More

These completely hardy members of the "African Violet" family make dark green rosettes of hairy succulent leaves from which arise round-faced, yellow-eyed, purple flowers. They are very, very long-lived in walls where they will slowly get bigger year after year, and can stand an unbelievable amount of cold, heat and drought. ... Learn More

These completely hardy members of the "African Violet" family make dark green rosettes of hairy succulent leaves from which arise round-faced, yellow-eyed, pure white flowers. They are very, very long-lived in walls where they will slowly get bigger year after year, and can stand an unbelievable amount of cold, heat and drought. ... Learn More

Palest moonlight buttermilk coloured blooms, like clouds of shimmering butterflies, produced all spring and summer. Admired greatly here where they naturalise gently along pathways. ... Learn More