Strong branches bear fragrant leaves, almost exactly identical to those of cannabis plants, and terminate in most attractive clusters of fragrant blue-mauve flowers. Vitex agnus-castus, also called Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, Abraham's Balm or Monk's Pepper, was once used to flavour stews in monasteries, (not recommended for honeymooners). It is a native of the Mediterranean region and although relatively hardy in Devon, it may prefer shelter elsewhere. It is one of the few temperate-zone species of Vitex, which is generally a genus of tropical and sub-tropical flowering plants. ... Learn More

An incredible, brand new hardy plant from the riversides of the African mountains. This vigorous selection from W. rivularis will run gently underground, giving a long succession of very large ivory-white flowers from June until late August. ... Learn More

Dazzling clusters of perfumed orange flowers absolutely smother the canopy of evergreen foliage on this biennial, bushy plant. It should be sown in spring or late summer for blooms the second year when the appealing fragrance of the flowers makes them a good choice for flower arrangements. They are also a great addition to any landscape or meadow planting. Butterflies and bees love this late-spring-through-summer, long-blooming flower. ... Learn More

These dazzling flowers will provide a stunning display in early spring. Their sumptuous orangey/red colour looks amazing when teamed with rich plums and purples, or can add an extra vibrancy to yellow, orange and red schemes. Often grown as a biennial plant, wallflowers perform best in full sun where their bright, fragrant flowers will shine. They look particularly effective in a large patio container or at the front of a sunny fertile, well-drained border. ... Learn More

These neat, dwarf plants complement perfectly spring bulbs and early pansies. Tightly packed clusters of slender, deep purple buds open to vibrant cherry-red flowers that are deliciously scented – and popular with pollinators. Just right for containers and beds, where space is limited or to underplant tall bulbs, they will continue to bloom until the end of May, thriving with a little deadheading. ... Learn More

A very old established dwarf variety of neat habit with clusters of scented, velvety crimson-red flowers. When planted in groups, they bring a splash of sheer drama to your garden. With a beautiful scent, these easy to grow flowers are loved by flower arrangers and pollinating insects alike making them a must for any gardener. ... Learn More

Large, vibrant, rose-pink, fragrant, tubular, trumpet-shaped flowers sit upon tall stems rising to more than one metre, and these bloom from late spring to early summer. Occasionally white-flowered seedlings may appear. Foliage is attractive fans of sword-shaped, iris-like green leaves. The genus name honours Sir William Watson (1715-1787), English scientist and physician, who discovered this species on the island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean, once called Ile Bourbon in honor of the Bourbon kings of France. ... Learn More

The lovely Bugle Lily, native to the hills of South Africa, has sword-shaped leaves above which open delicate, soft-apricot coloured flowers, borne on a tall spike-like inflorescence, and that do actually resemble a bugle. Seeds ripen in late summer and finally in late autumn clusters of small brown bulbils form high on the dying stems, and can be easily picked off to start new colonies elsewhere before they fall! ... Learn More

The lovely Bugle Lily, native to the hills of South Africa, has sword-shaped leaves above which open delicate, soft-apricot coloured flowers, borne on a tall spike-like inflorescence, and that do actually resemble a bugle. Seeds ripen in late summer and finally in late autumn clusters of small brown bulbils form high on the dying stems, and can be easily picked off to start new colonies elsewhere before they fall! ... Learn More

In early summer strong erect stems display heads of stunning, brilliant orange flowers which bloom for many weeks, making it a constantly-producing amazing cut flower. A protected location such as close to a south or west facing wall is preferable, where it is capable of freezing to the ground in extreme cold, and then re-growing vigorously, and still blooming in late spring to early summer! Rich, well-drained soil with regular summer moisture will ensure constant flowering, but if allowed to go completely dry in summer, just as with other watsonias, it will die back, returning with the firs ... Learn More

A rare and seldom-seen plant, native to the Albanian Alps, forming a stunning low evergreen rosette of long shiny leaves, with crinkled or scalloped edges. Taller stems arise, bearing spikes of sizeable, deep-blue tubular flowers during the summer. To thrive it is imperative that it has a rich and gritty soil that stays evenly moist. This unique and protected plant is endemic to the Gartnerkofel mountain of the Carnic Alps on the Austrian-Italian border where it was discovered in 1779 by Franz Xaver von Wulfen, after whom it is named. ... Learn More

A rarely-seen or offered scarcity, clusters of star-shaped purple flowers top a reed-like stem in the spring. Does best in full sun but thrives in a damp environment and will tolerate up to 5mm of water above the soil. A good pond marginal, it can tolerate some frost but prefers protection from severe conditions. ... Learn More

A rare and extremely beautiful plant bearing disproportionately large flowers which vary in the wild from pink to rose-purple. The leaves are long, spathulate, coarsely-toothed, and densely hairy, whilst the short stems are covered with an attractive grey-white downy pubescence. In the wild it is strictly protected and occurs in small populations in Colorado (western counties) and Wyoming (south-central counties) where the plant's existence is threatened, and where it grows in sub-alpine and alpine meadows. These very few fertile seeds were collected from un-hybridised, alpine-house and garde ... Learn More

Another member of the lovely Rain Lily clan, this variety produces slightly smaller than usual, gloriously bright yellow, star-shaped, upward-looking flowers, above grass-like foliage that will not crowd out neighbouring plants. It performs best in full sun and will tolerate poor soil. ... Learn More

White flowers, varyingly marked with thin red lines, open on tiny stems over unobtrusive, thin, thread-like foliage. Despite its small scale and size this vigorous plant grows well in almost any well-drained, fertile soil with a dry summer rest. Re-wetting in autumn will also produce new flowers. The miniature scale of this uncommon species from Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay is amazing, and it might do best in a trough or small pot where you are able to appreciate its beauty. ... Learn More