Attractive, frilly flowers mature into guava fruits, which may be round, ovoid or pear-shaped, 2 to 4 inches long, and are commonly used in jams and juices. A series of tests on Indian fruits, including Himalayan apples and pomegranates, bananas from the south, and grapes from Maharashtra, found the guava, (exotic in Europe but a poor man's fruit in India), to be the ultimate super food with the highest concentration of antioxidants which protects against the cell damage that often ages skin. From seed, common guavas may bloom and set fruit in as little as 2 years. They are evergreen, faintly ... Learn More

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

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

This famous Banana relative is not a palm at all, despite its common name, and is a popular ornamental in tropical regions. The leaf arrangement gives the entire plant the appearance of a huge fan. The Madagascan Travelers Palm derives its name from its capacity to hold water in the leafbases for long periods of time after a rainfall, allegedly providing water for weary travellers, even during a drought. Once germinated, the resulting plant is VERY fast growing. The waxy, blue seed cover should be removed just prior to sowing for better results. High daytime temperatures may help to trigger fa ... Learn More

Open racemes of very large, tubular, deep pink flowers with yellow throats, open in early summer on this rarely-seen plant, which bears rough, palmate leaves. It is perennial in a sheltered spot with good drainage, but is perhaps better enjoyed in a large container which is kept frost-free. ... Learn More

Ricinus communis 'Carmencita Bright Red', commonly referred to as Carmencita Bright Red Castor Bean, is a dramatic, fast-growing ornamental plant that captivates with its bold foliage and vibrant seed pods. The plant features deeply lobed, dark burgundy to bronze leaves that provide a stunning contrast in garden beds and borders. Its standout feature is the striking, bright red seed pods that emerge in mid to late summer, adding a splash of vivid color to any landscape. This tropical-looking plant thrives in full sun and well-drained, fertile soils, making it a popular choice for creating f ... Learn More

Huge, bright green, shiny leaves adorn this lovely thick-trunked Cretian form of the "Castor Oil Plant". This is the quite rarely offered, true wild form, bearing dazzling, bright red flower buds and seed pods amongst large dark green leaves. If grown in warm climates it will ultimately make a sturdy tree. Please note that these seeds are extremely poisonous if eaten. ... Learn More

This selected form of Ricinus, the "Castor Oil Plant", has brighter red leaves and seed heads than many other forms, the deep red/bronze shiny leaves only producing their strongest leaf colour when in full sun and as it matures, and please note, the first few leaves will just be green! This absolutely stunning plant will in time grow into a tree in warmer countries. Please note that these seeds are extremely poisonous if eaten. ... Learn More

Ricinus communis 'Impala', commonly known as Impala Castor Bean, is a striking ornamental plant prized for its bold, exotic appearance. This compact cultivar features deeply lobed, glossy bronze-red leaves that create a dramatic contrast in the garden. Its architectural form is complemented by bright red seed pods that emerge in summer, adding both texture and color to borders, containers, or tropical-themed landscapes. Growing quickly to a manageable height of 4–5 feet, Ricinus 'Impala' thrives in full sun and well-drained, fertile soils. While highly decorative, gardeners must note that a ... Learn More

Ricinus communis 'Zanzibarensis', commonly known as Zanzibar Castor Bean, is a towering ornamental plant that adds bold, tropical flair to any garden. Renowned for its massive size, this cultivar can reach heights of up to 15 feet in a single growing season, making it an excellent choice for dramatic focal points or screening. Its huge, deeply lobed, palmate leaves are green with a slight bronze tint, creating a lush, jungle-like effect. Bright red seed pods emerge in mid to late summer, providing additional visual interest. This fast-growing plant thrives in full sun and well-drained, fert ... Learn More