An amazingly choice and heat-tolerant plant with very large, brilliant yellow, purple-eyed flowers. Although a perennial shrub in warmer climes, this plant is best grown in a large pot or sheltered garden elsewhere. ... Learn More

This mid-sized, slender, aromatic, gum-bearing tree has branches clad in leaves with three leaflets and greenish white, sweetly scented flowers, that finally transform into the amazing smooth-shelled "bael fruit" that can be eaten either fresh or dried and tastes of marmalade, although it actually smells of roses! Sacred by Hindus, it is known to produce one of the most commonly used fruits in Ayurvedic treatments as well as other traditional systems of medicine. In the traditional Newari culture of Nepal, this tree is part of a girls fertility ritual known as the Bel baha. Girls are "married" ... Learn More

Discovered here in 1995 and finally given the 'All America Award'. This remarkable gem bears early spring crowns of purplish, crinkled leaves which transform into sweetly aromatic golden rosettes, with tubby terminal spikes of fluffy lavender flowers. Bone hardy with frost and long-lived in a well-drained spot. ... Learn More

A superb, very-rarely-seen, medium sized agave, the rosettes of which ultimately form incredible spherical 60-120cm balls of countless, needle-like, densely packed slender spears. Native to limited areas in the Puebla region of Mexico, just south east of Mexico City, it is easy to cultivate, and relatively hardy to moderate frost and drought. ... Learn More

Surely one of the neatest and most diminutive of this race, this tiny agave, with delicate, slender, green or bluish-green foliage, looks just like a miniature firework of succulent leaves. A wonderful addition to any rockery or gravel garden, this rare variety was discovered in the slightly more humid forest of central Mexico between 450 and 1500 m (1500 and 5000 ft.) Consequently, it is happy in areas of high rainfall in summer. ... Learn More

This wide-canopied tree with a large symmetrical crown and rough wrinkled bark bears attractive, fragrant, whiskery, pink flowers which mature into fleshy pods, sweet to the taste which are much relished by squirrels, horses and cattle. This important honey plant grows to a great age, the leaves folding in rainy weather and also in the evening, hence the name "rain tree" and "five o'clock tree". It is native to the neotropics in South America but is now much naturalised. ... Learn More

In April, spires of sweetly scented, nodding yellow flowers open on strong un-branched stalks, above succulent leaves. These plants grow best in full sun, and in summer prefer dry conditions as it is a winter grower. They are hermaphrodite, having both male and female organs, often being pollinated by insects and do not in fact come from Canada as suggested by their name, but from South Africa. ... Learn More

This lovely bulbous plant bears bright yellow, green striped, almond-perfumed flowers, rather like tiny daffodils, all summer long. When stroked, the fleshy, needle-like leaves, exude a sweet scent. These plants from the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa can easily flower the first year from seed. ... Learn More

This is the rare and exquisite but easily grown pure white form of this valuable, late-flowering plant. Strong flower stems carry graceful loose heads of icy white, bell-shaped flowers, just like an exploding firework display, for two months or more. If you are lucky, in well-drained soil, it will gently self sow and form handsome drifts. RHS AGM winner ... Learn More

Sizeable, truly impressive heads of deep purplish pink flowers display darker mid veins on this beautiful, sweetly scented flower. This is one of the very best and really valuable alliums. Few seeds collected. RHS Award of Garden Merit. ... Learn More

This native wild flower grows in damp woods and shady places, and bears in spring loose umbels of up to twenty pretty, white, star-like flowers. This is a really useful plant for naturalizing in woods and shady spots which, given half a chance, it will eventually carpet completely. The unmistakable sweet smell of garlic is often the first thing you will sense before you see it in the spring! ... Learn More

This curious flower looks just like any dwarf alyssum with yellow flowers over a tight, woody green cushion in early spring, but then the flower stems stand up and the seed pods expand, just like little balloons! This curiously attractive flower is perfect for a raised bed or rockery. ... Learn More

Wonderfully fragrant soft 'powder puff' like blooms appear from June to September in romantic pastel shades of rose, lemon, lilac and white. It is quick and easy to grow for summer bedding, mixed borders and cut flower bouquets. ... Learn More

A spreading alpine plant with yellow-eyed, white daisy type flowers sitting just above the grey-green, ferny foliage . The flowers close at dusk or on cloudy days to show a fuchsia underside. Best in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Suitable for rock gardens and even stone walls. ... Learn More

Superb crimson "pea" flowers appear from early spring until late summer, on radiating stems decked with hairy lanceolate leaves. A beautiful and bright plant which can be impressive on a hot bank where little else will survive. ... Learn More