Illustrated List: Rare Varieties

Anemone rivularis

Metallic blue-tinged white 2.5cm (1in) flowers with startling blue anthers lure the onlooker. A lesser known 'windflower' with the typical finely cut silky foliage, and attractive seed heads, this hardy perennial will delight gardeners most when planted in damp soil, or by the side of a pool/pond. Height: 30-60cm (12-24in).

Aquilegia viridiflora Chocolate Soldier

This rare, choice species features delicate, nodding, chocolate-brown, 1.5cm (½in) blooms from late spring onwards. The neatly compact plants are perfect for borders and rockeries. A collector's item. Height: 30-35cm (12-14 inches).

Asphodelus albus

Rarely available. A handsome border plant producing spikes of pure white star-like flowers above tufted, grass-like foliage.

Echium pininana

No wonder this is also called Tower of Jewels or 'Pride of Tenerife! Exceptionally tall flower spikes packed with either rose or purple-blue flowers, interspersed with silver-green lanceolate leaves.

Exotic : Giant Viper's Bugloss (Echium pininana)

No wonder this is also called Tower of Jewels or 'Pride of Tenerife! Exceptionally tall flower spikes packed with either rose or purple-blue flowers, interspersed with silver-green lanceolate leaves.

Ginkgo biloba

Maidenhair Tree

A rare survivor from a prehistoric era. Its shape of growth and ornate lime-green leaves fascinate everyone who sees it. Grows rapidly from seed.

Lithops Pebble Plants Mixed

Neat little plants that are often taken for pebbles having mainly white or yellow blooms. During resting period keep dry. Height: 2.5-10cm (1-4in).

Michauxia tchihatcheffii

Enormous pure white 'Catherine wheel' blooms with prominent yellow stamens adorn stems to a height of 60-90cm (24-36in). The stunning stems, lilac in bud, last the whole summer. An extremely rare and unusual perennial plant. Michauxia can be used for the border or in the conservatory. Leaves are dark green and glabrous.

Passiflora alata (Winged-Stem)

Attractive and sweetly scented 10cm (4in) flowers of purple/white and crimson. Flowering spring through to autumn in a heated conservatory or greenhouse. Edible fruits, popular in Brazilian markets.

Petunia x hybrida T&M's Global Grandiflora F1

Here is the ultimate colour selection in large flowered single Petunias. Virtually every colour, veined, starred, picotees, solids, pastels and bicolours are here formula blended. Extremely uniform, eye-dazzlingly colourful in beds, borders or containers. Height: 23-30cm (9-12in).

Poppy - Himalayan : betonicifolia

Is there a more beautiful bloom in the entire flower kingdom then the famous Blue Poppy? It is only to be expected that an elusive, magical flower like this is a little harder to grow. The secret with this plant is to grow cool and well shaded. Height: 60-90cm (24-36in).

Rudbeckia fulgida Goldsturm

A profusion of bright flowers up to 5in across on bushy plants.

Tropaeolum tricolor

Highly floriferous when established with fascinating, spur-like blooms of orange-red, edged in maroon/purple and bright yellow petals with evergreen foliage. Might be worth growing in a hanging basket in a conservatory or heated greenhouse.

Zaluzianskya capensis Night Phlox

Pretty, phlox-like 13mm (½in) white and maroon flowers that open in the late evening, releasing a delicious scent. Grow in groups to take advantage of the honey fragrance.