Cuphea Cupheas are native to Mexico and Brazil. There are around two hundred and sixty species and they are mostly low growing annuals, perennials or shrubs with tubular flowers and small leaves. Don looked at two new varieties, ‘Starfire’ and ‘Tiny...
Daphne This large genus of evergreen and deciduous shrubs was named after a nymph in Greek mythology called Daphne. After being chased by the sun god Apollo, Daphne prayed to her father, who was a river god, to save her. The river god changed her into a bay tree!...
This curious Mexican succulent makes an ideal hanging basket specimen for a hot, sunny balcony. It will thrive on neglect, even if you go on holidays or forget to water it for weeks at a time. Hanging baskets of Donkey’s Tails, each with a cover like a Chinese...
Dwarf Murraya Murrayas are evergreen shrubs from south-east Asia and Australia. They produce fragrant, creamy white flowers in abundance in spring then again in late summer or early autumn, and also after heavy rain. They have glossy green foliage and a dense,...
Dwarf Sacred Bamboo This plant is not a bamboo but a dwarf form of Nandina domestica, which grows naturally in Japan, China and south-east Asia through to eastern India. This little shrub is very tough and hardy – it almost seems to thrive on neglect! Plant...
Edgeworthia This unusual and interesting plant is closely related to the daphne, and has clusters of perfumed flowers which look similar except they’re yellow. Its tough bark is used in Japan for making Washi, a fine quality hand-made paper, and an insecticide...
Abutilons (Abutilon x hybridum) are commonly known as Chinese lanterns, because they have pendulous, lantern-shaped flowers. These beautiful evergreen shrubs grow from 2-3 metres (6-10′) tall, and have attractive, maple-like leaves and a wispy, delicate form....
A horticultural survivor from Ancient Greek and Roman times, Acanthus mollis is one of the great garden plants. It was so highly regarded in the ancient world that a motif shaped like an acanthus leaf was used to decorate the tops of Corinthian columns. Plant details...
This showy climber from tropical America is very popular in warm climate gardens, where it is often seen growing on fences, walls and pergolas. It produces large, stunning yellow flowers over several months of the year. The genus name commemorates Dr. Frederic...
Evergreen foliage plants are wonderful in the garden, because they give you stunning colour all year round. Many plants with brilliantly coloured leaves belong to the family Amaranthaceae. They include the popular bloodleaf (Iresine herbstii) with its bright red...