{"title":"Hardy Exotic Shrubs","description":"\u003cp\u003eHardy exotic shrubs for UK gardens: evergreen structure, dramatic foliage and reliable year-round presence. Eucalyptus, Nandina, Ficus, Catalpa and other tough shrubs chosen for exotic character in a British border, courtyard or container.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"nandina-domestica-obsessed","title":"Nandina domestica 'Obsessed'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNandina domestica 'Obsessed'\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most colourful compact shrubs you can grow, a dwarf selection of the much-loved \u003cem\u003eheavenly bamboo\u003c\/em\u003e that earns its place for foliage alone. Despite the common name it is not a bamboo at all, but a member of the Berberidaceae family from eastern Asia, prized for the way its finely divided, lacy leaves shift through a living palette of colour from one season to the next.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe great attraction of this \u003cstrong\u003enandina obsessed\u003c\/strong\u003e form is the new growth, which emerges a brilliant, almost fluorescent red before maturing to fresh green through summer. As the temperatures fall, the whole plant flushes red and orange again, holding that fiery winter colour right through the coldest months. Small sprays of creamy white flowers appear in early summer, and while \u003cstrong\u003enandina domestica obsessed\u003c\/strong\u003e is a shy-fruiting foliage form, it occasionally sets a few red berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is an easy, rewarding shrub for almost any garden. Give it a position in full sun for the strongest red tones, or partial shade where the colours stay a little softer. It is happy in most soils, including chalk, clay, loam and sand across the full pH range, provided the ground is moist but well-drained.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact habit, reaching only around 0.6 to 1 m tall and wide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEvergreen in most gardens, semi-evergreen in colder spots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully hardy (RHS H5), needing no winter protection once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent in borders, low hedging, gravel schemes and patio pots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause \u003cstrong\u003enandina\u003c\/strong\u003e stays so neat and well-behaved, it needs very little pruning, just the occasional removal of any tired older stems in spring. Its modest size makes it ideal for containers, where the changing foliage can be enjoyed up close by a doorway or seating area. Water regularly through the first season to settle the roots, after which it copes well with drier spells.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003enandina domestica\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Obsessed' we send out is a strong, well-rooted, nursery-grown plant, carefully selected and packed to arrive in superb condition and ready to bring year-round colour to your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":57810282643839,"sku":"NANDOBSE17","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/nandoobsessed.jpg?v=1782487310"},{"product_id":"nandina-domestica-gulfstream","title":"Nandina domestica 'Gulfstream'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNandina domestica 'Gulfstream'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a superb, compact evergreen shrub prized for foliage that changes colour through every season. A dwarf selection of \u003cem\u003eNandina domestica\u003c\/em\u003e, the plant commonly known as heavenly bamboo, 'Gulfstream' brings the same delicate, bamboo-like elegance in a far neater, more garden-friendly package, making it one of the most versatile small shrubs you can grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts appeal lies in the foliage. The fine, intricately divided leaves unfurl a glowing red in spring, settle to cool blue-green through summer, then ignite into brilliant shades of orange, crimson and scarlet as the temperatures drop in autumn and winter. Unlike the species, this heavenly bamboo holds a tight, rounded, mound-forming habit and rarely exceeds around a metre, so it never outgrows its welcome. Small sprays of creamy-white flowers appear in early summer, a quiet bonus to the year-round leaf display.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Gulfstream' is wonderfully adaptable. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, though the strongest red and orange tints develop where it catches several hours of sun each day. It is happy in almost any reasonable soil, chalk, clay, loam or sand, at any pH, as long as the ground is moist but well-drained. Choose a sheltered position to protect the foliage from cold, drying winds and to keep the winter colour looking its best.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMature size: around 0.6 to 1 m tall and wide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardiness: RHS H5, hardy to roughly -15C across most of the UK\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePosition: full sun to partial shade, sheltered\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEvergreen, with multi-season foliage colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBeing fully garden-hardy in Britain, this \u003cem\u003eNandina domestica\u003c\/em\u003e selection needs no winter protection in all but the coldest gardens, and its compact form makes it equally at home in a mixed border, low hedge, gravel garden or a smart patio container. Water regularly through the first couple of seasons to establish, after which it is admirably low-maintenance and largely drought-tolerant.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery 'Gulfstream' we send out is a strong, well-rooted, nursery-grown plant, chosen to settle in quickly and reward you with its ever-changing colour for many years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"23cm \/ 5L","offer_id":57810282676607,"sku":"NANDGULF23","price":34.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/gulfstream.jpg?v=1782487301"},{"product_id":"eucalyptus-gunnii-azura","title":"Eucalyptus gunnii 'Azura'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEucalyptus gunnii 'Azura'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a superb, more compact and cold-hardy selection of the much-loved cider gum, prized for its rounded, silver-blue evergreen foliage and a fresh, menthol-eucalyptus scent when the leaves are brushed or crushed. If you have admired the silvery cider gum tree but worried about its vigour or hardiness, this is the cultivar to reach for, bringing year-round colour and a touch of the exotic to UK gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy grow 'Azura'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntense silver-blue, aromatic evergreen leaves that hold their colour through winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMore compact and notably frost-hardy compared with the standard species eucalyptus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFast-growing, drought-tolerant once established and brilliant for cutting and foliage arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHolds the RHS Award of Garden Merit for reliable garden performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a true all-rounder among hardy eucalyptus trees. The young, rounded juvenile leaves are the most ornamental, and a regular hard prune keeps that lovely foliage coming while controlling size. Grown as a free-standing specimen it makes a graceful small tree; coppiced or pruned each spring it stays as a neat silvery shrub, ideal for smaller plots and for gardeners who want the eucalyptus look without a forest-sized tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow and where to grow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 'Azura' in full sun for the best foliage colour and sturdiest growth. It is happy on most free-draining soils, including chalk, loam and sand, across the pH range, but dislikes waterlogged ground, so improve drainage on heavy clay before planting. Rated RHS H5, it shrugs off typical UK winters once established; simply give young plants a sheltered spot away from harsh, drying winds for the first couple of seasons and mulch the base. Water regularly in the first year or two to settle the roots, after which it becomes pleasingly drought-tolerant. Expect a mature height of around 3-6 m if left to grow, easily kept to 1.5-3 m with annual spring pruning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are searching for a standout eucalyptus tree in the UK or specifically hunting down Eucalyptus gunnii 'Azura', every plant we send out is nursery-grown, carefully selected and dispatched in prime condition, ready to settle straight into your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"15cm \/ 1.5L","offer_id":57810283069823,"sku":"EUCAGUNNII15","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/eucal.jpg?v=1782487061"},{"product_id":"albizia-julibrissin-summer-chocolate","title":"Albizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate'","description":"\u003cp\u003eFew hardy exotics turn heads quite like \u003cstrong\u003eAlbizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate'\u003c\/strong\u003e, a sumptuous dark-leaved selection of the much-loved \u003cstrong\u003ePersian silk tree\u003c\/strong\u003e. Where the species carries fresh green, ferny foliage, this cultivar unfurls feathery, mimosa-like leaves in deep chocolate-bronze to burgundy, giving the whole plant a smoky, almost tropical presence in the garden. From mid to late summer it is topped with powderpuff flowers in candyfloss pink, their silky stamens shimmering against the dark canopy and drawing in bees and butterflies on warm days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is this contrast of dusky foliage and bright bloom that makes the chocolate-leaved \u003cstrong\u003esilk tree\u003c\/strong\u003e such a prized specimen. Grown as a spreading small tree or large shrub, it develops a graceful, flat-topped, layered canopy that casts dappled shade, perfect as a focal point on a patio border, in a gravel garden, or among other exotics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the richest leaf colour, plant \u003cstrong\u003eAlbizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate'\u003c\/strong\u003e in full sun in a warm, sheltered spot, ideally south or west facing. It is happy in any reasonably fertile, well-drained soil, including chalk and sandy ground, and tolerates a wide pH range. Good drainage over winter matters far more than soil richness, so lighten heavy clay with grit before planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMature size around 4-6 m tall by 3-5 m wide over many years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardy in most of the UK (RHS H4), to roughly -10C once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotably drought-tolerant once its roots have settled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeciduous, leafing out late in spring, so be patient in early summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy through most of the country, it benefits from a winter mulch over the roots while young, and any frost-nipped shoots can simply be trimmed back in spring. Whether you are searching to \u003cstrong\u003ebuy Albizia julibrissin\u003c\/strong\u003e as a statement tree or hunting for an unusual dark-foliage exotic for a sheltered corner, this is a plant that rewards a sunny position handsomely. Every specimen we send out is nursery-grown, carefully hardened and selected for strong, healthy growth, ready to establish quickly and become a lasting talking point in your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L","offer_id":57810283168127,"sku":"ALBIJULICHOC19","price":34.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/alb.jpg?v=1784636397"},{"product_id":"cotinus-coggygria-royal-purple","title":"Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003esmoke bush\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Royal Purple' is one of the most striking deciduous shrubs you can grow, and an exceptional foliage plant for a sunny British garden. A standout form of \u003cem\u003eCotinus coggygria\u003c\/em\u003e, this RHS Award of Garden Merit cultivar carries rounded leaves of the deepest wine-purple that hold their colour right through summer before igniting into brilliant scarlet, red and orange in autumn. Its common name comes from the airy haze of tiny pink-purple flower plumes that hover over the canopy in summer, giving the whole plant the appearance of drifting smoke.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe rate \u003cstrong\u003ecotinus royal purple\u003c\/strong\u003e as one of the easiest large shrubs to place. It works beautifully as a specimen, at the back of a sunny border, or woven into a mixed exotic planting where its dark tones set off bold foliage and hot-coloured flowers. The smoky summer haze and the fiery autumn finale give two distinct seasons of interest from a single plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrow your \u003cstrong\u003eroyal purple smoke bush\u003c\/strong\u003e in full sun, which deepens the leaf colour and brings out the best autumn tints. It is wonderfully unfussy about soil, thriving on chalk, clay, loam or sand across acid to alkaline ground, provided it is moist but well-drained. Avoid very rich soils and waterlogged spots, as lush feeding dilutes the purple and weakens the flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMature size around 3-5 m tall and wide; easily kept smaller by pruning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully hardy across the UK (RHS H6), needing no winter protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrought tolerant once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ePruning is a matter of choice. Leave it largely unpruned for the fullest smoky flower display, or hard-prune in early spring to encourage dramatically larger leaves on a compact frame. Wear gloves when cutting, as the sap can irritate sensitive skin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you know it as \u003cstrong\u003ecotinus coggygria royal purple\u003c\/strong\u003e or simply the smoke bush, this is a reliable, long-lived shrub that earns its place many times over. Every plant we send out is nursery-grown, well rooted and carefully selected, ready to establish quickly and reward you for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L","offer_id":57810283233663,"sku":"COTICOGGPURP19","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/iStock-1154819992.jpg?v=1784359335"},{"product_id":"cephalotaxus-harringtonia-fastigiata","title":"Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata'\u003c\/strong\u003e is the upright, columnar form of the \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese plum yew\u003c\/strong\u003e, a handsome evergreen conifer prized for its architectural shape and its willingness to grow where almost nothing else will. Unlike the spreading species, this cultivar throws its shoots vertically into a dense, narrow column, clothed top to bottom in soft, glossy, near-black-green needles that radiate around each stem like a bottlebrush. It is one of the most useful and least demanding exotic-looking evergreens you can plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat makes \u003cstrong\u003ecephalotaxus harringtonia\u003c\/strong\u003e so desirable is its rare combination of dramatic form and genuine toughness. It is fully hardy across the UK (RHS H5), evergreen for year-round structure, and famously shade-tolerant, coping with the dry shade under mature trees that defeats most other shrubs. The plum yew also resists the pests and diseases that trouble true yews, and as a slow grower it holds its tidy outline for years with minimal attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a brilliantly adaptable plant. It thrives in partial or full shade and tolerates full sun in cooler northern gardens, so it suits north or east-facing borders, woodland edges and shady courtyards alike. Give it any reasonably fertile, moist but well-drained soil, on chalk, clay, loam or sand and at any pH. It dislikes waterlogging, so lighten heavy ground with grit before planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEventual size: around 2 to 3 m tall and 1 to 1.5 m wide, reached slowly over many years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePosition: partial to full shade, or full sun in cooler areas, ideally sheltered\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCare: water through the first season or two, then little needed; clips well if a neater column is wanted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts slim, upright silhouette makes the \u003cstrong\u003eplum yew\u003c\/strong\u003e a natural choice for framing doorways, marking the corners of a bed, or adding evergreen height to a narrow space, and it sits beautifully alongside ferns, bamboos and other shade-loving exotics. Note that the foliage and seeds are toxic if eaten, so site it thoughtfully around children and pets. Every \u003cstrong\u003ejapanese plum yew\u003c\/strong\u003e we send out is a strong, well-rooted, nursery-grown specimen, carefully selected and packed to arrive in superb condition, ready to settle into your garden for decades to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L","offer_id":57810283397503,"sku":"CEPHHARFAST19","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/cephalotaxus.jpg?v=1782486971"},{"product_id":"eriostemon-myoporoides","title":"Eriostemon myoporoides","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEriostemon myoporoides\u003c\/strong\u003e, now correctly known as \u003cem\u003ePhilotheca myoporoides\u003c\/em\u003e, is a beautiful evergreen shrub from eastern Australia, prized by collectors for its long season of waxy, star-shaped blooms. Often sold simply as \u003cstrong\u003eeriostemon\u003c\/strong\u003e or the Long-leaf Wax Flower, this is a refined, well-behaved \u003cstrong\u003eeriostemon plant\u003c\/strong\u003e that brings a touch of the exotic to sheltered UK gardens and patios.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom late winter into spring the bush is smothered in clusters of five-petalled white flowers, opening from pretty pink-flushed buds so the plant seems dusted in stars. The narrow, deep green leaves are aromatic, releasing a fresh citrus scent when brushed or crushed, a classic trait of the rue family (Rutaceae). It builds slowly into a neat, rounded shrub of around 1 to 1.5 m, making it a manageable choice where space is limited.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eLike most members of its family, \u003cstrong\u003ephilotheca myoporoides\u003c\/strong\u003e wants a warm, bright spot and very sharp drainage. Plant it in light, neutral to acidic soil that is low in phosphorus, ideally against a sunny south or west-facing wall where it gains extra warmth and shelter from cold winds. It strongly dislikes heavy wet clay and chalky, limey ground, so on difficult soils a container of gritty ericaceous compost is the reliable route.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePosition: full sun, sheltered from cold winds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoil: free-draining, lime-free, low in phosphorus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: around 1 to 1.5 m tall and wide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardiness: borderline (RHS H3), to roughly -5C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn UK conditions \u003cstrong\u003eeriostemon myoporoides uk\u003c\/strong\u003e growers get the best results treating it as a half-hardy patio shrub: stand it outside for spring and summer, then move it somewhere bright and frost-free over winter. A light trim after flowering keeps it dense and tidy. Water freely while establishing, then let it dry between drinks once settled.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery plant we send out is nursery-grown and carefully selected for healthy roots and strong, even growth, so your Long-leaf Wax Flower arrives ready to settle in and reward you with years of fragrant, star-spangled spring colour.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":57810283790719,"sku":"ERIOMYOP17","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/iStock-2203744150-modified-c4e12516-6141-4b15-9777-81aa14000c29.jpg?v=1784500505"},{"product_id":"hibiscus-syriacus-speciosus","title":"Hibiscus syriacus 'Speciosus'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHibiscus syriacus 'Speciosus'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a showy, double-flowered form of the hardy \u003cstrong\u003eRose of Sharon\u003c\/strong\u003e, smothering itself in large, fully double white blooms, each lit by a flash of red at the centre, from late summer into early autumn. It brings a lush, almost tropical extravagance to the garden just as many shrubs are winding down, yet it is tough enough to shrug off a British winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy gardeners love it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBig, double white flowers with a red eye, right through August and September\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully hardy across the UK, no winter protection needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoved by late-season bees, a quiet boost for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003ewildlife and pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpright, bushy habit for borders or a large patio pot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eA slow, steady grower, it forms a shapely shrub of around 2 to 3 m tall and 1.5 to 2 m across, earning a place as a flowering centrepiece in any \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotic\u003c\/a\u003e planting. Give it a warm, sheltered spot in full sun, ideally south or west-facing, in any moist but well-drained soil. It is happy too in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge container\u003c\/a\u003e on a sunny patio. Prune lightly in early spring to keep an open framework, and be patient, as Rose of Sharon is one of the last shrubs to leaf up, often staying bare until well into May.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery plant we send out is strong, well-rooted and hand-selected, ready to settle in and reward you with its exotic late-summer display for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"13cm \/ 1L","offer_id":57838102151551,"sku":"HIBSPEC13","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/hib-speciosus_418f1da4-d668-44e1-8172-76d423598205.jpg?v=1782486896"},{"product_id":"hibiscus-syriacus-hamabo","title":"Hibiscus syriacus 'Hamabo'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHibiscus syriacus 'Hamabo'\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most beautiful and best-loved forms of the hardy \u003cstrong\u003eRose of Sharon\u003c\/strong\u003e, holding a coveted \u003cstrong\u003eRHS Award of Garden Merit\u003c\/strong\u003e. From late summer into early autumn it produces a long succession of large, single, soft blush-pink flowers, each delicately veined and marked with a deep crimson eye. The effect is soft and exotic, yet the plant itself is thoroughly hardy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy gardeners love it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRHS Award of Garden Merit for reliable garden performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft pink, crimson-eyed flowers from August into September\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully hardy across the UK, a magnet for late-season bees and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003epollinators\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeat, bushy habit for borders or a large patio container\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlow and steady, it makes a shapely shrub of around 2 to 3 m tall and 1.5 to 2 m wide, a natural choice for a sunny \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotic\u003c\/a\u003e scheme. Plant it in full sun in a warm, sheltered, south or west-facing spot, in any moist but well-drained soil, or grow it in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge pot\u003c\/a\u003e on the patio. Prune lightly in early spring for an open framework, and do not worry if it is slow to wake, as this hibiscus is one of the last shrubs to leaf up each year.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery 'Hamabo' we send out is a strong, well-rooted, hand-selected plant, ready to bring its award-winning blooms to your garden for many years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"13cm \/ 1L","offer_id":57838104543615,"sku":"HIBHAM13","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/hib-hambo.jpg?v=1782486807"},{"product_id":"hibiscus-syriacus-duc-de-brabant","title":"Hibiscus syriacus 'Duc de Brabant'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHibiscus syriacus 'Duc de Brabant'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a richly coloured, double-flowered form of the hardy \u003cstrong\u003eRose of Sharon\u003c\/strong\u003e, carrying full, ruffled rosettes of deep rose-pink to purple-red, subtly veined at the centre, from late summer into early autumn. The fully double blooms give it a romantic, almost peony-like opulence, on a shrub tough enough for the British winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy gardeners love it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully double, deep pink to purple-red flowers through August and September\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully hardy across the UK, no winter protection required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA rich late-season nectar source for bees and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003epollinators\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpright, bushy habit for borders or a large container\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eA slow, steady grower to around 2 to 3 m tall and 1.5 to 2 m across, it makes a sumptuous flowering anchor in a sunny \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotic\u003c\/a\u003e planting. Give it full sun in a warm, sheltered, south or west-facing spot, in any moist but well-drained soil, or grow it in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge patio pot\u003c\/a\u003e. Prune lightly in early spring to keep it open and free-flowering, and be patient in spring, as Rose of Sharon is one of the last shrubs to come into leaf.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery plant we send out is strong, well-rooted and hand-selected, ready to reward you with its lush double blooms for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"13cm \/ 1L","offer_id":57838105526655,"sku":"HIBDUC13","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/hib-duc.jpg?v=1782486788"},{"product_id":"hibiscus-syriacus-admiral-dewey","title":"Hibiscus syriacus 'Admiral Dewey'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHibiscus syriacus 'Admiral Dewey'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a classic, double white form of the hardy \u003cstrong\u003eRose of Sharon\u003c\/strong\u003e, producing a long display of large, fully double, pure white flowers like crisp tissue-paper rosettes from late summer into early autumn. Cool, elegant and luminous, it lights up the border just as the season turns, on a shrub that is thoroughly garden-hardy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy gardeners love it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePure white, fully double flowers through August and September\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully hardy across the UK, no winter protection needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eValuable late nectar for bees and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003epollinators\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpright, bushy habit for borders or a large patio pot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlow and steady to around 2 to 3 m tall and 1.5 to 2 m wide, its crisp white blooms make a cool, sophisticated highlight in a sunny \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotic\u003c\/a\u003e scheme, and look especially striking against darker foliage. Plant in full sun in a warm, sheltered, south or west-facing position, in any moist but well-drained soil, or grow in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge container\u003c\/a\u003e. Prune lightly in early spring for an open framework, and allow for its late spring start, as this hibiscus is one of the last shrubs to leaf up.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery 'Admiral Dewey' we send out is a strong, well-rooted, hand-selected plant, ready to bring its elegant double whites to your garden for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"13cm \/ 1L","offer_id":57838107787647,"sku":"HIBADM13","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/hibiscusdoublewhite.jpg?v=1785512613"},{"product_id":"hibiscus-syriacus-red-heart","title":"Hibiscus syriacus 'Red Heart'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHibiscus syriacus 'Red Heart'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a striking, award-winning form of the hardy \u003cstrong\u003eRose of Sharon\u003c\/strong\u003e, holding the \u003cstrong\u003eRHS Award of Garden Merit\u003c\/strong\u003e. From late summer into early autumn it bears a long succession of large, single, pure white flowers, each with a bold crimson-red eye and a prominent column of golden stamens at the centre. The crisp white-and-red contrast is clean, exotic and unmistakable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy gardeners love it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRHS Award of Garden Merit for outstanding garden performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrisp white flowers with a vivid red eye, August into September\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully hardy across the UK and loved by late-season bees and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003epollinators\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeat, bushy habit for borders or a large patio container\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eA slow, steady grower to around 2 to 3 m tall and 1.5 to 2 m across, 'Red Heart' is a brilliant flowering feature in a sunny \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotic\u003c\/a\u003e planting. Give it full sun in a warm, sheltered, south or west-facing spot, in any moist but well-drained soil, or grow it in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge pot\u003c\/a\u003e on the patio. Prune lightly in early spring to keep an open, free-flowering framework, and be patient, as Rose of Sharon is one of the last shrubs to leaf up each spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery 'Red Heart' we send out is a strong, well-rooted, hand-selected plant, ready to bring its award-winning blooms to your garden for many years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"13cm \/ 1L","offer_id":57838118404479,"sku":"HIBRED13","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/hib-redheart.jpg?v=1782486764"},{"product_id":"acer-shirasawanum-moonrise","title":"Acer shirasawanum 'Moonrise'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAcer shirasawanum 'Moonrise'\u003c\/strong\u003e, a refined small \u003cstrong\u003efull moon maple\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most rewarding Japanese-style trees you can grow in a British garden. From the moment its leaves unfurl in spring, this slow-growing specimen puts on a three-act colour show that few other shrubs can match: \u003cstrong\u003ebright red\u003c\/strong\u003e new foliage in spring, glowing \u003cstrong\u003eyellow-green and chartreuse\u003c\/strong\u003e through summer, and a final flourish of \u003cstrong\u003eorange and scarlet\u003c\/strong\u003e in autumn. It is a true focal-point plant, prized on the most discerning UK collectors' lists yet still rare enough at the garden centre to feel like a find.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat sets 'Moonrise' apart from a regular Japanese maple is its parent species. \u003cem\u003eAcer shirasawanum\u003c\/em\u003e is the Shirasawa maple, distinguished by larger, fuller, rounded palmate leaves that read as more substantial on the shrub than the lacy forms of \u003cem\u003eAcer palmatum\u003c\/em\u003e. This selection, originally a Buchholz Nursery introduction (registered as 'Munn 001'), is notably more resistant to leaf scorch than most full moon maples, making it one of the safest choices for a brighter spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e dappled or partial shade is ideal; full sun is fine in cooler northern gardens provided the roots stay moist.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e moist but free-draining, on the acid to neutral side, enriched with leaf mould or composted bark.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e slow-growing to around 2-3 m tall and 1.5-2.5 m wide over ten to twenty years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H6, reliable to around -20C once established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Moonrise' is compact enough to live happily in a generous container for years, making it a star choice for a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003epatio specimen tier\u003c\/a\u003e or a sheltered courtyard. In the ground, give it a quiet spot where its colour can be seen against an evergreen backdrop, and shelter it from cold drying winds and late spring frosts. Mulch each spring with leaf mould and water deeply through the first two summers to lock in establishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you are searching for \u003cstrong\u003eAcer shirasawanum 'Moonrise' UK\u003c\/strong\u003e stock or a special \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese maple Moonrise\u003c\/strong\u003e as a focal point in your \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003eHardy Exotic garden\u003c\/a\u003e, this is the kind of specimen that earns its place even in a small plot. It plays beautifully against tree ferns and bamboos in an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e, and works equally well in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003eshaded woodland-style planting\u003c\/a\u003e. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect from outdoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e guide for seasonal notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003eAcer shirasawanum 'Moonrise'\u003c\/strong\u003e we send is a strong, well-rooted graft, hand-selected for a healthy crown and balanced shape, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L","offer_id":57849556042111,"sku":"ACERSHIRMOON19","price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/moonrise.jpg?v=1784354647"},{"product_id":"acer-palmatum-anne-irene","title":"Acer palmatum 'Anne Irene'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum 'Anne Irene'\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the rarest variegated Japanese maples in UK cultivation, a Dutch-bred selection that almost nobody in the country sells. A sport found on \u003cem\u003eAcer palmatum\u003c\/em\u003e 'Summer Gold' by the Kwekerij van Son and Koot nursery, it leafs out in spring with bright golden-yellow foliage edged in a striking reddish border. As summer settles in the leaves remain a clear, sunlit yellow with crimson margins; come autumn the whole canopy fires up to deep red and maroon.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a true dwarf cultivar, slow-growing and densely upright, reaching only around 1.8 to 2.5 metres after fifteen years. The scale makes it one of the most adaptable Japanese maples for small gardens, large containers and city courtyards. The bright yellow leaves on a dark structural backdrop are unmistakable, and the autumn colour is among the best of any palmatum group cultivar.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e dappled or partial shade gives the cleanest yellow; full sun is fine in cooler northern gardens with moist soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e moist but free-draining, on the acid to neutral side, enriched with leaf mould.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e slow to around 1.8-2.5 m tall and 1.2-1.5 m wide over fifteen years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H5, reliable to around -15C once established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Anne Irene' is ideal for a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge patio container\u003c\/a\u003e where the foliage can be admired up close, or as a focal point in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003eHardy Exotic border\u003c\/a\u003e against an evergreen backdrop. Shelter from late spring frosts and cold drying winds, and the bright yellow stays clean through the season. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect from outdoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e guide for season-by-season notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt pairs beautifully with darker-leaved cultivars in an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic mixed border\u003c\/a\u003e and is one of the rare Japanese maples that holds its variegation reliably year on year. A natural companion to ferns, hostas and bamboos in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003epart-shade planting\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum 'Anne Irene'\u003c\/strong\u003e we send is a strong, well-rooted graft, hand-selected for a healthy crown and balanced shape, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L","offer_id":57849561776511,"sku":"ACERANNEIREN19","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/anneirene-2.jpg?v=1784354603"},{"product_id":"acer-palmatum-bi-hoo","title":"Acer palmatum 'Bi Hoo'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum 'Bi Hoo'\u003c\/strong\u003e, also written 'Bi Hō', is the yellow-stemmed answer to the famous coral bark maple. Where \u003cem\u003eAcer palmatum\u003c\/em\u003e 'Sango-kaku' goes coral red in winter, 'Bi Hoo' lights up the dormant garden with golden-yellow and orange winter bark on a densely branched young tree. It is one of the most underrated multi-season Japanese maples in UK cultivation, with rich pink-orange new growth in spring, fresh lime-green summer foliage, gold-to-crimson autumn colour and then those striking yellow stems through every winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Bi Hoo' is a relatively new selection developed in Italy and is still rare on the UK retail shelf. It forms a narrow, upright small tree to around three metres after fifteen years, making it a strong choice for a smaller garden or as a winter focal point in a sheltered courtyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e partial shade or dappled sun; a part-sun position helps the winter bark colour to develop fully.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e moist but free-draining, on the acid to neutral side, enriched with leaf mould.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e slow to around 3 m tall and 1.5-2 m wide over fifteen to twenty years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H5, reliable to around -15C once established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ePosition 'Bi Hoo' where its winter stems will be seen, ideally against a darker evergreen background or a wall. It is happy in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge patio container\u003c\/a\u003e for many years, and looks at home in an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic mixed border\u003c\/a\u003e alongside \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003eother Hardy Exotic specimens\u003c\/a\u003e. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect from outdoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e guide for season-by-season notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis makes it one of the most versatile Japanese maples for a contemporary planting scheme, working as a winter showpiece, a spring colour highlight and a quiet summer presence. Pairs especially well with snowdrops, hellebores and early bulbs around the base in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003epart-shade planting\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum 'Bi Hoo'\u003c\/strong\u003e we send is a strong, well-rooted graft, hand-selected for a healthy crown and balanced shape, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L","offer_id":57849563218303,"sku":"ACERBIHOO19","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/bihoo.jpg?v=1784354404"},{"product_id":"acer-palmatum-black-lace","title":"Acer palmatum 'Black Lace'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum 'Black Lace'\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the deepest, darkest-leaved dissectum-style Japanese maples available, a true black-purple lace-leaf form with finely cut, deeply lobed foliage on a compact rounded shrub. Spring growth emerges a rich black-purple, holds its intense colour right through summer, then sharpens to fiery red and crimson in autumn before leaf fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a connoisseur's plant, hard to find on the UK retail shelf and visually unmistakable on a maple bench. The dissected lace foliage gives it a fine, almost feathery texture, while the dark colour reads as bold and architectural against lighter-leaved companions. A standout for collectors and a centrepiece for any \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003eHardy Exotic planting\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e partial or dappled shade is ideal; sheltered from cold drying winds and hot afternoon sun.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e moist but free-draining, on the acid to neutral side, enriched with leaf mould.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e slow-growing to around 2-2.5 m tall and 2-3 m wide over fifteen years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H5, reliable to around -15C once established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Black Lace' looks at its best where the colour can be appreciated up close, so a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge patio container\u003c\/a\u003e, a small front garden or an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic mixed border\u003c\/a\u003e all work well. Position against a light wall, behind silver-leaved companions or amongst \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003eshade-tolerant exotic foliage\u003c\/a\u003e for maximum contrast. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect from outdoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e guide for seasonal notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater deeply through the first two summers, mulch each spring, and the plant will reward you with depth of colour and a beautifully balanced cascading habit as the years roll on.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum 'Black Lace'\u003c\/strong\u003e we send is a strong, well-rooted graft, hand-selected for a healthy crown and balanced shape, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L","offer_id":57849565643135,"sku":"ACERBLACLACE19","price":42.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/blacklace.jpg?v=1784905147"},{"product_id":"acer-palmatum-atropurpureum","title":"Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'\u003c\/strong\u003e is the classic deep purple-red Japanese maple, a timeless choice that anchors any exotic or Japanese-style garden. It carries rich burgundy-purple palmate leaves through spring and summer, then sharpens to fiery scarlet and crimson in autumn before leaf fall. This is the cultivar most people picture when they think of a purple Japanese maple, and it remains the most reliable performer of its colour group.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a 15cm starter plant, the perfect size for growing on in a sheltered nursery spot or for slotting into a smaller border or container while it builds its frame. It will reach roughly four to six metres over many years, settling into a graceful round-headed small tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e partial or dappled shade, sheltered from cold drying winds and hot afternoon sun.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e moist but free-draining, on the acid to neutral side, enriched with leaf mould.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e slow to around 4-6 m tall and 4-5 m wide over twenty to fifty years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H5, reliable to around -15C once established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis starter size is ideal for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003egrowing on in a generous container\u003c\/a\u003e for a few seasons before moving to its forever home. Position it where the rich purple foliage can be appreciated, in an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e or as the centrepiece of a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003eHardy Exotic garden\u003c\/a\u003e against a lighter backdrop. It also works well in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003eshaded woodland-style planting\u003c\/a\u003e. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect from outdoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e guide for season-by-season notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'\u003c\/strong\u003e we send is a strong, well-rooted young plant, hand-selected for a healthy crown and balanced shape, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"15cm \/ 1.5L","offer_id":57849566757247,"sku":"ACERATRO15","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/atropurp.jpg?v=1784354541"},{"product_id":"acer-palmatum-beni-maiko","title":"Acer palmatum 'Beni-maiko'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum 'Beni-maiko'\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most enchanting pink-leaved Japanese maples, a cultivar whose name translates from Japanese as 'red-haired dancing girl'. New growth in spring unfurls a vivid pink-red, settling through summer to a soft green with red-tinted leaf margins, then turning bright crimson and orange-red in autumn. It is a compact, slow-growing upright shrub that earns its place in any collector's garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 15cm starter is the ideal size for nursery growing-on or for slotting into a small ornamental border or container where the spring colour will draw immediate attention. It is steadily upright, eventually building to around three to four metres in a sheltered British garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e partial or dappled shade, sheltered from cold drying winds and hot afternoon sun.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e moist but free-draining, on the acid to neutral side, enriched with leaf mould.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e slow to around 3-4 m tall and 2-3 m wide over twenty years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H5, reliable to around -15C once established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Beni-maiko' looks at home in an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003eHardy Exotic mixed border\u003c\/a\u003e, in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge patio container\u003c\/a\u003e, or in a sheltered \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003epart-shade planting\u003c\/a\u003e. The pink spring foliage pairs beautifully with darker burgundy companions and fresh green ferns. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect from outdoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e guide for season-by-season notes, and check the wider \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border collection\u003c\/a\u003e for planting partners.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum 'Beni-maiko'\u003c\/strong\u003e we send is a strong, well-rooted young plant, hand-selected for a healthy crown and balanced shape, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"15cm \/ 1.5L","offer_id":57849570001279,"sku":"ACERBENI15","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/beni.jpg?v=1784354507"},{"product_id":"acer-palmatum-orange-dream","title":"Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum 'Orange Dream'\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most striking yellow-orange Japanese maples in cultivation, prized for its bright spring flush of orange-red new growth that settles to a glowing chartreuse-yellow through summer with vivid red leaf margins. Come autumn the whole compact crown ignites with golden-orange and red. It is a slow-growing, dwarf cultivar that earns a spot in any modern or Japanese-style garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 15cm starter is the right size for nursery growing-on or for slotting straight into a small ornamental border or a generous container. 'Orange Dream' settles into a refined, slow-building specimen that holds its scale and colour beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e dappled or partial shade for the cleanest yellow colour. Tolerates morning sun in cooler northern gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e moist but free-draining, on the acid to neutral side, enriched with leaf mould.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e slow to around 2-2.5 m tall and 1.5-2 m wide over fifteen years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H5, reliable to around -15C once established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Orange Dream' is one of the best Japanese maples for a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge patio container\u003c\/a\u003e where the bright colour can be seen up close. It also works as a focal point in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003eHardy Exotic border\u003c\/a\u003e against darker-leaved companions, or in a sheltered \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003epart-shade planting\u003c\/a\u003e. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect from outdoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e guide for season-by-season notes, and the wider \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border collection\u003c\/a\u003e for planting partners.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum 'Orange Dream'\u003c\/strong\u003e we send is a strong, well-rooted young plant, hand-selected for a healthy crown and balanced shape, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"15cm \/ 1.5L","offer_id":57849570591103,"sku":"ACERORAN15","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/oranhgedream.jpg?v=1784354470"},{"product_id":"mahonia-x-media-charity","title":"Mahonia x media 'Charity'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eMahonia x media 'Charity'\u003c\/strong\u003e is the most reliable winter-flowering architectural shrub for the UK garden, an evergreen statement plant that bears tall, fragrant, golden-yellow flower spikes from November through February when little else is in bloom. The bold, holly-like leaflets are arranged in long pinnate sprays, giving the plant a sub-tropical, almost prehistoric silhouette that anchors any Hardy Exotic shade scheme.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBred from M. japonica crossed with M. lomariifolia, 'Charity' is the original and best of the modern hybrid mahonias, vigorous and reliable across the UK. The winter flowers are powerfully scented and a vital nectar source for overwintering bumblebees on mild days.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e partial to full shade; tolerates full sun in cooler northern gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e fertile, free-draining; tolerant of most pH including chalk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e slow to around 3-4 m tall and 2-3 m wide over fifteen years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H5, fully hardy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eA perfect anchor specimen for a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003eshaded woodland-style planting\u003c\/a\u003e or a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003eHardy Exotic understory\u003c\/a\u003e beneath taller trees. The architectural silhouette pairs brilliantly with palms, tree ferns and bamboos in an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect from outdoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e guide for season-by-season notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA vital winter nectar source for a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003epollinator planting\u003c\/a\u003e and a strong choice in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge patio container\u003c\/a\u003e for evergreen winter structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003eMahonia 'Charity'\u003c\/strong\u003e we send is a strong, well-rooted plant, hand-selected for healthy foliage and balanced shape, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":57849597591935,"sku":"MAHOMEDICHAR17","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/charity.jpg?v=1784354138"},{"product_id":"sambucus-nigra-black-lace","title":"Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eSambucus nigra 'Black Lace'\u003c\/strong\u003e (registered as 'Eva' PBR) is one of the most striking dark-foliaged shrubs in cultivation, an elegant black elder with deeply cut, finely dissected, almost lacy purple-black leaves that read as exotic and architectural in any planting scheme. In early summer the dark canopy is studded with showy pink saucer-shaped lacecap flowers, followed by black berries that ripen through autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a fast-growing, vigorous deciduous shrub that responds beautifully to hard pruning each spring, producing the strongest dark foliage colour on new wood. A modern garden classic and a brilliant counterpoint to brighter-leaved exotic foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun for the boldest dark foliage colour; tolerates partial shade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e moist but free-draining; tolerant of most types including chalk and clay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e reaches around 2.5-3 m tall and 2.5-3 m wide; can be kept smaller with annual hard pruning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H6, fully hardy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Black Lace' makes a stunning backdrop in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003eHardy Exotic mixed border\u003c\/a\u003e, where its dark foliage contrasts with chartreuse or silver-leaved companions. The pink flowers and dark berries also make it valuable for an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic mixed border\u003c\/a\u003e. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect from outdoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e guide for seasonal notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA standout in a sunny \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge patio container\u003c\/a\u003e and a useful feature for a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003epollinator planting\u003c\/a\u003e in early summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003eSambucus 'Black Lace'\u003c\/strong\u003e we send is a strong, well-rooted plant, hand-selected for healthy foliage and balanced shape, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":57849602048383,"sku":"SAMBBLACLACE17","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/iStock-2278481982.jpg?v=1784332385"},{"product_id":"catalpa-bignonioides-aurea","title":"Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCatalpa bignonioides 'Aurea'\u003c\/strong\u003e, the golden Indian bean tree, is one of the most architectural large-leaved foliage trees you can grow in a British garden. Enormous heart-shaped leaves up to 25cm across emerge a vivid acid-yellow in spring and hold their golden colour right through the season. In high summer, mature specimens carry showy upright panicles of orchid-like white flowers spotted with yellow and purple, followed by long bean-like seed pods in autumn that give the tree its common name.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a hero foliage plant for an exotic-feel garden. The huge soft leaves bring a genuine tropical-jungle quality to a hardy plant, and the golden colour lights up any composition. It can be grown as a free-form tree to 8-12m or coppiced annually to a 2-3m multi-stemmed shrub with even larger leaves, which is how most discerning UK gardeners use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun to partial shade; sheltered from strong winds which can tear the large leaves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e fertile, moist but well-drained; tolerant of most types including chalk and clay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e as a tree, 8-12 m tall, 6-10 m wide; coppiced, kept to 2-3 m.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H6, fully hardy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Aurea' is a stunning specimen for a sheltered lawn, the back of an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic mixed border\u003c\/a\u003e, or as the structural centrepiece of a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003eHardy Exotic garden\u003c\/a\u003e. It pairs beautifully with dark-leaved companions like Sambucus 'Black Lace' or purple-leaved Acers. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect from outdoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e guide for season-by-season notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a coppiced shrub habit, the technique is simple: cut the previous year's growth back to a low framework in early spring just before the buds break. The result is a regularly produced flush of huge, intensely golden leaves on a manageable bush. A natural choice for a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge patio container\u003c\/a\u003e too.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003eCatalpa bignonioides 'Aurea'\u003c\/strong\u003e we send is a strong, well-rooted young specimen, hand-selected for a healthy crown and balanced shape, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"23cm \/ 5L","offer_id":57859256254847,"sku":"CATABIGNAUR23","price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/bignonoides.jpg?v=1784354984"},{"product_id":"catalpa-erubescens-purpurea","title":"Catalpa erubescens 'Purpurea'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCatalpa erubescens 'Purpurea'\u003c\/strong\u003e is the dark-leaved counterpart to the golden Indian bean tree, a vigorous hybrid Catalpa with enormous heart-shaped leaves up to 25cm across. New foliage in spring emerges a rich deep purple-bronze, holds its dark tone into early summer, and gradually ages to a sumptuous bronze-green. White panicles of orchid-like flowers spotted with yellow and purple appear in midsummer on mature specimens, followed by long bean-like pods in autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is one of the most architectural hardy foliage plants for an exotic UK garden. The combination of huge tropical-feel leaves and a dark, brooding palette anchors any planting scheme. Like its golden sibling 'Aurea', it can be grown as a free-form tree to 6-10m or coppiced annually to a 2-3m multi-stemmed shrub with even larger, even darker leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun to partial shade; sheltered from strong winds that tear the large leaves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e fertile, moist but well-drained; tolerant of most types including chalk and clay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e as a tree, 6-10 m tall, 5-8 m wide; coppiced, kept to 2-3 m.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H6, fully hardy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Purpurea' is brilliant as a hero specimen at the back of an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic mixed border\u003c\/a\u003e, in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003eHardy Exotic garden\u003c\/a\u003e, or as the structural centrepiece of a courtyard. The dark foliage pairs beautifully with golden grasses, Pennisetum 'Fireworks', or Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' for a dramatic gold-and-purple combination. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect from outdoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e guide for season-by-season notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a coppiced shrub habit, cut the previous year's growth back to a low framework in early spring just before the buds break. The flush of new growth produces the biggest, darkest leaves on regrowth. Equally at home in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge patio container\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003eCatalpa erubescens 'Purpurea'\u003c\/strong\u003e we send is a strong, well-rooted young specimen, hand-selected for a healthy crown and balanced shape, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"23cm \/ 5L","offer_id":57859257926015,"sku":"CATAERUBPURP23","price":52.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/purp.jpg?v=1784359220"},{"product_id":"ficus-carica-del-portogallo","title":"Ficus carica 'Del Portogallo'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eFicus carica 'Del Portogallo'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a distinguished Mediterranean fig cultivar from Portugal, prized for its exquisite flavour and dependable yields. It produces medium to large pear-shaped figs with a rich, dark purple skin and succulent amber-pink flesh that ripens reliably in a sheltered British garden. The plant itself is architectural and tropical-feeling: huge palmate leaves up to 25cm across on smoothly arching stems, bringing an unmistakably Mediterranean exotic look to a UK garden whether it ever fruits or not.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Del Portogallo' thrives on warmth: it is happiest on a sheltered south or west-facing wall, where the masonry's stored heat carries the plant through cool nights and ripens the figs reliably. Equally suited to large container culture, where root restriction encourages fruiting over leafy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun on a sheltered south or west-facing wall. Restrict the roots for best fruiting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e fertile, free-draining; tolerant of chalk and alkaline soils.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 3m tall and 3m wide over time; can be trained or pruned smaller.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H5, hardy across most of the UK.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSold here as a fruit-bearing plant grown for its edible harvest, not as an ornamental.\u003c\/strong\u003e The amber-pink flesh and sweet rich flavour make these among the finest figs for fresh eating, drying, or making preserves. With root restriction the plant directs energy into fruit production rather than leafy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Del Portogallo' is at home on a sheltered patio wall, in an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic Mediterranean border\u003c\/a\u003e, or trained against a sunny fence. A natural choice for a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003elarge patio container\u003c\/a\u003e (40+ litres) where root restriction is built in. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect from outdoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e guide for season-by-season notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003eFicus carica 'Del Portogallo'\u003c\/strong\u003e we send is a strong, well-rooted young plant, hand-selected for healthy foliage and balanced shape, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L","offer_id":57859262841215,"sku":"FICUCARIPORT19","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/ficus_256be1e5-ddfe-41b8-997c-4b706f23912c.jpg?v=1784354205"},{"product_id":"hedera-helix-arborescens","title":"Hedera helix 'Arborescens'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHedera helix 'Arborescens'\u003c\/strong\u003e, better known as \u003cstrong\u003etree ivy\u003c\/strong\u003e or shrubby ivy, is the grown-up, bushy face of our familiar English ivy. Unlike the climbing forms, this is the adult stage of the plant, so it does not climb or cling at all. Instead it builds itself into a rounded, self-supporting evergreen shrub of glossy, heart-shaped leaves, giving you all the toughness of ivy in a neat, free-standing dome that suits borders, low hedging and pots.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat makes \u003cstrong\u003eHedera arborescens\u003c\/strong\u003e such a quietly valuable garden plant is its late-season generosity. Rated RHS H5 and fully hardy across the UK, it holds its evergreen foliage through the hardest winters, then produces clusters of creamy-green flowers in autumn when almost nothing else is in bloom. These are a magnet for late bees, hoverflies and other pollinators, followed by blue-black berries that feed birds through winter, making it one of the most useful shrubs for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003epollinators and wildlife\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e happy in full sun, partial shade or even full shade, which makes it a brilliant problem-solver for dark, north-facing corners. A natural choice for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003eshady spots\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e any reasonable soil, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. Best in fertile, free-draining ground, but far more forgiving than most shrubs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e slow and compact, reaching roughly 1 m tall and wide over time, easily kept smaller with a spring trim.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e fully hardy (RHS H5), evergreen and reliable with no winter protection needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause it never climbs, tree ivy is ideal where you want structure without a plant scrambling up walls or fences. Its dense, clippable habit earns it a place among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border plants\u003c\/a\u003e and the wider range of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e, and its neat form makes it a natural for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003epots and containers\u003c\/a\u003e by a shady doorway. As with all outdoor plants, it is worth reading our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect\u003c\/a\u003e guide so you know how a garden-hardy shrub behaves through the seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery Hedera helix 'Arborescens' we supply is nursery-grown, hand-selected for a bushy, healthy shape and strong roots, and packed with care to arrive ready to plant out or pot up.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":57907284214143,"sku":"HEDEHELIARB17","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/arborescens.jpg?v=1784357048"},{"product_id":"fatsia-polycarpa-green-fingers","title":"Fatsia polycarpa 'Green Fingers'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eFatsia polycarpa 'Green Fingers'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a refined, architectural evergreen shrub with large, deeply cut, hand-shaped leaves whose slender \"fingers\" are far more elegant than those of the familiar \u003cstrong\u003eFatsia japonica\u003c\/strong\u003e. Native to Taiwan, this relatively recent introduction has quickly become a favourite for bringing a lush, tropical look to a shady spot, giving structure and glossy, matt-green foliage where many exotic plants would sulk. If you want jungle style in a border that does not get much sun, this is one of the finest shrubs you can choose.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is hardy in milder and coastal parts of the UK, rated RHS H3, which makes it slightly more tender than the common Fatsia japonica. In a sheltered garden it holds its handsome leaves as an evergreen through most winters, and in autumn and early winter it produces globe-shaped clusters of creamy-white flowers that are a valuable late source of nectar, followed by small black berries. In colder inland gardens, give it a sheltered position and fleece young plants in hard frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e partial to full shade, ideal for a north-facing or woodland-edge border. One of the best shrubs for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003eplants for shade\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e any moist but well-drained chalk, clay, loam or sand, enriched with organic matter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a manageable 2.5 to 4 m tall and 1.5 to 2.5 m wide over many years, staying fairly narrow and upright.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e hardy in milder gardens (RHS H3). Shelter and fleece young plants in cold, exposed spots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeep it evenly moist, especially while establishing, and it asks for very little else beyond a spring mulch and the odd tidy-up of tired leaves. Its bold foliage earns it a place among our favourite \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/architectural-foliage\"\u003earchitectural foliage\u003c\/a\u003e and wider \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e, it shines in a shady \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e, and it makes a superb structural specimen in a large container among your \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003eplants for pots\u003c\/a\u003e. As with all outdoor plants, do read our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect\u003c\/a\u003e guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery Fatsia polycarpa 'Green Fingers' we supply is nursery-grown, hand-selected for a full, healthy shape, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition ready to plant out or pot up.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":57907288539519,"sku":"FATSPOLY17","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/polycarpa.jpg?v=1784332287"},{"product_id":"edgeworthia-chrysantha-grandiflora","title":"Edgeworthia chrysantha grandiflora","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdgeworthia chrysantha grandiflora\u003c\/strong\u003e, the \u003cstrong\u003epaperbush\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a spectacular winter-flowering shrub. On bare stems in late winter it opens rounded clusters of tubular yellow flowers with a rich, sweet scent that carries on cold, still air, one of the great highlights of the exotic winter garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThrough summer it clothes itself in lush, blue-green leaves on a neat, rounded framework. Give it a sheltered spot in sun or dappled shade and moist but well-drained soil, and it makes a wonderful companion to ferns, bamboos and other exotic foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun to partial shade, sheltered from harsh winds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e around 1.5 m tall and wide in time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e hardy to about -10C in a sheltered position\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeep evenly moist while it establishes and through dry spells. Every plant we supply is nursery grown and selected for a healthy, well-branched shape.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L","offer_id":57945287098751,"sku":"EDGECHRYGRAN19","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/iStock-1220335610.jpg?v=1784331283"},{"product_id":"albizia-julibrissin-ombrella","title":"Albizia julibrissin 'Ombrella'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlbizia julibrissin 'Ombrella'\u003c\/strong\u003e, the \u003cstrong\u003esilk tree\u003c\/strong\u003e or Persian silk tree, is one of the most exotic looking hardy trees you can grow in a British garden. 'Ombrella' is a compact, umbrella-shaped selection that carries clouds of fluffy pink powderpuff flowers through midsummer above delicate, ferny foliage that folds up at night.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt brings a real touch of the Mediterranean to a sunny border or courtyard, and the flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies. Give it a warm, sheltered position and free-draining soil and it will reward you with a graceful, spreading canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun, sheltered from cold winds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e any fertile, free-draining soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e around 4 to 6 m in time, with a wide umbrella crown\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e hardy to about -10C once established, worth protecting when young\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater well through the first two summers to build a strong root system, after which it copes happily with dry spells. Every plant we supply is nursery grown and carefully selected for a healthy shape and strong roots.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":57945295618431,"sku":"ALBIJULIOMBR17","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/iStock-1351994378.jpg?v=1784332061"},{"product_id":"mahonia-x-media-winter-sun","title":"Mahonia x media Winter Sun","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMahonia x media 'Winter Sun'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a bold, architectural \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/architectural-foliage\"\u003eevergreen shrub\u003c\/a\u003e grown for its holly-like, glossy dark green spiny leaves and its long, slender racemes of bright yellow flowers. Also known as Oregon grape, this \u003cstrong\u003eMahonia Winter Sun\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the finest structural shrubs you can plant for winter interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom November to March the plant carries fragrant yellow flowers with a soft lily-of-the-valley scent, followed by clusters of blue-black berries. As a \u003cstrong\u003efragrant winter shrub\u003c\/strong\u003e it provides vital winter nectar for bees, while the berries feed birds later in the season, making it a real asset for a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003ewildlife and pollinator garden\u003c\/a\u003e. It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its reliability and year-round presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFully hardy across the UK, Winter Sun is happiest in partial or full shade, which makes it an excellent \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003eevergreen shrub for shade\u003c\/a\u003e and a natural anchor in an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e. Expect it to reach around 3 to 4m in time with an upright, columnar habit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Partial or full shade; tolerates full sun where the soil stays reliably moist.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil. Very adaptable, including chalk and clay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Around 3 to 4m tall and 2 to 2.5m wide.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully hardy (RHS H5), evergreen through winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater well through the first year or two to establish, then prune after flowering to keep the plant bushy. For more on how these plants behave across the seasons, see our guide on \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect from hardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e. It sits perfectly within our wider range of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery plant is nursery grown and hand selected by our team for strong roots and healthy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":57952985481599,"sku":"MAHOWINTSUN17","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/wintersun.jpg?v=1784331929"},{"product_id":"variegated-meyer-lemon","title":"Variegated Meyer Lemon","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Variegated Meyer lemon (Citrus x meyeri 'Variegata') is a decorative form of the popular sweet Meyer lemon, with green leaves splashed and margined in cream.\u003c\/strong\u003e It is one of the prettiest patio citrus you can grow, carrying intensely fragrant white blossom that can appear more than once a year, followed by rounder, sweeter, thin-skinned lemons.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a tender evergreen, not a frost hardy plant. Stand it outside in full sun through the summer, then bring it into a bright, cool, frost-free room or conservatory over winter. Grown well in a large pot it makes a compact, productive specimen for a sunny terrace or doorway. For more on how our tender and hardy plants perform through the seasons, see our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun and warmth. A sheltered, south or west facing spot outside in summer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e A free-draining, loam-based citrus compost. Keep just moist, never waterlogged.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e A compact patio citrus, usually kept around 1 to 1.5m tall in a pot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tender (RHS H2). Keep frost-free over winter, ideally around 5 to 12C.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse a specialist citrus feed through the year, a summer feed in the growing season and a winter feed while it rests. The variegated Meyer lemon tree earns its place as a living centrepiece among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003eplants for pots\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/architectural-foliage\"\u003earchitectural foliage\u003c\/a\u003e, and sits alongside our wider range of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e for a bold, sun-drenched scheme.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery variegated lemon tree is hand-selected and nursery-grown for quality, so it arrives ready to settle into its pot and reward you with scent, flower and fruit. Explore more of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003econtainer-ready plants\u003c\/a\u003e to build a Mediterranean feel on any patio.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"9cm \/ 0.5L","offer_id":57953004880255,"sku":"LEMONVARI9","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/lemon_0aa71167-8d30-4694-a049-fcdc31fb03eb.jpg?v=1784330376"},{"product_id":"fatsia-japonica","title":"Fatsia japonica","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFatsia japonica\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Japanese aralia, is a bold evergreen shrub whose large, glossy, hand-shaped leaves bring instant jungle structure to a shady corner. Few plants deliver this much tropical presence while being fully hardy, which makes it a cornerstone of any \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotic\u003c\/a\u003e planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFully hardy across the UK (RHS H5), it holds its handsome foliage right through winter. In autumn it sends up creamy drumstick flower heads that are a valuable late nectar source for bees and other pollinators, followed by clusters of black berries that birds enjoy. For a sense of how it changes through the year, see our guide on \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect\u003c\/a\u003e from hardy exotics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thrives in shade, including dry shade, and is one of the best plants for a difficult \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003eshady spot\u003c\/a\u003e. It tolerates sun where the soil stays reliably moist, and is happiest sheltered from cold drying winds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e A rounded shrub reaching around 1.5 to 2.5m tall and wide over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully hardy evergreen (RHS H5).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts architectural leaves make it superb for adding \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/architectural-foliage\"\u003earchitectural foliage\u003c\/a\u003e to a shady border, and being the perfect evergreen shrub for shade it is equally at home as a specimen in a large pot on a shaded patio, so it works beautifully in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003epots and containers\u003c\/a\u003e. Plant it toward the back of an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e for a lush, layered, tropical look.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn RHS Award of Garden Merit plant, supplied as a strong, nursery-grown specimen ready to bring evergreen structure to your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":57955615998335,"sku":"FATSJAP17","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/fatsia.jpg?v=1784905333"},{"product_id":"sarcococca-confusa","title":"Sarcococca confusa","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSarcococca confusa\u003c\/strong\u003e, the sweet box or Christmas box, is one of the most useful winter-flowering shrubs for shade. This bushy evergreen shrub from the \u003cem\u003eBuxaceae\u003c\/em\u003e family holds glossy dark green leaves all year and, in the depths of winter, opens tiny cream flowers that carry a powerful honey and vanilla scent long before the rest of the garden has woken up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom December to March those unassuming flowers perfume the air around a doorway or path, and are followed by glossy black berries that hold well into spring. As a compact \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotic\u003c\/a\u003e reaching around 1.5 to 2m, sweet box earns its place in shade where little else will flower.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Happy in partial or full shade, including tricky dry shade under trees. Plant it near a door or along a path you walk in winter so you catch the scent. Browse more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003eplants for shade\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Any humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. It tolerates chalk and does not need ericaceous compost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e A bushy evergreen to roughly 1.5 to 2m tall, excellent as low informal hedging or grown in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003epots and containers\u003c\/a\u003e by a doorway.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully hardy in the UK (RHS H5) and evergreen. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect\u003c\/a\u003e guide for seasonal notes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Christmas box is one of those quietly brilliant plants: give it a year or two to establish and it becomes a low-maintenance backbone for shady \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic borders\u003c\/a\u003e, while its winter flowers are a vital early nectar source for bees and other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003epollinators\u003c\/a\u003e. A superb winter-flowering shrub for shade, sent out as a strong, nursery-grown plant ready to scent your garden for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":57955616883071,"sku":"SARCCONF17","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/sarco.jpg?v=1784908337"},{"product_id":"loropetalum-chinense-black-pearl","title":"Loropetalum Black Pearl","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoropetalum Black Pearl\u003c\/strong\u003e (Loropetalum chinense 'Black Pearl'), the Chinese fringe flower, is a striking evergreen shrub grown for its deep purple-black foliage and spidery hot-pink fringe flowers. It is one of the best dark foliage shrubs for year-round colour and a genuine pink flowering evergreen for spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe near-black leaves hold their colour best in full sun and keep the plant interesting through every season. In spring the branches are covered in clusters of tassel-like hot-pink flowers, with sporadic later flushes through the warmer months.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun for the darkest foliage; it tolerates light shade but the colour softens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil. It dislikes very limey, alkaline ground.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compact and bushy, reaching around 1 to 1.5m tall and wide over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Borderline hardy (RHS H4). Give it a warm, sheltered spot, and protect it or move containers under cover in hard winters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause Black Pearl is only borderline hardy, a cold, exposed garden can damage it in a harsh winter. Growing it in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003epot or container\u003c\/a\u003e lets you move it somewhere sheltered when frost threatens, while a warm wall or sheltered corner suits plants grown in the ground. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ehardy exotics seasonal guide\u003c\/a\u003e for what to expect through the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompact and richly coloured, it is superb in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic borders\u003c\/a\u003e, as low informal structure, and as \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/architectural-foliage\"\u003earchitectural foliage\u003c\/a\u003e in mixed planting. Explore the rest of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e range for more plants that bring an exotic look to a UK garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery plant is nursery grown and hand selected for quality before it leaves us.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"23cm \/ 5L","offer_id":57955656139135,"sku":"LOROBLKPRL23","price":33.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/loropet.jpg?v=1784905530"},{"product_id":"loropetalum-chinense-fire-dance","title":"Loropetalum Fire Dance","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoropetalum Fire Dance\u003c\/strong\u003e is a striking evergreen Chinese fringe flower, grown for its rich burgundy foliage and vivid pink-red spidery tassel flowers. This burgundy foliage shrub holds its deep colour best in full sun, making it a superb pink flowering evergreen for borders and pots.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn spring the branches are studded with clusters of fringed, pink-red flowers, with sporadic later flushes through the season. The dark, purple-red leaves stay on the plant all year, giving structure and colour long after the flowers fade. Fire Dance is borderline hardy (RHS H4), so give it a warm, sheltered position or grow it in a pot you can move under cover in hard winters. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ehardy exotics what to expect\u003c\/a\u003e guide for seasonal expectations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun for the deepest foliage colour; tolerates light shade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil; it dislikes very limey ground.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e A compact shrub reaching around 1 to 1.5m tall and wide.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Borderline hardy (H4); protect in hard winters or grow it in a pot for winter shelter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater well through the first summers while it establishes, and keep pots from drying out. A light trim after flowering keeps it neat. Fire Dance works beautifully in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic borders\u003c\/a\u003e, as \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/architectural-foliage\"\u003earchitectural foliage\u003c\/a\u003e, or as a colourful centrepiece in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003epots and containers\u003c\/a\u003e that can be protected over winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePart of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e range, supplied as a healthy young plant ready to grow on. Protect it in cold snaps and it will reward you with year-round burgundy colour and spring fringe flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"9cm \/ 0.5L","offer_id":57955661054335,"sku":"LOROFIRE9","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/loraper.jpg?v=1784905541"},{"product_id":"sophora-prostrata-little-baby","title":"Sophora Little Baby","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSophora prostrata 'Little Baby' is a compact \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/architectural-foliage\"\u003earchitectural New Zealand shrub\u003c\/a\u003e, better known as the dwarf kowhai.\u003c\/strong\u003e Its wiry, interlacing, zig-zag stems and tiny leaves build up into a living sculpture, giving year round structure in a pot or border.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a borderline hardy plant (RHS H4), so it is happiest in a warm, sheltered, sunny spot. In hard winters give young plants some protection, or grow it in a container you can move to shelter. On mature plants, small tubular yellow flowers appear in spring. For a sense of how these plants change through the year, see our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect\u003c\/a\u003e guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun in a sheltered position for the tightest, most characterful growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Free-draining soil or a gritty, loam based compost. Avoid cold, wet ground.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e A slow, compact shrub reaching around 1 to 2m over many years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Borderline hardy (H4); protect in hard winters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce established it is tough and wind tolerant, coping well with \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coastal-plants\"\u003ecoastal and exposed\u003c\/a\u003e sites. Its sculptural habit makes it a superb specimen for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003epots and containers\u003c\/a\u003e or a gravel garden, and it sits beautifully alongside the rest of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e range.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery plant is nursery grown and hand selected before it leaves us, so you receive a strong, well rooted Sophora prostrata Little Baby ready to settle in.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"9cm \/ 0.5L","offer_id":57955669967231,"sku":"SOPHLITBAB9","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/sophora-2.jpg?v=1784905810"},{"product_id":"hydrangea-macrophylla-midnight-pearl","title":"Hydrangea macrophylla Midnight Pearl","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eHydrangea Midnight Pearl\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cstrong\u003eHydrangea macrophylla\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Midnight Pearl') is a striking mophead from the Midnight series, prized for its near-black stems and dark foliage that frame cool white flower heads through summer. This \u003cstrong\u003eblack-stem hydrangea\u003c\/strong\u003e brings real drama to a planting scheme, and as the pearly blooms age they soften to a gentle pink for a long season of interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFully hardy across the UK, it is a dependable deciduous shrub that settles happily into borders and large pots alike. As a \u003cstrong\u003ewhite mophead hydrangea\u003c\/strong\u003e it will not turn blue like the coloured forms, so you get clean, reliable colour whatever your soil. Leave the faded heads in place over winter, where they catch the frost beautifully and shelter next year's buds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e sun to part shade, with shelter from hot midday sun. It is a lovely choice for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003ea shady spot\u003c\/a\u003e and dappled corners.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e moist but well-drained, fertile soil that does not dry out.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a rounded shrub reaching around 1 to 1.5 m tall and wide.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e fully hardy (RHS H5) and deciduous.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater freely through the first few summers to build a strong root system, especially in containers where it dislikes drying out. In spring, cut back to a strong pair of buds to keep it shapely. It is superb at the front or middle of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic borders\u003c\/a\u003e, and just as happy in a large pot among your other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003eplants for pots\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePart of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e range, every Hydrangea Midnight Pearl is nursery-grown and carefully selected for a healthy shape and strong roots. For a guide to seasonal changes and what to expect on arrival, see our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect\u003c\/a\u003e page.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"23cm \/ 5L","offer_id":57955707126143,"sku":"HYDRMIDPEA23","price":42.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/hydrangea.jpg?v=1784328801"},{"product_id":"acacia-pravissima","title":"Acacia pravissima","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAcacia pravissima\u003c\/strong\u003e, better known as the \u003cstrong\u003eOvens Wattle\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eWedge-leaved Wattle\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most graceful of all the wattles and one of the hardier too. Native to the mountains of south east Australia, it forms an elegant evergreen shrub with arching, weeping branches densely set with tiny triangular grey-green phyllodes, wreathed in late winter and early spring with masses of fragrant golden pompom flowers. It has real architectural presence, perfect for bringing a soft, exotic elegance to a sheltered sunny wall or courtyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough it is one of the hardier wattles, tolerating around -5C in coastal and milder gardens, what it really cannot cope with is cold and winter wet together. Roots left waterlogged in freezing soil, more than frost itself, are what kill this species, so a warm, sheltered spot with sharp drainage makes all the difference. Grown well it rewards you with a haze of scent and colour just as the rest of the garden is waking up. For more on what to expect from tender exotics through the seasons, see our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ehardy exotics guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun in a warm, sheltered, south or west facing spot, out of cold drying winds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e fertile, sharply drained, neutral to acid loam or sand, never heavy wet clay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e reaches around 2.5 to 4 m tall and 1.5 to 2.5 m wide over five to ten years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H3, so protect the crown with fleece in hard frosts and keep the roots dry in winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly through the first couple of summers to settle it in, then ease right off in autumn and winter so the roots are never left cold and sodden. Its light, ferny outline makes it a beautiful foil among bolder \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/architectural-foliage\"\u003earchitectural foliage\u003c\/a\u003e and a lovely centrepiece for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic borders\u003c\/a\u003e. In milder coastal gardens it thrives among other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coastal-plants\"\u003ecoastal plants\u003c\/a\u003e, and the fragrant spring flowers are a valuable early nectar source for bees, earning it a place with our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003eplants for pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you are hunting for \u003cstrong\u003eAcacia pravissima UK\u003c\/strong\u003e stock or simply the most elegant wattle for a sunny wall, this RHS Award of Garden Merit winner sits beautifully within our wider range of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e. Every plant we supply is nursery-grown, carefully selected for a healthy shape and strong root system, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L (Collection Only)","offer_id":57974444589439,"sku":"ACACPRAV19","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/acacia.jpg?v=1784904530"},{"product_id":"callistemon-salignus","title":"Callistemon salignus (Willow Bottlebrush)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCallistemon salignus\u003c\/strong\u003e, known as the \u003cstrong\u003ewillow bottlebrush\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003ered bottlebrush\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most elegant and reliable of the bottlebrushes for a warm British garden. It earns its name from slender, willow-like evergreen leaves that emerge a glowing coppery-pink before settling to fresh green, topped in early summer by vivid crimson-red bottlebrush flower spikes that hum with bees. Sun loving and exotic, it brings an Australian accent to a sheltered border or a sunny patio pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a plant for the warmest corner of the garden. Rated RHS H2 and holding the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it is tender in most of the UK, best given a frost-free winter in colder gardens or a warm, sheltered wall in the mildest coastal spots. Plant it in a warm, sheltered spot with sharp drainage, and protect the crown with fleece during hard frosts. Get that right and it rewards you with a long, generous flowering season and lemon-scented, evergreen foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun in the warmest, most sheltered spot you have, ideally against a south or west facing wall.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e fertile, sharply drained neutral to acid soil; it dislikes very alkaline ground and prefers sharp drainage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e slowly reaching around 4 to 8 m in ideal conditions, though easily kept smaller in a pot or with light pruning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e borderline hardy, so give sharp drainage and protect in hard, prolonged frosts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly through the first couple of summers to build a strong root system, then ease off as it establishes. It is a natural for a hot, free-draining border and thrives among other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e, where it makes a lovely partner in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border plantings\u003c\/a\u003e. In milder coastal gardens it is a superb, wind-tolerant choice for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coastal-plants\"\u003ecoastal and exposed spots\u003c\/a\u003e, and in colder areas it grows happily as a moveable specimen among \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003eplants for pots and containers\u003c\/a\u003e that can be sheltered over winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe red bottlebrush spikes are magnets for bees and other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003epollinators\u003c\/a\u003e, making this a beautiful and useful addition to a wildlife-friendly garden. As with all our Hardy Exotics, do read our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect\u003c\/a\u003e guide for seasonal care, and rest assured every plant we supply is nursery-grown, carefully selected for a healthy shape and strong roots, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L","offer_id":57974446293375,"sku":"CALLSALI19","price":17.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/iStock-2256968937.jpg?v=1784325730"},{"product_id":"olearia-traversii","title":"Olearia traversii","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOlearia traversii\u003c\/strong\u003e, the \u003cstrong\u003eChatham Island daisy bush\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eakeake\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the toughest evergreen shrubs you can plant on an exposed or coastal site. Fast and dense, it carries glossy dark green leaves that are silvery white and felted beneath, and it shrugs off salt spray and relentless wind that would scorch almost any other evergreen. If you need a dependable windbreak, hedge or screen by the sea, few plants do the job better.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRated \u003cstrong\u003eRHS H4\u003c\/strong\u003e and hardy to around -10C, it is reliably hardy in mild and coastal gardens. Move it further inland and it turns a touch more borderline: here it is sodden winter ground and freezing, drying winds that put it under pressure, far more than any straightforward frost. Given sharp, free draining soil it comes through winter in good shape and holds its glossy foliage all year round.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun in an open, exposed or coastal spot. One of the very best shrubs for salt and wind.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e any free draining soil, from sand to chalk to loam, across the full pH range. Good drainage matters most.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a fast, dense evergreen reaching roughly 8 to 12 m if left unpruned, though it clips readily to any hedge height.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e reliably hardy on the coast, borderline in cold inland gardens with wet winters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly through the first couple of summers to build a strong root system, after which it becomes impressively drought tolerant. It responds beautifully to clipping, so you can hold it as a tight formal hedge or let it grow into a billowing informal screen. For a coastal boundary, space plants around 45 to 60 cm apart and trim two or three times through the growing season. It also settles happily into a large container for a season or two on an exposed terrace.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eExplore more of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e, browse the full range of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coastal-plants\"\u003ecoastal plants\u003c\/a\u003e, and see our other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/screening-plants\"\u003escreening and hedging plants\u003c\/a\u003e. Olearia is equally at home in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic borders\u003c\/a\u003e or grown in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003epots and containers\u003c\/a\u003e. Before you buy, it is worth reading our guide to \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect from hardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e through the seasons. Every plant is nursery grown, carefully selected for a healthy root system, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L","offer_id":57974449832319,"sku":"OLEATRAV19","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/olearia.jpg?v=1784325625"},{"product_id":"leptospermum-scoparium","title":"Leptospermum scoparium | Manuka","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eLeptospermum scoparium\u003c\/strong\u003e, better known as \u003cstrong\u003eManuka\u003c\/strong\u003e or the \u003cstrong\u003eNew Zealand tea tree\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a dainty evergreen shrub that brings a soft, exotic charm to a warm corner of the garden. Fine, aromatic, needle-like leaves clothe wiry stems that in early summer all but disappear beneath a haze of small, five-petalled flowers in white, pink or red depending on the form. It is a pretty, understated exotic for a sheltered border or a pot on a sunny patio, and the bees adore it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness and seasonality:\u003c\/strong\u003e manuka is borderline hardy in Britain (the RHS rate the species H4) and is at its best in mild, coastal and southern gardens. The key thing to understand is that cold on its own is rarely the problem. Cold teamed with sodden ground is what harms it: soil that freezes while waterlogged in winter is the true undoing of this plant, whereas a sharp frost in free-draining ground is generally taken in its stride. Give it a warm, sheltered spot, keep the roots on the dry side through winter, and fleece it during hard frosts while it settles in. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ehardy exotics: what to expect\u003c\/a\u003e guide for seasonal pointers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun in a warm, sheltered spot, ideally against a south or west facing wall.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e free-draining, neutral to acid soil. It dislikes chalk and will not tolerate heavy, wet ground.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a slow, bushy shrub reaching around 1.5 to 2.5 m over 5 to 10 years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e shield it during hard frosts and, most of all, never let it sit in cold, sodden soil through winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly through the first couple of summers to establish a strong root system, after which manuka becomes impressively drought-tolerant. It is a natural partner for other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e in a sunny \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e, thrives in the sharp drainage of a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003econtainer on the patio\u003c\/a\u003e, and shines in mild \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coastal-plants\"\u003ecoastal gardens\u003c\/a\u003e where salt-laden air is no obstacle. As one of the finest nectar plants you can grow, it is a magnet for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003ebees and pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e right through its long flowering season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery plant we supply is nursery-grown, carefully selected for a healthy, well-branched shape and a strong root system, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":57974459924863,"sku":"LEPTSCOP17","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/iStock-2245197571.jpg?v=1784325415"},{"product_id":"acacia-longifolia","title":"Acacia longifolia","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAcacia longifolia\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003eSydney Golden Wattle\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003elong-leaved wattle\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a fast, bushy evergreen that brings a burst of Australian sunshine to sheltered UK gardens. Long, narrow, willow-like phyllodes in bright green clothe the plant year round, and from late winter into spring it lights up with masses of fragrant, golden-yellow bottlebrush flower spikes that hum with early bees.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a plant for warmth and shelter rather than the open, frost-pocket garden. Rated \u003cstrong\u003eRHS H3\u003c\/strong\u003e, it is happiest in mild coastal and city gardens and is safe to around -5C. Bear in mind that a cold, wet winter is the genuine hazard here, not the chill by itself: freezing, waterlogged soil will do far more damage than a short, dry frost. Give it a warm, sheltered spot with sharp drainage, and protect the crown and roots with fleece and mulch in colder gardens, or grow it in a container that can be moved under cover. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ehardy exotics, what to expect\u003c\/a\u003e guide for how these tender exotics behave through the seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun in a warm, sheltered spot, ideally against a south or west-facing wall, out of cold, drying winds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e light, free-draining sandy or loamy soil across acid, neutral and mildly alkaline pH; sharp drainage is essential and heavy, wet clay must be improved with grit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a fast, bushy grower to roughly 4-8 m tall and 3-6 m wide, easily kept smaller with pruning after flowering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e half hardy (RHS H3) to about -5C; wet on top of cold is what does the harm, so keep winter roots dry and protect in hard frosts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eTough, wind-firm and salt-tolerant once settled, Acacia longifolia earns its place among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coastal-plants\"\u003ecoastal and exposed plants\u003c\/a\u003e, where its dense, billowing habit makes fast, informal \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/screening-plants\"\u003escreening and privacy\u003c\/a\u003e. It is equally at home lending an exotic, sub-tropical note to \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic borders\u003c\/a\u003e, and the scented spring flowers are a magnet for bees, so it sits happily among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003eplants for pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e. In colder gardens it also makes a handsome, moveable specimen for a large pot that can be wheeled into a frost-free spot for winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrowse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e collection to build a bold, architectural planting scheme. Every Acacia longifolia we supply is nursery-grown, selected for a healthy, well-branched shape and strong roots, and carefully packed to arrive in top condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L (Collection Only)","offer_id":57974461694335,"sku":"ACACLONG19","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/longifolia-2.jpg?v=1784904603"},{"product_id":"griselinia-littoralis","title":"Griselinia littoralis","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGriselinia littoralis\u003c\/strong\u003e, known as \u003cstrong\u003eKapuka\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eNew Zealand Broadleaf\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most dependable evergreen shrubs for mild and coastal gardens. Its glossy, leathery, apple-green oval leaves form a dense, upright screen that shrugs off salt spray and buffeting wind, which is exactly why it has become a go-to plant for seaside hedging, screening and year-round structure. Where many evergreens scorch in coastal conditions, this tough New Zealander simply thrives.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRated \u003cstrong\u003eRHS H5\u003c\/strong\u003e, Griselinia littoralis is fully hardy across most of the UK, holding its fresh green canopy right through winter. The small yellow-green flowers in late spring and summer are insignificant, so this is a plant grown purely for its handsome foliage and reliable, fast-growing form. In the very hardest inland gardens it appreciates free-draining soil and a little shelter from cold drying winds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun or partial shade, and outstanding in exposed, salt-laden coastal sites where tender evergreens struggle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e any fertile, free-draining soil, from chalk to clay, loam or sand, across the full pH range, with good drainage the priority.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e reaches around 4 to 8 m over many years but responds beautifully to clipping, so it is easily kept as a 1.5 to 3 m hedge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e reliably hardy to about -10 to -15C once established, with a sheltered spot advised in very cold inland gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly through the first couple of summers to build a strong root system, after which it becomes impressively resilient. It is a natural choice for a coastal windbreak, a fast evergreen \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/screening-plants\"\u003escreening plant\u003c\/a\u003e or clipped structure in an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e, and it takes happily to a large container for a season or two beside a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003epatio or courtyard\u003c\/a\u003e. Explore more salt-tolerant options in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coastal-plants\"\u003ecoastal plants\u003c\/a\u003e range and browse the wider \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e collection for planting partners. For a season-by-season guide to how these plants settle in, see \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ehardy exotics: what to expect\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery Griselinia littoralis we supply is nursery-grown, selected for a healthy, well-furnished shape and a strong root system, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"9cm \/ 0.5L","offer_id":57974462644607,"sku":"GRISLITT9","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/iStock-1311840974.jpg?v=1784325317"},{"product_id":"abutilon-megapotamicum","title":"Abutilon megapotamicum","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAbutilon megapotamicum\u003c\/strong\u003e, known as the \u003cstrong\u003eTrailing Abutilon\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eBrazilian Bell-flower\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eChinese Lantern\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most charming wall shrubs you can grow for a long, exotic display. A lax, arching, semi-evergreen shrub from Brazil, it carries slender stems hung with dainty pendent lanterns, each a rich red calyx opening to clear yellow petals and a tuft of protruding purple stamens. The flowers appear from early summer well into autumn and are magnets for bees, making it a standout in any \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e or trained against a warm wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a plant that rewards a little thought about position. Rated \u003cstrong\u003eRHS H3\u003c\/strong\u003e, it is borderline hardy in the UK and happiest in mild, coastal and city gardens. Position matters here because it is a cold, wet winter, not simple cold, that does these plants in: waterlogged ground together with frost is what kills them, not a dry chill. Grow it against a warm, sheltered south or west facing wall with sharp drainage, or plant it in a pot that can be moved to a bright, frost-free place over winter, and it will sail through where a soggy, exposed plant would fail. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ehardy exotics seasonal guide\u003c\/a\u003e for what to expect through the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun for the best flowering, in a sheltered spot against a warm, sunny wall.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e fertile, free-draining loam or sand, acid to neutral, with drainage the single most important factor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e reaches around 2 to 2.5 m in height and spread over time, easily kept in check by pruning or in a container.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H3, tolerating roughly -5C in mild gardens; shelter it from cold, sodden winters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly through the first summer to settle the roots, then keep it on the drier side, especially in winter when soggy soil is the main risk. It is superb trained on wires as a flowering wall shrub, tumbling from a raised bed, or trailing over the edge of a large pot on a sunny patio. For pot culture see our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003eplants for pots and containers\u003c\/a\u003e, and its bee-friendly flowers make it a lovely addition to \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003eplants for pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e. Its loose, arching habit also makes it useful for softening and clothing a fence or trellis among other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/screening-plants\"\u003escreening plants\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePart of our wider range of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotic plants\u003c\/a\u003e, every Abutilon we supply is nursery-grown, carefully selected for a healthy root system and packed with care to arrive in top condition, ready to bring months of colourful, exotic flower to a warm corner of your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"9cm \/ 0.5L","offer_id":57976134762879,"sku":"ABUTMEGA9","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/iStock-1336495236.jpg?v=1784325232"},{"product_id":"euphorbia-mellifera","title":"Euphorbia mellifera (Honey Spurge)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eEuphorbia mellifera\u003c\/strong\u003e, better known as the \u003cstrong\u003eHoney Spurge\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eCanary Spurge\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most handsome architectural evergreens you can grow. Native to Madeira and the Canary Islands, it forms a rounded, sculptural dome of long, dark green leaves, each marked with a pale central midrib. In late spring the whole plant is topped with domed clusters of brown and amber flowers that release an extraordinary honey scent, filling the garden with fragrance and drawing in bees and other pollinators. It is a sun loving, coastal shrub that brings real presence to an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e or gravel garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrown for structure as much as scent, Honey Spurge sits naturally alongside palms, tree ferns and other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e, its evergreen dome holding its shape right through the year. It is borderline hardy in the UK, and the key to success is understanding what actually threatens it. Cold on its own is rarely the problem. The trouble starts when that cold arrives alongside wet, as waterlogged winter soil will rot the roots long before frost does. Give it a warm, sheltered position with sharp drainage and it will sail through most British winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun for a dense, compact dome, or light partial shade for a taller, looser habit. Shelter from cold, drying winds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e light and free-draining is essential. Chalk, sand or loam across any pH, but avoid heavy, wet ground.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a bushy 1.5 to 2.5 m in height and spread, reaching full size in around five to ten years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e roughly RHS H3 to H4, hardy to about -5 to -10C once established. Keep the crown dry and protect young plants in hard frost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly through the first couple of summers to establish a strong root system, after which Euphorbia mellifera becomes impressively \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/drought-tolerant-plants\"\u003edrought tolerant\u003c\/a\u003e. Its love of sharp drainage and warmth makes it a natural choice for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coastal-plants\"\u003ecoastal and exposed gardens\u003c\/a\u003e, and its honey-scented spring flowers earn it a place in any planting \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003efor pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e. In colder or wetter gardens it grows happily in a large container of gritty compost that can be moved to shelter for winter. For a fuller picture of how hardy exotics behave through the seasons, see our guide on \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e like all euphorbias, the milky white sap is a skin and eye irritant and is harmful if eaten, so wear gloves when pruning and keep cuttings away from children and pets.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003eEuphorbia mellifera\u003c\/strong\u003e we supply is nursery-grown, chosen for a healthy, well-branched shape and a strong root system, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L","offer_id":57976145674623,"sku":"EUPHMELL19","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/iStock-2274452707.jpg?v=1784324997"},{"product_id":"brachyglottis-dunedin-sunshine","title":"Brachyglottis (Dunedin Group) 'Sunshine'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBrachyglottis greyi\u003c\/strong\u003e (syn. \u003cstrong\u003eSenecio greyi\u003c\/strong\u003e), commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003edaisy bush\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the toughest and most useful silver-leaved shrubs you can grow. This mound-forming evergreen is prized for its felted, silver-grey oval leaves, neatly edged in white, which catch the light all year and set off every plant around them. In summer the whole mound is topped with sprays of bright yellow daisy flowers, giving you the best of both worlds: superb silver foliage and a generous, cheerful bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHailing from the coast of New Zealand, it is built for hot, dry and exposed positions where softer plants sulk. It is genuinely hardy across most of the UK, rated RHS H4, and its real strength is shrugging off wind, salt and drought. The single thing it resents is sitting cold and soggy: damp, freezing winters and heavy, sodden clay packed around its roots are what let it down, far more than any dry cold. On poor, sharply drained ground in full sun it is as easy and rewarding as shrubs come.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun, the more open and exposed the better. Superb for hot, dry, coastal and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/drought-tolerant-plants\"\u003egravel gardens\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e poor, free-draining soil is ideal, from sand and gravel to chalk and loam. Good drainage is the key, so improve heavy clay with plenty of grit before planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a bushy mound to around 1.5-2.5 m tall and 2.5-4 m across over five to ten years, and easily kept smaller with a trim.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e hardy to roughly -10 to -5C (RHS H4). Give it sharp drainage and it comes through winter reliably evergreen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater through the first summer to settle it in, then let it fend for itself; once established it is impressively drought-tolerant and needs only a light trim after flowering to stay compact. Its silver foliage is a natural partner for grasses, phormiums and other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border plants\u003c\/a\u003e, while its salt and wind tolerance make it a star of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coastal-plants\"\u003ecoastal and exposed gardens\u003c\/a\u003e. The summer daisies are a magnet for bees and hoverflies, so it earns its place among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003eplants for pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e too.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA brilliant, low-maintenance choice for anyone building a silver, gravel or seaside scheme, it sits right at home in our wider range of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e. For a picture of how these plants change through the seasons, see our guide on \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect\u003c\/a\u003e. Every plant is nursery grown, hand-selected for a healthy, well-shaped mound and strong roots, and carefully packed to arrive in top condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":57976159568255,"sku":"BRACGREY17","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/iStock-2250409493.jpg?v=1784324794"},{"product_id":"tibouchina-urvilleana","title":"Tibouchina urvilleana","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTibouchina urvilleana\u003c\/strong\u003e, the \u003cstrong\u003eGlory Bush\u003c\/strong\u003e (also sold as \u003cstrong\u003ePrincess Flower\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eBrazilian Spider Flower\u003c\/strong\u003e), is a showstopping tender evergreen from the rainforests of Brazil. Its velvety, softly hairy, deeply veined leaves are handsome in their own right, but the real drama comes from the large satiny flowers in a rich royal-purple to violet, carried in succession from summer well into autumn. It is a plant that turns a warm patio, a large pot or a bright conservatory into something genuinely exotic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is emphatically \u003cstrong\u003enot a frost hardy plant\u003c\/strong\u003e. Rated RHS H2, it is happiest grown as a patio or conservatory shrub: stood outside for the summer, then brought somewhere bright and frost-free before the first frosts, with a minimum of around 1C over winter. It needs a frost-free winter indoors or under glass, kept just moist while it is dormant. Treated this way it will reward you for years. For a fuller picture of how tender exotics behave through the seasons, see our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun in a warm, sheltered spot, with a little afternoon shade in the hottest gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e fertile and free-draining, or a loam-based compost with added grit in a container; happy on chalk, loam or sand across the pH range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e reaches around 2.5 to 4 m in height and 1.5 to 2.5 m across over time, and is easily kept smaller with spring pruning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e tender (RHS H2); outside for summer, then bright and frost-free over winter at a minimum of around 1C.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater freely while it is in growth and flower, then keep it much drier over winter. A balanced summer feed and a light prune in spring keep it bushy and full of bloom. As a long-flowering, nectar-rich shrub it is loved by bees, making it a lovely choice among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003eplants for pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e. It looks superb as a specimen in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003ea large patio pot\u003c\/a\u003e, as a source of hot colour in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic borders\u003c\/a\u003e, or as bold \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/architectural-foliage\"\u003earchitectural foliage\u003c\/a\u003e for a sunny courtyard. Browse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e to build a whole warm-climate look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery plant we supply is nursery-grown, carefully selected for a healthy shape and strong roots, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"9cm \/ 0.5L","offer_id":57976161468799,"sku":"TIBOURVI9","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/iStock-2254569106.jpg?v=1784324887"},{"product_id":"sparmannia-africana","title":"Sparmannia africana","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSparmannia africana\u003c\/strong\u003e, also spelled \u003cstrong\u003eSparrmannia africana\u003c\/strong\u003e and known as \u003cstrong\u003eAfrican Hemp\u003c\/strong\u003e or the \u003cstrong\u003eHouse Lime\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most handsome big-leaved exotics you can grow. It makes a fast, bushy shrub clothed in enormous, soft, pale-green leaves like a giant lime or vine leaf, and from late winter into spring it hangs clusters of nodding white flowers, each with a showy powderpuff of golden and red-purple stamens at the centre. This is a plant grown first and foremost for its lush, jungly foliage and its generous, easy-going nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is important to be honest about hardiness. Native to the woodlands of South Africa, \u003cstrong\u003eSparmannia africana\u003c\/strong\u003e is tender, rated \u003cstrong\u003eRHS H1C\u003c\/strong\u003e, so it is not a hardy garden shrub. Think of it instead as a conservatory, greenhouse or bright houseplant that loves to spend the summer outdoors on a sheltered patio, then comes back under cover before the first frosts. Kept frost-free and above roughly 5 to 7C it stays evergreen and grows quickly. For more on how tender exotics behave through the seasons, see our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect\u003c\/a\u003e guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e bright light with a little shade. Dappled or part shade outdoors, or bright indirect light indoors, keeps the large leaves at their best and stops them scorching.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e any fertile, free-draining potting mix, ideally loam-based with added grit or bark. A hungry, fast grower that likes regular feeding and potting on.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e fast to 2 to 4 m if left unchecked, and much more in a large conservatory, but easily kept compact and bushy in a pot with a spring cut back.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e tender (H1C). Protect from frost, overwinter under cover, and keep just short of dry over winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause it grows so freely, \u003cstrong\u003eAfrican Hemp\u003c\/strong\u003e responds beautifully to pruning. Cut it back after flowering, or in spring, and pinch the new shoots to keep a dense, leafy dome rather than a leggy stem. It is a natural for a big pot, so it earns a place among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003eplants for pots and containers\u003c\/a\u003e and our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/architectural-foliage\"\u003earchitectural foliage\u003c\/a\u003e. Its love of a shadier spot makes it one of the better big-leaved choices for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003eshade\u003c\/a\u003e, and out on the summer patio it brings instant drama to an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e display.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eExplore the rest of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy and tender exotics\u003c\/a\u003e to build a bold, leafy scheme. Every Sparmannia we send out is nursery-grown, chosen for a strong root system and healthy, well-furnished growth, and carefully packed to arrive in top condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":58063992324479,"sku":"SPARMAFRI17","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/sparmannia.jpg?v=1785411997"},{"product_id":"diosma-hirsuta-pink-fountain","title":"Diosma hirsuta 'Pink Fountain'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eDiosma hirsuta 'Pink Fountain'\u003c\/strong\u003e, widely loved as the \u003cstrong\u003econfetti bush\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003ebreath of heaven\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a compact evergreen shrub that brings a soft, romantic haze of colour to sunny borders and patio pots. Its fine, heath-like foliage is aromatic when brushed, releasing a fresh, resinous scent, and from late winter into spring the whole plant is smothered in masses of tiny pink star-shaped flowers. The effect is exactly as the common name suggests, a fountain of confetti that lifts the garden at the very start of the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the Western Cape of South Africa, this is a borderline hardy shrub rated around \u003cstrong\u003eRHS H3\u003c\/strong\u003e, so it is happiest in milder, coastal and city gardens with a warm, sheltered aspect. In colder areas it is best grown in a container that can be moved to a frost-free spot over winter. Give it sharp drainage and full sun and it rewards you with year-round fine texture and a long, early flowering display that few other shrubs can match. Explore more borderline-hardy treasures in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun in a warm, sheltered spot; it tolerates a little light shade but flowers best in sun.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e light, free-draining, neutral to acid soil; sandy or gravelly ground suits it well, and it dislikes wet winter roots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a naturally neat, mounded shrub reaching around 0.6 to 1 m tall and wide over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e borderline hardy (RHS H3); protect from hard frost or grow in a pot you can shelter over winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly through the first growing season to settle the roots, then ease off, as an established plant is pleasingly drought-tolerant and thrives on a sunny bank or in a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/drought-tolerant-plants\"\u003edry, gravel-style planting\u003c\/a\u003e. Its compact habit and evergreen fine texture make it ideal for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003egrowing in pots\u003c\/a\u003e on a patio or by a sunny door, and it is a natural choice for mild \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coastal-plants\"\u003ecoastal gardens\u003c\/a\u003e. The nectar-rich spring flowers are a welcome early feast for bees and other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003epollinators\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrune only lightly, trimming straight after flowering to keep the neat fountain shape; never cut back hard into old bare wood, as Diosma will not reshoot from it. For more on how tender exotics behave through the British seasons, see our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect guide\u003c\/a\u003e. Every plant is nursery-grown, hand-selected for a full, healthy shape and carefully packed to arrive in top condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":58063992717695,"sku":"DIOSHIRSPINK17","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/dio.jpg?v=1785411967"},{"product_id":"punica-granatum","title":"Punica granatum (Pomegranate)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ePunica granatum\u003c\/strong\u003e, better known as the \u003cstrong\u003epomegranate\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most rewarding flowering shrubs you can grow for a hot, sunny corner. In the UK it earns its place not for a heavy crop of fruit but for its extraordinary \u003cstrong\u003eorange-red, funnel-shaped flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e, which open right through summer against fresh, glossy foliage that flushes bronze in spring and turns butter-yellow before it falls. It brings a genuine touch of the Mediterranean to a sheltered border or a large pot on a sun-baked terrace.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt pays to be honest about the fruit. Pomegranates need a long, hot summer and warm autumn temperatures of around 13 to 16C to ripen, so across most of Britain the fruit rarely finishes outdoors. Grown for its flowers and its bold architecture, though, it is a star. Rated \u003cstrong\u003eRHS H3\u003c\/strong\u003e, it is half hardy, so it is happiest in a mild, coastal or urban garden and reliably good against a warm south or west-facing wall. Elsewhere, give it the most sheltered sunny spot you have plus a little winter protection, or keep it potted so it can shelter through the coldest weeks. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ehardy exotics, what to expect\u003c\/a\u003e guide explains how these plants behave through the seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun, in the warmest, most sheltered spot, ideally against a south or west-facing wall.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e any fertile, free-draining soil, from chalk to sand, across the full pH range, with sharp drainage the priority.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a large shrub or small tree reaching around 1.5 to 2.5 m over ten to twenty years, and easily kept smaller in a container.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H3, half hardy, so shelter it well and protect it from hard winter frost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly through the first couple of summers to build a strong root system, after which it copes well with dry spells, and keep it much drier over winter. Because it is deciduous and flowers on the current season's growth, a light shaping prune in late winter keeps it tidy and brings on the new shoots that carry the blooms. It is a natural for a hot \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e or grouped with other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/drought-tolerant-plants\"\u003edrought-tolerant plants\u003c\/a\u003e, and its long flowering makes it a favourite with bees, so it sits happily among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003eplants for pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e. Where space or winter cold is a concern, it is one of the best \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003eplants for pots\u003c\/a\u003e and containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you are hunting for a \u003cstrong\u003epomegranate tree for UK\u003c\/strong\u003e gardens or simply the best sun-loving shrub for a warm wall, this is a characterful choice from our wider range of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e. Every plant is nursery-grown, selected for a healthy shape and strong roots, and packed with care to arrive in top condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"15cm \/ 1.5L","offer_id":58063992881535,"sku":"PUNIGRAN15","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/pomeg.jpg?v=1785411742"},{"product_id":"vitex-agnus-castus-blue-diddley","title":"Vitex agnus-castus 'Blue Diddley'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eVitex agnus-castus 'Blue Diddley'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a compact, dwarf form of the much-loved \u003cstrong\u003echaste tree\u003c\/strong\u003e, bred to bring all the Mediterranean charm of the species to smaller gardens, borders and containers. Where the ordinary \u003cstrong\u003eVitex agnus-castus\u003c\/strong\u003e can reach 2.5m, 'Blue Diddley' settles at a neat 1 to 1.5m, making it one of the most manageable and free-flowering choices for a sunny, exotic-style planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom late summer into autumn it is topped with slender, upright spikes of fragrant, blue-violet flowers that bees and butterflies adore, held above deeply divided, aromatic grey-green foliage that releases a warm, peppery scent when brushed. It is a genuine pollinator magnet and a wonderful way to extend colour in the garden long after many summer shrubs have finished. Plant it near a path or seating area where the scented leaves and buzzing visitors can be enjoyed up close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun, ideally south or west facing, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Maximum heat and light give the best flowering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e any free-draining soil, from chalk to sand and across the full pH range. Sharp drainage matters most, as winter wet is the main risk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a dwarf, compact form reaching around 1 to 1.5m in height and spread, roughly half the size of the species.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e hardy in milder parts of the UK (RHS H4, to around -10C). In colder gardens grow it against a warm wall and mulch the base in autumn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a deciduous shrub that flowers on the current season's growth, 'Blue Diddley' responds beautifully to a hard prune in early spring, quickly throwing up vigorous new stems tipped with flower. Water through the first summer to establish, after which it is happily drought-tolerant, thriving on the kind of hot, dry, free-draining spot that suits our other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/drought-tolerant-plants\"\u003edrought-tolerant plants\u003c\/a\u003e. Its compact habit makes it ideal for a large pot on a sunny patio, alongside the rest of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003eplants for pots and containers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse it to add late-season structure and scent to \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic borders\u003c\/a\u003e, or as a standout in a wildlife planting with our other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003eplants for pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e. It sits perfectly within the wider \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e range, bringing a touch of the Mediterranean to a British summer. For a guide to how these plants perform through the seasons, see our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ehardy exotics: what to expect\u003c\/a\u003e page.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery 'Blue Diddley' we supply is nursery-grown, chosen for a healthy, well-branched framework and a strong root system, and packed with care to arrive in top condition ready to plant.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L","offer_id":58063994880383,"sku":"VITEAGNUCASTBLUE19","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/vitex_59fd7035-6e9b-45ad-99cb-bd7a08d5e65f.jpg?v=1785185273"}],"url":"https:\/\/growtropicals.com\/collections\/hardy-exotic-shrubs.oembed?page=2","provider":"GrowTropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}