{"title":"Purple Flowering Plants","description":"\u003cp\u003ePurple flowering plants bring depth and richness to a border. From soft lilac to deep violet, it is the colour that makes a planting scheme feel considered.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"liriope-muscari-moneymaker","title":"Liriope muscari 'Moneymaker'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiriope muscari 'Moneymaker'\u003c\/strong\u003e (lilyturf) is one of the hardest-working evergreen ground-cover plants you can grow, and a brilliant problem-solver for dry shade. It forms dense, grassy clumps of arching, strap-like dark green leaves, then - just as the garden begins to fade in autumn - sends up bold spikes of violet-purple flowers, followed by glossy black berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTough, reliable and evergreen, \u003cstrong\u003eliriope muscari\u003c\/strong\u003e excels where many plants struggle: under trees and shrubs, along shady paths, on banks, and as a weed-suppressing carpet. It also looks superb in pots and makes a neat, lush edging. Though often grouped with \u003cstrong\u003eornamental grasses\u003c\/strong\u003e, it's actually a member of the asparagus family, with the bonus of those late-season flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrow \u003cstrong\u003elilyturf\u003c\/strong\u003e in partial to full shade in any reasonable, well-drained soil - it tolerates dry shade once established and will also cope with sun if the ground stays moist. It's fully hardy and evergreen, needing almost no care; simply shear off tired old foliage in early spring before the new leaves emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e partial to full shade; superb for dry shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e any well-drained soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare:\u003c\/strong\u003e evergreen and trouble-free; tidy old leaves in spring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach plant is nursery-grown and hand-selected, ready to bring evergreen structure and a welcome shot of autumn colour to the shadier corners of your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":57809636327807,"sku":"LIRIMUSCMON17","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/liriope-2.jpg?v=1784357107"},{"product_id":"paulownia-elongata-futuro","title":"Paulownia elongata 'Futuro'","description":"Few hardy exotics deliver drama as fast as \u003cstrong\u003ePaulownia elongata 'Futuro'\u003c\/strong\u003e, a selected, vigorous form of the celebrated \u003cstrong\u003efoxglove tree\u003c\/strong\u003e. Reckoned to be among the fastest-growing trees in the world, this \u003cstrong\u003epaulownia tree\u003c\/strong\u003e can put on a metre or more in a single season, making it the go-to choice when you want big, bold structure in a garden in a hurry. Known variously as the foxglove tree or \u003cstrong\u003eempress tree\u003c\/strong\u003e, it earns its place in the Hardy Exotics range on the strength of its enormous heart-shaped leaves and, on mature specimens, spires of fragrant lilac flowers.\n\u003cp\u003eThere are really two plants here, depending on how you grow it. Left to grow on as a tree, 'Futuro' forms a handsome, upright specimen of 8-12 m, crowned in late spring with panicles of pale lilac-purple, foxglove-like blooms that appear before the leaves on the previous year's wood. Coppice or pollard it hard each spring instead, and all that vigour is thrown into a few shoots clothed in spectacular, velvety leaves that can measure 40-60 cm across, an instant jungle effect for a temperate plot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGive it a warm, sheltered position in full sun, which suits both leaf size and flowering. As a UK-grown \u003cstrong\u003epaulownia tree uk\u003c\/strong\u003e gardeners can rely on, this is a genuinely hardy plant, withstanding around -15C once established (roughly RHS H5), with roots tough enough to reshoot even after a hard winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAspect: full sun, sheltered from strong winds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoil: any fertile, free-draining soil, including chalk and clay; avoid winter wet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 8-12 m as a tree, or 2-3 m with giant leaves if coppiced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater well through the first couple of summers while the deep roots establish, after which \u003cstrong\u003ePaulownia elongata\u003c\/strong\u003e becomes notably drought-tolerant. A spring mulch keeps young plants happy and protects the roots over their first winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery plant is grown on and carefully selected for healthy roots and strong, even growth, so your foxglove tree arrives ready to romp away and transform a sunny corner in its very first season.\u003c\/p\u003e]]\u0026gt;","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":57945334088063,"sku":"PAUWELON17","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"23cm \/ 5L","offer_id":57810283266431,"sku":"PAUWELON23","price":44.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/paulownia.jpg?v=1782486996"},{"product_id":"wisteria-sinensis-prolific","title":"Wisteria sinensis 'Prolific'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eWisteria sinensis 'Prolific'\u003c\/strong\u003e, better known as \u003cstrong\u003eChinese wisteria 'Prolific'\u003c\/strong\u003e, is the free-flowering blue wisteria that earns its name. Where many wisterias make you wait years for a first flush, this vigorous, AGM-winning selection blooms young and blooms heavily, draping a curtain of scented, soft lilac-blue racemes 25 to 30cm long over walls, pergolas and archways in late spring. The flowers open just before the pinnate leaves unfurl, so the whole plant becomes a waterfall of colour before the fresh green foliage fills in behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat sets \u003cstrong\u003eWisteria 'Prolific'\u003c\/strong\u003e apart from the wider \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-climbers\"\u003ehardy climbers\u003c\/a\u003e range is that dependable, early flowering habit paired with genuine toughness. Rated RHS H6, it is fully hardy throughout the UK and shrugs off temperatures to around -15C once established, needing no winter protection. It is deciduous, so it rests bare through winter and returns each spring, twining anticlockwise up any strong support you give 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 ripens the wood and gives the best flowering, though it tolerates light partial shade. A warm, sheltered south or west-facing wall or pergola is ideal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e any fertile, moist but well-drained soil, from chalk and clay to loam and sand, across the full pH range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e vigorous, climbing to around 8 to 9m over many years, so give it room and a robust framework.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e reliably hardy across the UK with no fleece needed once established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWisteria is a heavy, long-lived climber that needs strong support, so fix sturdy horizontal wires or a solid frame before planting and tie in the young stems as they grow. Water well through the first few summers, then prune twice a year, in mid-summer and again in winter, to build flowering spurs and keep the growth in check. Its bold, cascading habit makes it a showpiece for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/screening-plants\"\u003escreening and privacy\u003c\/a\u003e, a magnet for spring bees among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003eplants for pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e, and a dramatic anchor for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic borders\u003c\/a\u003e. For a scented Japanese partner with longer trails, pair it with the pink \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wisteria-floribunda-rosea\"\u003eWisteria floribunda 'Rosea'\u003c\/a\u003e, and browse the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e collection to build the scheme. As with all outdoor plants, our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect\u003c\/a\u003e guide explains how a garden-hardy climber looks and behaves through the seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery Wisteria sinensis 'Prolific' we supply is nursery-grown, hand-selected for healthy stems and strong roots, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition ready to train.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm \/ 2L","offer_id":57907283394943,"sku":"WISTSINPROL17","price":30.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/prolific2.jpg?v=1784356578"},{"product_id":"wisteria-floribunda-black-dragon","title":"Wisteria floribunda 'Black Dragon'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eWisteria floribunda 'Black Dragon'\u003c\/strong\u003e is the dramatic \u003cstrong\u003edouble-flowered Japanese wisteria\u003c\/strong\u003e, prized for the darkest, richest colour in the genus. Also sold as \u003cstrong\u003e'Yae-kokuryu'\u003c\/strong\u003e and under the synonym \u003cstrong\u003e'Violacea Plena'\u003c\/strong\u003e, it carries dense, heavily scented racemes up to 50cm long of fully double, deep violet-purple pea-flowers that hang like ropes of velvet in late spring and early summer. The extra petals give each truss a plush, ruffled texture you simply do not get from single-flowered wisterias.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-climbers\"\u003ehardy climbers\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003e'Black Dragon'\u003c\/strong\u003e is the one to choose for pure drama and depth of colour. Rated RHS H6 and holding the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it is fully hardy throughout the UK and copes with cold to around -15C once established, needing no winter protection. It is deciduous, with fresh pinnate foliage following the flowers, and twines up any strong support you provide.\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 ripens the wood and gives the best flowering, though it tolerates light partial shade. A warm, sheltered south or west-facing wall or pergola is ideal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e any fertile, moist but well-drained soil, from chalk and clay to loam and sand, across the full pH range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e vigorous, reaching around 8m in height with a 4m spread over many years, so give it room and a robust framework.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e reliably hardy across the UK with no fleece needed once established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWisteria is a heavy, long-lived climber that needs strong support, so fix sturdy horizontal wires or a solid pergola before planting and tie in the young stems as they grow. Water well through the first few summers, then prune twice a year, in mid-summer and again in winter, to build flowering spurs and hold the vigour in check. Its deep, cascading colour makes it a showstopper for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/screening-plants\"\u003escreening and privacy\u003c\/a\u003e, a rich focal point among \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic borders\u003c\/a\u003e, and a draw for spring bees among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003eplants for pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e. For a lighter, free-flowering blue partner, pair it with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wisteria-sinensis-prolific\"\u003eWisteria sinensis 'Prolific'\u003c\/a\u003e, and browse the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e collection to plan the scheme. As with all outdoor plants, our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect\u003c\/a\u003e guide explains how a garden-hardy climber looks and behaves through the seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery Wisteria floribunda 'Black Dragon' we supply is nursery-grown, hand-selected for healthy stems and strong roots, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition ready to train.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"15cm \/ 1.5L","offer_id":57907287294335,"sku":"WISTFLORBLKDRAG15","price":31.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/iStock-2149054182.jpg?v=1784356377"},{"product_id":"hardenbergia-violacea","title":"Hardenbergia violacea","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eHardenbergia violacea\u003c\/strong\u003e, known as the \u003cstrong\u003ePurple Coral Pea\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eNative Lilac\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eHappy Wanderer\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a vigorous evergreen Australian climber that smothers itself in cascading sprays of violet-purple pea flowers in late winter and early spring. Few plants bring colour so early in the year, making it a spectacular way to light up a warm, sheltered wall just as the garden wakes up.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotic\u003c\/a\u003e for the milder end of the scale. Rated RHS H3, it is half-hardy rather than fully frost-proof, so it thrives against a sunny south or west-facing wall, over a trellis, or in a large pot that can be moved under cover when hard frosts threaten. The dark, leathery, lance-shaped leaves stay handsome all year, giving structure long after the flowers have faded. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ehardy exotics guide on what to expect\u003c\/a\u003e for seasonal care.\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 a south or west-facing wall out of cold winds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e light, free-draining, neutral to slightly acidic; sharp drainage matters most.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a twining climber to around 2-3 m, easily kept in bounds with a trim after flowering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e half-hardy (RHS H3); protect from frost and grow under cover in colder gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly through the first summer to establish, then let it dry between waterings, as it resents cold, wet roots in winter. The nectar-rich blooms are loved by early bees, so it earns a place among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003eplants for pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e and looks superb threaded through \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border plants\u003c\/a\u003e. Trained on wires it makes a fast, flowery \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/screening-plants\"\u003escreening plant\u003c\/a\u003e, or grow it in a container from our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003eplants for pots\u003c\/a\u003e range for a movable splash of colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery plant we supply is nursery-grown, selected for a healthy root system and strong growth, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"9cm \/ 0.5L","offer_id":57969783767423,"sku":"HARDVIOL9","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/hardenbergia_b9442de9-ffc7-4372-9a65-f7913c7ade59.jpg?v=1784328721"},{"product_id":"geranium-maderense","title":"Geranium maderense | Giant Herb-Robert","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGeranium maderense\u003c\/strong\u003e, widely known as the \u003cstrong\u003egiant herb Robert\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eMadeira cranesbill\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most theatrical hardy exotics you can grow. From a short, stout trunk it builds a spectacular architectural rosette of huge, finely cut palmate leaves, then erupts into a vast dome of magenta-pink flowers that can smother the whole plant. Native to the island of Madeira, it is the giant of the geranium world and a true focal point for a warm, sheltered corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a statuesque, short-lived exotic best understood as a biennial or monocarpic perennial. It spends its first year or two building that bold evergreen rosette, flowers gloriously in late spring and early summer, then sets seed and fades, leaving a scatter of self-sown seedlings to carry on. Rated RHS H3, it is happiest in the mildest, most sheltered gardens and coastal spots, where it can be grown outdoors year round with winter protection in colder areas. Explore more of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotic plants\u003c\/a\u003e to build a scheme around 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 in a warm, sheltered spot, and it also copes with coastal exposure in mild areas.\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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a bold rosette reaching around 1 to 1.5 m tall and wide when in full flower.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H3, so protect the crown over winter and give it your warmest position.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts architectural presence makes it a natural focal point in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/architectural-foliage\"\u003earchitectural foliage\u003c\/a\u003e planting and lush \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic borders\u003c\/a\u003e, while its manageable size suits a large pot on a sheltered patio, so browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003eplants for pots and containers\u003c\/a\u003e. The nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for bees and other pollinators, earning it a place among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003eplants for pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e too. For a realistic picture of how tender exotics behave through the seasons, read \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ehardy exotics: what to expect\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery Geranium maderense we supply is nursery grown and carefully selected for a strong, healthy rosette, then packed with care to arrive in superb condition and ready to become the star of your exotic planting.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"19cm \/ 3L","offer_id":57973064597887,"sku":"GERAMADE19","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/iStock-2284737468.jpg?v=1784327590"},{"product_id":"tricyrtis-gilt-edge","title":"Tricyrtis 'Gilt Edge'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eTricyrtis 'Gilt Edge'\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the most sought-after \u003cstrong\u003etoad lilies\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a choice woodland perennial that saves its best show for the end of the season. Arching stems are lined with broad leaves boldly margined in creamy gold, and from late summer into autumn they carry sprays of exotic, orchid-like star flowers in white and soft purple, freckled all over with deep purple spots. It is a jewel for a shady \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e and a real talking point when much of the garden is winding down.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFully hardy in the UK (rated RHS H5, hardy to around -15C once established), 'Gilt Edge' is a deciduous perennial that dies back for winter and reshoots reliably each spring. It thrives in the cool, moist, humus-rich shade of a woodland setting, so it pairs beautifully with ferns, hostas and other shade lovers in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e range. For a guide to how seasonal plants like this behave through the year, see our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect\u003c\/a\u003e notes.\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, ideally cool and sheltered such as a north or east-facing border. Perfect for a spot in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-shade\"\u003edeep or dappled shade\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid to neutral soil. Add leaf mould or compost and keep it cool and damp, never baked dry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a compact, clump-forming habit reaching around 45cm tall and wide, spreading slowly over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e fully hardy across most of the UK. This woodland plant enjoys reliably moist but not stagnant ground.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly so the soil stays consistently moist through the first couple of summers, especially ahead of flowering, and mulch each spring to lock in that cool woodland moisture. Compact and well behaved, it is equally happy naturalising in a border or grown in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003epots and containers\u003c\/a\u003e on a shaded patio, where the late flowers are a welcome magnet for bees and other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003elate-season pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery \u003cstrong\u003eTricyrtis 'Gilt Edge'\u003c\/strong\u003e we supply is nursery-grown and carefully selected for a healthy crown and strong roots, packed with care to arrive in top condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"9cm \/ 0.5L","offer_id":57974341992831,"sku":"TRICGILT9","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/tricyrtis.jpg?v=1784326776"},{"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":"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"},{"product_id":"cercis-canadensis-merlot","title":"Cercis canadensis 'Merlot'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCercis canadensis 'Merlot'\u003c\/strong\u003e, or \u003cstrong\u003eMerlot redbud\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most striking small trees you can grow for rich, moody foliage. Bred from a cross of the popular 'Forest Pansy' and the heat-tolerant 'Texas White', it carries glossy, heart-shaped leaves in a deep wine-purple that holds its colour well through summer. In spring, clusters of pink-purple pea flowers stud the bare branches before the leaves unfurl, making it a real focal point in an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a compact, garden-hardy choice for UK plots. Rated around RHS H6, it is fully hardy across most of the country once established, dropping its leaves in winter and bursting back into colour each spring. Because it stays smaller than the species, reaching roughly 3 to 4 m over many years, it suits smaller gardens and courtyard schemes where a full-size tree would overwhelm. For more on how deciduous exotics behave through the year, see our guide on \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect through the seasons\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 gives the deepest leaf colour and the best flowering, though it tolerates light or partial shade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e any moist but well-drained soil, from chalk to clay and loam, across the full pH range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a compact small tree or large shrub, slowly reaching around 3 to 4 m tall and wide.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e fully hardy in most of the UK, with young plants worth sheltering from hard late frosts and cold, drying winds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly through the first couple of summers to settle the roots, after which 'Merlot' becomes pleasingly low-maintenance. It needs only minimal pruning and resents being cut back hard, so simply remove any dead or crossing branches while dormant. The early flowers are a valuable nectar source, making it a lovely pick for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003epollinator-friendly planting\u003c\/a\u003e, and its neat habit works just as well as a specimen in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003ea large container\u003c\/a\u003e as it does among \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/architectural-foliage\"\u003earchitectural foliage\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you are after a compact redbud for a courtyard or a bold, dark-leaved focal point for an exotic scheme, this is a superb choice from our wider \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e range. Every plant is nursery-grown, carefully 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":"23cm \/ 5L","offer_id":58064010117503,"sku":"CERCCANAMERL23","price":54.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/cercis-2.jpg?v=1785411922"}],"url":"https:\/\/growtropicals.com\/collections\/purple-flowering-plants.oembed","provider":"GrowTropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}