{"title":"Winter Flowering Plants","description":"\u003cp\u003eWinter flowering plants are the ones that matter most. They bring colour, and often scent, to the garden in the months when almost nothing else is in bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"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":"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":"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":"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":"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":"hardenbergia-violacea-rosea","title":"Hardenbergia violacea Rosea","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eHardenbergia violacea Rosea\u003c\/strong\u003e is the soft pink form of the Australian \u003cstrong\u003ePurple Coral Pea\u003c\/strong\u003e, also known as \u003cstrong\u003eNative Lilac\u003c\/strong\u003e and a close relative of the well-loved Happy Wanderer. This evergreen twining climber wreathes itself in delicate sprays of pink pea flowers in late winter and early spring, lighting up a warm wall or trellis just as the garden begins to wake. It is one of our favourite \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e for bringing an early, unexpected splash of colour to a sheltered sunny corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRated RHS H3, this is a half-hardy climber that rewards a little care. It holds its glossy, lance-shaped green leaves all year, and in the mildest gardens it can be grown outdoors against a south or west-facing wall. In colder spots it makes a superb container plant that can be moved under cover for winter, so gardeners everywhere can enjoy its late-season colour. For a sense of how tender exotics behave through the year, read our guide on \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hardy-exotics-what-to-expect\"\u003ewhat to expect\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, ideally a south or west-facing wall or trellis away from cold winds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e any moderately fertile, free-draining soil or a gritty loam-based compost; sharp drainage is essential.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e a twining climber reaching around 2 to 2.5 m, easily kept in bounds with light pruning after flowering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e half-hardy (RHS H3), so protect from hard frost or overwinter under cover in colder areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly through the first season to settle the roots, then ease back once established. The nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for early bees, making it a lovely choice among \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003eplants for pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e. Train it up a trellis or obelisk as a compact \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/screening-plants\"\u003escreening plant\u003c\/a\u003e, let it scramble through an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic border\u003c\/a\u003e, or grow it in a large container among your \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003eplants for pots\u003c\/a\u003e so it can be shifted to shelter when frost threatens.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery plant we supply is nursery-grown, carefully selected for a healthy root system and strong growth, and packed with care to arrive in top condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"9cm \/ 0.5L","offer_id":57969788125567,"sku":"HARDVIOLROS9","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/hardenbergia_b4416164-10b0-4e36-801d-1b6c80f91930.jpg?v=1784905409"},{"product_id":"acacia-dealbata","title":"Acacia dealbata (Mimosa \/ Silver Wattle)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAcacia dealbata\u003c\/strong\u003e, known as the \u003cstrong\u003emimosa\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003esilver wattle\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most spectacular exotic trees you can grow in a mild British garden. Fast-growing and evergreen, it carries feathery, finely divided silver-green foliage all year round, then erupts in late winter into a haze of fragrant, fluffy yellow pompom flowers just when the garden needs it most. This is a plant that turns a warm, sheltered wall or courtyard into something close to the Riviera.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to south-eastern Australia and Tasmania and a member of the pea family (Fabaceae), \u003cstrong\u003eAcacia dealbata\u003c\/strong\u003e is rated RHS H3, so it is happiest in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK. For a mimosa, a cold and wet winter is far more of a threat than cold by itself. Waterlogged soil paired with low temperatures is far more likely to see it off than a short, dry frost. Give it a warm, sheltered spot with sharp drainage, and protect the plant during hard frosts, and it will reward you handsomely. 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 in a warm, sheltered spot, ideally against a south or west facing wall that stores heat and shrugs off cold winds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e neutral to acid, free-draining loam or sand. It dislikes very alkaline or chalky ground, and sharp drainage is essential to avoid cold, wet roots in winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e fast-growing to around 8-12 m in time, with a spread of 2.5-4 m, so allow room or prune after flowering to keep it in bounds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H3, hardy to about -5C. Protect young plants in hard frosts and shelter from cold, drying winds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a fast, airy evergreen it makes a superb piece of living \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/architectural-foliage\"\u003earchitectural foliage\u003c\/a\u003e and a natural centrepiece for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic borders\u003c\/a\u003e. The nectar-rich winter flowers are a magnet for early bees, making it a valuable choice for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003eplants for pollinators\u003c\/a\u003e, while in mild coastal gardens it thrives alongside other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coastal-plants\"\u003ecoastal and exposed planting\u003c\/a\u003e. Pair it with a hardier structural partner such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trachycarpus-fortunei\"\u003eTrachycarpus fortunei\u003c\/a\u003e for year-round backbone, and browse the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hardy-exotics\"\u003ehardy exotics\u003c\/a\u003e range to build a complete scheme.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery mimosa we supply is nursery-grown, selected for a healthy framework and strong roots, and packed with care to arrive in superb condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"23cm \/ 5L (Collection Only)","offer_id":57974443999615,"sku":"ACACDEAL23","price":31.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/dealbata-3.jpg?v=1784904669"},{"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":"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":"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"}],"url":"https:\/\/growtropicals.com\/collections\/winter-flowering-plants.oembed","provider":"GrowTropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}