Buddleja colvilei large leaf form

B.colvilei is known for its relatively large rich pink bell-shaped flowers - much larger than any other species that I know of. This is a very rare form with large greyish felted leaves up to 20cm long, and is descended from a plant that used to grow against the house at Borde Hill.

The flowers appear in mid spring on the previous year's growth and can get frosted off in bud, so a very sheltered situation is required in all but the warmest areas.
sold out

Abelia (Linnaea) floribunda

A very striking Mexican species with long tubular dusky pink flowers and small rounded evergreen leaves. The lax spreading habit means it might be best treated as a wall shrub, but I rather like it growing through other shrubs.

It does need shelter and warmth to flower well but is otherwise easy.
The sinking of Abelia (and also Dipelta and Kolkwitzia) into Linnaea has upset a few people but it does actually make sense if you understand the science.
£15

Vicia gigantea

This is a good pink form of a Californian native vetch. In the wild a potentially vigorous coloniser but here I've found it no more so than some of the popular climbing Lathyrus such as L.latifolius, and it makes a very nice change from that with its fresh green pinnate foliage and spikes of rich pink flowers.

Even so I'd give it plenty of space somewhere it won't swamp small treasures. Spring flowering - cut it back to the ground after flowering for fresh new growth.
£8

Phlomis 'angustifolia' Toob

A very striking Phlomis with the edges of the grey leaves turned up to reveal the white undersides, giving a very smart two-tone effect, especially in winter. The flowers are a clear bright yellow.
This has proved hardy and easy in a sunny well-drained spot.

Originally obtained as P.angustifolia, it seems this name is a synonym of P.fruticosa. It's not clear if it's a form of fruticosa or another species but it's a much nicer plant. Nick Macer gave it the varietal name 'Toob' because of the 'toobular' shape of the leaves.
£12