Persicaria filiformis Guizhou Bronze PAB 9127

A rather gorgeous form of the species with less conspicuous black markings than normal filiformis but the leaves have a wonderful rich brassy tint and the whole plant is more luxuriant. 

Adaptable but best in moist rich soils in semi shade.
£8

Kleinia abyssinica

A rare and remarkable tender succulent from NE Africa, with fleshy glaucous stems, lanceolate leaves and vivid scarlet flowers on elegant stems. 

NOT HARDY but easily grown in a cool greenhouse, and intact after a winter in my barely frost-free greenhouse.
1L pots ~ £12

Plectranthus, Isodon, Rabdosia and so forth

Despite the indecision over the names, a splendid, if understated group of hardy late flowering perennials - adaptable but at their best in moist semi shade.

Plectranthus excisus

A succession of violet labiate flowers in long slanting racemes in late summer and autumn. The foliage is unusual in shape with dark purple tints. 

Very adaptable and fully hardy here

£8

Rabdosia longitubus

Clear blue flowers over a long period from late summer onwards. The flowers really glow in the low autumn light like tiny gas flames. Any soil in sun or semi shade. Easy but may not emerge until May or June.

£8

Iris lazica

A deservedly popular winter-flowering species related to unguicularis but happiest in woodland conditions. 

Flowering sometimes as early as November but usually in February/March. Low-growing with violet flowers over broad fresh evergreen foliage.

£8

Digitalis obscura

A very distinct small, almost shrubby species from Spain with 8-10in spikes of brownish orange glossy flowers over narrow evergreen leaves. 

Quite charming and generally hardy in the southern portion of the UK, especially in drier areas but worthy of a special place in a sunny raised bed or container.

£8

Cicerbita plumieri

A rather fine relative of the chicory from European damp alpine meadows. Loose sprays of soft violet flowers appear in late summer/autumn over broad lettuce-like leaves. Late flowers for shady conditions are always worth looking out for. Perennial and not at all invasive.

£8

Setaria palmifolia retpela pitpit wantaim waitpela mak

A bit of a mouthful this one - I'm told the name is from Papua New Guinea where it was collected by Nathalie Simonsson. A remarkable variegated form which at first I mistook for some sort of Cordyline. The same broad, palm like pleated leaves as the species, but deep maroon, with striking pink edges. 

A dramatic foliage plant which, if it proves anything like as hardy as the normal green form, is sure to be a huge hit for exotic designs. If not, it will be certainly be a stunning specimen for a pot or cold house. 

£15

Cardiocrinum cordatum red flowered form

Actually I’d describe the flowers of this form as a deep chocolate brown, with paler edges. Otherwise typical of the species – the bulbs take a few years to get big enough to flower – during which time it produces rosettes of glossy arum-like leaves. Then, one spring it’ll produce a 12in stem with several 6in long flowers. 

Mine have taken 6 years to start flowering from seed. Some should flower next year while others have flowered and will be making several off-sets, ready to flower in a few years time. Best in moist woodland conditions but surprisingly tolerant of recent dry summers here.

£15