Vigorous architectural perennial with striking foliage and flowers. Deeply lobed, dark green, shiny leaves up to 3ft (90cm) long. In late summer spectacular, long lasting, 3ft (90cm) high spikes of white flowers with purple bracts appear on stems often tinted purple making a superb display. Deep well drained soil, sunny position Height in flower 3ft (90cm), plant 3ft (90cm) apart.

Vigorous perennial with clumps of sharply-toothed, mid-green leaves. From June to September carries sprays of large lavender-blue star-like flowers with white centres. Tolerant of dense shade. Dies down in winter but will shoot again in spring. Height 6ins (15cm). Plant 12-15ins (30-38cm) apart.

A useful evergreen ground cover plant with crinkled shiny green foliage variegated pink, bronze and cream, forming a dense mat which in spring is spiked with erect whorls of blue flowers. Spreads rapidly but is not invasive and is particularly effective under deciduous shrubs. Height 2ins (5cm). Plant 12ins (30cm) apart.

Bushy plant bearing silvery grey-green, wrinkled, hairy aromatic foliage, attractive to cats. Freely produces 6 inch (15cm) spikes of pale lavender-blue flowers from May to September. Cut down to ground level in spring. Well drained soil. Height 12ins (30cm). Plant 12ins (30cm) apart.

Clump forming perennial which retains lower dark green leathery leaves all winter. From winter to early spring stout purple marked stems appear bearing large 1.5 to 3inch (4 to 5cm) wide shallow saucer-shaped white, or sometimes pink flushed flowers with greenish centres. Prefers heavy, neutral to acid soil, moist position and dappled shade. Height (in flower) 1ft (30cm), spread 18ins (45cm)

Warning: Some parts of this plant may cause a skin irritation and are poisonous.

Evergreen shrub with small white flowers in June followed by orange-red berries in autumn. Vigorous, ideal for covering banks or ground beneath other shrubs or trees. Tolerant of moderate shade. Height 18ins (45cm), spread 5ft (150cm). Plant 2ft (60cm) apart for fast coverage.

Ground hugging evergreen with glossy green leaves and masses of small white flowers in June followed by large scarlet-red berries in autumn. Vigorous and ideal for ground cover beneath trees or taller shrubs. Tolerant of moderate or dense shade. Height 2-3ins (5-8cm), spread 5-7ft (1.5-2.1m). Plant 2ft (60cm) apart.

Fast growing semi-evergreen variety with stems forming a herring-bone pattern. Glossy dark green leaves turn bright red in autumn. Masses of pinkish-white flowers, very attractive to bees, are followed by a profusion of bright red berries in autumn. Useful for ground cover or training on a wall of any aspect where a height of up to 8ft (2.4m) can be reached. Height (ground cover) 18-24ins (45-60cm). Plant 2.5ft (75cm) apart.

Attractive whorls of mid-green leaves are starred in summer by bracts about half an inch (2.5cm) across and pure white surrounding tiny purple-green flowers. They are followed in autumn by clusters of bright red globose berries. Good ground cover plant with creeping but not invasive roots. Thrives in shade, preferably in acidic soil. Dies down in winter but shoots again in spring. Height 4-6ins (10-15cm). Plant 18ins (45cm) apart.

Vigorous, creeping, rooting stems are covered by pairs of soft, round yellow leaves. Bright yellow cup-shaped flowers in summer give the plant the appearance of a golden carpet. Moist soil preferred but tolerant of any ordinary soil. Evergreen in sheltered positions. Height 1-2ins (3-5cm). Plant 9-18ins (23-45cm) apart.

Clump forming perennial with mid-green lance shaped leaves which die down in winter. In mid to late summer it produces long lasting, funnel shaped, brightly coloured flowers on elegant spikes which are excellent for cutting. Rich, dark red buds on deep purple stems opening to beautiful orange-red lily-shaped flowers. Height 2ft (60cm). Plant in humus rich soil in sun or semi-shade.

Clump forming perennial with mid-green lance shaped leaves which die down in winter. In mid to late summer it produces long lasting, funnel shaped, brightly coloured flowers on elegant spikes which are excellent for cutting. Very striking bright red flowers 2ins (5cm) long on bold, slightly arching spikes. Height 3-4ft. (90-120cm). Plant in humus rich soil in sun or semi-shade.

Very easy to grow perennial with arching grassy leaves which thrive in full sun or partial shade and make excellent ground cover. The individual flowers only last a day but they are produced over a long period in mid-summer. Plant in full sun or partial shade and divide every 2 to 3 years to enhance the flowering capacity.
Semi-evergreen with lightly scented circular flowers 5 inches (13cm) across, creamy-white with neatly puckered petals. Strong grower producing many flowers. Height in flower 3ft (90cm) plant 4ft (120cm) apart.

Very easy to grow perennial with arching grassy leaves which thrive in full sun or partial shade and make excellent ground cover. The individual flowers only last a day but they are produced over a long period in mid-summer. Plant in full sun or partial shade and divide every 2 to 3 years to enhance the flowering capacity.
This variety produces true lily-shaped flowers, rich salmon-pink. Flowers freely over a long period from mid-summer. Height in flower 3ft (90cm).

Very easy to grow perennial with arching grassy leaves which thrive in full sun or partial shade and make excellent ground cover. The individual flowers only last a day but they are produced over a long period in mid-summer. Plant in full sun or partial shade and divide every 2 to 3 years to enhance the flowering capacity.
Semi-evergreen mid-green foliage. Large trumpet-like brick-red flowers with a deep orange throat make a spectacular display. Height in flower 2-2.5ft (60-76cm), plant 2ft (60cm) apart.

Very easy to grow perennial with arching grassy leaves which thrive in full sun or partial shade and make excellent ground cover. The individual flowers only last a day but they are produced over a long period in mid-summer. Plant in full sun or partial shade and divide every 2 to 3 years to enhance the flowering capacity.
Evergreen, free flowering, vigorous variety with fragrant 2 inch (5cm) wide trumpet-shaped flowers, bright golden-yellow with a small green throat. Forms a neat clump. Height in flower 1ft (30cm), plant 18ins (45cm) apart.

Very easy to grow perennial with arching grassy leaves which thrive in full sun or partial shade and make excellent ground cover. The individual flowers only last a day but they are produced over a long period in mid-summer. Plant in full sun or partial shade and divide every 2 to 3 years to enhance the flowering capacity.
A strong growing variety which, throughout June and July, produces masses of 5.5 inch wide, wine red, heavily ruffled flowers with a yellow throat. Height in flower 2ft (60cm), plant 18-24ins (45-60cm) apart.

Evergreen clump-forming plant with leathery, purple tinged green leaves. Clusters of spectacular bell-shaped deep pink flowers on red stems held well above the foliage in late winter and early spring. They will tolerate dry windy conditions. Height 12ins (30cm). Plant 12-15ins (30-38cm) apart.

Good ground cover plant for either shade or sun, particularly attractive in spring when the heart-shaped leaves are tinged red and in autumn when they turn yellow and orange. Sprays of crimson flowers are held above the foliage in spring. Height 12ins (30cm). Plant 12ins (30cm) apart.

This, Euphorbia Redwing and Silver Swan are splendid new Euphorbias which make superb spectactular specimen evergreen plants. Blackbird has a very bushy compact habit. Stout green or purple-red stems carry spectacular purple foliage which has deepest colour in full sun. Yellowish green flower bracts contrast against the deep purple foliage and appear on the plant in spring. Excellent planted with silver varieties. Height and spread 20ins.

Warning: Some parts of this plant may cause a skin irritation and are poisonous. This plant is registered for Plant Breeders' Rights. Propagation by unlicensed growers is prohibited.

Redwing forms a very neat mound about 60cm (2ft) round with attractive foliage which opens green tinged red, then turns to blue-green. The plants becomes particularly attractive in early spring in the early morning light when the dense clusters of lime-green bracts, which are held on red stems, appear to glow. These bracts hold dainty flower heads in spring. Height and spread 2ft (60cm).

Warning: Some parts of this plant may cause a skin irritation and are poisonous. This plant is registered for Plant Breeders' Rights. Propagation by unlicensed growers is prohibited.

Very fast spreading, low growing, evergreen perennial with closely set leaves on reddish-green stems. From mid-spring to early summer it is covered with dome-shaped greenish-yellow flower heads 7ins (18cm) high. Excellent ground cover plant. Height 24ins (60cm). Plant 18ins (45cm) apart.

Warning: Some parts of this plant may cause a skin irritation and are poisonous.

As one nurserymen beautifully described this plant, if rather tongue-in-cheek, "And if you ever saw it… you would even say it glows!". Euphorbia Rudolph is an evergreen perennial with distinctive charm and undeniable winter interest. The bright red bracts (those red noses!), which form a rosette are followed by yellow green flowers from March to May set against blue-grey foliage. The flower spikes are 10cm (4in) wide and 15cm (6in) high, arising from the leafy stems.
Height & Spread: 45-60cm (18-24in). Position: Full sun to part shade. Rudolph needs a well-drained, reasonably fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. Perfect with:- other euphorbias, spring bulbs, especially warm tallow and orange shades of tulip, and compact variegated grasses such as carex and the Black Grass. Use in borders and in pots where its colour can be admired from close quarters. Bred by David Tristram.
Click here for growing tips.

Another superb new Euphorbia with dazzling variegated foliage which is grey with bright cream variegation and edged creamy-yellow. Very attractive long lasting cream-edged yellow bracts appear in spring. Sun or light shade preferably with well drained moist soil. The stunning foliage is popular with flower arrangers but care must be taken when cutting any euphorbias as the milky sap can cause skin problems, especially in the sun. Height 3ft (90cm), spread 2ft (60cm).

Warning: Some parts of this plant may cause a skin irritation and are poisonous. This plant is registered for Plant Breeders' Rights. Propagation by unlicensed growers is prohibited.

Colourful, reliable, fast-growing, easy perennial, producing masses of large, pearly-pink flowers over a long period. These make excellent cut flowers. Clings by tendrils so may need some support as a climber, but is also useful as a ground cover over banks or slopes. Cut back in autumn, but will shoot again in the spring. This plant fixes nitrogen in the soil which will benefit surrounding plants.

Colourful, reliable, fast-growing, easy perennial, producing masses of large, pearly-red flowers over a long period. These make excellent cut flowers. Clings by tendrils so may need some support as a climber, but is also useful as a ground cover over banks or slopes. Cut back in autumn, but will shoot again in the spring. This plant fixes nitrogen in the soil which will benefit surrounding plants.

Colourful, reliable, fast-growing, easy perennial, producing masses of large, pearly-white flowers over a long period. These make excellent cut flowers. Clings by tendrils so may need some support as a climber, but is also useful as a ground cover over banks or slopes. Cut back in autumn, but will shoot again in the spring. This plant fixes nitrogen in the soil which will benefit surrounding plants.

Evergreen, low growing, mound forming plant with attractive silver linear leaves and producing beautifully scented flowers which are excellent for cutting. Very drought tolerant. Well drained soil and sunny position.
Double pale pink flowers with dark pink centres.

Evergreen, low growing, mound forming plant with attractive silver linear leaves and producing beautifully scented flowers which are excellent for cutting. Very drought tolerant. Well drained soil and sunny position.
Pure white flowers with fringed petals and exceptional perfume.

Good dense 'weed-proof' ground cover plant which retains some foliage all winter. Fast spreading but not invasive. Sunny or semi-shady position. A very free flowering variety with large clear blue flowers all summer. Height 12ins (30cm). Plant 15ins (38cm) apart.

Good dense 'weed-proof' ground cover plant, fast spreading but not invasive. Sunny or semi-shady position. Evergreen variety with glossy, aromatic, light green foliage and a profusion of pinkish-mauve flowers in summer. Height 6-12ins (15-30cm). Plant 18ins (45cm) apart.

Good dense 'weed-proof' ground cover plant which retains some foliage all winter. Fast spreading but not invasive. Sunny or semi-shady position. Deep green leaves make an excellent foil for the cup-shaped deep magenta-pink flowers. Height 6-9ins (15-23cm). Plant 18ins (45cm) apart.

Good dense 'weed-proof' ground cover plant which retains some foliage all winter. Fast spreading but not invasive. Sunny or semi-shady position. Very easily grown variety for any aspect. Aromatic leaves and large pale-pink flowers all summer. Height 18-24ins (45-60cm). Plant 18ins (45cm) apart.

Good dense 'weed-proof' ground cover plant which retains some foliage all winter. Fast spreading but not invasive. Sunny or semi-shady position. More compact habit, but with long runners and attractive deeply divided roundish evergreen leaves up to 10cm (4ins) across so forms a good ground cover. Masses of white flowers tinged pink held well above the foliage. Height 6ins (15cm). Plant 18ins (45cm) apart.

Good dense 'weed-proof' ground cover plant which retains some foliage all winter. Fast spreading but not invasive. Sunny or semi-shady position. Very hardy clump forming variety with soft green leaves which are often marked with purple-brown. Produces large pure white nodding flowers from late spring and all summer. Height 2ft (60cm). Plant 18ins (45cm) apart.

This vigorous recently-introduced hybrid perennial produces rich burgundy pink buds which open to reveal lovely ivory flowers, flushed pink, which gradually age to green. Clump-forming, with leathery evergreen dark blue-green leaves, it certainly forms a compact and robust plant in a short space of time, yet remains tidy in habit. In fact this neat habit stands it apart from many other hellebore hybrids.
Height and Spread: 30-45cm x 45-60cm (12-18in x 18-24in). Flowers: February until April. Position: Part shade to full shade. Soil must be kept moist if planted in full sun. Perfect for woodland gardens or shady spots under trees and is said to be rabbit and deer resistant!
Perfect with… Early spring bulbs, polyanthus and periwinkles.
Click here for growing tips.

Here’s a treat: a hybrid between Helleborus niger, the Christmas Rose and Helleborus orientalis, the Lenten Rose. This has been a labour of love for the highly respected plant breeder, David Tristram, whose father brought us Helleborus niger ‘Potter’s Wheel’ some years ago.
This recently introduced hybrid produces enormous pink flowers opening with pink on the backof the petals and paler inside, then neatly changing to a rich rose-pink both inside and out – and that’s special!
Height and Spread: 45cm (18in). Flowers: Early December and continues well into early spring.
Perfect with… Early spring bulbs, polyanthus and periwinkles.
Click here for growing tips.

Excellent evergreen ground cover plant with ornamental heart-shaped, lobed, long stalked strongly veined leaves which form a bold mound. Small dainty white tubular flowers appear in early summer on tall red stems held well above the leaves. The flowers are attractive to bees and are good for cutting.
Deeply-cut, chocolate-mahogany ruffled leaves highlighted with a bronze sheen, and rich burgundy undersides. Height 12ins (30cm), spread 18ins (45cm). Plant in sun or semi-shade, 18ins (45cm) apart.

This plant is registered for Plant Breeders' Rights. Propagation by unlicensed growers is prohibited.

Excellent evergreen ground cover plant with ornamental heart-shaped, lobed, long stalked strongly veined leaves which form a bold mound. Small dainty white bell-shaped flowers appear in early summer on slender 18 inch (45cm) long stems held well above the beautiful purple-bronze foliage. The flowers are attractive to bees and are good for cutting. An excellent evergreen edging or ground cover plant, even beneath deciduous trees. Height 12-24ins (30-60cm). Plant in sun or semi-shade, prefers light well drained soil. Plant 12ins (30cm) apart.

Excellent evergreen wide spreading ground cover plant with ornamental heart-shaped, lobed, long stalked strongly veined leaves which form a bold mound. Sprays of pearly-white flowers appear in early summer on tall stems held well above the leaves. These are metallic-silver, heavily veined purple with purple underneath. The flowers are attractive to bees and are good for cutting. Height 18ins (45cm), spread 3ft (90cm). Plant in sun or semi-shade, 3ft (90cm) apart.

This plant is registered for Plant Breeders' Rights. Propagation by unlicensed growers is prohibited.