Conservatory Plants - Abutilon to Azorina


ABUTILON (Malvaceae)
FLOWERING MAPLE. Evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs with attractive bell shaped flowers in a wide range of colours, often appearing over a long period. Some may survive outdoors in a sheltered spot. They can be cut back hard in spring, and trimmed as required during the growing season. If grown in a tub use John Innes No. 3 compost with added grit and feed with tomato food during the growing season to promote flowering. We should have yellow, white & red flowered forms in addition to those listed below.
	'Canary Bird'	£7.75
	A compact cultivar with large bright yellow flowers all summer long. 2 metres (6 feet). Minimum minus 5 - 0 deg. C.
	'Kentish Belle'	£7.75
	A tall, lax-growing shrub, hardy against a warm wall, with pretty orange yellow flowers which are produced over a very long period. 2.5 metres (8 feet). Minimum minus 5 - 0 deg. C.
	megapotanicum	£7.75
	(CHINESE LANTERNS.) Arching shrub with slender stems carrying small dark green leaves and masses of pretty red & yellow bell-shaped flowers for most of the year. Needs tying to a support. Hardy in mild gardens. 1.2 metres (4 feet). Minimum minus 5 - 0 deg. C.
	'Nabob'	£7.75
	A beautiful cultivar with deep red flowers. Bushy/upright habit. 45 cms (1½ feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
	orange	£7.75
	Un-named cultivar with large orange flowers from spring to autumn. Needs good light but not hot sun. Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
	'Orange Vein'	£7.75
	Possibly A. 'Orange Bell'. Very pretty orange bells with deep red veins over a long period. Vigorous upright shrubby growth. 2 metres (6 feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
	'Patrick Synge'	£7.75
	Vigorous upright cultivar which needs support. Produces masses of very pretty pendant bell shaped red and yellow flowers from late spring-autumn. 3 metres (10 feet). Minimum minus 5 - 0 deg. C.
	pictum 'Thompsonii'	£7.75
	Large, upright, evergreen cultivar with green leaves with a yellow mottling, and pale orange flowers with red veins through most of the year. 2 metres (6 feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
	'Pink Lady'	£7.75
	Cultivar with a lax-spreading habit, and large shocking pink flowers in summer. 45 cms (1½ feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
	'Pink Veined'	£7.75
	A sport from 'Orange Vein' with cerise pink, heavily veined flowers. We`re not sure how stable this is yet. 2.5 metres (8 feet).
	'Souvenir De Bonne'	£7.75
	Variegated, tall growing cultivar with orange bell shaped flowers nearly all year. Makes a good standard, other wise cut back to keep bushy. Good specimen plant. Deciduous at low temperatures. 2.5 metres (8 feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
ACACIA (Mimosaceae)
Large shrubs/ small trees found in Australia, central and South America and South Africa. Some species are hardy in mild areas, withstanding temperatures down to -5°C. for short periods. Outdoors they are best grown in fairly fertile, neutral to acid soil in full sun, with shelter from cold winds. Ideal for a small garden. Otherwise grow in a conservatory in a large container. Some species have fragrant flowers. Trim lightly after flowering but don't prune too hard.
	mucronata	£8.50
	(VARIABLE SALLOW WATTLE.) Evergreen species with very narrow leaves and profuse numbers of creamy flowers in spring. Very difficult to give a height for this species as it varies so much in its native environment. It can reach anything from 1m to 15m! (3-50ft). Minimum minus 5 - 0 deg. C.
ACALYPHA (Euphorbiaceae)
	reptans	£7.50
	(RED CAT TAILS.) A lovely little plant for a hanging basket in part shade. Throughout summer, 2" long trailing, bright red fuzzy cat-tail flowers are produced in profusion. Needs warmth to survive winter. 20 cms (7"). Minimum 7 - 10 deg. C.
	wilkesiana 'Variegata'	£7.50
	(JOSEPH'S COAT, FIRE-DRAGON.) A tender shrubby plant with variegated leaves, mainly grown for its foliage, but may produce catkin-like flowers, though these may be hidden by the foliage. 90 cms (3 feet).
ACHIMENES (Gesneriaceae)
	'India'	£7.00
	(HOT WATER PLANT.) The varietal name is uncertain. This variety has large (1") mauve to pink flowers, with deep green leaves. Dies down in autumn to underground rhizomes, when the pot needs to be kept dry. May need support, otherwise grow in a hanging basket. 30 cms (1 foot). Minimum 7 - 10 deg. C.
ACMENA (Myrtaceae)
	smithii	£8.50
	(LILLY PILLY.) Evergreen shrub with attractive shiny mauve/green foliage. New growth has a red tinge. White flowers appear in spring-early summer. Red-purple berries appear on established plants. Can be trained as a very attractive standard. Trim back to keep in shape. 4 metres (12 feet) plus. Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
ADIANTUM (Adiantaceae)
	raddianum 'Fragrantissimum'	£7.50
	(DELTA MAIDENHAIR FERN.) A very dainty fern for a cool shady spot, and a humid atmosphere. Avoid over watering - adding a bit of fine bark to the compost will help to prevent waterlogging. Trim off old fronds in spring, before new ones appear.

AGAPANTHUS (Lilaeaceae)
AFRICAN LILY. Evergreen Agapanthus originate from winter rainfall areas of S. Africa (mostly Western Cape) and flower best when clumps have become congested and flower more readily when restricted to a container. They are a little tender and need protecting in winter by covering with fleece/ a thick mulch. In cold areas subject to prolonged frosts it is best to move them into a cool greenhouse, not a shed/ garage where sunlight is excluded. Deciduous species originate from the summer rainfall areas of the Eastern Cape, S. Africa and are more reliably hardy. They don't need to become congested to flower well like the evergreens. Grow in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. If grown in a container use loam-based compost with added grit. Feed monthly in summer.
	praecox sp. orientalis	£5.75
	Evergreen species with large round heads, to 12in across, of blue flowers in mid summer. 90 cms (3 feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
	praecox ssp. orientalis var. Albiflorus	£5.75
	Evergreen species with large round heads, to 12in across, of white flowers in mid summer. 90 cms (3 feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
AGAPETES (Ericaceae)
	serpens	£7.50
	(BELOVED AGAPETES.) An epiphytic (grows on trees) plant from Nepal & neighbouring countries. Here it can be grown in free draining ericaceous compost, either in a hanging basket, or in a pot with some support for the arching branches. In early summer, exquistely marked red lantern-shaped flowers dangle from the branches, sometimes followed by blue berries. (Agapetes is derived from Agapetos, meaning 'beloved' in Greek.) An ideal subject for a cool shady conservatory. Ideally keep frost free, though light frost might be tolerated. 90 cms (3 feet). Minimum minus 5 - 0 deg. C.
ALTERNANTHERA (Acanthaceae)
	dentata 'Purple Knight'	£6.75
	Spreading tender perennial which makes a nice purple foliage plant for well lit position indoors, or for planting out in summer with bedding plants & tender perennials. Insignificant flowers. 30 cms (1 foot). Minimum 7 - 10 deg. C.
ALYOGYNE (Malvaceae)
	huegelii	£7.75
	(BLUE HIBISCUS.) A long-flowering shrub from Western Australia, with lovely huge (4" across) flowers, pale lilac in the variety we have. Prune back in spring if needed. 2 metres (6 feet). Minimum 3 - 7 deg. C.
AMPELOPSIS (Vitaceae)
	brevipedunculata v. maximowiczii 'Elegans'	£7.75
	(PORCELAIN BERRY.) Dainty climber with variegated leaves. Sprays of white flowers are followed after a warm summer by bright porcelain-like blue berries. Shade from hot summer sun. Deciduous at low temperatures, and hardy in mild gardens. 4 metres (12 feet) plus. Minimum minus 5 - 0 deg. C.
ANREDERA (Basellaceae)
	cordifolia	£7.50
	(MADEIRA VINE.) A twining climber growing from spreading underground tubers, producing masses of fresh green foliage and clusters of small white scented flowers in summer. May survive outdoors if mulched well in winter. 4 metres (12 feet) plus.
APHELANDRA (Acanthaceae)
	squarrosa	£7.50
	(ZEBRA PLANT Coming from the American Tropics, this plant has large thick leathery leaves, with marked stripes. Needs warmth and evenly moist soil, so don't allow to dry out, and don't overwater. Protect from hot sun. Bright yellow flowers may appear on well-grown plants - otherwise makes a very attractive foliage plant.
ARAUCARIA (Araucariaceae)
	heterophylla	£14.00
	(NORFOLK ISLAND PINE.) Half-hardy, evergreen tree which makes an attractive shade-tolerant house plant with soft feathery foliage. Lower leaves eventually die off, allowing for the formation of a trunk. Cones are seldom produced on cultivated plants. Height can be constrained by growing in a pot. 4 metres (12 feet) plus. Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
ARGYRANTHEMUM (Asteraceae)
MARGUERITE.These popular members of the daisy family are invaluable, long flowering & easy to grow plants for the summer garden, either in the ground or in containers. Whilst not totally hardy, many will survive outdoors in warm gardens, otherwise they can be over wintered somewhere frost free, then cut back and planted out the following spring. Many will produce some flowers in a sunny conservatory during the winter.
	frutescens	£4.25
	Pure white flowers are produced over finely cut leaves throughout summer. Good for containers. 45 cms (1½ feet). Minimum minus 5 - 0 deg. C.
	Pink	£4.25
	Deep rose pink flowers with double centres throughout summer. Has been known to survive the winter outside but not guaranteed. 45 cms (1½ feet).
	'Vancouver'	£4.75
	Tender perennial with showy, light pink daisies with double centres and downward facing petals throughout summer.
ARISTEA (Iridaceae)
	ecklonii	£4.50
	(BLUE STARS.) South African rhizomatous half-hardy perennial with loose spikes of intense azure blue flowers in spring/summer. Well-drained soil and sun. Protect from frost. 60 cms (2 feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
ARUM (Araceae)
	cornutum
	See Sauromatum venosum
ARUNDO (Poaceae)
	donax v. versicolor	£7.50
	(GIANT REED.) Tall-growing reed with strikingly green & white leaves. Needs moist soil. Can be bedded out in summer, but needs frost protection in winter. Alternatively use as a foliage feature in a conservatory. 2 metres (6 feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
	donax	£7.00
	(GIANT REED.) This is a potentially invasive plant and care should be taken to make sure it does not get out of hand. More vigourous than the variegated form. Would make a dramatic foilage feature if carefully sited. Minimum minus 5 - 0 deg. C.
ASCLEPIAS (Asclepiadaceae)
Genus of plants found in South Africa and the Americas. Some species are hardy in this country, others need to be over wintered frost free. They are very attractive to Butterflies especially Asclepias tuberosa which is one of the best plants there is for this purpose. Outdoors, Grow in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. If grown in a pot, use loam based compost with added grit. Contact with sap may cause skin irritations.
	curassavica	£7.50
	(BLOOD FLOWER.) Tender, evergreen sub shrub with colourful bright red & orange flowers from summer-autumn, which are attractive to butterflies. 1 metre (3 feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
ASPARAGUS (Asparagaceae)
(ASPARAGUS FERN.) The common name is misleading - these are not ferns at all, but are related to the Lily family. Found in sandy and coastal sites in Europe, Asia and Africa, these plants make good foliage subjects, and are useful in flower arrangements. They new stems appear as miniature Asparagus tips (too small to eat!). The `leaves` are actually modified bits of stem called cladophylls. They are fairly drought tolerant but produce more lush growth if watered well. Grow in a loam based compost with extra grit or sand in good light & protected from hot sun. Water sparingly in winter. Trim back in spring to rejuvenate. Most species/varieties need to be grown frost free, though are worth a try in warm coastal gardens.
	asparagoides	£7.50
	(SMILAX.) A pretty climber/trailer with large leaves. Useful for flower arranging and as a foil for more colourful plants. Tiny white flowers in summer. Dies down at low temperatures, though our stock plant stays evergreen down to freezing. 3 metres (10 feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
	crassicladus	£7.50
	Dramatic foliage plant with wiry zigzag stems and stiff leaves. Small scented flowers are followed by orange berries. 2 metres (6 feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
	densiflorus 'Mazeppa'	£7.50
	(EMERALD FERN.) Good foliage theme for a sunny conservatory with its fresh, brilliant green foliage and a neat bushy habit. 1 metre (3 feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
	densiflorus 'Myersii'	£7.50
	(FOXTAIL FERN.) This ornamental Asparagus noted for its neat bushy upright growth habit, hence its common name. 60 cms (2 feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
	densiflorus Sprengeri Group	£7.50
	(EMERALD FERN.) Dainty trailing foliage plant for a shady spot indoors. A nice contrast to big leaved plants such as Aspidistra. Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
	falcatus	£7.50
	(SICKLE THORN.) Very vigorous climber with very spiny stems clothed with large flat leaves. Small white flowers in summer. 3 metres (10 feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
	racemosus var. taquetii	£7.50
	A vigourous climbing species, with racemes of scented white flowers. Our plants are seed raised, and we haven't had any flowers yet so cannot 100% confirm its identity, for those interested in its important medicinal properties. 4 metres (12 feet)
	scandens	£7.50
	A pretty climber with dense, soft ferny foliage and small white flowers in summer followed by red berries. Trim back in spring or any time during growing season if getting out of control. Protect from hot sun. 2 metres (6 feet). Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
	suaveolens	£7.50
	Bushy shrub with very fine, dark green soft ferny young foliage and small, scented white flowers in summer. Take care when sniffing these, as the plants are very prickly! Minimum 0 - 3 deg. C.
	virgatus	£7.50
	(KATBOSDORONG, TREE FERN.) Stiffly upright stems carry masses of hair-like cladophylls, giving an open, airy effect. Often produces small orange berries. Minimum minus 5 - 0 deg. C.
ASPIDISTRA (Convallariaceae)
Robust and neglect-tolerant house plants with narrow pointed leaves. Grow in loam based compost with added grit. They don't need much feeding but a top dressing of slow release fertiliser every spring will help keep the foliage looking healthy. Avoid direct sun and low humidity, which will cause the leaves to bleach or go brown. Will survive outside in a sheltered spot in a warm garden, where they will spread to form an unusual and striking ground cover. Indoor plants relish being periodically put outside in summer in a cool shady spot and treated to a dose of rainwater to clean the leaves.
	elatior	£10.00
	(CAST IRON PLANT.) The well-known species with large deep green leaves. A well grown plant can be very attractive. 90 cms (3 feet). Minimum minus 5 - 0 deg. C.
	elatior 'Milky Way'	£10.00
	(SPECKLED CAST IRON PLANT.) Rare cultivar with narrower, cream speckled leaves. Can be fed periodically but over- feeding may cause leaves to revert to plain green. May be a variety of A. lurida. 30 cms (1 foot). Minimum minus 5 - 0 deg. C.
	elatior 'Variegata'	£12.00
	(CAST IRON PLANT.) Variegated cultivar with large leaves to 70cm long with lengthways, white stripes. Can be fed periodically but over feeding may cause leaves to revert to plain green. Slow growing. 90 cms (3 feet).
ASPLENIUM (Aspleniaceae)
Genus of evergreen and semi evergreen ferns found virtually all over the world. Grow in humush-rich, moist soil in shade. Some, including A. scolopendrium and its varieties prefer alkaline soil and are suitable for chalk.
	australasicum	£7.50
	(BIRD'S NEST FERN.) Similar to Asplenium nidus, this fern grows on rocks and trees in the wild. Here it makes a striking plant for a shady spot indoors. Large shiny green strap-shaped leaves are arranged shuttlecock fashion. Avoid overwatering, and overpotting. Free draining compost (add some fine bark). Minimum 7 - 10 deg. C.
	bulbiferum	£7.50
	(HEN AND CHICKEN FERN, MOTHER SPLEENWORT.) A lovely tender fern which produces baby ferns atop mature fronds, which can be detached form the parent plant and laid on a tray of compost to allow the babies to root. 30 cms (1 foot). Minimum 3 - 7 deg. C.
AZORINA (Campanulaceae)
	vidalii	£7.50
	(DE FARIA E MAIA.) A shrubby member of the Campanula family, with pretty pale pink bell-shaped flowers in summer. Lives on sea cliffs in the Azores. Avoid cold/wet /poorly ventilated conditions in winter. Not long-lived but will produce seed. 60 cms (2 feet). Minimum minus 5 - 0 deg. C.

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