Conservatory Plants - Bambusa to Buddleja

BAMBUSA (Poaceae)
Bambusa multiplex Floribunda multiplex 'Floribunda' £12.00
(FERNLEAF BAMBOO.) Dainty bamboo with a graceful habit which lends an oriental touch to the conservatory. Likes a moderately humid environment, shaded from hot sun. Grow in a loam less container compost and water moderately. Hardy in sheltered gardens. 3 metres (10 feet). Minimum minus 5 to 0 deg. C.
BARLERIA (Acanthaceae)
barleria lupulina lupulina £7.50
A tropical plant, from the Acanthus family, which seems to have a lot going for it medicinally. Makes a small spiny shrub, the spear-shaped leaves have a prominent central red vein. Flowers emerge from hop-like spikes - we don't know what colour the flowers will be yet, a Google search suggests creamy yellow, other sources say pale blue/violet. Minimum 7 to 10 deg. C.
BAUHINIA (Caesalpiniaceae)
Bauhinia galpinii galpinii £7.50
(PRIDE OF DE KAAP.) Tender evergreen semi-climbing shrub with racemes of large orange or red flowers from spring-autumn. Grow in loam based compost and feed monthly in summer. Prune to shape in spring. South Africa. 2 metres (6 feet). Minimum 7 to 10 deg. C.
natalensis £8.50
(NATAL BAUHINIA.) Small shrub with dainty orchid-like white flowers in late summer-autumn. Prune to shape in spring. 1 metre (3 feet). Minimum minus 5 to 0 deg. C.
tomentosa £8.50
(ST THOMAS TREE.) Tender shrub with bi-lobed leaves and orange-yellow bell-shaped flowers in mid-late summer. Grow in loam based compost in full sun. Prune to shape in spring. Hardy in mild gardens. (The genus is named after the 16th Century, Swedish botanist brothers, Johann & Caspar Bauhin.) 4 metres (12 feet) plus. Minimum 3 to 7 deg. C.
BEAUMONTIA (Apocynaceae)
  grandiflora £8.50
(HERALD'S TRUMPET.) Tender evergreen climber with beautiful, large, scented, trumpet shaped white flowers from late spring- summer. Grow in a large tub in loam based compost in full light & feed monthly in summer. Our display plant has tolerated temperatures doen to freezing. 4 metres (12 feet) plus. Minimum 0 to 3 deg. C.
BEGONIA (Begoniaceae)
We have a range of Begonias, mostly of the cane variety (having stiff upright stems supporting often heavily and attractively spotted leaves). The leaves of most Begonias are typically lop-sided, and are red on the underside, which adds to the leaf coloration especially when back-lit. The pink, red or white flowers are small but often produced in large bunches. All need shade from hot sun & make excellent houseplants. Grow in a loam-based compost for stability, with added grit or bark to make a free draining mix. They need to be kept on the dry side when growth slows in winter, especially if the leaves fall. They need a minimum 10 °C to maintain growth, but we have found that most plants will survive near freezi ng temeratures, though most will lose their leaves.
Begonia aconitifolia aconitifolia £6.75
Vigorous cane begonia with dark green leaves splashed with silver & red veins underneath. Pale pink flowers appear in autumn. 1 metre (3 feet).
Begonia argentoguttata x argenteoguttata £6.75
Vigorous plant with spotty leaves & cream or pale pink flowers from spring-autumn, on stiff upright stems. Ideal houseplant or for a cool conservatory. 75 cms (2½ feet).
boliviensis £6.75
An attractive species with masses of small slender orange flowers. The habit is upright at first, then arching. Makes a good specimen plant
 in a pot. Minimum 3 deg C. Keep dryish in winter
Begonia Burle Marx 'Burle Marx' agm £6.75
Evergreen rhizomatous cultivar with large horizontally held markedly puckered bronzy-green leaves. Sprays of small green/white flowers are held on long stalks above foliage. When well-grown makes a very handsome shade tolerant house- plant. 75 cms (2½ feet).
begonia-cane-variety cane variety £6.75
(CANE BEGONIA.) A pretty variety of cane begonia with small spotted leaves and clusters of pale pink flowers. Protect from hot sun. If there's anyone out there who knows which species or variety this is we'd be dleighted to know. 90 cms (3 feet).
Begonia Coconut Ice 'Coconut Ice' £6.75
Bushy cultivar with fresh green leaves and masses of fully double pink-flushed white flowers all summer. Grow in loam based compost and keep out of hot sun. Can be bedded/stood out in a partly shaded position for the summer. Keep on the dry side in winter 45 cms (1½ feet).
Begonia corallina Lucerna x corallina 'Lucerna' £6.75
Vigourous cane begonia with large spotted leaves and clusters of pink flowers. Likes cool shady conservatory, or north facing room indoors. 2.5 metres (8 feet).
Begonia Dragon Wings 'Dragon Wings' £6.75
(DRAGON WING BEGONIA.) Cane cultivar with arching stems from which dangle clusters of bright pink or red flowers. Suitable for large summer hanging baskets. 30 cms (1 foot).
fuchsoides agm £6.75
(FUCHSIA BEGONIA.) Evergreen Cane Begonia with pretty pink, Fuchsia-like flowers throughout summer or all year round if kept above 10°C. Best grown with some support for the brittle stems. 75 cms (2½ feet).
  hatacoa silver-leaved £6.75
(HIMALAYAN SILVER BEGOINA.) This makes a good pot plant, having a neat spreading habit - short stems support long spear-shaped silver leaves with red reverse. If conditions too dry or cool, especially in winter, it may lose its leaves, in which case reduce watering until leaves start to reappear. 20 cms (7"). Minimum 3 to 7 deg. C.
Begonia Little Brother Montgomery 'Little Brother Montgomery' agm £6.75
A cane variety, with feathery leaves attractively marked leaves - silver with very dark green markings in the centre, radiating out along the veins and along the leaf edges. 50 cms (1½ feet).
Begonia metallica metallica agm £6.75
(METAL LEAF, METALLIC BEGONIA.) Shrubby Begonia with mid-green leaves with a metallic sheen and dark red veins. Furry buds open into red-pink flowers in autumn. 90 cms (3 feet).
Begonia partita partita £6.75
Upright plant with small pointed leaves and thick trunk like stems. Pale pink flowers appear throughout the year if kept above 10°C.
Begonia Richmondensis 'Richmondensis' £6.75
Bushy plant with glossy leaves and pink flowers all summer. Tidy habit. Should keep more leaves at higher temperatures. 30 cms (1 foot).
Begonia Snow Cap 'Snow Cap' agm £6.75
Cane Begonia with glossy green leaves generously sprinkled with white spots. 60 cms (2 feet).
sutherlandii agm £6.75
Dainty trailing begonia with arching fleshy stems and small orange flowers in summer. Good hanging basket plant for shade/semi-shade. Bulbils form in the leaf axils in late summer - these can be stored in dry peat & planted the following year.
begonia thurstonii 'Thurstonii' agm £6.75
Evergreen, shrubby Begonia with striking shiny leaves, red underneath. Makes a good houseplant as it tolerates shade & central heating and a fair amount of neglect. Strong sunlight will cause the foliage to fade in colour. Sprays of pink flowers in summer. 2 metres (6 feet).
BIGNONIA (Bignoniaceae)
capreolata £7.75
(CROSS VINE, TRUMPET VINE.) An evergreen tendril climber from moist woodlands in N. America, with orange/yellow flowers in early summer. Needs soil rich in humus and shade from hot sun. Hardy in mild gardens. 3 metres (10 feet). Minimum 0 to 3 deg. C.
BILLBERGIA (Bromeliaceae)
Billbergias are related to the Pineapple, and are epiphytic (they grow in trees). They like slightly acidic, sharply drained compost or Bromeliad or orchid compost if you can find it. Minimum 0 deg. C.
nutans £7.00
(QUEEN ANNE'S TEARS.) Species with exotic, red and blue pendant flowers mid-summer. 50 cms (1½ feet).
nutans var. shimperiana £7.00
This variety has narrow buff-coloured. leaves and exotic, red and blue pendant flowers mid-summer. 50 cms (1½ feet).
Billbergia nutans Variegata nutans 'Variegata' £7.00
(QUEEN'S TEARS.) A variegated cultivar with pink & green leaves & exotic red/blue pendant flowers mid-summer. 50 cms (1½ feet).
BLECHNUM (Blechnaceae)
Blechnum gibbum gibbum £7.50
(DWARF TREE FERN.) A very attractive slow-growing fern, eventually forming a trunk. The pinnatisect (see introduction to Hardy Ferns) fronds are arranged neatly like a shuttlecock, and are a bright fresh green. 90 cms (3 feet). Minimum 3 to 7 deg. C.
BOUGAINVILLEA (Nyctaginaceae)
(PAPER FLOWER.) We have a range of these popular thorny climbers with bright pink, purple, white or orange bracts in summer. They are fairly tolerant of a hot conservatory but may suffer in extreme heat. They are often found seeking shade in very hot climates. Cut side shoots back to 2-3 buds in spring (when in active growth). Bougainvilleas will eventually need a large container and are not suitable for small pot culture for any length of time. Pot on every year into loam based compost with plenty of added grit. Feed & water generously in summer. Best kept above 7°C. Lower temperatures may shorten the growing and therefore flowering season. Available spring-autumn. Prices from £8.00.
x buttiana 'Raspberry Ice' £8.00
Variegated cultivar with bright pink bracts throughout summer. 4 metres (12 feet) plus.
Bougainvillea glabra glabra £8.00
Brightly purple bracts in summer. Cut back side shoots to 2-3 buds in spring. Feed & water generously in summer. Pot on every year, eventually into a large container. 3 metres (10 feet).
BOUVARDIA (Rubiaceae)
Bouvardia domestica x domestica £7.00
Tender evergreen shrub with fragrant, long, tubular white, red or orange flowers in summer. Grow in loam based compost in good light. Trim lightly after flowering. 1 metre (3 feet). Minimum 7 to 10 deg. C.
x domestica 'Alba' £7.50
The white flowered form. Scented, especially in the evening. 
BRACHYCHITON (Sterculiaceae)
rupestris  
See Sterculia rupestris.
Brachychiton acerifolius acerifolius £8.50
A flowering tree in its native South Africa; here it makes an attractive pot plant with a distinctive habit - a gnarled stem and glossy palmate (hand-shaped) leaves which are held horizontally. Large plants may produce panicles of orange flowers in summer. 4 metres (12 feet) plus. Minimum 3 to 7 deg. C.
Brachychiton discolor discolor £8.50
(KURRAJONG, BOTTLE TREE). A tall tree in its native Queensland. Good specimen plant with palmate leaves for a conservatory. Will possibly produce red trumpet-shaped lowers summer-autumn on large plants. 4 metres (12 feet) plus. Minimum 3 to 7 deg. C.
BRAHEA (Palmae)
armata £9.50
A stunning palm from Mexico, slowly making a mound of large, fan-shaped, very pale blue-grey leaves. Hardy in sheltered gardens in well-drained soil. Otherwise pot progressivley into a large pot. Full sun. 3 metres (10 feet).
BRUGMANSIA (Solanaceae)
Brugmansias, common name 'Angel's Trumpets' are often called Daturas. They are actually different plants which are closely related. They both have large trumpet-shaped flowers which are usually scented. Daturas have upward facing flowers and are often annuals or short lived perennials. Brugmansias have pendant flowers and are soft-wooded shrubs which, providing they are kept frost free, can be kept from year to year. Grow in loam based compost with added grit in a large container. Feed and water very generously during the growing season but keep on the dry side during winter, especially at low temperatures. Trim to shape in spring. Tolerates hard pruning if necessary. ALL PARTS ARE TOXIC IF INGESTED. PROTECT EYES & SKIN FROM SAP WHEN PRUNING. WASH HANDS AFTER CONTACT WITH FOLIAGE BEFORE EATING FOOD.
Brugmansia candida Variegata x candida 'Variegata ' £7.75
(Previously listed as B. suaveolens 'Variegata'.) Variegated cultivar with cream splashes on the leaves and large, night- scented yellow-orange flowers spring to autumn. 4 metres (12 feet) plus. Minimum 0 to 3 deg. C.
Brugmansia Mobishu 'Mobisu' £7.75
An unusual cultivar with soft evergreen leaves and unscented, long, narrow salmon pink and yellow trumpets. Very similar in size and shape to the flowers of Brugmansia sanguinea. We have not yet ascertained the flowering period but it seems it will be similar to B. sanguinea. 2 metres (6 feet). Minimum 0 to 3 deg. C.
brugmansia sanguinea sanguinea £7.75
Bushy, evergreen species with narrow yellow flowers with flared red tips. Supposed to flower from spring-autumn but we have found it flowers best from winter-spring. Not scented. 2 metres (6 feet). Minimum 0 to 3 deg. C.
brugmansia suaveolens white suaveolens white flowered £7.75
Large night-scented white flowers in summer. 4 metres (12 feet) plus. Minimum 3 to 7 deg. C.
suaveolens pink flowered £7.75
Large night-scented pale pink flowers in summer. 4 metres (12 feet) plus. Minimum 3 to 7 deg. C.
suaveolens yellow flowered agm £7.75
Large night-scented pale yellow flowers in summer. 4 metres (12 feet) plus. Minimum 3 to 7 deg. C.
BRUNFELSIA (Solanaceae)
lactea £8.50
(LADY OF THE NIGHT.) A tender evergreen shrub for a warm conservatory, with beautiful scented white flowers, the scent strongest in the evening. Minimum 10 deg. C. 1.2 metres (4 feet). Minimum 7 to 10 deg. C.
Brunfelsia pauciflora pauciflora agm £8.50
(YESTERDAY-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW.) Tender shrub with scented flowers which open mauve then fade to lavender then white; they appear from spring to autumn. Needs good light but shade from hot midday sun under glass. Trim back lightly in spring. POISONOUS. 4 metres (12 feet) plus. Minimum 0 to 3 deg. C.
BUDDLEJA (Buddlejaceae)
asiatica agm £7.75
(DAUKFOU.) Evergreen shrub with graceful arching stems and long dark green leaves. Lovely clusters of freesia-scented, creamy yellow flowers in winter-spring. Suitable for a cold conservatory or greenhouse, or a frost free spot outdoors. Best trained to a support. Cut back after flowering. 2 metres (6 feet). Minimum minus 5 to 0 deg. C.
Buddleja auriculata auriculata £7.75
Evergreen, winter flowering shrub with very sweetly scented cream/ orange flowers from autumn-winter. Grow in a loam based compost. Suitable for a cold conservatory/ mild garden. 2 metres (6 feet). Minimum minus 5 to 0 deg. C.
Buddleja glomerata glomerata £7.75
(KAROO SAGE.) Unusual shrub with very attractive puckered and serrated, whitish/grey mealy leaves. May have yellow flowers in late autumn. Makes a good foliage plant. The dusty meal on the leaves may irritate lungs and eyes - protect mouth & nose during pruning. 3 metres (10 feet). Minimum minus 5 to 0 deg. C.
loricata £7.75
Half hardy shrub with cream flowers with an orange throat in summer. Should be hardy in a sheltered spot. Grow in well drained soil in full sun. Trim after flowering and prune hard back in late spring. 3 metres (10 feet).
BULBINE (Asphodelaceae)
latifolia £5.25
Bulbine natalensis. Succulent, bulbous, perennial with long racemes of bright yellow flowers in spring-summer. Grow in loam based compost with added grit. Tolerant of drought and hot sun. 45 cms (1½ feet).