We have an expanding range of these interesting and varied plants – mostly succulents, but also some epiphytic cacti (i.e. those which live in trees), like the wonderfully scented Epiphyllums and Selenicereus, have worked their way into the catalogue. Most plants in this section are undemanding, and are ideal for a hot sunny conservatory or windowsill, needing less watering and attention than other plants. (Succulents provide an ideal way to get children interested in plants.) We have selected those with interesting foliage shapes and textures, some verging on the bizarre.... Many will be available as specimen plants, as well as smaller sizes.

These shrubby succulents will be familiar to those who visit the Canary Islands and other hot places. They all produce large rosettes of fleshy leaves, some plants branching more than others. They need good light all year & to be kept on the dry side in winter. Mature plants sometimes produce huge pyramidal panicles of yellow flowers in summer, after which the rosette that produced them dies. Grow in loam-based compost with added grit, and a heavy pot for stability. Eventually plants get top heavy, and will start to shed branches - these can be potted and made into new plants. Min temp 2°C.

arboreum

Well-branced shrubby succulent with glossy green leaves.

£ 6.50

arboreum ‘Atropurpureum’

Shrubby well branched succulent with very dark purple leaves in summer turning green/purple in autumn.

£ 6.50

arboreum ‘Magnificum’

Impressive plant with huge flattened rosettes of fresh green succulent leaves.

£ 6.50

arboreum ‘Variegatum’

Slow-growing branched succulent with attractively variegated leaves. Not a robust cultivar, so take cuttings as an insurance. Makes a nice contrast to A. arboreum atropurpureum. Min. 4°C.

£ 6.50

castello-paivae

Compact shrubby succulent with a well branched habit and small rosettes of grey leaves. Produces inflorescens of white flowers in mid summer. Sends down aerial roots from the branches.

£ 6.50

haworthii ‘Variegatum’

Well-branched spreading succulent with variegated rosettes and panicles of pale yellow flowers in spring. Min. temp. 2°C.

£ 6.50

percarneum

Shrubby succulent with attractive branched habit and grey/green leaves.

£ 6.50

simsii - variegated

Low growing branching succulent with soft pale green leaves edged with white. Denser growth habit than other Aeoniums. Min. 2 deg. C.

£ 6.50

‘Zwartkop’

Tender succulent with very dark purple leaves, which go almost black in summer. Needs good light to keep the colour. Pinch out the heads to encourage branching. Min. temp. 4°C.

£ 6.50

Agaves come from the deserts of the New World, and are strikingly architectural plants; the leaves which form the rosettes are nearly always armed with very sharp spines so these plants need careful placing. They make good plants for large tubs, even if they are a challenge to move around. Use a free-draining or cactus compost. Most can take some frost if kept very dry - a problem in our climate. If grown outside, they need to be moved into a garage or similar shelter for the winter. Another interesting feature: the leaves often bear the imprint of their neighbours. Mature rosettes (usually 10 yrs old) may send up tall flower spikes, after which they die. Some species sucker freely, others stay as a single rosettes.

americana
Century Plant, Maguey.

Succulent with blue-green leaves & VERY SHARP SPINES! Suckers freely.

£ 6.50

americana ‘Variegata’
Century Plant, Maguey.

Variegated cultivar with yellow margined leaves. Suckers freely.

£ 6.50

celsii

A beautiful plant with gracefully upturned leaves to 2 ft long, and softer spines than other species. May be OK outdoors if protected from wet. Tolerates some shade. Produces suckers which can be removed & grown on as separate plants.

£ 6.50

geminiflora
Twin-flowered Agave.

Symmetrical rosettes up to 1m across. Unusually, the leaves are shorter & narrower than most Agaves and are unarmed. Can be grow in full sun or shade. Prefers a well drained soil and can survive with little water. Min. 0°C.

£ 7.75

horrida var. perotensis

Horrida = ‘horrible, wild, prickly’. Need we say more? Solitary rosettes up to 18" across. Hardy to - 4°, possibly if kept dry.

£ 6.50

parryi

This species has compact, rosettes of light green to grey spiny leaves. Plants sucker freely. Min. 0°C.

£ 6.50

victoria-reginae

Evergreen succulent with dark green leaves, each bearing the imprint of the leaves above. Min. 5°C.

£ 7.75

Aloes are found across Africa - there are about 300 species, about half of which can be found in South Africa. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small species suitable for use as house plants, to tree like plants which ideally need a large light airy conservatory. Most are grown for their interesting shapes, but many, especially older plants, will produce red, orange or yellow flowers. In warm climates, flowers become more of a feature of these plants. All are best grown in a loam based compost with plenty of grit added and in a heavy pot for stability, and need good light or sun.

aculeata

Solitary rosettes of leaves with teeth arising from white protuberances, giving the plant a spotty appearance. (Aculeata = prickly.) From the summer rainfall area, so would probably appreciate water in the summer, none in winter. Spikes of yellow flowers may appear on mature plants in winter. Min. 4 ° C.

£ 6.50

arborescens

Large, well branched succulent with sword-shaped leaves to 60cm long. Mature plants produce Red Hot Poker-like racemes of long red tubular flowers in spring-summer. Min. 3° C.

£ 5.50

barberae
inKalane enkulu.

Capable of growing to 50 feet or more this is South Africa’s largest tree Aloe. Whilst difficult to accommodate on a windowsill, it makes an attractive houseplant when small. In a tall sunny atrium, it would eventually make a fine tree-like specimen. Min. 2 ° C.

£ 7.75

‘Black Gem’

A very attractive small Aloe forming clumps of tapered olive green leaves which turn a chocolate brown colour with age. Loose spikes of tubular orange-red flowers develop in spring. Min. 2°C.

£ 4.50

brevifolia

Attractive succulent forming geometric mounds of tight rosettes of short softly spined leaves. Grow in loam based compost with added grit & keep on dry side in winter. Min. 2 deg. C.

£ 4.50

ciliaris
Climbing Aloe.

Tall semi-climbing (needs support) succulent with curved toothed leaves. Racemes of red flowers appear on mature plants in autumn. May take some frost in very mild gardens. Otherwise grow in a conservatory/ greenhouse.

£ 6.50

comptonii

An attractive species with stemless rosettes of upturned leaves with toothed margins, topped on mature plants by a dense rounded head of red flowers. Min. 0° C.

£ 6.50

cooperii
isiPutumane / isiPhukutwane.

This species one of the ‘grass’ Aloes, has narrow spotted leaves held in fan shaped clumps which divide at the base. Red flowers should appear on 2 ft. stems. (We haven’t seen them flower yet). From the summer rainfall area of South Africa, so keep dry in winter.

£ 6.50

ferox
Cape Aloe, Bitter Aloe.

Evergreen spiny succulent which eventually grows into a single-stemmed tree, but stays smaller in a pot. Orange flowers are produced on mature plants. Reputed to have laxative, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities, but probably best not to experiment.

£ 6.50

marlothii

Large succulent with glaucous leaves to 1m long, growing on a single stem to 4 m. Long panicles of yellow flowers in summer. Min. 4°C.

£ 6.50

plicatilis
Fan Aloe.

Capable of growing to over 6 ft, this magnificent branching succulent has fleshy leaves arranged in flat fans, eventually making a well-branched tree. Spikes of exotic yellow and red tubular flowers appear in summer on large specimens. From a small area in the winter rainfall area, so needs water in winter/spring, less in summer. Min. 0° C.

£ 7.50

speciosa
Tilt-Head Aloe.

Potentially a big plant. Usually a single-stemmed plant, with twisted and turned leaves.

£ 6.50

striata
Coral Aloe.

Wonderful succulent with broad fleshy leaves margined with pink and heads of orange tubular flowers in summer. Excellent specimen plant for conservatory/ summer patio. Min. temp. 2°C.

£ 6.50

striatula

Large bushy branching succulent with orange flowers in early summer. Large container in a conservatory, or sheltered dry spot outdoors in a mild garden. Needs support. Grow in loam based compost with added grit & feed 2-3 times in summer. Keep on dry side in winter.

£ 6.50

variegata
Partridge Breast Aloe, Tiger Aloe.

Small succulent, ideal for a sunny windowsill with attractively striped leaves arrange in a V shape and racemes of tubular pink-red flowers in summer. Grow in loam based compost with added grit. Min. 2°C.

£ 4.50

vera
Burn Plant.

The fleshy interior of the leaves of this succulent plant is used to heal minor skin ailments. Has red hot poker-like spikes of tubular yellow flowers in summer. Min. temp. 5°C.

£ 4.50

edulis
Hottentot Fig.

Strange sprawling succulent with leaves that look like green chips. Yellow daisy flowers are followed by edible fig-like fruit. Has naturalised on the southern coast especially in Devon & Cornwall. Grow in loam based compost with added sand. Good for a hot conservatory. Min. 0°C.

£ 4.25

muirii

Spreading succulent with leaves that look like green chips. Vivid pink daisy flowers appear in summer. Has naturalised on the southern coast especially in Devon & Cornwall. Grow in loam based compost with added sand. Good for a hot conservatory. Min. 0°C.

£ 4.25

fusca

Strange succulent from the Canary Islands where it grows on rocky ground. The main attraction is the upright stems which are jointed like very slender, greyish brown sausages. Small leaves appear, but disappear in drought. Needs well drained soil (John Innes No. 3 with extra grit.) Min. 10 ° C.

£ 6.50

linearis v. woodii
String of Hearts.

A pretty trailing succulent plant with heart-shaped leaves, dark green marbled with silver. Strange upturned flask-shaped 1" flowers. Grow in small pots & well-drained compost. Min. 10° C.

£ 4.50

arborescens

Shrubby succulent with glossy grey leaves and small pink-white flowers from autumn-winter on large plants. Grow in cactus compost in full light. Can eventually make an impressive specimen, but can be kept a lot smaller in a pot. Min. 2° C.

£ 4.50

coccinea

South African succulent with attractively arranged angular leaves & vivid red flowers in summer. Grow in cactus compost. Will take hot sun in a conservatory but still needs good ventilation (grows on Table Mountain, amongst other places). Min. temp. 2° C.

£ 4.50

falcata
Propeller Plant.

Large, weird succulent with fleshy grey leaves arranged propeller fashion. Bright red flowers in summer. Grow in cactus compost in full light. Min. 2° C.

£ 5.75

muscosa variegata
Watch Chain Crassula.

An ideal specimen for a sunny windowsill. Has upright then trailing branches covered with densely packed minute leaves, delicately variegated. Min. 7 °C.

£ 3.50

ovata ‘Variegata’
Jade Tree, Money Plant.

Variegated cultivar of the common Jade plant

£ 4.50

ovata
Jade Tree, Money Plant.

The popular Money Plant is easy to grow, in time making an impressive tree-like specimen. Grow in good light in free-draining loam-based compost, and let the compost dry out between waterings. After a cool rest in winter, plants may produce masses of small white flowers. Min. 0 ° C.

£ 4.50

pseudolycopodiodes

Previously listed under C. muscosa. Spreading succulent with triangular leaves and tiny tubular yellow flowers in spring. Grow in cactus compost in full light. Native to South Africa. Min. 2° C. Broken shoots root readily, so can spread easily and may need restraining in frost free areas.

£ 3.50

longissimum
Mexican Grass Plant.

Mexican relative of the Agave with very slender grey leaves to 1.5m long forming an overall spherical shape. Tall spikes of white, bell shaped flowers appear in summer on mature specimens. Beautifully structured plant. Eventually forms a woody trunk. Likes a dry atmosphere. Min. 2° C.

£ 7.75

‘Violet Queen’

Tidy rosettes of blue leaves with apinky violet tinge. Makes effective ground cover either in a summer bedding scheme, or in a conservatory. Pink buds open into orange flowers arranged in a downward curved head.

£ 4.00

ciliata

Small growing species with delicate hairs along the leaf edges. Nice in a shallow bowl on a sunny windowsill.

£ 4.00

secunda v glauca

Succulent with blue/green leaves with ground-hugging dinner-plate size rosettes, topped by spikes of orange/red flowers. Grow in cactus compost. Can be bedded out in summer or stood out if grown in a pot. Over winter frost free.

£ 4.00

Euphorbias fall into just about every category of plant there is, from annuals to trees, and therefore have different cultivation requirements and growth habits. Take precautions when handling as all parts may cause stomach upset if ingested and the sap can be an irritant to the skin.

tirucalli
Milkweed, Spurge.

Large succulent found in the declining ‘Spiny Forrests’ of Eastern and Southern Africa. This plant has an attractive open, upright habit & branching fleshy leafless stems. Good specimen plant in a large pot. Grow in full sun in loam based compost with added grit. Min. 10°C. THE SAP IS TOXIC & CAN BE A SKIN IRRITANT.

£ 6.50

edulis
Bergkambroo.

A strange, easily-grown succulent, growing from a large tuber which can grow to 60 cm. across. Twining stems grow from this tuber, which in the wild grows underground, but in cultivation is left exposed for us to view as the ‘main attraction’. Slightly scented flowers are produced in the autumn. Min. 4° C.

£ 6.50

verrucosa

Member of the Aloe family with dark green leaves and white spots. Has racemes of reddish orange flowers April-June. Grown in cactus compost & keep fairly dry in winter.

£ 4.50

salicorniodes
Drunkard's Dream.

Epiphytic cactus with curiously jointed knobbly trailing stems to 40cm long. Small yellow flowers in spring are followed by white berries. Grow in cactus compost in full light. Min. 5° C.

£ 4.25

odorata

Small trailing succulent with scented yellow flowers in summer. Ideal for a sunny windowsill. Grow in cactus compost (3 parts loam to 1 part grit) Min. 2°C.

£ 4.25

Kalanchoes belong to a large genus of succulent plants of which most of those in cultivation come from Africa and Madagascar. Whilst they do flower, (notably the popular Flaming Katy) they are grown mainly for their interesting and often bizarre growth habits. They are easy to propagate from stem cuttings, and baby plants will often grow from a broken piece of leaf and there are even species which produce babies along the leaf edges all by themselves. These attributes make them ideal plants to get children interested in plants. All need well-drained soil, preferably John Innes No.3 with added grit, and to be kept a few degrees above freezing & fairly dry in winter.

beharensis
Velvet Leaf.

Tall-growing succulent (potentially to 6m!) with really weird leaves - large, triangular, fleshy & with a distinctly furry/felty touch. We also have a form with more serrated leaves. Mature specimens may produce urn-shaped green-yellow flowers in late winter. Avoid water getting on leaves especially in winter. Keep dryish in winter. Large plants may have green-yellow flowers in winter. Min. 4° C.

£ 7.50

daigremontiana
Mexican Hat.

Succulent houseplant with upright growth supporting narrow leaves, on the edges of which many baby plants, complete with roots, are produced. Adult plants may eventually get too leggy but growing new ones from the baby plants is child's play. In fact, an excellent beginner plant for kids.

£ 4.50

fedtschenkoi variegata
Lavender Scallops.

A pretty succulent with glaucous scalloped leaves complimented by a subtle oyster-like variegation. Min. 7 ° C.

£ 4.50

laciniata/synsepala/kewensis
Christmas Tree Kalanchoe.

We think this is K. laciniata - an upright branching plant with the upper leaves cut into 3 narrow antler-like segments.

£ 4.50

marmorata
Pen Wiper Kalanchoe.

A lovely bushy succulent with green/grey leaves distinctly marked with purple. White flowers may appear.

£ 4.50

pubescens

Upright, bushy succulent with furry leaves & panicles of pendent bell shaped yellow-red flowers in summer.

£ 4.50

pumila

Spreading succulent for a sunny windowsill/ conservatory with frosted grey-green leaves and urn-shaped pink flowers 1cm long in spring.

£ 3.50

tomentosa
Pussy Ears.

Succulent with partly toothed, ovate grey leaves with brown markings on the edges. Bell-shaped green-yellow flowers appear in early spring.

£ 4.50

stapelliiformis

Upright succulent with striped fleshy leafless stems which become thorny with age. Has vivid orange flowers in summer. Keep on dry side in winter especially if kept at low temperatures. Grow in loam based compost with plenty of added sand and grit. Min. 2° C.

£ 4.00

Orange

Spreading succulent with grey-green leaves and bright orange dasies from late spring-summer. Grow in loam based compost with added grit in full sun. Should take a touch of frost but won't like winter wet. Suitable for a unheated greenhouse/ conservatory.

£ 3.75

Pink

Spreading succulent with bright pink dasies from late spring-summer. Grow in loam based compost with added grit in full sun. Should take a touch of frost but won't like winter wet so suitable for a unheated greenhouse/ conservatory.

£ 3.75

variegata
Starfish Cactus.

Small succulent with weird star-shaped, mottled flowers with a strange smell, designed to attract flies. Grow in cactus composts in full sun. Suitable for a windowsill. Min.2°C.

£ 4.50

aculeata
Barbados Gooseberry.

An unusual climbing cactus with spiny stems & lance shaped yellowish leaves. In autumn produces large white flowers with orange stamens. Grow in cactus compost in full light. Potentially reaches several metres in height. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly in summer. Min. 5° C.

£ 6.25

grandifolia
Rose Cactus.

Evergreen very prickly cactus with large, pretty pink flowers from spring-autumn. Unlike ‘normal’ cacti, this has retained it’s leaves. Grow in cactus compost in full light. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly in summer. Min. 5° C.

£ 6.25

afra variegata
Elephant Bush.

A shrubby succulent with small leaves, capable of growing to several feet. Similar to the familiar Money Plant. Likes sun & freedom from frost. A good bonsai plant.

£ 3.50

Pineapple relatives from the Andes with tall flower spikes. These only appear on old plants, so you may have a long wait. In the meantime, the very spiny leaves will entertain you by trapping any unsuspecting sheep which may be passing, and offering a home to any Chinchillas you may have. When it does flower, the local starlings may find the delicious nectar to their taste, as do the hummingbirds in the wild. If you get fed up with waiting, the plant apparently makes good fuel, though only for those with big hearths. Will withstand temperatures below 0°C. for short periods if given good drainage and shelter. Otherwise keep under glass in winter.

alpestris
Sapphire Tower.

Species with amazing metallic blue/green flowers.

£ 7.75

berteroniana
Blue Puya.

Tall, pyramidal panicles of beautifully lurid, deep metallic green flowers to 1metre long in early summer.

£ 7.50

capilliformis

Dainty epiphytic cactus which trails in a hair-like (hence capilliformis) fashion from so good for hanging baskets. Has tiny white flowers in late spring. Having said that, ours has just flowered in December. Grow in cactus compost in good light. Likes humidity. Keep on the dry side in winter. Min. 2° C.

£ 4.25

pilocarpa

Epiphytic cactus with slender jointed prickly stems and white flowers in spring. Shade from very hot sun. Like humidity so good for a bathroom. Grow in cactus compost.

£ 4.25

rhombopilosa

Another epiphytic cactus- this one has wavy-edged broad leaves. Flowers not yet seen.

£ 4.25

Genus of succulent plants, many of which are hardy and very drought tolerant due to their ability to retain water. The hardy perennials flower between late summer and autumn and attract Bees and Butterflies. The seed-heads can be left for winter decoration if desired. The foliage dies back for winter and re-appears in spring in the form of small rosettes. Grow in well drained soil in full sun.

morganianum
Burro's Tail.

A trailing succulent with blue/grey leaves on trailing stems which may reach 1 metre in length. Good for a hanging basket in sun/part-shade in free-draining compost. May produce pink flowers. Min. 4° C.

£ 3.75

grandiflorus
Queen of the Night, Organillo.

The Queen of the Night is aptly named - huge flowers 12" across are produced on mature plants. They only last one night, emitting a powerful fragrance, used in the wild to attract bats for pollination. Needs a lot of space in which to tie in the long gangly stems. Min. 10 ° C.

£ 5.50

vagans

A sprawling (vagans = wandering) plant with large (8") white, scented flowers in spring/summer. Grow in orchid compost. Min. 10 ° C.

£ 5.50

nelsonii

Another species, about which we know very little, but is presumably similar to the other two species we have.

£ 5.50

articulatus
Candle Plant.

Species of unusual appearance with swollen jointed stems and small yellow daisy flowers in summer (these have a really unpleasant smell, and are best removed). Good for a sunny windowsill. Min. 2° C. - will keep more leaves at higher temperatures.

£ 3.50

crassissimus

This unusual succulent has an upright branching habit. The fleshy grey leaves are held vertically, rather than horizontally, giving it a unique appearance. The stems and leaf edges are purple-tinged. Min. 4 ° C.

£ 4.50

grantii

Tall succulent with fleshy glaucous leaves. Large red flowers in summer. New growth appears from below soil level. Grow in cactus compost with added grit. Min. 7° C.

£ 4.50

‘Himalaya’

Upright shrubby succulent with bright fresh green leaves. We don't yet know the ultimate height of this plant. Grow in John Innes with added grit. Min. 4° C.

£ 4.50

kleiniiformis
Spearhead Senecio.

Syn. S. cuneatus, S. tropaeofolium. Succulent with glaucous spear shaped leaves & yellow daisy flowers on long stems in summer. Keep on the dry side in winter. Use John Innes No 1 with added grit. Min. temp. 2° C.

£ 4.25

macroglossus
Cape Ivy.

Species with green ivy-like leaves which occasionally produces large pale yellow daisies. Protect from midday sun. Min. 7° C.

£ 4.00

macroglossus ‘Variegatus’
Cape Ivy.

Succulent climber/trailer with variegated ivy-like leaves. Grown mainly as a foliage plant, but does occasionally produce large pale yellow daisies. Grow in loam based compost with added grit. Protect from midday sun. Min. 7° C.

£ 4.00

repens

See Senecio serpens.

rowleyanus
String of Beads.

Unusual trailing succulent with spherical leaves, ideal for hanging baskets and containers. Small white scented flowers in summer. Grow in a loam based compost with added grit. Min. 7° C.

£ 4.50

serpens

Shrubby succulent with fleshy, frosted blue stems and blue-grey leaves. Has small, pale yellow daisies in summer. Grow in loam based compost with added grit. Min. 5° C.

£ 4.00

stapeliaeformis

See Kleinia stapeliiformis

£ 4.00

variegata

See Orbea variegata.

elephantipes
Elephant`s Foot, Hottentot Bread, Tortoise Plant.

A very strange plant from South Africa, eventually forming a huge warty cracked caudex (swollen stem base) - this being the main attraction. In the wild this may be 3 ft. across. From time to time, the plant produces climbing shoots which may produce small yellow flowers. In between, it has dormant spells during which watering should be reduced. Well-drained compost. Min. 10 ° C.

£ 6.50

rostrata
Beaked Yucca, Big Bend Yucca.

An attractive Yucca with blue-green pointed leaves. Hardy outdoors in a sunny spot with good drainage. Essential for those who like architectural plants.

£ 6.50