Half Hardy and Summer Patio

A compact species of Canna with sage green leaves and small vivid red and orange flowers over a long period in summer.  Ideal for growing in pots as part of an jungle/ exotic scheme. Move into a greenhouse for protection over winter. May survive outdoors in very mild gardens with a very thick mulch

A very tall Canna for a boggy area with narrow leaves and large lemon yellow flowers in summer and autumn. Lift tubers or move pots into a frost free area in winter.

A very tall species with huge leaves, giving height and a tropical feel in the summer garden. Spikes of burnt orange flowers add to the display.

A shorter species growing to around 4 feet, with spikes of small orange-red flowers.

The species from which many large flowered varieties have arisen. Small but eye-catching red and yellow flowers appear over a long period.

A tall species to around 5 feet, with huge banana-like leaves, and spikes of burnt orange flowers. A more tender species

A fantastic jungly plant (musifolia = banana leaves!) with large green leaves with red-tinged margins & central rib. Good moist soil in sun, best bedded out for the summer.

A beautiful species of modest size, Fresh green leaves and red and yellow flowers from summer to autumn. Best lifted and kept frost free in winter.

A very tall species with matching large leaves, topped with tubular orange-red flowers. Best in a sheltered sunny spot.

Evergreen shrub with nice tubular, evening-scented purple flowers in summer. Grow in a loam based compost with added grit indoors, or in a sheltered, well drained spot outdoors. Protect from very hot sun in summer.

Upright evergreen shrub with clusters of ruby red tubular flowers on arching stems in summer, followed by red-purple berries. Prune back in spring. Full to part shade in a sheltered spot.

A tender bulbous plant with very scented, yellow trumpet flowers from June to July. Hardy in mild gardens, in cold areas grow in pots.

Spider Plant with green leaves with a white-cream central stripe, giving it an overall lighter appearance than 'Variegatum'.

A vigourous South African species with heads of pendulous tubular flowers

A quick-growing tender climber with large purple cup-shaped flowers with a green calyx (saucer) from mid to late summer. Looks stunning grown up an obelisk or trellis. Usually grown as an annual but is in fact a tender perennial.

A striking succulent with characteristic large staghorn-shaped leaves. Ideal for a large shallow bowl or trough where it can spread to make an impressive plant. Outdoors in summer, in for the winter.