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aka Gay Feather

Gay Feather. This will tickle your fancy - tufts of grassy foliage and summer flower spikes that are a soft purple shade and resemble a small 'feather duster'. They are unusual in that they open from the top downwards. Butterflies and bees love them. Plant in the sun in well drained soil Perennial.

This perennial has quite a hard thickened corm-like root stock which will form a clump and eventually can be divided.

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aka Chilian Iris or Snowy Mermaid

This is a hardy clump forming perennial with narrow flax-like dark green leaves. Tall spikes of white Iris-like flowers in spring. Likes sun or dappled light in well drained soil. Looks great planted en mass, as a border or amongst shrubs and perennials. Evergreen

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aka Ligularia

When I first saw this plant a few years ago it was a definite have to have. The deep maroon, large luscious round leaves have a hint of the erotic about them. Bright orange/yellow flowers appear in summer but are insignificant compared to the foliage. Yum.

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aka Elephant Ears

This is a bold specimen perennial that needs a moist location. It forms a mound of large, rounded dark, shiny purple-black leaves. Taller stems appear in mid summer bearing clusters of bright golden-orange daisy flowers. Superb for the back of the border, or at the waterside. Perennial.

An unusual centerpiece for a tub or large container. Both the flowers and leaves are great for cutting.

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aka Tractor Seat Ligularia

If you are looking for fabulous foliage then the leaves of the 'Tractor Seat' Ligularia are hard to beat. Large, glossy, green and textured, the leaves put on an outstanding display in a shady spot. Stems of yellow flowers in autumn-winter. Evergreen.

This plant is commonly known as Ligularia but is more correctly called Farfugium japonicum var giganteum

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Rukuhia Beauty is the perfect, shade loving, groundcover for smaller gardens with its lush foliage of dark green. Likes moist earth and a dressing of slow release fert to support its growth periods. Low maintenance plant with high return, looks great planted enmasse. Perennial

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aka Leopard Plant

Outstanding foliage plant with large lush rounded leaves decorated with yellow spots. The yellow daisy like flowers appear in summer but are not the main feature compared to the leaves. Will grow in sun or semi-shade, prefers soil that does not dry out too much in summer. Evergreen.

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aka Zealandia Chain Sword

NZ Native. A low growing sub-mergable plant with dense leaf chain suitable for damp bog areas or in water. Spear shaped leaves. Will grow in part shaded around ponds or along creeks. Winter hardy. Cream flowers.

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aka Lily

The deepest, darkest, wine coloured blooms of this deliciously, decadent lily appear from early summer. The flowers are upward facing and decorate the strong stems. I consider this Lily a must have. Plant in a sunny well drained spot. Deciduous.

'Black Out' can also be grown in a container and will tolerate 1/2 day sun. Will quickly multiply to create more flowering stems each year.

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aka Christmas Lily

Christmas Lily. Glossy green foliage and stems of exquisite, pure white, trumpet blooms with the most exotic of perfumes. Usually in full bloom just around Christmas hence the name. Full sun to part of shade. Deciduous.

Grow your Christmas Lilies in a container or the garden. As I write my 'Snow Queen' are standing tall with at least 6 buds on each stem, 1 stem when open will be enough to perfume the whole house. A pot of these in bud or flower is the perfect gift for a special gardening friend.