Better than Bedding

A shrubby succulent with rosettes very dark purple, almost black leaves. An excellent plant for a sunny conservatory by patio doors or as a specimen for the summer patio. This plant can get top heavy so grow it in a heavy terracotta pot. Colouration is best in full sun. Water very sparingly especially in winter

Shrubby succulent with glossy green leaves. Needs good light all year & to be kept on the dry side in winter. Grow in loam-based compost and a heavy pot for stability. Min temp 2°C.

Shrubby, well branched succulent with very dark purple leaves in summer which turn green in winter. More vigourous though not as dark as 'Zwartkop'

Well-branched spreading succulent with attractive rosettes, the new leaves being yellow with a pink margin, turning green with age still retaining the pink margin. Panicles of pale yellow flowers appear in spring. Min. temp. 2°C.

A low growing branching succulent with soft pale green leaves edged with white, lovely in a shallow bowl.

Attractive succulent forming geometric mounds of tight rosettes of short softly spined leaves. Spikes of orange flowers in summer. Reasonably winter hardy if kept dry.

(Previously Aloe aristata.)

A fairly hardy quick growing succulent with neat rosettes of green leaves with soft white spines. Spikes of pink flowers in spring.

Tender, evergreen sub shrub with bright red and orange flowers, summer to autumn. Attracts bees & butterflies.

Tender, evergreen sub shrub with bright yellow, red and orange flowers, summer to autumn. A seed raised mix, flower colour variable. Attracts bees & butterflies.

Bushy house plant with glossy leaves and pink flowers all summer. Tidy habit. Grow in loam based compost and protect from hot sun. Should keep more leaves at higher temperatures

A striking Cane Begonia with glossy green leaves generously sprinkled with white spots. Pendant clusters of pink flowers in summer. Evergreen

A pretty cane begonia, growing to about a metre, with medium-sized, long spotty leaves, and hanging clusters of pink flowers. A great easy to look after house plant. Shade from hot sun.

An easy to grow bromeliad with funnel-shaped leaves which hold water and exotic, red and blue pendant flowers on long stems in mid-summer.

An easy to grow bromeliad with funnel-shaped variegated leaves which hold water and exotic, red and blue pendant flowers on long stems in mid-summer.

A narrow-leaved form of this easy to grow bromeliad with funnel-shaped leaves which hold water and exotic, red and blue pendant flowers on long stems in mid-summer.

A tender perennial with variegated leaves & pale blue flowers in summer. Grow in a greenhouse or similar all year, or pop into a hanging basket for the summer.