Half Hardy and Summer Patio

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.

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

This vigorous plain green species of Spider Plant, makes a lovely basket plant in a shady spot.

A low-growing relative of the Papyrus, this makes good groundcover for the edges of a pond in mild gardens.

Evergreen shrub from New Zealand with very attractive red-purple foliage. For fertile, well drained soil in sun to part shade. Drought and pollution tolerant. Small flowers may be folowed by papery seed pods. Good for coastal and frost free gardens.

A curious little bulbous plant with fleshy, spotted, hosta-like leaves and spikles of small white flowers in April to May.

Related to the Agave, and with a similar habit (though less spiny!), this much sought after plant grows for several (many) years before producing a giant flower spike up to 40 foot tall.

In its native Australia, this makes a large tree - here it is used more as a fast-growing foliage plant.

A scrambling evergreen climber from Australia, bearing large yellow flowers in summer. Hardy in sheltered coastal gardens, reputedly to minus 2C. Otherwise grow against a wall in a cool conservatory.

Strong-growing plant with succulent red stems, fresh green leaves and white 'Busy Lizzie' flowers