Category: Collector Plants
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Dendriopoterium menendezii
This mouthful of a name belongs to a very hardy evergreen shrub from the Canary Islands that grows to a couple of metres tall and wide. It has an open framework of branches with coppery bark and it produces spikes of tiny pink flowers with green sepals in spring. It is however for its attractive
Stephen Ryan
Ampelopsis aconitifolia
This rarely used deciduous vine from China is one of my favourite foliage climbers with its deeply cut bright green leaves it always makes a statement. It flowers are tiny and of no consequence but the tiny orange berries are pretty. The leaves turn yellow before shedding. I grow it on a metal tripod that
Stephen Ryan
Mahonia gracilipes
This is definitely the exception to the rule when it comes to this Genus. It is summer flowering instead of autumn winter as with most others, and isn’t yellow! An extremely slow growing evergreen shrub from China that was described in 1887 but only got to Australia via me in 1998 or there about. This
Stephen Ryan
Erythrina crista-galli
The hardiest of its Genus the coral tree adds quite a touch of the exotic to any garden with its thick spine covered branches and brilliant red pea flowers during the warmer months. The trifoliate leaves are also telling in the garden, and it will grow well in full sun in any well drained site.
Stephen Ryan
Euonymus cornutus
This Chinese shrub will grow to about 2metres or so with narrow semi-evergreen leaves and a light airy framework. the leaves are bright green and willow like and those that do shed in autumn turn soft pinky-orange. It has small chocolate coloured flowers in spring that for this Genus are quite showy and then the
Stephen Ryan
Chionanthus retusa
You rarely see the Chinese fringe tree (or its American counterpart) planted in gardens and it is due to the fact that their are quite difficult to propagate so are rarely offered or asked for! This is a true shame as it is a hardy and stunning late spring flowering small tree ideal for a
Stephen Ryan
Canna ‘The Red Centre’
This Australian bred Canna hybrid is possibly the best red one in existence with its huge rounded bright red flowers with a very fine gold edge to the petals. It has bright green paddle like leaves and grows only to about 1 to 1.5 metres tall. It was bred by Mrs. Reis in Queensland now
Stephen Ryan
Helwingia chinensis
this plant isn’t going to set the world on fire but I think it is an interesting and worthy addition to the garden for the following reasons. Most importantly I imported it!!!! But seriously it is an interesting evergreen shrub to 2 to 3metres with handsome evergreen leaves on a shrub with a tiered branch
Stephen Ryan
Sanguinaria canadensis
The Canadian Blood Root is a stunning if ephemeral woodlander from “you guessed it” as well as the USA. The single poppy flowers last only a few days but what a joy they are. The green scalloped leaves are charming and will keep you entertained for months afterward and as it doesn’t take up all
Stephen Ryan
Viburnum Henryi
This Genus has something for everyone and this Asian evergreen shrub is a bit of an unsung hero of the group. It has narrow evergreen leaves on an elegant open framed shrub to 3or 4 metres. Don’t then use it to screen your weird behaviour from the neighbours! The panicles of tiny flowers are produced
Stephen Ryan