Showy Flowering Shrub - Rare Blue Abutilon

Abutilon vitifolium is a large, handsome ornamental flowering plant from the mallow family. Native to Chile is was first introduced to western garden in 1836. It is an evergreen species and can almost be considered hardy in the cooler temperate climates of northern Europe. However if extended periods of cold are experienced then Abutilon vitifolium is known to drop its leaves. When grown under favorable conditions you can expect it to reach an overall height of almost up to 9 foot.
Stalked, axillary clusters of blooms are produced from May until October, can vary in color from pale to deep mauve. The saucer-shaped flowers open flat when mature and measure approximately 2 - 3 1/2 inches. They produce an abundance of fertile seed, and this normally produce seedlings true to parent forms.

• Seeds found here
• Plants found here

An Elephant headed Wildflower!

Pedicularis groenlandica is a showy flowering plant in the broomrape family which is known by the common names elephant's head and elephanthead lousewort. This erect plant can grow to a height of 31". Its sharply-toothed fernlike leaves are located low on the stout stem. The stem is topped with a large inflorescence of bright pink to purple or white flowers. Each flower has a long, pointed beak which curves upward, superficially resembling the trunk of an elephant, and the lateral lobes of the flower resemble an elephant's ears. Like other louseworts and related broomrape genera, this is a root parasite which obtains nutrients from the roots of other plants by piercing them with haustoria. This plant is found in the high mountain ranges of western North America, particularly the Cascades and High Sierra, much of Canada and Greenland. It grows in wet environments such as riverbanks. It is said to have medicinal values and is used for skeletal muscle pain. A very cool flower. Very hard to find.

Seeds found here

Iochroma fuchsioides Red Mini Angles Trumpet

This beautiful and rare and  perennial gem from South America is a relative of the Angel Trumpets (Brugmansia) with smaller leaves and more refined flowers. Lower-growing than other Iochromas, it forms a bushy, spreading plant that is often covered in clusters of fiery red, long tubular flowers that flare 5/6" wide at the tips. Iochroma fuchsioides is absolutely dazzling and breathtaking in full bloom! Hardy from zone 8 onwards. 4 feet tall and wide. Full sun to part shade. Average garden soil. Moderate water needs. Lovely! 

• Seeds found here
• Plants found here (none - please provide a source if you have one)

Rare Fried Egg Poppy Romneya

These tall, branching, deciduous, extraordinary member of the poppy family, has gray-green foliage up to 5 inches long with 3-5 lobes and a waxy texture. One of the tallest members of the poppy family, this species also boasts the largest blooms in the genus which closely resemble fried eggs. In summer, many four-inch, delicate, crepe-like blooms are formed at the tops of tall stems each bearing six white crinkled petals and fluffy centers comprised of many yellow stamens. Blooms have a faint citrus scent most noticeable when in full bloom. Mature height is 3-8 feet with an indefinite spread.

Perennial in zones 7-11. Performs best in full sun with a light, sandy soil that is fertile but well-drained. Spread can be difficult to control in ideal soil as plants spread by underground rhizomes

Romneya’s natural habitat is quite diverse and plants will adapt to a wide range of conditions. Plants resent transplanting and therefore careful consideration should be given when choosing a permanent location. Plants require weekly watering while getting established, but are highly drought tolerant after their second year of growth. Cut back hard in fall to encourage uniformity and keep plants tidy. Blooms are attractive to honey bees and other pollinators. Idea for use as a specimen planting, low privacy screening or for the back of mixed beds and borders.

Smoke treatments are beneficial in promoting germination. -In their natural habitat these seeds only germinate after bush fires due to heat and the toxins in the smoke attacking and helping to break down the protective seed coat. A good seed supplier will provide smoke primer or you can smoke the seeds yourself.

Seeds are available here: Matilija Poppy Romneya coulteri 

..

Red Angels Trumpet Floripondio

Brugmansia sanguinea, the Red Angel's Trumpet is a small, 4 to 12 feet tall, perennial shrubby tree native to Peru and the Andes. Brugmansia is a fast grower. It is closely related to Datura, belonging to the same nightshade family, solanaceae. Brugmansia may be grown in containers or in the garden.

The plant is commonly grown as an ornamental for its flowers. The most spectacular flower display of the genus. The flowers are 8 to 10 inches long, trumpet shaped, pendulous, brilliant orange-red at the mouth with yellow veins, and fading to yellow at the base, not fragrant. It makes an extraordinary display in late Spring through Summer, but can bloom for most of the year. They are borne in abundance, up to 40 at a time. The stem is erect and branching. Plants require minimal pruning, simply removed old flower heads, although plants can be cut back to base during Spring to rejuvenate every few years. It requires cool Summer and cooler nights to bloom.

Leaves are 7 inch long, ovate, shining green on the upper side. The fruit is top-shaped, spineless, 3.5 inches long. All plant parts are highly poisonous and should never be injested.

Hardiness zones 9-11, (-5°C/25°F, 4°C/40°F) in Winter. Reputedly the hardiest of the Brugmansias, it will stand short frosts, but generally does best in areas where the temperature rarely drops below 32°F. Provide a minimum Winter temperature of 7°C and reduce watering over the Winter. In cold Winter areas plants can be brought indoors.
Seeds available here:
.

The Giant Viper Echium "Tower of Jewels"

Echium wildpretii and Echium pininana

I've never seen anything like this. Looks like this huge (also called) "Tower of Jewels" grows this size in within 2 years. How gratifying is that? :) I got seeds for the blue/purple variety Echium pininana Pride of Tenerife, the color other being red to pink.
Some other Echiums are white and maroon red.

This evergreen plant can be found as a garden ornamental but is intolerant of low temperatures. As for most Echium it is favored by bee-keepers for its high nectar and pollen content.

Wildpretii is an interesting plant that produces a basal dense rosette of narrow hairy silvery leaves during the first year and in the third year produces an erect inflorescence between 3-9 foot tall. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer. The plant dies after fruiting, leaving lots of seeds.

This amazing plant can grow up to 10 feet tall, but 6 feet is more usual. It doesn't grow much in its first year, but concentrates on sending down a very thick tap root. The next year it grows a lot and may bloom under optimal conditions.
  

 The narrow silvery Grey leaves have a stiff texture. You can expect flowers in year two or three, and these are impressive and worth the wait. The wildpretii flowers from March to May in the lower regions or August in the mountains. From the center of the Tower of Jewels rosette, grows a stately inflorescence with thousands of blue flowers, which forms a thick column, sometimes up to 1 foot thick. 

Suitable for xeriscaping. It is an excellent plant for; seaside garden, shrub borders and containers.

• Plant Source Link (none available, please let me know if you have a source)
• Seed Source Link

Pendulous Tropical Conifer Podocarpus

Podocarpus henkelii (Henkel's yellowwood) is a South African species of conifer in the Podocarpaceae family. It is grown as an ornamental specimen in gardens for its strikingly neat, attractive form and its elegant, drooping foliage. It is a protected tree in South Africa and officially South Africa's national tree.
An attractive ornamental tree, this is one of the most recognizable of the yellowwoods. It can easily be distinguished from its close relatives by its long, slender, 7" drooping leaves. It has a straight, well-formed trunk and naturally assumes a pyramid-shape as it grows, eventually becoming very tall. It is highly recommended in the exterior landscape yet may become a stunning indoor specimen when kept pruned to size. 
 
It is fairly easy to cultivate, tough once established, and incredibly long-lived. It can also be pruned if necessary, to change its shape. However, although it is mildly frost and drought resistant, it is healthiest (and grows fastest) when planted in deep, moist soils. Zones 9-11. Bonsai suitable.
Seeds should be planted promptly in a moist, semi-shade position. The fleshy fruit that surrounds the seed must be removed as this inhibits germination. 
 
Other Names: African conifer, Henkel-se-Geelhout, Umsonti  

     - Plant Source Link
     - Seed Source Link

.