Exotic & Rare Bulbs

Zantedeschia Mixed brings a lively mix of calla lilies in bright, contrasting colours on tall stems above neat, arrow‑shaped leaves. Expect a varied palette, so every planting feels a little different. The flowers are actually a smooth ‘spathe’ wrapped around a central spadix, giving that iconic trumpet shape that suits both classic and contemporary gardens.

These summer-flowering rhizomes are outstanding in patio pots, where you can keep the compost evenly moist and enjoy the flowers up close. They also work in sheltered borders, especially in richer soils, and the clean, architectural blooms pair beautifully with grasses and airy annuals.

Plant in spring once the ground has warmed and the risk of frost has passed. Set rhizomes 5–10 cm deep, with the growing points facing up, and space them so the clumps can expand. You’ll usually see shoots appear within a few weeks, followed by flower stems through mid to late summer.

Calla lilies love moisture while they’re growing, so water regularly and feed in containers for the best display. Mulching the soil surface helps reduce drying out in warm weather. If you’re cutting stems, pick as the spathe unfurls and place straight into fresh water for long-lasting arrangements.

These are tender plants in the UK, so protect them from frost. After flowering, let the foliage die back naturally so the rhizome can recharge. In autumn, lift and store the rhizomes somewhere cool, dry and frost‑free, or move pots under cover, ready for replanting next spring.

Tigridia pavonia 'Mixed' brings a vibrant, exotic mix of peacock-like flowers with spotted centres to summer borders, with exotic, patterned flowers that open wide in sunshine. Each bloom is short-lived, but plants carry many buds, so you still get weeks of colour in warm weather.

Growing to around 45–60 cm, tiger flowers are upright and slim, making them great for weaving through planting and for pots. They look best planted in generous clumps, where the daily opening flowers create a lively, changing display.

Plant bulbs in spring after the risk of frost has passed, in full sun and well-drained soil. A warm, sheltered spot helps them flower strongly; start in pots under cover for an earlier display if needed.

Water after planting and during dry spells while shoots develop. Feed every couple of weeks once growth is established to support flowering. As temperatures cool, reduce watering and allow foliage to die back naturally.

Perfect for colourful summer pots and exotic-style borders, tigridias also make fun, unusual cut flowers. Lift and store bulbs frost-free in colder or wetter gardens to replant the following spring.

Eucomis 'Autumnalis White' produces creamy white flowers topped with a leafy tuft, sending up dramatic flower spikes that add height, scent, and structure to summer borders and patio pots. The blooms open progressively up the stem, giving a longer display and excellent cut flowers.

Reaching an established height of around Up to 75 cm, this bulb forms neat clumps of fresh green foliage, then delivers its flowers in the warmest part of the season when many spring bulbs have finished.

Plant in spring in a warm, sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Work in compost to improve fertility and drainage, and avoid waterlogged ground, which can rot dormant bulbs.

Water during dry spells while growth is active and feed every two to three weeks once buds form for stronger flowering. Remove spent flower stems if you prefer a tidy look, but leave foliage until it dies back naturally to feed next year’s bulb.

Ideal for borders, containers and cutting gardens, these spikes bring a tropical note to planting schemes. In colder areas, lift and store bulbs once foliage yellows, or protect them well in a sheltered spot.

Agapanthus africanus 'Dokter Brouwer' brings generous drumstick heads of blue‑lilac trumpets above neat, strap-shaped foliage in midsummer. It’s a simple way to add structure and cool colour to sunny borders, gravel gardens and large patio pots.

This variety stays compact enough for containers, yet still feels architectural. Plant it in a warm, sheltered spot and you’ll get sturdy stems that hold their shape in wind and rain, giving you weeks of colour and a lovely cut‑flower option.

Agapanthus enjoy sun and a fertile, moisture-retentive soil that drains freely. In pots, use a loam-based compost and avoid overpotting—slightly snug roots often encourage better flowering. Try pairing with ornamental grasses, salvias or lavender for an effortless summer look. Once established it copes well with short dry spells, but flowers best with regular moisture.

Water well while the plant is establishing, then keep it evenly moist through summer, especially in containers. Feed monthly with a high‑potassium fertiliser and remove spent flower heads if you’d like a tidier display. The nectar-rich blooms are also a magnet for bees.

In colder areas, give evergreen agapanthus extra winter protection: mulch the crown, wrap containers, or move pots to a frost-free place until spring. Divide crowded clumps in spring to refresh growth and create new plants for other parts of the garden.

Calla Lily 'White Flirt' (Zantedeschia) is a refined, elegant variety with clean white spathes surrounding a pale yellow spadix, carried above dark green, lightly flecked foliage.

Its neat habit and long-lasting flowers make it a superb choice for patio pots, sheltered borders and cutting, where the crisp white blooms bring a calm, contemporary feel.

Plant in rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, once frost danger has passed. Sheltered positions help the flowers remain at their best for longer.

Water regularly while in growth and feed during the flowering season. In colder gardens, lift and store the rhizomes dry and frost free after the foliage has died back.

Canna 'Mixed Colours' brings a bold, tropical feel to summer planting, with a cheerful mix of yellow, orange, red and coral tones flowers held above lush, paddle-like foliage. It’s perfect for patio pots and sunny borders where you want instant impact from midsummer into autumn. Their broad leaves also add a strong, architectural texture even before the first flowers open.

Fast-growing and dramatic, cannas create height and structure in mixed planting, often reaching about 50–70cm. They look brilliant with dahlias, salvias and ornamental grasses, and the strong stems help fill gaps in new borders.

For the best display, start rhizomes into pots in spring and grow on somewhere warm and bright. Plant outside once the risk of frost has passed, in a sheltered spot in full sun or light shade, and firm the soil well. Space plants so each clump can expand.

Cannas love rich, moisture-retentive soil and regular watering. Keep compost evenly moist in containers and feed every few weeks through summer to support flower production. Mulching the ground helps conserve moisture and keeps roots cool in hot spells.

When autumn frosts blacken the foliage, cut stems back and lift the rhizomes to store frost-free over winter in barely moist compost. Replant next spring after the last frosts and you’ll be back to tropical colour, lush leaves and fresh blooms.

Ismene ‘Sulphur Queen’ is a particularly refined spider lily, valued for its elegant, creamy-yellow blooms and gentle fragrance. Each flower is beautifully poised, with a subtle green-striped throat, bringing a softly exotic note to summer pots and sheltered borders.

Plant where it can enjoy warmth and good drainage, then lift and store the bulbs over winter for best results. An excellent choice for cutting, too—its blooms add poise to a simple vase arrangement.