Aronia melanocarpa 'Hugin' is a small, deciduous shrub perfect for providing brilliant autumn colour in small gardens. It produces clusters of pretty white flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by rich black berries ready to harvest in the autumn. The fruits of this Aronia, known as the Black Chokeberry, are tart when raw but are delicious cooked into cakes, pies, jams and compotes. Aronia melanocarpa 'Hugin' is easy to grow, even in boggy conditions, and is perfect as part of a mixed border, where the fiery reds and oranges of its beautiful autumn foliage add seasonal interest. Height: 2m (6'). Spread: 3m (10').
With red liquorice like stems and copper red leaves, Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diable D'Or' is a fantastic shrub if you are looking for a contrast to light green or yellow foliage shrubs. In summer the plant has clusters of delicate white flowers, with a pink tinge. These are then followed by glossy red seed heads in autumn. This Ninebark plant is deciduous and prefers a full sun, or partial shade position. Height and Spread: 1.5m (4.9').
The 'chocaholics' amongst you will love the sumptuous, velvety flowers of this cosmos. Bred in the UK, its a compact, bushy plant that will be full of deep marooncoloured flowers from July to October, each one giving off the fragrance of chocolate. An ideal plant for patio containers or sunny garden borders. Ht. 30cm. Supplied as plug plants.
Few house plants are as dramatic as Alocasia x amazonica! The wavy edged leaves are dark green with purple undersides, and patterned with silvery-white veins that create an impressive contrast.
Oca is a tuberous crop from the Andes which produces potato like swollen roots with a lemony, nutty flavour.