Trollius asiaticus

Trollius Asiaticus has rich orange-yellow flowers and bright orange-red anthers, is hardy even in the most exposed positions, and differs from the European Globe-flowers chiefly in its less globular flowers, small finely-divided foliage, and taller growth.

Typhonium roxburghii

Rare species of Amorphophallus ralative, Typhonium roxburghii bears quite large, spectacular deep mahogany-purple, almost black, spathes at ground level. For a flower of sombre shades, they are very conspicuous and attractive.

Read more about Typhonium roxburghii

Vernicia fordii, Aleurites fordii

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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The Vernicia fordii (Tung Oil Tree ) is a tree, reaching a height between 10 and 20 feet, with a wide-spreading canopy of dark green leaves. The tree prefers full sun and requires moderate water. During spring and summer, the tree produces clusters of pink flowers, turning white and off-white as the season progresses.

While the Vernicia fordii is known for its beauty, it can also be an irritation. The sap of the tree contains an irritant substance, so caution should be taken when handling. The Vernicia fordii is also a deciduous tree, so it loses its leaves in the winter. Mature plants are cold hardy down to at least mid-20s F for a short time.

The Vernicia fordii can be grown in USDA Zones 8-11. In colder regions, the tree can be grown indoors or in a pot and can be brought indoors during the winter months. When planting in a pot, use a well draining soil mix and make sure the pot has enough drainage holes. Be sure to water regularly and fertilize every two to three months. When bringing the tree indoors for the winter, place it in a sunny location and prune in the spring to keep it in a desired shape.

Wigandia urens

Wigandia urens is a deciduous shrub or small tree to 4m. It has large ovate leaves to 30cm long. The flowers are deep purple with a white throat and are produced in terminal sprays in spring. The whole plant is covered with rusty-brown, irritant hairs.

Zantedeschia aethiopica, Calla aethiopica

Zantedeschia aethiopica is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant, evergreen where rainfall and temperatures are adequate, deciduous where there is a dry season.

Commonly called calla lilies, these are not true lilies, but are arum (Jack-in-the-pulpit) family members. They are stemless plants whose flowers and leaves rise directly from rhizomes. They typically grow in clumps to 24-36" tall and feature large arrowhead-shaped (sagittate) leaves and extremely showy flowers consisting of a yellow finger-like spadix surrounded by a bright white spathe borne atop a leafless stalk. Commercially grown as a very popular cut flower.

Winter hardy to USDA Zone 8, and may survive some Zone 7 winters with protection. Best in moist soils with full sun to part shade. Lift rhizomes in fall and store in a damp medium such as peat or immediately replant in containers to overwinter as a houseplant. Calla lilies may be planted in mud at the edge of ponds or water gardens.

May also be grown year-round in containers that must be brought indoors in winter before first frost. Overwintering containers placed near a window with bright indirect light can make attractive houseplants.