Mail order Rare Plants from Junker's Nursery - Lonicera, Loropetalum and Luma

	LONICERA korolkowii We have tried to propagate this one before, but have struggled. The foliage is a wonderful shade of almost blue and covered in tiny hairs. The pale pink flowers look wonderful against it. Easily grown despite its propagation difficulties and will make a large shrub to 2m or more. Best in a sunny site.

	LONICERA periclymenum 'Honeybush' I have planted this wonderful shrub all round the garden in strategic places near to paths. It is distinct from the majority of the species by its none climbing habit. However, the flowers are the familiar red and cream, whilst the scent is seemingly better than ever. Easy to grow anywhere and no pruning is essential, though I tidy them up in the winter.

	LONICERA purpusii 'Winter Beauty' Large semi evergreen shrub. Masses of fragrant cream flowers all winter.

	LONICERA setifera 'Daphnis'

	LONICERA tatarica alba

Loropetalum

These are such pretty plants. A handsome deciduous shrub to 2m that is related to Hamamelis (it therefore does not require acid soil so much as good drainage in the winter but adequate moisture retention in summer). The long-lasting, fragrant strap like flowers open in April but can be produced all year round in favourable conditions as the growth ripens. It needs a sheltered site to perform to its best.

	LOROPETALUM chinense 'Daybreak's Flame' The leaves are essentially an olive green with pretty pink tips to the new growth. The pink flowers are reputedly even larger than those of 'Firedance', whilst the habit is similar.

	LOROPETALUM chinense 'Fire Dance' The long-lasting, fragrant strap like flowers open in April and are dark pink. It is truly magnificent when in full flower, but the foliage is attractive in it's own right. The young growth is a rich ruby red before maturing to green with reddish veining. I am really excited about this one.

	LUMA apiculata I'm told that it shows my age, but I just can't get used to calling this evergreen shrub Luma - to me it will always be a Myrtus! Never mind, whatever you want to call it, it's a great plant; whether you have the site (and patience) to grow them into trees (the beauty of the bark always makes me do a double-take) as you see down at Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens or whether your ambitions are more modest. I find it invaluable to have a range of tidy evergreens to mix into new planting to give some structure and protection to bulbs and early perennials. The pretty flowers in early summer are almost a bonus. Of course, this isn't the hardiest plant in the world, but it's usually pretty well behaved if you choose a sensible site. No good trying to use it in the Pennines as the first line of defence for example!