A growing library of plant stories from Earlscliffe. Search by name, or filter by one or more tags.
Please note that this is a work in progress and not all plants have been uploaded or have complete information.
Showing 7 of 38 plants.
The Fiery Century Plant (Agave ferox) is a striking, heavily armed succulent from Mexico, valued more for its intensity than for widespread cultivation.
Aloe polyphylla is a rare and striking spiral-forming aloe that can be grown in cool, well-drained conditions in Ireland and Britain, but requires careful management of moisture to succeed.
Brugmansia sanguinea is a colourful Andean shrub often grown as a container or protected plant in Ireland and Britain, offering vivid trumpet-shaped flowers but little tolerance for frost. Grows outside all year round at Earlscliffe.
Echium wildpretii is a dramatic biennial that can thrive in mild, well-drained coastal gardens in Ireland and Britain, producing spectacular flower spikes but with limited tolerance of frost and winter wet.
Metrosideros excelsa is a spectacular flowering coastal tree that can grow in only the mildest, frost-free parts of Ireland and Britain, offering vivid red blooms but requiring exceptional shelter and climate.
Musa basjoo is a robust, fast-growing banana that brings a tropical look to Ireland and Britain, surviving winter through its roots and regrowing each year in sheltered, fertile conditions.
Phoenix canariensis is a classic, large-feathered palm that can be grown in very mild coastal gardens in Ireland and Britain, offering strong visual impact but requiring significant shelter and protection from cold.
This page is periodically reviewed and expanded. Last substantial update: 9 July 2026.
