If you’re anything like me, gardening is this wonderful mix of therapy, obsession, and creativity. I could spend hours wandering through the local garden centre or scrolling through pages online, always hunting for that next plant that’s going to bring something special to my garden. There’s just nothing quite like discovering those little-known gems—plants that aren’t in everyone else’s gardens but, when you find them, they instantly make your outdoor space feel more like yours.
After years of filling my garden with the usual suspects—lavender, hydrangeas, hostas—I hit a point where I craved something a bit more unusual. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a good lavender hedge and hydrangea Anabelle, but I wanted plants that would stop people in their tracks and make them ask, “What’s that?” I needed something with a twist, something that wouldn’t be found in every garden on the street. So, I started seeking out perennials that were a little off the beaten path, plants that would thrive in the UK climate but offer something fresh and unexpected. That’s where Crocus.co.uk came in and became an absolute game-changer for my gardening and garden design work.
I’ve been fortunate enough to work on some pretty amazing garden projects over the years, and these unusual perennials have often become the secret weapons I’ve used to help clients’ gardens stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s creating a bold focal point or filling in a tricky, shady spot, these plants have proven themselves time and again to be both stunning and reliable. They’ve also made their way into my own garden, of course—I couldn’t resist! So, if you’re looking for something a bit different, here are my top 9 unusual perennials from Crocus that are perfect for UK gardens.
1. Tricyrtis formosana ‘Dark Beauty’ (Toad Lily)
Toad lilies might not have the most glamorous name, but let me tell you, Tricyrtis formosana ‘Dark Beauty’ is an absolute show-stopper. I first came across this plant a few years ago while browsing Crocus.co.uk late at night. (Confession: my nightly habit of scrolling through plant pages might be a little excessive, but at least it’s a healthy addiction, right?) I was immediately drawn to the delicate, orchid-like flowers with their intricate purple spots, and I just knew I had to find a home for them in my garden.
I’ve planted this beauty in a shaded corner of my garden, where the sun barely peeks through, and it’s completely transformed that space. The blooms appear in late summer when you least expect it, just as the garden is starting to wind down. They bring this soft, exotic flair that’s quite unlike anything else. Plus, the flowers last well into autumn, keeping the garden alive with interest as the seasons change.
In one of my clients’ gardens, we had a particularly tricky shaded area beneath some mature trees. We added a cluster of toad lilies, and they brought the space to life with their delicate blooms, giving that woodland corner an enchanting, almost mystical feel. It’s such a rewarding plant, especially for those tougher spots where most plants struggle.
Planting and Care Tips for Toad Lilies
Toad lilies prefer moist, well-drained soil and thrive in shady or woodland settings. They do best in dappled shade or even full shade—perfect for those forgotten corners of the garden where the sun just can’t reach.
When planting, make sure to dig in plenty of organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure, to enrich the soil and help with moisture retention. These plants like to stay evenly moist, so mulching around the base with bark or leaf mold will help keep the soil cool and damp during the summer months.
To keep your toad lilies looking their best, water them regularly, especially during dry spells. In the UK, our summers can be hit or miss, but during those random dry periods, these plants appreciate a good drink. And don’t be too hasty in cutting back the foliage after they’ve finished flowering—leave them be until early winter, when they’ll naturally die back. Trust me, patience pays off with this one.
2. Sanguisorba ‘Red Thunder’ (Burnet)
When I mention to people that I’ve planted Sanguisorba ‘Red Thunder’ in a garden, most of them have no idea what I’m talking about. And that’s part of what makes it so special. This burnet is a beauty—a bit like adding a touch of wild meadow magic to your garden. It features tall, slender stems topped with fluffy burgundy-red flowers that sway gently in the breeze, bringing movement and texture to any border.
I first used Sanguisorba in my own garden, mixing it in with ornamental grasses to create a naturalistic look. The way it moves in the wind gives the garden this soft, undulating energy that feels alive, almost like a living painting. Every time the wind picks up, you can see the garden breath.
One year, I planted Sanguisorba in a client’s cottage garden. The plan was to create a relaxed, wildflower meadow feel, and ‘Red Thunder’ was the perfect fit. The client was delighted with how the flowers seemed to dance in the wind, adding life and motion to the garden.
Planting and Care Tips for Sanguisorba
Sanguisorba prefers a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. It’s pretty adaptable but does best in moist soil—so think about planting it near a pond or in a spot that gets regular watering.
When planting, space them out generously as they can spread and form a natural clump over time. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots, add some compost to the bottom, and water them well after planting. These plants are relatively drought-tolerant once established but will perform better with regular moisture. If you’re in a drier part of the country, consider mulching around the base to help retain water.
Cutting them back in late winter or early spring will keep them looking neat and encourage strong growth for the next season. They are low maintenance and look great for ages—what more could you want?
3. Chelone obliqua (Turtlehead)
I’ll be honest: Chelone obliqua was a plant I stumbled upon by accident while reading an article about perennials for damp gardens. (Yes, I’m that person who reads plant articles in my spare time.) The name intrigued me because, let’s face it, “Turtlehead” is an odd name for a plant. But once I saw the blooms, I was hooked.
The flowers are striking—a rich pinkish-purple that looks almost like a snapdragon. I decided to plant it near the pond in my garden where the soil tends to stay quite moist, and it’s been thriving ever since. Turtlehead flowers appear in late summer, just as many other plants are winding down, providing a fresh burst of color when the garden needs it most.
I remember the first time my neighbor peeked over the fence and asked, “What is that?!” It’s the kind of plant that piques curiosity, and I love that about it. Sometimes the unusual ones are the best conversation starters.
Planting and Care Tips for Turtlehead
Chelone obliqua thrives in damp soil, so if you’ve got a waterlogged area or a boggy patch that’s been causing headaches, this is the plant for you. It does well in partial shade to full sun, though it really shines in a spot that gets a few hours of morning light followed by some shade during the hotter part of the day.
When planting Turtlehead, make sure the soil stays consistently moist but not soggy. Adding compost or organic matter to the soil before planting will improve its structure and help with moisture retention. This plant enjoys a bit of space to spread, so give it room to grow. I’d also suggest a light mulch in the spring to keep the roots cool and happy.
Turtleheads are pretty easy-going—just keep them watered, especially during dry spells. Deadheading the spent blooms will keep them looking tidy, though it’s not strictly necessary. At the end of the season, cut them back to the ground and watch them return stronger the next year.
4. Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Firetail’ (Mountain Fleece)
The first time I encountered Persicaria ‘Firetail’ was during a visit to a friend’s garden in the Peak District. She had this gorgeous display of deep red flower spikes that seemed to be reaching for the sky, and I just had to ask what they were. When she told me they were Persicaria, I was immediately intrigued.
I’ve since planted Persicaria ‘Firetail’ in my own garden, and it’s become a real feature. This plant is incredibly long-flowering, with those striking red spikes blooming from midsummer all the way through to late autumn. It’s amazing how it manages to keep going strong when so many other plants have already called it a season.
One autumn evening, just before the first frost, I took a stroll through the garden and noticed the Persicaria still holding on, glowing in the fading sunlight. It’s these kinds of moments that make gardening so rewarding.
Planting and Care Tips for Persicaria
Persicaria is a robust plant that thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it adaptable to many garden settings. The key with Persicaria ‘Firetail’ is to give it plenty of moisture, especially in the growing season. It loves moisture-retentive soil, so adding compost to your planting hole will really help get it off to a good start.
When planting, space them out to allow for some airflow between plants. They can be pretty vigorous growers, so give them plenty of room to expand. Water them thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to keep the roots cool and the soil damp.
Persicaria doesn’t need much maintenance throughout the year, but deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms and keep them looking fresh. At the end of the season, cut the plant back to the ground. I promise it’ll come back next year even better than before.
5. Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon)
If you want to make a statement, Cynara cardunculus, or Cardoon, is the way to go. This architectural giant has dramatic silvery foliage and towering, thistle-like flowers that steal the show in any garden. I first saw a Cardoon in a public garden, where it was towering over everything else, and I knew I had to have one.
The leaves are so striking—big, bold, and silvery-grey—and when the flowers appear in late summer, they add a whole new layer of drama. I’ve planted mine in a sunny, well-drained spot in my garden, and it quickly became the star of the show. Plus, the bees absolutely love the purple thistle-like blooms, so it’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking to support pollinators.
One summer, we had an unusually wet July, and I worried the Cardoon wouldn’t hold up. To my surprise, it thrived and became even more magnificent, towering above the other plants like a giant, silver sentinel.
Planting and Care Tips for Cardoon
Cardoons need space—don’t underestimate how big this plant can get! They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil, so if you’ve got a sunny spot with plenty of space, this is your go-to plant. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball, and mix in some grit or sand to ensure good drainage. They don’t like to have wet feet, especially in winter.
Water them regularly during the growing season, especially when they’re getting established. Once they’re settled in, they’re pretty drought-tolerant. As the foliage grows, you can remove some of the lower leaves to keep the plant looking neat and to show off those stunning silvery stems.
In winter, protect the plant’s crown with a mulch of straw or compost to guard against frost. And don’t worry if it looks a bit sad in the colder months—it’ll bounce back in the spring.
6. Kirengeshoma palmata (Yellow Wax Bells)
I fell in love with Kirengeshoma palmata purely because of the name—there’s something so whimsical about it, don’t you think? I ordered it on a whim from Crocus.co.uk, without really knowing much about it, but it’s quickly become one of my favorite perennials.
This plant is perfect for shady spots, with its large, maple-like leaves and clusters of pale yellow, waxy flowers that appear in late summer. I’ve planted it in a shaded area near the back of my garden, and it’s added a softness that’s hard to come by with other shade-loving plants. I love how it brightens up those darker corners and provides interest at a time when many plants are starting to fade.
I remember showing it off to a friend who hadn’t seen anything like it before. She was so taken by the delicate, bell-shaped blooms that she went out and ordered some for her own garden. The joy of sharing plants is one of the best parts of gardening, isn’t it?
Planting and Care Tips for Kirengeshoma
Kirengeshoma thrives in partial to full shade, making it a perfect fit for those trickier parts of the garden that get less sunlight. It loves moist, well-drained soil, so add some organic matter like compost or leaf mold to the planting hole to enrich the soil and improve moisture retention.
When planting, space them out as they can form a nice, rounded clump over time. They aren’t the fastest growers, so be patient—it’s well worth the wait! Mulching around the base in spring will help keep the roots cool and moist during the warmer months.
Water them regularly, especially during dry spells, and avoid letting the soil dry out completely. At the end of the season, cut them back to the ground and watch them return with even more vigor next spring.
7. Eryngium planum ‘Blue Hobbit’ (Sea Holly)
Eryngium planum ‘Blue Hobbit’ is one of those plants that divides opinion—you either love it or hate it. Personally, I’m in the “love it” camp. This compact version of traditional Sea Holly has stunning steely-blue flowers and spiky foliage that adds texture and interest to any garden.
I’ve planted mine in a dry, sunny spot that’s inhospitable to most other plants, yet it has thrived with very little attention. The spiky blooms appear in mid to late summer and last well into autumn, providing long-lasting interest. I also love using them in dried flower arrangements—they hold their color and shape beautifully.
One year, I decided to experiment with cutting the flowers early and drying them for indoor arrangements. They turned out to be the most durable, vibrant dried flowers I’ve ever had—proof that a bit of experimentation can lead to delightful surprises.
Planting and Care Tips for Sea Holly
Sea Holly thrives in poor, well-drained soil, making it perfect for those areas of the garden where other plants may struggle. It loves full sun and does well in exposed, windy spots where its strong stems won’t be blown over.
When planting, ensure the soil is well-drained—mixing in some grit or sand is a good idea if your soil is heavy. They don’t need much water once established, so they’re perfect for those tricky dry spots. Be careful not to overwater as they dislike sitting in soggy soil.
Sea Holly requires very little maintenance, making it a great plant for those who want impact without too much effort. At the end of the season, leave the seed heads for some winter interest or cut them for dried arrangements.
8. Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Common Spotted Orchid)
Who says you can’t grow orchids in the UK? Dactylorhiza fuchsii, or the Common Spotted Orchid, is a hardy, UK-native perennial that adds an unexpected touch of elegance to any garden. I first came across this plant while hiking in the Lake District, where it was growing wild in a meadow. I was so enchanted by its delicate pink flowers that I knew I had to track some down for my own garden.
These orchids are surprisingly easy to grow and will thrive in moist, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot. I planted mine near a small pond in my garden, and they’ve come back year after year, adding a touch of magic to the garden each spring and summer.
I once had a friend over who insisted orchids were too delicate for the UK climate. When I showed her my thriving patch of Dactylorhiza, she was completely floored. It’s moments like these that make gardening so satisfying.
Planting and Care Tips for Orchids
Dactylorhiza fuchsii thrives in moist, well-drained soil, so plant it in a spot where the soil retains moisture but isn’t waterlogged. They do well in both full sun and partial shade, though a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day will help them thrive.
When planting, dig in plenty of organic matter like compost or leaf mold to improve the soil structure and moisture retention. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering as orchids dislike sitting in waterlogged soil.
In winter, protect the roots with a layer of mulch to help guard against frost. These orchids are pretty low maintenance—once they’re established, they’ll happily return year after year with very little fuss.
9. Podophyllum ‘Spotty Dotty’ (Mayapple)
Last but certainly not least is Podophyllum ‘Spotty Dotty’, also known as Mayapple. A bit of a rogue choice, and not everyone’s cup of tea! This is one of the most unusual plants in my garden, and I absolutely love it for its quirky, tropical-looking foliage. The leaves are large, lobed, and covered in striking spots, giving the plant a bold, almost prehistoric look.
I planted mine in a shady, sheltered spot, and it’s added a real sense of drama to that part of the garden. In late spring, you’ll also get the added bonus of unusual red-brown flowers that appear beneath the foliage—if you can find them! It’s like a little treasure hunt every year.
One spring, I was out in the garden with my morning coffee, and I spotted one of those hidden blooms peeking out from under the large leaves. It felt like discovering a little secret that the garden was keeping just for me.
Planting and Care Tips for Mayapple
Podophyllum ‘Spotty Dotty’ thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shady spots under trees. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, so adding organic matter to the planting hole will help improve the soil structure and moisture retention.
When planting, space them out to allow the leaves to spread and create a striking display. They’re slow growers, so patience is key, but once established, they’ll reward you with their dramatic foliage and hidden flowers.
Water them regularly during dry spells, especially during the first few years, to help them establish a strong root system. Mulching around the base in spring will keep the soil cool and moist, giving them the best chance to thrive.
Bringing It All Together
These nine unusual perennials have transformed my garden from something ordinary into something truly unique and personal. There’s something special about finding plants that aren’t in every garden on the street—plants that make people stop and ask, “What’s that?” With Crocus.co.uk’s fantastic selection, it’s easier than ever to get your hands on these hidden gems.
If you’re feeling like your garden could use a bit of a shake-up, why not give some of these unusual perennials a try? Whether you’re looking to brighten up a shady corner, add some bold structure to a border, or simply bring a bit of unexpected beauty into your space, there’s something here for every garden. For extra tips and tricks, check out this guide from Gardener’s World for other unusual perennial suggestions: https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/unusual-perennials-to-grow/
Remember, gardening is all about experimenting and having fun. Some of my favorite plants started as a gamble, and they’ve ended up bringing me the most joy. So, don’t be afraid to step outside the box—your garden deserves it. Happy planting!
