Hardy Exotics

[simon]

We were in Cornwall last week for the half term and had a visit to Hardy Exotics. I half expected to go home empty handed as there was nothing in particular I was after (except one special gem that I will metion later) and not having much space in the car, I didn't want to buy anything for the sake of it.
However, once I had a good look around I ended up with a fair basket full.

I have wanted a Rhododendron for some time but not known what to choose when looking around local nurseries and I wanted something a bit special. I managed to pick up a R. sinogrande and R. calophytum. I picked up an Agave filifera which I have had my eye on for a while, Woodwardia unigemmata - a large leaved fern with a nice open habit, and an Impatiens simply labelled "Impatiens sp."

While looking around I saw two large scheffleras that were not for sale and another couple of smaller plants when pearing into a pollytunnel that was labelled "Staff Only". I asked the lady at the kiosk when I was paying for the other plants and she ummed ans ahhed abit and said they were so rare that "he only sells them to people that are really keen". Obviously I explained how keen I was and she produced a small plant from inside the kiosk that was one of two that had been brought down to show another customer who had chosen the other one. So, I am now the proud owner of a little Schefflera taiwaniana (or taiwanense, as they label them).

[flounder]

You never know what you want, until you see 'em ;)

[Chrisg]

It is a nice little nursery. Last time I was there I ended up with exactly the same plant. I also had a similar experience with a dudleya that I really wanted, but was not for sale. I asked very nicely and they went away and talked for quite a while. I was sure I wouldn't get it, but in the end they came back with a little cutting.

It is well worth phoning ahead if you want something specific.

[charlie]

Its one of Clives more endearing qualities, he is always very reluctant to sell his plants :)

[simon]

At least it ensures that rare and hard to source plants go to those that are serious about them, rather than those that just wonder through the nursery and think "that looks nice, I'll have one of those". I suppose they not any less deserving of them than we are but at least he is doing us a favour by keeping them by.

[AndyC]

I did enjoy my visit to Hardy Exotics a few years ago, lots of interesting and unfamiliar plants that meant I kept having to find and read the labels. Great fun until I came to pay for my little haul and finding that my credit card didn't work (later found that it had been cloned).
Simon, I bought a Woodwardia unigemmata last week from Long Acre Plants, we'll have to compare notes on growth.

[tony]

My taiwaniana came from hardy exotics and has proved to be bone hardy here - down to -15 with only a layer of fleece for protection and planted in an area with no winter sun at all so it has been exposed to week upon week of frozen ground. I have also moved it twice which it didn't really complain too much about, great plant.

[SteveP]

My taiwaniana came from hardy exotics and has proved to be bone hardy here - down to -15

Sounds like I need one of these! Anybody know how they fair in pure clay?

[tony]

Can't help you myself as my soil is pure sand but I'm sure someone must have one in clay

[Chrisg]

I had mine planted out and it had no porblems at all. I added a little soil around it when I planted it but I wouldn't describe my soil as free draining. I am guessing it is similar to yours tony.