By Ellen Presley

Special to the Record

What鈥檚 new and exciting for 2023? I鈥檝e picked five new or unusual plants that you can add to your garden to take it from ordinary to 鈥榳ow!鈥�

Orchids are beautiful but can be tender and a bit finicky; not the award-winning Bletilla striata (Chinese Ground Orchid)(one to two feet). A native to China, Japan and Tibet, this hardy orchid is easy to care for and rewards you with an exotic-looking flower. The long slender leaves are pale green and pleated. The flower sits atop a slender stem and showcases a delicate 2鈥� wide pinkish-purple orchid bloom. It loves organic-rich, moist but well-drained soil and prefers part shade. Absolutely exquisite.

For a tropical-looking plant, try Colocasia esculenta (Taro) 鈥楤lue Hawaii,鈥� which has spectacular foliage. Unlike the leaves of Alocasia, which point skyward, the leaves of Colocasia point toward the ground. 鈥楤lue Hawaii鈥� has dark burgundy stems and amazing heart-shaped green leaves with bluish-purple edges and veins. When the sun shines behind the leaf the effect is outstanding. This hassle-free tropical makes a sensational focal point at 5 feet tall and two feet wide. Protect it from strong winds and give it lots of water. In fact, it can be planted in up to six inches of water, making it ideal for ponds or near streams. A lovely architectural plant for your garden or pond.

Tired of using Dracaena (spikes) for the centre of your pots? Try Strobilanthes dyeriana (Persian Shield), which grows one to three feet tall. Another outstanding foliage plant with flashy green/purple iridescent leaves with a silvery metallic sheen. Although the common name calls it Persian, it is actually a native to Burma and is grown as an annual here. Fabulous in planters or used as a houseplant, give it full sun to part shade and average water.

The Lily 鈥榋ambezi鈥� (OT Lily) is the tallest, largest and most fragrant of all the lilies. It is a cross between an oriental and a trumpet lily, has four to six large white blooms per stem, and an intoxicating scent that will dazzle you all summer long. It attracts bees and butterflies and makes a beautiful cut flower. Elegant, flamboyant and towering at four feet tall with ostentatious flowers, this plant is a real head-turner.

I will end with a hot item: the pepper, 鈥楾he Carolina Reaper鈥� which is red and gnarled with a bumpy texture. It is currently the hottest pepper in the world at 2 million Scoville heat units ( a typical jalapeno pepper has 5,000 Scoville heat units). It was developed by Ed Currie from Carolina by crossing a Pakistani Naga with a red habanero type from St. Vincent鈥檚 Island in the West Indies. It grows four feet tall and despite the heat it is surprisingly fruity and sweet. Great for making hot sauce, jellies or make into a powder to use in cooking.

Adding unusual plants to your garden every year makes it more interesting. It spurs amazing conversations with friends and family and lets you explore more of the wonders of nature.

Happy gardening!

Ellen Presley is the owner of Anderton Nursery, at 2012 Anderton Rd., Comox. Visit andertonnursery.ca

SPRING IN THE GARDEN: Do you have a favourite flower or plant?