Regions: north

A dryland shrub grown for its root; it resents wet feet more than it resents heat.

A climber that will take over a boundary wall given a chance. Grow from a stem cutting pushed into moist soil.

Wants humidity more than water — mist it, or stand the pot on a tray of pebbles and water.

A heavy feeder in a big pot. Watch for shoot borers and remove affected tips by hand early.

Rewards routine: feed, prune, and watch for aphids. Water the soil early in the day and keep the leaves dry.

A whole pharmacy in a tree, and the source of the safest home pest spray. Needs ground space — not a balcony…

Flowers best when slightly starved and thirsty — the classic mistake is watering it too well.

Nearly impossible to kill and far more likely to die of kindness than neglect. Snap a leaf for burns and sunburn. Never…

Grows in a bottle of water on a windowsill and keeps going. Best first plant for a child or a new gardener;…

Upright, architectural and forgiving of dark corners. Releases oxygen at night, which makes it a favourite for bedrooms.