Regions: South India

The national flower — a big tub, full sun and patience is all it takes.

The kewda of Odisha — spiny leaves and a male flower distilled for scent.

The white frangipani of temple gardens, tougher than the pink and just as scented.

Flowers open white and turn crimson over three days; scents a whole verandah.

Purple trumpet flushes twice a year, and leaves that smell of garlic when crushed.

Blue butterfly pea — a light climber that fixes nitrogen and makes blue tea.

Passion flower — intricate blooms and the host plant of tawny coster butterflies.

Host plant for tiger butterflies — plant one and the caterpillars arrive.

A relentless nectar plant — and an invasive that must be kept in a pot.

Flat clusters of small stars that butterflies can actually land on.