If you don't have a rare plant but would like to be a Plant Guardian, here are some ideas of how to find one.
Check your garden, and ask friends and family
You might already have something in your garden that counts as 'rare'. We treat plants that are not readily available from commercial suppliers as rare and it is easy for plants that are not in fashion to slip out of nursery catalogues. This is where eagle eyed gardeners come in! If you don't have something, your friends or family might well. People love to pass on plants.
If you know the name of your plant, it's easy to check whether it is still available from commercial suppliers through the RHS 'Plant Finder' (you can buy a copy of this from the RHS or use their website). If there are two or fewer suppliers in the RHS Plant Finder, it may be eligible for the Plant Guardian scheme.
Euphorbia epithymoides compact
C Maclaughlin
Begonia 'Skeezar'
Roz Cooper
Small specialist nurseries and National Collection Holders
Many smaller nurseries will specialise in one particular type of plant, and it is here that you are likely to find rarities. Many of our local Plant Heritage groups also organise plant fairs, where you can buy rare and unusual plants (it's one of the ways we keep them in circulation) - keep an eye on our events page.
National Collection Holders will sometimes sell plants and they will be able to give you a good idea if the plant you have fallen for is rare. You can find details of all the National Plant Collections in our Directory as well as on our website. Plant Heritage members receive a copy of the Directory when they join (if you're not a member and would like to join, follow this link).
The RHS Plant Finder
Every year the RHS produces the Plant Finder each year - it's the place to go for information about small nurseries, for those trying to source a specific species or cultivar, or something less common. It can be searched online or you can buy the book version to keep in the car, so you can visit specialist nurseries and hunt for plants whenever you are out.
Phlox stolonifera 'Mary Belle Frey'
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