There is suddenly so much wild colour about the garden all competing for the attention of the visitor. The various evergreen Illicium spp. with their scented foliage and quiet charm are 1st class shrubs and small trees but often overlooked in this visual overload. The vivid red flowered plant is Illicium mexicanum which has so far proved to be hardy here belying its origins, as have the two pale flowered Asian ones below. The white flowered image is Illicium macranthum and the yellowish flower comes from Illicium simonsii.

Both of the latter two also have strong scent, detectable from a distance even on a cold winters day often before the plant is noticed. The early season in the woodland wouldn’t be the same without these wonderful additions and it is definitely worth repeat planting them in many positions so as not to miss them on a casual wander. The edible spice star anise species is Illicium verum which is also growing in the garden but care must be taken with some of the species as not all their fruits are edible.