Rare plants exhibition comes to Fota House

Around 20 exhibitors are expected, many of whom import and propagate unique plants not previously available in Ireland (Pic: Pexels)

Ireland’s first display and sale of rare plants takes place at Fota House, Co Cork, hosted by the Irish Specialist Nursery Association

Horticulture

Read More: Fota House Gerry Hartford ISNA

10 September 2025

The exhibition is organised by the Irish Specialist Nursery Association (ISNA) as some of the world’s rarest plants will be displayed and sold in Ireland for the first time at a special event in Fota House, Co Cork, on 14 September.

The ISNA’s expert growers will also be on hand to offer advice on cultivating rare species in Irish conditions.

Growing interest

Around 20 exhibitors are expected, many of whom import and propagate unique plants not previously available in Ireland.

“Interest is growing all the time in bringing new and more spectacular plants into gardens,” said ISNA secretary Gerry Hartford.

“Enthusiasts are getting younger too, partly thanks to greater awareness through online education and inspiration.”

Among the plants making their Irish debut are:

Ertngium pandanifolium ‘Physic Purple’ – an evergreen perennial with sword-like blue-green leaves and cone-like red flowers appearing late summer to autumn.
Linaria anticaria ‘Antique Silver’ – a compact, front-of-border perennial forming a dense cushion of slender stems.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Beth Chatto’ – a graceful flowering grass named after the renowned English gardener.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Volcano’ – featuring fountain-shaped flowers that transform from corkscrew curls to purple-brown plumes in autumn.
Salvia guarantica ‘Plum Crazy’ – striking plum-purple flowers blooming from early summer into autumn.
Lagunaria patersonii – rarely seen shrubs from Australia.

The ISNA, which represents smaller specialist nurseries across Ireland, emphasises that most stock is propagated by members themselves or sourced from artisan growers abroad.

The event will run from 11am to 4pm adjacent to the Fota House car park, with food and coffee vendors available on-site.

Admission is €5 per adult, with free entry for children.

Read More: Fota House Gerry Hartford ISNA

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