Plant Heritage has urged gardeners to get behind their mission to protect 15 plant groups.

The conservation charity has issued a list, Missing Collections, highlighting the plants that are at risk of being lost.

They all serve ecological roles, including providing nectar for large and small pollinators.

If they are no longer distributed by nurseries, their absence could have far-reaching environmental consequences.

Gwen Hines, CEO at Plant Heritage, said: "Recognising plants that aren’t currently protected by being part of a National Plant Collection is hugely important.

"Many people may not realise that plants considered to be thriving might actually be at risk in the future if they don’t become part of an ongoing conservation scheme today."

Among the impactful plant groups listed are Agastache, Argyranthemum, Caryopteris, and Phlomis.

These are noteworthy for their beneficial attributes boosting our ecosystem, from attracting bees and hoverflies to providing sustenance for wildlife during different seasons.

Plant Heritage has successfully encouraged the formation of 12 different collections since 2016 by highlighting various plants in desperate need of preservation.

These include hollyhocks and Hoya, with the most recent addition being fragrant Daphne, now thriving in RHS Garden Wisley.

Ms Hines said: "Anyone can be a collection holder – you don’t need to have a huge garden or acres of space, we only ask that you have a passion for plants and conservation."

There are over 700 diverse National Plant Collections in the UK, containing over 95,000 plants.

These collections, held by individuals, nurseries, universities, and even zoos, help adapt and buffer the adverse effects of climate change. To find out more about Plant Heritage, visit their website.

Since its establishment in 1978, Plant Heritage has grown into a flourishing community of National Plant Collection Holders, Plant Guardians, members and volunteers, united in preserving the UK’s horticulture.