The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word PETUNIAS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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More clues leading to the result PETUNIAS
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The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PETUNIAS mean?
PETUNIAS noun- Any of the flowering plants of genus Petunia, of which most garden varieties are hybrids.
- A dark purple colour, like that of some petunia flowers.