An architectural perennial with deeply lobed, dark green foliage accompanied by spikes of white flower with purple-shaded bracts. Grow in any soil in sun or partial shade, although plants will thrive in deep fertile soil.
Flowers late summer.
Achillea
Height 60cm (24 inches)
Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart
Easy to grow and make great cut flowers. Grow in any moist, well-drained soil in full sun, although plants will tolerate most conditions. Remove flowers as they fade.
Flowers summer.
Aconitum
Height 90cm (36 inches)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
A unique border plant producing spikes of hooded blooms, often in blue. Best grown in cool, moist, fertile soil in partial shade, although may tolerate other soils.
Flowers summer to autumn.
Agapanthus
Height 80-90cm (31-35 inches)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
This attractive blue flowered perennial grows best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Plant in a sheltered sunny position, e.g. in a border by a sunny wall or fence. Alternatively, plant in groups or plant singly into large containers using a soil-based potting mix. Plants perform best if left undisturbed as overcrowding improves the flowering performance. Plants will also appreciate a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly from spring onwards. Mulch plants with organic matter in late autumn to give added winter protection. 'Tinkerbell' is a dwarf form, reaching 50cm (20 inches) and is suitable for planting one per 30cm (12 inches) container for a sheltered, sunny part of the garden.
Flowers mid to late summer.
Alchemilla
Height 60cm (24 inches)
Plant 60cm (24 inches) apart
Grow in any ordinary soil in full sun or partial shade. Deadhead regularly and cut back growth during summer to encourage a fresh, new foliage display. Also makes a fine cut flower.
Flowers early summer to autumn.
Alstroemeria
Height 50cm (20 inches)
Plant 60cm (24 inches) apart
This delightful plant is known as the Peruvian Lily, and makes an ideal cut flower. For planting out in the open ground, choose a site in sun or partial shade, with good shelter. The soil should be fertile and moist, but not over-wet. Waterlogged soil causes more plants to die in the winter than cold weather. Plant tubers horizontally, 20cm (8 inches) deep. Water freely during the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Cut back foliage in autumn and give the plants a good dry winter mulch, such as straw or bracken, to protect the roots from hard winter frosts. Left undisturbed, plants will establish well and produce good clumps within a few years. Shorter varieties can be grown in patio containers, use three per 30cm (16 inches) container. During the winter, store pots in a frost-free shed or greenhouse.
Flowers summer.
Aquilegia
Height 30-60cm (12-24 inches)
Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart
Columbines are very easy plants for the border, simply provide a fertile, slightly moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. 'Danish Dwarf' is a unique compact, bushy type, also suitable for containers.
Flowers spring to summer.
Astilbe
Height 90cm (36 inches)
Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart
Fabulous as a garden or patio plant, provided the soil is kept moist at all times. Ideal in full sun. Best planted in groups in the garden or use 3 plants per large container.
Flowers spring to summer.
Astrantia
Height 60-90cm (24-36 inches)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
Attractive plants with palmate foliage and papery flower-heads. Requires a humus-rich, moist, fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. Plant bareroot plants just below the surface of the soil, spreading the 'fingers' of the root fully. Remove flowers as they fade to encourage a second blooming.
Flowers early to mid summer.
Campanula (Rockery)
Height 12cm (5 inches)
Plant 23cm (9 inches) apart
Easy to grow and ideal for rockeries and the front of borders, containers and baskets. Suitable for moist, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade.
Flowers summer. Hardy perennial.
Campanula (Herbaceous)
Height 60-90cm (24-36 inches)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
Reliable cottage garden plants, which offer a long flowering period. Plant in fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or partial shade. Partial shade is best for preserving the delicate flower colours. Tall species will require staking.
Flowers summer.
Cerinthe
Height 30-45cm (12-18 inches)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
Cerinthe are easy to grow, exotic-looking plants, which are spectacular in borders or containers. Plant 3 per 30cm (16 inches) container. Plant out in full sun and a light well drained soil. Cerinthe can be reliable perennials, but do not like winter wet. In heavy soils or soils that are prone to lie wet, fork some drainage material, grit, rubble or straw into the base of the planting hole. Plants may also self-seed in the autumn to produce strong plants for flowering the following summer, if this is not required then remove flower-heads as they fade. Please note that white spots on the foliage are normal.
Flowers summer.
Chrysanthemum
Height 105cm (42 inches)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
Plant in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Easily grown. Remove faded blooms regularly to encourage further flowering.
Flowers early summer into autumn. Hardy perennial.
Coreopsis & Geum
Height 45cm (18 inches)
Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart
They like a position in full sun and ordinary well-drained soil. They are excellent in borders where they have a long flowering season and are good for cutting. They are hardy except for really severe winters.
Cyclamen
Height 10-15cm (4-6 inches)
Plant 15cm (6 inches) apart
Most people think of Cyclamen as houseplants, but you can grow these miniature hardy versions in the garden. Cyclamen coum flower in February and the C. neopolitanum (C. hederifolium) variety flower in autumn, bringing a splash of pink, red or white (depending on the variety) to a shady spot. They are most happy in a well-drained, humus rich soil in partial shade.
Delphinium
Height 1.2-1.5m (4-5 feet)
Plant 60cm (24 inches) apart
Plant in a sunny position with shelter from cold, drying winds. Plants will appreciate a deeply dug, well-drained soil with plenty of well-rotted compost. Provide means of support and remove flower spikes as they fade to encourage a second flush. Cut spikes just below the last flower head. Each autumn cut back all plants to ground level. 'Laurin', 38cm (15 inches) is an annual Delphinium suitable for containers, although can be used as a short-lived perennial if given winter protection.
Flowers summer.
Dianthus
Height 30-45cm (12-18 inches)
Plant 38cm (15 inches) apart
Pinch out growing tip 2 weeks after potting. Perfect for patio pots but not suitable for hanging baskets or Flower Pouches. The wonderful fragrance will fill the air. Remove individual blooms as they fade. Pinks are winter hardy under normal conditions. However, if your plants are in heavy, wet soil they will benefit from some sharp gravel incorporated into the soil to help improve drainage. Wet soil kills more Pinks than cold weather. Don't forget Pinks make perfect cut flowers.
Echinacea
Height 45-60cm (18-24 inches)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
Makes a long-lasting border plant with great flowering performance. Suitable for a deep, rich, well-drained soil in full sun, although will tolerate some shade. Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage further flowering. Flowers are ideal for cutting.
Flowers summer.
Eryngium
Height 75cm (30 inches)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
A vivid flower for the border, producing metallic blue, conical heads over a long period. Plant the wiry bareroot pieces vertically so that the tip is just below the soil. Provide any relatively moist, well-drained soil in full sun, will tolerate very poor soils. However, it is very important to avoid excessive wet winter conditions.
Flowers mid summer to early autumn.
Euphorbia
Height 30-60cm (12-24 inches)
Plant 60cm (24 inches) apart
The Euphorbia genus is wonderfully diverse and boasts a great many good garden plants. The characias species forms are good for spring displays, whilst most others flower during the summer, with 'Dixter' also having great autumn foliage colour. Most are suitable for moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, although 'Dixter' prefers a moist soil in dappled shade. 'Redwing' can be grown in a 30cm (16 inches) container of good soil-based potting mix.
Flowers from spring to summer.
Foxglove
Height 75-90cm (30-36 inches)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
Grow in almost any soil except those that are excessively wet or dry. Prefers a position in partial shade, although will also grow in full sun. Remove faded flower spikes to boost a second flush.
Fuchsia Hardy
Height 30-40cm (12-16 inches)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
Advisable to protect the roots from very hard frost during the winter with a mulch. Cut plant back to ground level in early spring.
Geranium (Perennial)
Height 15-90cm (6-36 inches)
Planting distance variable
Geraniums are a versatile genus, with many different forms, habits, foliage types and flower colours. Suitable for full sun or partial shade and a good, well-drained soil. They can often be grown in quite dry soils, and can give rapid ground covering in a sunny place. Avoid waterlogged soils, and provide smaller species with sharper drainage. During growth, watering freely and applying a balanced liquid fertiliser in spring and early summer can boost performance. Plants will flower through the season, although may cease flowering in the heat of the summer only to have a second flush later. You may wish to cut down all dying foliage in autumn, as this can be rather untidy. In late summer, mildew (small white patches on the foliage) can be a problem. Routine spraying with a recommended systemic fungicide will ensure your plants stay healthy for the following year's flowers. Some smaller types may also suitable for patio container growing.
Flowers late spring to early autumn.
Hemerocallis
Height 45-60cm (18-24 inches)
Plant 60-90cm (24-36 inches) apart
The Day Lily is an extremely versatile, easy to grow and long lasting garden plant. Plant in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun, although will also survive in poor dry soils, and give rapid growth and prolific flower throughout summer. Flowering performance can be affected if plants are in the shade. The smaller forms such as 'Little Missie' are also suitable for container planting, use 3 per 30cm (16 inches) pot. From spring until buds develop, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 or 3 weeks to boost flowering. As the flowers fade, remove them to encourage further blooms. Mulch plants with fresh compost in late autumn or spring, and divide plants every 3 to 4 years.
Flowers summer.
Hepatica
Height 15cm (6 inches)
Plant 20cm (8 inches) apart
A small perennial, often with blue-mauve flowers, and suitable for a woodland garden or shady rock garden. Provide a position in dappled shade in humus-rich and moist, but well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Mulch plants each year with garden compost in autumn. Plants will develop and multiply well if left undisturbed. You can also grow them in pots in the alpine house.
Flowers early spring.
Heuchera
Height 25-30cm (10-12 inches)
Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart
Fantastic foliage plants in an array of colours, they also produce spikes of flower during summer. Grow in fertile, moist but well drained soil in either sun or partial shade. Mulch plants each year in autumn with well-rotted compost.
Flowers summer.
Hollyhock
Height 1.5-1.8m (5-6 feet)
Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart
As with many tall herbaceous plants, Hollyhock will benefit from some kind of support. In early spring, watch for slug damage. It is worth applying slug pellets prior to any damage being noticed. Rust (small rings of orange/brown powder) can be troublesome to Hollyhocks. Routine spraying with a recommended fungicide will keep the problem at bay. As the flowers fade, cut back the flowering stems almost to ground level this will often encourage a second flourish.
Hosta
Height 30-60cm (12-24 inches)
Plant 30-90cm (12-36 inches) apart
A luxurious range of perennials with attractive marked foliage and scented summer blooms. Best planted in groups in the garden for maximum impact. Provide a moist, fertile, well-drained soil in partial shade, a summer mulch of fresh compost will help maintain moisture. Hostas such as 'Sum & Substance' can tolerate sunnier conditions. Regularly apply slug pellets or deterrents to ensure the foliage does not become disfigured. Hostas also make fabulous patio container plants. For a full display, plant 3 in a 30cm (16 inches) container. Keep moist at all times.
Flowers throughout summer.
Knautia (see scabiosa)
Kniphofia
Height 90cm (36 inches)
Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart
Plant into deep, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade. Water as required until established.
Flowers mid summer into autumn. Hardy perennial.
Lavender
Height 45cm (18 inches)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
Prefers an ordinary, well-drained soil and full sun. Remove faded flowers regularly and cut back lightly after flowering. For drying, cut flowers when just opening into bud. In very cold winters they can benefit from being grown against a wall or fence for protection.
Flowers summer
.
Liatris
Height 75cm-90cm (30 inches-36 inches)
Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart
Easy to grow and suitable for well-drained soil in full sun. Flowers are ideal for cutting. Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage further flowering.
Flowers summer. Hardy perennial.
Lobelia
Height 60cm (24 inches)
Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart
The herbaceous types of Lobelia are beautiful and ideal for the cottage garden. Plant out in any well-drained soil in sun or light dappled shade. Do not allow to dry out during summer, and try to avoid excessive winter wet.
Flowers mid summer to early autumn.
Lupin
Height 1.2m (4 feet)
Plant 45-90cm (18-36 inches) apart
Lupins are versatile perennials that prefer to be grown in an open, sunny site that has good drainage and moderate fertility. They will flower continually during the summer. Remove dying spikes to encourage further blooms.
Flowers summer.
Michauxia
Height 1.5m (5 feet)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
An unusual plant for the border, prefers a moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, alkaline soil if possible. Also benefits from a dry winter mulch.
Flowers midsummer
.
Monarda
Height 60cm (24 inches)
Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart
The Sweet Bergamot is a delightful border plant, producing scarlet-red blooms, or shades of pink and mauve. Plant in any fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in sun or dappled shade. Do not allow plants to dry out during summer, and try to avoid excessive winter wet.
Flowers mid summer to early autumn.
Omphalodes
Height 25cm (10 inches)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
A fantastic perennial for the shaded woodland garden, Omphalodes enjoy humus-rich, moist and moderately fertile, well-drained soil in partial shade.
Flowers early spring.
Penstemon
Height 50-90cm (20-36 inches)
Plant 45-60cm (18-24 inches) apart
Penstemons enjoy a position in full sun and any ordinary, well-drained soil. They are excellent in borders where they have a long flowering season and are good for cutting. Provide a dry winter mulch for added protection if winter is severe.
Flowers summer.
Phlox
Height 50-90cm (20-36 inches)
Plant 45-60cm (18-24 inches) apart
Vibrant plants for the herbaceous border, Phlox are long flowering and colourful and make good cut flowers. Provide a position in full sun or partial shade, and moist, fertile well-drained soil.
Flowers mid summer.
Phlox Subulata
Height 10cm (4 inches) Spread 45cm (18 inches)
This collection of colour co-ordinated varieties of Phlox is perfect for ground cover in borders. Its rich green foliage will become smothered with delicate flowers throughout the months of April, May and June. Plant in good garden soil in sun or light shade.
Phygelius
Height 75-90cm (30-36 inches)
Plant 90cm (36 inches) apart
Phygelius are a colourful selection of plants ideal for borders or container growing. Grow in a moist, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. They should be hardy in all but most northern regions, however a dry mulch over the winter months will give extra protection. During spring, cut back any shoots that spoil symmetry of the plant, your plants will not require any pruning other than this.
Flowers summer. Hardy Perennial.
Poppy
Height 60-75cm (24-30 inches)
Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart
Perennial Poppies make wonderful border plants and can also be used as cut flowers. Grow in deep, fertile soil in full sun. Watch out for slug damage especially in wet periods, apply slug pellets as and when required or use slug control methods. Flowers late spring to mid summer. Poppy Champagne Bubbles makes a wonderful cut flower. After cutting the blooms, plunge the bottom 1.25cm (½ inches) of stem into boiling water for 30 seconds. This will ensure the blooms do not droop and last longer.
Potentilla
Height 45-60cm (18-24 inches)
Plant 60cm ( 24 inches) apart
A clump-forming perennial with toothed foliage and brightly coloured blooms. Grow in any poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun. Flowers late spring to autumn. After flowering, cut back shoots to within 2.5cm (1 inches) of previous years growth. This may encourage further blooming. Hardy shrub.
Primula
Height 30-45cm (12-18 inches)
Plant 23-30cm (9-12 inches) apart
A wide genus, Primulas prefer a deep, humus-rich, moist soil in partial shade, however will tolerate full sun provided the soil stays moist at all times. Can be grown in bogs or near ponds, although are also suitable for the border. Watch for slug damage in early spring. Primulas self seed easily so a large drift can quickly be established.
Flowers spring.
Pulsatilla
Height 30cm (12 inches)
Plant 20cm (8 inches) apart
Pulsatillas are ideal for rock gardens. Grow in fertile soil in full sun, with sharp drainage. You should also protect plants from excessive winter moisture. Pulsatillas dislike disturbance and may take a few years to establish. Can also be grown in the alpine house in containers, use a potting mix of equal parts soil-based mix and grit.
Flowers early spring.
Rudbeckia
Height 1.2-1.5m (4-5 feet)
Plant 60cm (24 inches) apart
A good plant for the back of the border. Easy to grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage further flushes, makes an excellent cut flower.
Flowers summer.
Salvia
Height 30-90cm (12-36 inches)
Plant 45-60cm (18-24 inches) apart
Salvias come in a wide range of varieties, some with attractive marked foliage and low bushy habits, and other border types have profuse flowering and great presence in the border. Grow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or very light shade. Species with woolly foliage may need sharper drainage. For all Salvias, try to avoid excess winter moisture.
Flowers summer to autumn.
Scabiosa Knautia
Height 60-90cm (24-36 inches)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
Scabious are beautiful cottage garden plants in an array of pastel shades. Plant in a light, moist but well-drained soil, plants can rot in heavy damp soils, and you should also try to avoid winter wet. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering.
Flowers mid to late summer.
Sedum
Height 60cm (24 inches)
Plant 60cm (24 inches) apart
An easy perennial producing clumps if succulent, blue-green foliage and later in summer, flat heads of pinky buds opening to vivid ruby red blooms. Grow in fertile, well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. May tolerate very slight shade.
Flowers late summer onwards. Hardy Perennial.
Stokesia
Height 60cm (24 inches)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
This perennial plant will produce delicate cornflower-like flowers throughout summer if deadheaded regularly. Plant in a light, moist but well-drained acid soil, add some ericaceous compost to the soil at planting time if your soil is alkaline.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Height 30cm (12 inches)
Plant 20cm (8 inches) apart
Thyme does best in poor soil that is well drained. It is a drought-loving plant and will not need protection from cold winds and hard winters. It is, however, important to trim thyme after flowering since this encourages new growth and prevents sprawling. Thyme is, however, best in containers (especially in cold areas). The soil should be low in nutrients and free draining. Use a peat, grit and bark mix of compost; water infrequently in the summer and not at all in the winter. Feed only occasionally in the summer.
Tricyrtis
Height 75cm (30 inches)
Plant 60cm (24 inches) apart
Toad Lilies are a rhizomatous perennial with erect growth and colourful, patterned flowers. Plant in a position in deep or partial shade in humus-rich, moist well-drained soil. Try to avoid excessive winter wet, and protect with a dry mulch, such as straw or a cloche in cold areas.
Flowers late summer to autumn.v
Verbascum
Height 90-150cm (3-5 feet)
Plant 90cm (36 inches) apart
Cottage garden favourites. Verbascums are easy to grow in neutral to alkaline, poor, well-drained soil in full sun. Remove dying spikes as they occur to prolong flowering.
Flowers summer.
Verbena bonariensis
Height 2m (6 feet)
Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart
An easy to grow and reliable perennial for the cottage garden border, producing vivid sprays of lilac-purple flowers. Suitable for any moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Cut down flowered stems each autumn.
Flowers summer to early autumn.
Veronica
Height 45-60cm (18-24 inches)
Plant 30-45cm (12-18 inches) apart
Veronicas are often neat, carpeting plants with spires of blue, mauve, pink or white flowers. Prefers a position in full sun or partial shade and a loamy, moist, poor to fertile well-drained soil.
