Cottage & Cut Flowers

Gladiolus 'Robinetta' produces delicate red flowers on compact spikes on elegant flower spikes that add height and movement to summer borders. The blooms open gradually from the base upwards, giving a long display and plenty of stems for cutting.

Growing to around 50–60 cm, this gladiolus forms upright, sword-like foliage and neat clumps that suit mixed planting schemes. It’s ideal for weaving through perennials or planting in small groups for a natural, airy look.

Plant corms in spring once the soil has warmed, choosing a sunny, sheltered position in well-drained soil. Work in compost and avoid waterlogged ground, which can rot corms before they establish.

Water during dry spells and keep the area weed-free while shoots emerge. In exposed sites, a simple support helps keep flower spikes upright. Deadhead spent blooms, but leave the foliage to feed the corm for next year.

Excellent as cut flowers and perfect for summer colour, gladioli also attract pollinators when grown in mixed borders. Lift and store corms after foliage dies back in colder areas, or mulch well where varieties are hardy.

Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ is a standout hardy perennial, celebrated for its unique glowing violet-blue flowers held on striking, dark purple-black stems that create a dramatic vertical accent in sunny borders and gravel gardens.

Rising from a neat, basal rosette of aromatic, grey-green foliage, the slender spikes bloom profusely from early summer. The contrast between the dark stems and the vibrant petals makes this variety architecturally superior to other salvias, maintaining its form well without flopping.

Plant in a fully sunny position in light, moderately fertile, and free-draining soil. ‘Caradonna’ is drought-tolerant once established and hates winter wet, so ensure the ground does not become waterlogged during the colder months.

Water well during its first season to establish the root system. To encourage a second flush of flowers later in the season, cut back the faded flower spikes in mid-summer. The clumps can be divided in spring every few years to maintain vigour.

A brilliant choice for pollinators, ‘Caradonna’ is a magnet for bees and butterflies. Its vertical habit makes it an excellent partner for planting alongside roses, silver-leaved artemisias, or swaying ornamental grasses like Stipa tenuissima.

Hemerocallis ‘Frans Hals’ is a dependable daylily with eye-catching, bicolour blooms that light up sunny borders, cottage gardens, and low-maintenance planting schemes throughout summer.

Forming a tidy, bushy clump of strap-like foliage, it sends up sturdy stems topped with large, funnel-shaped flowers in warm orange and yellow tones, delivering bold colour with minimal fuss.

Plant in full sun for the strongest flowering, in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Daylilies are tolerant of a wide range of soils and cope well once established, making them ideal for many gardens.

Water during prolonged dry spells in spring and early summer to support bud formation. Remove spent flower stems after flowering and tidy away dead foliage; clumps can be divided every few years if needed.

A brilliant choice for borders and cutting, ‘Frans Hals’ also supports pollinators and provides reliable structure at the front to middle of beds, pairing easily with grasses and late-summer perennials.

Salvia nemorosa ‘Ostfriesland’ (East Friesland) is a compact and highly reliable perennial sage, prized for its intense violet-purple flower spikes that bring long-lasting colour to sunny borders, gravel gardens, and wildlife-friendly planting schemes.

Forming a neat, low-growing mound of aromatic, grey-green foliage, it produces a profusion of stiff, upright stems packed with small, tubular blooms. Its dense, bushy habit makes it perfect for edging paths or adding structure without blocking views further back in the bed.

Plant in a fully sunny position for the most vibrant display, thriving in light, moderately fertile, and well-drained soil. This variety is famously drought-tolerant once established and performs exceptionally well in sandy or chalky conditions where other plants might struggle.

Water regularly during its first season to establish the roots. To extend the flowering season, cut back the faded flower spikes in mid-summer; this often triggers a fresh flush of blooms in early autumn. Clumps can be divided every few years in spring to maintain vigour.

A brilliant choice for attracting bees and butterflies, ‘Ostfriesland’ provides a rich splash of colour at the front of the border. It pairs beautifully with the silver foliage of Artemisias, the bright yellows of Rudbeckias, or the soft sway of ornamental grasses.