Fully hardy

Phlox paniculata Mixed produces an uplifting blend of scented summer flowers in a range of shades, bringing a classic cottage-garden feel to borders and delivering plenty of stems for cutting.

These hardy perennials form upright clumps and typically reach around 1–1.5m tall, carrying dense heads of starry blooms that open over weeks, providing long-lasting colour through mid to late summer.

Plant in full sun or light partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Phlox appreciates consistent moisture and benefits from a mulched root run to help prevent stress in hot weather.

Water during dry spells and deadhead to encourage further blooms. Improve airflow by spacing plants well, and cut stems back to the base in late autumn after flowering has finished.

Ideal for mixed borders and wildlife-friendly gardens, phlox pairs beautifully with grasses and daisies, and the sweetly scented flowers are also loved by pollinators throughout the summer.

Liatris spicata is a striking perennial for sunny borders, producing upright flower spikes that add height and rhythm to planting schemes, prairie-style gardens, and cutting patches in late summer.

With narrow, grass-like foliage and bottlebrush blooms in purplish-pink tones, it forms neat clumps that mix easily with grasses and daisies, bringing strong vertical accents without looking heavy.

Plant corms in full sun in light to moderately fertile soil that drains well yet stays reliably moist in summer. Avoid waterlogged winter ground, which can reduce vigour and flowering.

Water during dry spells while growth is active, and keep weeds down so stems develop strongly. Deadhead to extend the display, then cut stems back to the ground in winter once foliage has faded.

Superb for pollinator-friendly borders and long-lasting cut flowers, liatris brings colour and structure when many earlier perennials are finishing, helping to carry the garden through to autumn.

Paeonia 'Coral Charm' is a renowned early peony with large semi-double blooms that open rich coral-pink and gradually soften through peachy apricot shades as the flowers mature.

The changing colour gives the plant great garden interest, while the strong stems and substantial blooms make it a favourite for both borders and cutting.

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade, setting the eyes just below soil level and avoiding deep planting, which can reduce flowering.

Water while the plant establishes, mulch annually around the crown and allow foliage to die back naturally in autumn for the healthiest long-term clump.

Hosta sieboldiana var. elegans is a classic shade perennial prized for its bold, heavily textured foliage that adds structure to borders, woodland gardens, and large containers from spring right through autumn.

Forming a broad, clump-forming mound, this hosta develops blue-grey leaves that become even more impressive as the plant matures, creating a strong backdrop for neighbouring flowers and underplanting.

Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in a sheltered spot with partial shade. It performs best where the ground stays evenly moist, especially during the first growing season.

Water regularly in dry spells, mulch in spring to conserve moisture, and remove tired foliage as it dies back. Protect emerging growth from slugs and snails, and divide congested clumps every few years.

Ideal for shady borders and underplanting, hostas also provide valuable cover for beneficial wildlife and bring a calm, architectural feel to planting schemes where flowers can be harder to achieve.

Hemerocallis ‘Hyperion’ produces fragrant, green-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that bring bright summer colour to borders and large containers, with a natural, cottage-garden feel.

A deciduous, clump-forming perennial, it reaches around 1m in flower and forms arching strap-like foliage. Each bloom lasts a day, but plants carry many buds so you get a long season of flowers.

Plant in full sun or light partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Daylilies are tolerant of a range of soils, including heavier ground, but flowering is best where they receive good light.

Water in dry spells from spring to early summer to support bud formation, and feed in spring for strong growth. Remove spent flower stems after flowering and tidy dead foliage as required.

Perfect for mixed borders, cottage gardens and cut flowers, daylilies are dependable and long-lived. They also divide easily, so established clumps can be split to create new plants.