RHS

Galanthus nivalis is a reliable spring bulb for natural drifts and small pockets of early colour. Supplied “in the green”, it arrives with foliage attached so you can replant it soon after flowering, which can help it settle in faster than dry bulbs.

These plants are perfect for lawns, borders, and woodland edges where they can return year after year. In late winter, nodding white flowers with green touches appear on short stems, often pushing through frost. They’re especially striking when planted in generous groups and allowed to naturalise.

Plant promptly into soil that stays moist but drains well, ideally enriched with leaf mould or garden compost. Keep each clump at the same depth it was growing previously, then firm the soil around it. Water in well to settle roots and remove air pockets.

Once established, maintenance is simple. Let the foliage die back naturally so the bulb can store energy for next season’s display. Where planted in grass, delay mowing until the leaves have fully yellowed and collapsed.

For the most natural effect, repeat the planting in several small drifts and vary the spacing slightly. Snowdrops pair well with winter aconites and early narcissus, and they’re excellent for underplanting deciduous trees. With the right conditions, clumps will slowly broaden over time into a more generous seasonal carpet.

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.

Anemone × hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ is a classic Japanese anemone prized for elegant, semi‑double white flowers on tall, wiry stems from late summer into autumn. The clear white blooms brighten borders and work beautifully in twilight gardens. Each flower has a bright boss of yellow stamens for contrast.

Plant in full sun or partial shade in soil that remains moist but drains well. It’s happiest in richer ground and is well suited to the back of a border, where it can rise through neighbouring perennials and shrubs. It’s a good choice for brightening slightly shaded borders and underplanting shrubs.

As it settles in, it forms a clump and may gradually spread, so give it room and avoid disturbing it unnecessarily. The flowers are excellent for cutting, and the foliage stays attractive for much of the season. Try pairing with ferns, hostas and grasses for a calm, natural look.

Mulch annually with compost and water during dry spells to encourage plenty of blooms. In exposed sites, neighbouring plants often provide enough support, but discreet staking is helpful in windy positions. A spring mulch also helps keep roots cool, especially in sunnier gardens.

Cut stems back in late autumn, or leave them for winter structure and tidy up in spring. A timeless, award‑winning plant for late‑season colour. Given time, it can become a generous clump with a long run of blooms.

Phlox paniculata ‘David’ produces large heads of pure white, sweetly scented flowers that light up summer borders and bring a fresh, classic look to cottage and wildlife-friendly planting.

Forming an upright clump to around 1–1.5m tall, it flowers over many weeks in mid to late summer, with dense, starry blooms that open progressively and provide plenty of long stems for cutting.

Plant in full sun or light partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Phlox performs best with consistent moisture and benefits from an annual mulch to keep roots cool.

Water during dry spells and deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, then cut stems back to the base in late autumn. Division in spring or autumn can refresh older clumps and improve vigour.

Ideal for borders and cutting gardens, ‘David’ pairs beautifully with grasses and daisies, and the nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies throughout the summer.

Crocosmia 'Lucifer' (Firey Stars) produces fiery red flowers on tall, arching stems on arching stems, adding movement and bold colour to mid and back borders in late summer. The flowers are loved by pollinators and make strong cut stems too.

Reaching an established height of around 120–160 cm, crocosmia forms clumps of sword-like foliage and throws up branching sprays of bloom. It’s a reliable perennial that provides colour into early autumn.

Plant corms in spring in full sun or light partial shade, in soil that is fertile and moist but well-drained. A sheltered position helps stems stay upright and extends the flowering display.

Water in dry spells during active growth, and feed in late spring for best flowering. After flowering, remove spent stems if desired, but leave foliage to die back naturally to feed the corms for next year.

Ideal for prairie-style borders, cottage gardens and large containers, crocosmia pairs beautifully with grasses and late-summer perennials.

Lamprocapnos spectabilis (syn. Dicentra spectabilis) is the classic bleeding heart, loved for its arching stems lined with heart‑shaped flowers in spring. The blooms are typically pink with white tips, and the softly divided foliage gives a graceful, traditional cottage‑garden look.

Plant in partial shade in moist, fertile soil that drains well. It’s perfect beneath light‑canopied trees, alongside hostas and ferns, or tucked into the middle of a border where later‑flowering plants can take over as it finishes for the year.

Set the crown at the same depth as it was growing and water well while it establishes. Mulch in spring to keep roots cool and retain moisture. In very dry spells, watering helps prevent the plant going dormant too quickly after flowering.

After blooming, foliage may fade back as summer arrives. Leave it to die down naturally, then clear away old stems once they are dry. Mark the spot so you don’t disturb the crown, and avoid digging close to the plant while it’s resting.

You’ll receive one plant in the stated grade, dispatched in season for planting. With a little patience, it will form a long‑lived clump that returns each spring with a fresh display of dangling hearts, ready to welcome pollinators back to the garden.

Dahlia 'David Howard' is a summer-flowering dahlia grown from a tuber, loved for burnt-orange blooms set against dramatic bronze-purple foliage. The fully double, show-stopping blooms sit above fresh foliage and bring instant impact to borders, cutting gardens and large pots.

Flowers appear from mid-summer until the first frosts, especially if you keep deadheading. Dahlias are excellent cut flowers—snip stems regularly to encourage new buds. Bronze-tinged leaves make the orange blooms stand out.

Plant in fertile, humus-rich soil in a sunny, sheltered position. Start tubers in pots under cover in March or April, then plant out after frost risk has passed, or plant directly outside in May. Set tubers about 10–15cm deep and space plants 45–60cm apart.

This variety typically reaches 0.5–1 m with a spread of around 0.1–0.5 m. Taller types benefit from staking in windy spots. Water during dry spells and feed with a high-potash fertiliser every couple of weeks once buds form.

In autumn, once frost blackens the foliage, cut stems back and lift tubers to store cool, dry and frost-free. In very mild areas you can mulch and leave them in the ground. Replant in spring for another season of colour.

Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff' is loved for the contrast of bright red flowers against very dark foliage. It’s a classic choice for cottage borders and cutting beds, and it flowers from summer into autumn. This variety also carries the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

For best results, start tubers in pots from March or April in a frost-free place, then plant out once the risk of frost has passed. Choose full sun and a warm, sheltered position, and mix in plenty of garden compost to improve structure and drainage.

Plant tubers about 10–15cm deep with the ‘eye’ facing upwards, spacing plants roughly 45–60cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist as shoots develop. If you’re growing taller stems or larger flower heads, add a cane early so support is in place before flowering.

Water deeply in dry weather and feed every two to three weeks through summer with a high-potash fertiliser to encourage buds. Deadhead regularly and cut stems often—removing spent blooms helps direct energy into new flowers, giving you a longer, heavier display.

After the first frosts blacken the foliage, cut stems back and lift the tubers to store somewhere cool, dry and frost-free. In very mild areas you can mulch heavily, but lifting is safest. Replant next spring and you’ll usually see stronger plants each year.

Anemone × hybrida ‘Königin Charlotte’ (Queen Charlotte) is an award‑winning Japanese anemone with rich rose‑pink, semi‑double flowers carried on tall stems from late summer into autumn. The large blooms add colour and movement when many borders are fading. Overlapping petals give a fuller look, with a warm yellow centre.

Grow it in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well‑drained soil. It’s excellent at the back of a mixed border, where its stems can weave naturally through neighbouring plants and grasses. A little afternoon shade can be helpful in hotter gardens.

Over time it forms a substantial clump and can spread, so allow space and try not to move it once established. Pair it with asters, salvias and ornamental grasses for a long season of interest. It’s particularly effective in drifts, where repeated clumps create rhythm through the border.

Mulch in spring, water in dry spells, and avoid excessive winter wet. Stems usually hold well, but a light support can help in exposed gardens. Adding organic matter helps sandy soils hold moisture and supports better flowering.

Cut back after flowering, or leave stems standing over winter and tidy in spring. A dependable perennial for late‑summer colour with a soft, romantic feel. As an RHS AGM cultivar, it’s a dependable choice for late‑season colour.

Anemone hupehensis ‘Prinz Heinrich’ is a Japanese anemone that brings deep rose‑pink, semi‑double flowers to the garden from late summer into autumn. The blooms float above divided green foliage on wiry stems, adding movement to borders. The narrow, overlapping petals give a refined, airy finish.

Plant it in full sun or partial shade in soil that stays evenly moist but drains well. It’s especially useful for brightening the edge of woodland planting or mixed borders when many summer perennials are winding down. In hotter positions, a little afternoon shade helps flowers stay fresh.

Over time it forms a clump and can slowly spread, so give it space and avoid moving it once established. It pairs well with ornamental grasses, asters and late‑flowering salvias for a long season of interest. Plant in groups if you’d like a more natural drift over time.

Water during dry spells for better flowering, and add a mulch of compost in spring to support healthy growth. Stems can be lightly supported in exposed spots, but they usually weave naturally through neighbours. Avoid winter waterlogging, but don’t let the soil bake dry in summer.

Cut back in late autumn, or leave stems for winter texture and tidy in spring. A reliable choice for late colour with a soft, romantic look. Once established, Japanese anemones can flower reliably for years.

Geranium sanguineum ‘Album’ is a low, spreading hardy geranium that produces crisp white flowers over a neat mound of foliage, making it ideal for the front of borders, rock gardens and pots.

Growing to around 15–25cm tall, it forms a weed-suppressing carpet and flowers through early to mid-summer. The foliage often colours attractively later in the season, extending the plant’s interest.

Plant in full sun or light partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils once established and suits informal and cottage-style planting.

Water in dry spells during the first season, then only in prolonged drought. Light trimming after the first flush of flowers can encourage a fresh burst of foliage and repeat flowering.

Perfect for edging, groundcover and underplanting, this easy perennial pairs well with roses and grasses, and it is also a pollinator-friendly choice for wildlife gardens.

Hosta ‘Patriot’ is a reliable shade perennial with bold, white-edged leaves that bring instant brightness to woodland borders, shady patios and large containers, adding texture and structure from spring to autumn.

Forming a clump to around 55cm tall, it produces spikes of funnel-shaped, lavender-blue flowers in summer. The leaves are puckered and sturdy, creating a handsome mound that works as groundcover or a focal point.

Plant in partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Hostas prefer cool roots, so they benefit from mulch and from protection from hot afternoon sun in exposed gardens.

Water regularly in dry spells, especially in pots, and mulch in spring to conserve moisture. Protect new shoots from slugs and snails, and remove spent flower stems after flowering for a tidy finish.

Ideal for shady borders, underplanting, and container displays, ‘Patriot’ pairs beautifully with ferns, brunnera and hellebores, and provides strong foliage contrast alongside finer-textured plants.

Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ is a statement perennial for shade, grown for its huge, blue-grey, heavily puckered leaves that form a dramatic mound in borders and large containers, bringing texture and calm structure all season.

A clump-forming plant, it can reach around 60cm high (and larger in time) with a substantial spread, making it ideal as a focal point in shady beds. In early summer it produces stems of pale, bell-shaped flowers.

Plant in partial shade in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Hostas prefer cool roots and benefit from shelter from hot afternoon sun to keep foliage looking its best.

Water regularly during dry weather, particularly in pots, and mulch in spring to conserve moisture. Protect new shoots from slugs and snails, and remove spent flower stems for a tidy finish.

Perfect for woodland borders, shady courtyards and container displays, ‘Big Daddy’ pairs beautifully with ferns, brunnera and hellebores, and provides bold foliage contrast alongside finer-textured plants.

Eucomis 'Bicolor' produces white-green, starry flowers topped with a leafy tuft, sending up dramatic flower spikes that add structure and summer interest to borders and patio pots. The blooms open progressively up the stem for a longer display and excellent cut stems.

Reaching an established height of around 50–60 cm, this bulb forms neat clumps of fresh foliage, then flowers in the warmest months when many spring bulbs have finished.

Plant in spring in a warm, sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Work in compost to improve fertility and drainage, and avoid waterlogged ground, which can rot dormant bulbs or corms.

Water during dry spells while growth is active and feed every two to three weeks once buds form. Remove spent stems for a tidy finish, but leave foliage until it dies back naturally to feed next year’s bulb.

Ideal for borders, containers and cutting gardens, these spikes bring a slightly exotic note to planting schemes. In colder areas, lift and store bulbs once foliage yellows, or protect them well in a sheltered spot.

Lilium 'Roselily Anouska' brings double pink, pollen-free oriental lily blooms to summer borders and patio pots, with bold, upward-facing blooms that make a striking feature. The flowers are richly coloured and long-lasting, adding instant impact to planting schemes and bouquets alike.

Reaching an established height of around 90–110 cm, these lilies form sturdy stems and glossy green foliage, with multiple buds per stem. They flower reliably in mid to late summer and return each year in the right conditions.

Plant bulbs in spring or autumn in a sunny or lightly shaded position with well-drained, fertile soil. Work in compost and avoid waterlogged sites; lilies prefer moisture during growth but hate sitting in winter wet.

Water during dry spells while shoots develop and as buds form, then reduce once flowering finishes. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and again as buds appear, and remove spent flowers while leaving stems and leaves to die back naturally.

Ideal for borders, containers and cutting gardens, lilies create a dramatic vertical accent and pair beautifully with perennials and grasses. Their strong stems make them excellent cut flowers, and established clumps can be lifted and divided every few years if needed.

Dahlia 'Cornel Brons' brings bronze-orange pompon blooms on strong stems to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 90 cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Dahlia 'Bright Eyes' brings single flowers with pink petals and a bright yellow eye to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches around 60–100cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Geranium × oxonianum ‘Wargrave Pink’ is a hardy geranium that produces a steady flow of soft salmon‑pink blooms over a long season. The flowers sit above clumps of divided green foliage, making it an excellent, reliable plant for borders, path edges and relaxed ground cover.

It grows happily in full sun or partial shade and copes with many garden soils, as long as the ground isn’t waterlogged. Use it at the front of borders, underplanting roses and shrubs, or weaving between taller perennials to soften edges and fill gaps with colour.

Plant in spring or early autumn, water well to settle in, and add a mulch of compost to conserve moisture and feed the soil. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, and lightly trim back after a flush to encourage fresh growth and more blooms later on.

The pink flowers are especially effective with blues and purples, silvery foliage and white accents. It’s also a helpful plant for pollinators, and its spreading habit helps suppress weeds once it has knitted together into a dense, low mound.

You’ll receive one plant in the stated grade, dispatched in season for planting. Give it a little room and occasional water in dry spells, and it will quickly form an easy, repeatable patch of colour that returns year after year with minimal attention.

Hosta (Tardiana Group) ‘Halcyon’ is prized for its thick, blue‑grey leaves that form a tidy mound in shaded borders. In summer, slender stems carry soft purple, bell‑shaped flowers that add a gentle lift above the foliage without stealing the show.

Plant in fertile, moisture‑retentive soil that drains well. Partial shade is best, though it will tolerate some sun if the ground stays evenly moist. It’s ideal under shrubs, along shady paths, or as a calming foil to brighter, variegated hostas and woodland perennials.

Set plants at the same depth as they were growing and water well while they establish. Mulch in spring to keep roots cool, feed the soil and reduce watering. In autumn, let foliage die back naturally, then clear away old leaves before new shoots emerge in spring.

‘Halcyon’ brings dependable structure and colour contrast: pair it with ferns, bleeding hearts and astrantias, or use it to edge a border where you want a clean, repeating rhythm. The flowers can also be enjoyed as simple, understated cut stems indoors.

You’ll receive one plant in the stated grade, dispatched in season for planting. With steady moisture and a little patience, it will bulk up into a long‑lived clump that returns reliably year after year.

Canna ‘Cleopatra’ delivers a bold, tropical look with tall stems, large leaves and dramatic two‑tone flowers. The blooms mix red and yellow on the same plant, creating a lively, flame‑like effect that stands out in borders, patios and generous container displays from summer into autumn.

Start the rhizome into growth in spring, then plant out after frosts have passed. Choose a warm, sheltered spot in full sun for the strongest colour and height. Cannas enjoy fertile soil and regular moisture, so enrich the planting area with compost before you begin.

Plant with the growing points just below the surface, water thoroughly, and keep watering consistently in dry weather. Feed monthly in summer with a high‑potash fertiliser to support flowering, and add a mulch to reduce evaporation. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new buds.

In autumn, when cold weather blackens the foliage, lift and store rhizomes frost‑free in barely moist compost, or mulch heavily in very mild areas. This tender perennial rewards a little winter care with a bigger, earlier show each year in the UK climate.

You’ll receive one rhizome in the stated grade, ready for seasonal dispatch. Use ‘Cleopatra’ as a focal point in pots, or plant in small groups for a lush, holiday‑garden feel at home and long‑lasting colour right through late season.

Geranium ‘Brookside’ is a hardy cranesbill that quickly forms a spreading mound of dissected green leaves, topped with masses of clear violet‑blue flowers with pale centres. It’s an easy, generous perennial for weaving through borders and keeping the garden looking fresh for months.

Plant in moderately fertile soil that drains well, in sun or light shade. It’s ideal at the front of borders, alongside roses, or as ground cover between taller perennials. Once established it’s resilient, but it looks its best with occasional watering in prolonged dry spells.

For the longest display, deadhead spent flowers and give the plant a light trim if it becomes untidy—this often encourages another burst of blooms. A spring mulch of compost helps retain moisture and feeds the soil for stronger growth and flowering.

The cool, blue‑violet tones are perfect with whites, soft yellows and silvery foliage, and the open, saucer‑shaped flowers also make a natural partner for ornamental grasses. It’s a reliable filler that also feels special when planted in larger drifts.

You’ll receive one plant in the stated grade, dispatched in season for planting. Settle it in well for the first few weeks and it will soon knit into a long‑flowering patch that returns each year with minimal fuss.

Dicentra ‘Luxuriant’ is a fern‑leaf bleeding heart that forms a neat clump of finely divided foliage, then sends up arching stems of dangling blooms from late spring. It’s a lovely choice for softening paths, edges of borders, and the front of woodland‑style planting.

Plant in moist, humus‑rich soil that won’t bake dry in summer. Partial shade is ideal, though it can cope with sunnier positions if the ground stays evenly moist. Tuck it between hostas, ferns and heucheras, or use it as a gentle underplanting beneath shrubs.

Set plants at the same depth they were growing and water well to settle the roots. Mulch in spring to conserve moisture and keep the soil cool. If flowering slows, a light trim and regular watering can encourage a fresh flush of growth.

The flowers are a rich cherry tone that reads as pink‑red in the garden, bringing a warm accent without overpowering neighbours. It also mixes beautifully with blues and silvers, and the airy stems give movement even when planted in drifts.

You’ll receive one plant in the stated grade, ready for seasonal dispatch. Give it time to establish, and you’ll be rewarded with reliable spring‑to‑summer colour and attractive foliage that keeps borders looking full and finished.

Hosta ‘Frances Williams’ is a much-loved perennial for shade, combining bold, puckered leaves with attractive variegation that brightens borders, woodland edges, and containers throughout the growing season.

The broad, heart-shaped foliage forms a generous clump and provides strong ground cover, while pale lilac summer flowers rise above the leaves on tall stems, adding a softer, seasonal highlight.

Plant in partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. A sheltered position helps prevent leaf scorch, and consistent moisture supports the best leaf colour and overall plant performance.

Water well in dry weather, mulch in spring to retain moisture, and remove old foliage once it dies back. Slug protection is helpful in spring, and clumps can be divided every few years to rejuvenate plants.

Perfect for shade borders and underplanting, this hosta also works beautifully in large pots and brings a calm, architectural feel to planting designs where flowers are secondary to foliage impact.

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.

Canna ‘Wyoming’ creates an instant tropical feel with bold, bronze-purple leaves and large, frilled orange blooms that bring heat and drama to summer borders, patios and container displays.

A robust, clump-forming plant, it can reach around 1.5–2.5m in good conditions. The tall stems and oversized foliage make it ideal as a statement plant, while flowers open from midsummer to early autumn for a long show.

Plant rhizomes in a warm, sheltered position in full sun, in rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Cannas thrive in large pots or sunny borders and perform best when their roots are kept consistently moist in summer.

Water freely through the growing season and feed every two to three weeks once growth is established. Deadhead to encourage more blooms, and provide support if grown in an exposed, windy position.

Perfect for sub-tropical planting schemes and showy containers, canna ‘Wyoming’ pairs beautifully with dahlias and grasses. As it is tender, lift and store rhizomes frost-free over winter in colder areas.