Great for shade

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 'Blue Mouse Ears' is a charming miniature hosta grown chiefly for its rounded, blue-grey leaves, which form a neat, dense clump ideal for shady containers, front-of-border positions and small-space planting.

In summer it carries short stems of lavender flowers above the foliage, adding a soft seasonal lift without distracting from the plant's tidy, compact form.

Plant in partial shade in humus-rich soil that stays evenly moist but drains well, and protect young shoots from slugs while the plant establishes.

Water during dry spells, especially in pots, and remove old leaves in late winter or early spring before the new foliage emerges.

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.

Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ is a shade-loving perennial prized for its shimmering, silver-patterned leaves and delicate forget-me-not style blue flowers that appear in spring, lifting woodland borders and shady pots.

Forming a tidy clump, it reaches around 30–50cm in height and gradually spreads to create a generous patch of foliage. It’s a brilliant, low-effort plant for brightening darker corners all season long.

Plant in light to partial shade in moist but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It copes with a wide range of soil types, but appreciates consistent moisture during the growing season.

Water during dry spells, especially in the first year, and mulch in spring to keep roots cool and soil moisture steady. Remove old leaves as new growth appears to keep clumps looking fresh.

Ideal for woodland planting, shady borders and large containers, ‘Jack Frost’ pairs beautifully with hellebores, epimediums and spring bulbs, and is also a great ground-cover plant in dappled shade.