Great for shade

Astilbe japonica ‘Bonn’ produces soft, feathery plumes of deep pink flowers that bring a light, elegant feel to shady borders, woodland gardens and moisture-retentive containers in early summer.

A compact, clump-forming perennial, it typically reaches around 10–50cm, carrying flowers just above attractive, fern-like foliage. Plant in drifts for a glowing, cloud-like effect through June and July.

Grow in dappled or partial shade in moist, humus-rich soil. Astilbes dislike drying out, so they perform best where the soil stays evenly moist, including near ponds or in consistently watered borders.

Water during dry spells, mulch in spring to conserve moisture, and cut back spent flower stems if you prefer a tidy look. Alternatively, leave seedheads for gentle texture into autumn.

Ideal for shady borders and waterside planting, ‘Bonn’ combines beautifully with hostas, ferns and brunnera. The plumes also make charming stems for cutting or drying.

Geranium sanguineum (bloody cranesbill) is a hardy, spreading perennial that produces vivid magenta-pink flowers with darker veining, creating a jewel-like carpet at the front of borders and in rock gardens.

Staying compact at around 20cm tall, it spreads to form a neat, bushy groundcover that flowers over a long period in summer and often develops attractive autumn colour as the season cools.

Plant in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. It copes with many soil types and is particularly useful where you need low, reliable cover without lots of maintenance.

Water to establish, then only during prolonged drought. A light trim after the first flush can encourage fresh foliage and repeat flowering, and dividing clumps in spring can rejuvenate older plants.

Ideal for edging, underplanting and wildlife gardens, this cranesbill pairs beautifully with roses and grasses, and it provides a long-lasting, pollinator-friendly summer display.

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.

Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ produces a vibrant mix of coneflower blooms in warm summer shades, bringing long-lasting colour and a wildlife-friendly feel to sunny borders and cutting gardens.

Reaching around 60–70cm tall, it forms sturdy stems topped with classic daisy-like flowers with a central cone. It flowers from summer into early autumn and is excellent for bees and butterflies.

Plant in full sun (or light shade) in deep, well-drained soil. Coneflowers dislike winter waterlogging, so avoid very heavy, wet soils or improve drainage with grit and organic matter.

Water to establish, then keep on the drier side once settled. Deadhead to extend flowering, or leave seedheads for structure and birds. Cut stems back in late winter or early spring.

Ideal for prairie-style planting, mixed borders and cut flowers, echinacea pairs beautifully with grasses, kniphofia and late-summer perennials for a long season of interest.

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as the Lenten rose, brings gentle colour to the garden when little else is flowering. Its nodding, cup‑shaped blooms open in soft pink shades from late winter into early spring, hovering above handsome, leathery green foliage.

This clump‑forming perennial grows to around 45cm tall and wide, making it easy to tuck into borders, underplant shrubs, or feature in large pots near a doorway. The flowers are long‑lasting and look lovely with early bulbs, grasses and spring woodland plants.

Plant in fertile, humus‑rich soil that stays moist but drains freely. A spot in partial shade is ideal, though it will also cope with some sun in cooler areas. Choose a sheltered position and mulch in autumn to keep the roots comfortable through winter.

Set plants at the same depth they were growing in the pot, water in well, and keep evenly moist while they establish. In late winter, tidy away tired leaves to show off the flowers and reduce leaf‑spot problems. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring.

Because hellebores flower early, they can provide nectar and pollen for emerging bees when other sources are scarce. Once established they’re low‑fuss, returning each year with reliable winter‑into‑spring interest and a fresh flush of foliage as temperatures rise.

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.

Oxalis 'Iron Cross' is grown for its distinctive foliage and bright pink, funnel-shaped flowers above distinctive cross-marked leaves, adding colour and texture to pots, borders and summer displays. The leaves open and close with the light, bringing extra movement and charm to containers.

At around 15 cm tall when in flower, oxalis makes a neat, spreading clump that works well as underplanting or ground cover in warm months. It blooms from late spring through summer in bright conditions.

Plant bulbs in spring once the soil starts to warm, in full sun or light shade. Use well-drained soil or compost and avoid waterlogging, especially early in the season while bulbs are starting into growth.

Water after planting and keep lightly moist while in active growth. If the plant goes dormant at any point, reduce watering and allow it to rest, then resume watering when new growth appears.

Ideal for patio pots, edging and rock gardens, oxalis can also be lifted and stored frost-free in colder areas. Bring pots under cover before hard frosts to enjoy the foliage for longer.

Tigridia pavonia 'Mixed' brings a vibrant, exotic mix of peacock-like flowers with spotted centres to summer borders, with exotic, patterned flowers that open wide in sunshine. Each bloom is short-lived, but plants carry many buds, so you still get weeks of colour in warm weather.

Growing to around 45–60 cm, tiger flowers are upright and slim, making them great for weaving through planting and for pots. They look best planted in generous clumps, where the daily opening flowers create a lively, changing display.

Plant bulbs in spring after the risk of frost has passed, in full sun and well-drained soil. A warm, sheltered spot helps them flower strongly; start in pots under cover for an earlier display if needed.

Water after planting and during dry spells while shoots develop. Feed every couple of weeks once growth is established to support flowering. As temperatures cool, reduce watering and allow foliage to die back naturally.

Perfect for colourful summer pots and exotic-style borders, tigridias also make fun, unusual cut flowers. Lift and store bulbs frost-free in colder or wetter gardens to replant the following spring.

Hymenocallis × festalis 'Zwanenburg' produces fragrant white, spidery flowers with a central cup, 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 50–70 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.

Oxalis triangularis is loved for its dramatic purple foliage and delicate white flowers above deep purple leaves, bringing a jewel-toned feel to pots, hanging baskets, and sunny windowsills. It’s a brilliant way to add colour and texture with minimal fuss.

Growing to around 20–30 cm, oxalis forms compact clumps and can flower repeatedly through the warmer months. The leaves open and close with the light, adding extra movement and interest to displays.

Grow in well-drained compost or soil, in a sheltered spot with bright light. It can be grown outdoors in summer and moved under cover before frosts, or kept as an easy houseplant year-round.

Water when the top of the compost dries out and feed lightly during active growth. Oxalis may go dormant at times; if growth slows, reduce watering and allow it to rest before it resprouts.

Perfect for containers, windowsills and conservatories, this plant also works well in sheltered courtyard gardens during summer. Its compact habit makes it ideal for adding colour to small spaces.

Sparaxis 'Mixed' brings a bright, contrasting mix of starry summer flowers to the very front of borders and containers, opening wide in sunshine for maximum impact. These small flowers are packed with personality and look best planted in generous drifts.

At around 25 cm tall, sparaxis stays neat and compact, making it ideal for pots, rockeries and edging. It flowers through summer and is especially effective mixed with other low-growing seasonal bulbs.

Plant corms in spring once the soil has warmed, in a sunny or lightly shaded, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Space corms closely for a full display, and improve drainage with grit if needed.

Water after planting and during dry spells while shoots develop. Once flowering finishes, allow foliage to die back naturally; in colder or wetter gardens, lift and store corms dry over winter.

A brilliant choice for colourful summer pots and for bringing a cheerful, jewel-toned feel to small spaces and wildlife-friendly planting.

Lilium 'Asiatic Mixed' brings a bright mix of hardy Asiatic lilies with bold colour to summer borders and patio pots, with bold, outward-facing blooms that make a striking feature. The flowers are long-lasting and eye-catching, adding instant impact to planting schemes and bouquets alike.

Reaching an established height of around 70–100 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. Established clumps can be lifted and divided every few years if needed.

Lilium 'Roselily Aisha' brings double white, pollen-free roselily blooms to summer borders and patio pots, with bold, outward-facing blooms that make a striking feature. The flowers are long-lasting and eye-catching, adding instant impact to planting schemes and bouquets alike.

Reaching an established height of around 90–120 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. Established clumps can be lifted and divided every few years if needed.

Lilium 'Oriental Mixed' brings a fragrant mix of oriental lilies in a range of colours to summer borders and patio pots, with bold, outward-facing blooms that make a striking feature. The flowers are long-lasting and eye-catching, adding instant impact to planting schemes and bouquets alike.

Reaching an established height of around 90–120 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. Established clumps can be lifted and divided every few years if needed.

Lilium 'Zambesi' brings large, fragrant white OT hybrid lily blooms to summer borders and patio pots, with bold, outward-facing blooms that make a striking feature. The flowers are long-lasting and eye-catching, adding instant impact to planting schemes and bouquets alike.

Reaching an established height of around 120–150 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. Established clumps can be lifted and divided every few years if needed.

Lilium 'Conca d’Or' brings large yellow blooms from a robust OT hybrid lily 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 120–150 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.

Lilium 'Double Oriental Mix' brings a colourful mix of double-flowered oriental lilies 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 90–120 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.

Lilium 'Regale' brings elegant trumpet lilies in white with soft pink tones 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 120–150 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.

Lilium 'Asiatic Double Mix' brings a colourful mix of double, pollen-free Asiatic 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 80–100 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.

Gladiolus 'Papilio Ruby' produces hooded ruby-red flowers with darker markings 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 80 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.

Dahlia 'Strawberry Ice' brings soft pink blooms with warm yellow highlights 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 1–1.2 m, 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 'Honka Pink' brings starry orchid-style blooms in clear pink 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 60–70 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 'Nescio' brings neat, perfectly rounded pompon blooms in bright red 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 1 m, 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 'Genova' brings bicolour pompon blooms in white and lilac-purple tones 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 75 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 'Wizard of Oz' brings neat pompon flowers in soft pink tones 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 70cm–1m, 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.