Position: full sunSoil: moist, well-drainedRate of growth: average to fast-growingFlowering period: July and AugustHardiness: fully hardySpectacular, deep crimson thistles appear on erect stems in July and August above spiny, dark green leaves. This handsome, towering thistle is a valuable addition to a summer garden and looks equally at home in a wildflower meadow, beside water or in groups among other perennials. Although it will tolerate dry conditions and partial shade, it does best in a moist, sunny border.Garden care: Divide congested plants from autumn to spring and cut back to the ground in autumn to prevent self-seeding.

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: any moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: fast-growingFlowering period: April to JuneHardiness: fully hardyA useful plant for the edge of a shady border, ajuga also makes good groundcover as it soon knits together to form an evergreen carpet. This one has attractive, bronze-purple foliage, with densely packed, small, upright spires of deep blue flowers in spring. Tolerates sun or shade and poor soils, but does not like to dry out.Garden care: To rejuvenate and minimise congestion lift and divide clumps in late autumn or early spring every two years.

Towering spires of lavender-blue flowers from June to July and aromatic, light grey-green leaves. This tall form of catmint is perfect for a sunny mixed or herbaceous border. A useful groundcover or edging plant it works especially well with silver-grey foliage and mauve, purple and blue flowers.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: June to July Flower colour: lavender-blueOther features: attractive to bees and other beneficial insectsHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Lift and divide large clumps in spring, replanting divided specimens with lots of well-rotted organic matter.

If powdery mildew becomes a problem prune out the affected areas and treat the remaining plant with fungicide

Tiny, creamy-white flowers from July to August followed by bright orange-scarlet berries enclosed by papery, red lanterns. Chinese lanterns are perfect for providing autumn interest in well-drained areas of the garden. To prevent them from becoming invasive try cutting a slit trench around the crown of the plant with a spade each autumn.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: any well-drained soilRate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: July to August Flower colour: creamy-whiteOther features: all parts of the plant may cause a mild stomach upset if ingested; the papery lanterns make wonderful dried flower arrangements; triangular or diamond-shaped mid-green leaves Hardiness: fully hardyGarden care: To check the spread of underground stems cut the area round the crown of the...

Tall stems of narrow, mid-green leaves, topped with curved spikes of tiny white flowers in July and August. Chinese loosestrife is ideal towards the back of a moist, well-drained border in sun or partial shade. To maximise water retention incorporate lots of organic matter when planting and mulch each spring.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: humus-rich, moist but well-drained soilRate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: July and August Flower colour: whiteOther features: excellent cut flowers; the leaves redden beautifully in autumnHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Incorporate lots of organic matter when planting.

Apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plants in spring and lift and divide congested...

Lovely, long sprays of bright scarlet, saucer shaped flowers above clumps of hairy, strawberry-like leaves. This beautiful, scarlet cinquefoil is a perfect front of border plant for a bold planting scheme based on hot colours. Given a sunny, well-drained site it's easy to grow, producing a succession of flowers from June to August.Position: full sunSoil: poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: June to AugustFlower colour: bright scarletOther features: hairy, soft green, strawberry-like leavesHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.

Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of...

Clematis feed that has been developed in conjunction with a leading clematis grower but is equally good for all climbing plants. Feed every 7 to 10 days, either dissolved in a watering can or as a foliar feed. Contains: NPK - 16-14-32

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soilRate of growth: fast-growingFlowering period: June to JulyHardiness: fully hardyDense heads of large, rich purple, bell-shaped flowers appear from June to August and on tall stems with rosettes of oval, mid-green leaves. This beautiful bellflower is perfect for a sunny, cottage-style or herbaceous border and is equally happy in partial shade.Garden care: Avoid planting out seedlings until all threat of frost has passed. During the growing season water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each month.

Cut back after flowering both to prevent self-seeding and to encourage a second flush of flowers.

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: May to JulyHardiness: fully hardyAquilegias are grown for their distinctive, delicate, nodding flowers, that vary in shape and size between species. McKana Hybrids have bonnet-like flowers in shades of blue, lilac, yellow, pink and rose red from late spring to mid summer above mounds of ferny, mid-green leaves. The flowers are larger than other species, and are often made up of two colours.

They will thrive in a sunny, moisture retentive border. They are quite short-lived, but self-seed freely, though rarely to nuisance level. Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in early spring and apply a...

Pendent clusters of pale blue and white tubular flowers in April and May above mounds of mid-green leaves. This pretty pink form of comfrey is best planted in bold drifts in a moist, partially shady site. It makes excellent groundcover for semi-wild areas of the garden and a good companion for ferns and shade-loving woodland plants.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moist, fertile soilRate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: April and May Flower colour: pale blue and whiteOther features: contact with the foliage may cause skin irritation; the roots and leaves may cause severe discomfort if ingestedHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Mulch with well-rotted manure in spring and dead-head after flowering to encourage the growth of young foliage