Position: partial shadeSoil: humus-rich, moist but well-drained soilRate of growth: slow growingFlowering period: May to JulyHardiness: fully hardyA brilliant plant for a shady spot, this semi-evergreen grass gets going in early spring, and forms a rich, yellow mound which matures to a bright green. Delicate golden flowers form a haze in summer. Plant at the edge of a shady border, or in groups as part of a woodland planting scheme.Garden careDivide in spring if clumps start to look tatty.

Position: partial shadeSoil: fertile, well-drained soil, neutral to slightly acidic soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: JuneHardiness: fully hardyA charming perennial that bears masses of delicate, star-shaped white flowers in midsummer. In autumn, the pretty, three-leafed foliage turns fiery red and the winter seedheads are a bonus too. Lovely towards the front of a shady, woodland border, where the flowers can be appreciated.Garden care: Divide congested plants in spring or autumn.

Protect young shoots from slug attack.

Spires of dark red blooms appear above crimped, blue-grey foliage from summer through to autumn. A lovely, compact burnet, introduced from Japan, spreads slowly to form a 40cm wide mass. Though the flowers are stunning, this plant is often grown just for its interesting and attractive foliage.

Excellent when combined with other textural plants, such as Hakenokhloa macra, Helleborus corsicus, Iris siberica and Deschampsis cespitosa 'Goldtau'. An ideal plant for smaller gardens as it is more compact than other burnets and is happiest in a sunny spot where the soil stays moist.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: poor-to-average, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: June to SeptemberFlower colour: redOther features: the cucumber-flavoured foliage is a welcome...

Striking spikes of scarlet, tubular flowers from August to October and beautiful, beetroot-coloured foliage. This splendid cardinal flower is excellent for filling gaps left by early flowering perennials in a mixed or herbaceous border. Perfect for a hot planting scheme it's best grown in a sunny, sheltered site and protected with a thick, dry mulch over winter.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: deep, fertile, moist soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: August to OctoberFlower colour: scarletOther features: all parts of the plant are poisonous; contact with the sap may cause skin irritationHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Divide large clumps of plants every second year in spring.

Protect the crown of the plant during winter with a thick, dry mulch

Wonderful, often pink-flushed, white, bowl-shaped flowers from February to April and leathery, dark green leaves. In former times hellebores were planted close to cottage doors to prevent evil spirits from crossing the threshold. One of the earliest flowering plants, it's perfect for brightening the front of a partially shady mixed border.A top tip from the Crocus crew is to cut back the old leaves down to the ground in January or February.

This will show off the new emerging flowers to best effect and it also helps to get rid of foliar diseases such as Hellebore leaf spot.Position: partial shadeSoil: heavy, neutral to alkaline soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: February to April Flower colour: whiteOther features: all parts of the plant cause severe discomfort if ingested; the...

A strong growing columbine with nodding pure white flowers on upright stems. These appear in late spring and early summer in clusters of 5 -15 and have long spurs which can grow to 8cm in length. These long spurs are said to have evolved as a way of attracting pollinating insects.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist, but well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: May-JuneFlower colour: whiteOther features: finely divided grey or blue-green leavesHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Sow seeds in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring, but they hybridise freely so they may be different to the parent plant.

Remove spent flowers to prevent seed production if no...

Elegant sprays of tiny, salmon pink summer flowers on wiry stems above rosettes of large, almost metallic, dark bronze red leaves. This variety has one of the darkest foliage of all the purple leaved heuchera. Best in partial shade it's an excellent, attractive groundcover or edging plant for a moist, but well-drained site.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist or well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: June to AugustFlower colour: salmon pinkOther features: the flowers are followed by rose pink seedheadsHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in early autumn and replant with the crown just above the...

Pretty, pendent, pale green, bowl-shaped flowers from January to March and leathery, prickly-edged, dark green leaves. This popular, Corsican hellebore is ideal for the middle of a mixed or shrub border. One of our recommended plants, the handsome foliage is a long-lasting source of interest after the pale-green flowers have passed.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: heavy, neutral to alkaline soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: January to March Flower colour: pale greenOther features: all parts of the plant cause severe discomfort if ingested; the sap may cause skin irritation; self- seeds freelyHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Add lots of well-rotted leaf mould or organic matter to the planting hole.

Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter...

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: vigorousFlowering period: May to OctoberHardiness: fully hardyThis lovely geranium is extremely vigorous and long flowering. It soon forms hummocks of distinctly veined, deeply divided evergreen foliage, smothered with funnel shaped, bright salmon-pink flowers from May to October. It can be thuggish, but given space is a useful groundcover plant for a cottage garden or herbaceous border.

It self-seeds freely, too. Garden care: In midsummer rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded, by removing old flowered stems and leaves. Lift and divide large colonies in spring

Slender spires of white flowers from July to August above whorls of deep green leaves. This elegant perennial has self-supporting flowers making it ideal for adding height to sunny or partially shady border. It looks fabulous when planted with prairie plants or for adding vertical interest to white borders.

Best grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soil.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: July to AugustFlower colour: whiteHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Divide plants in spring. Apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring