Position: full sunSoil: light, well-drained garden soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: May to JulyHardiness: fully hardyUpright stems are strung with whorls of dark pink, lance-shaped leaves which fade to dusky purple, and in early summer, the flower shoots curl over then straighten and burst open with rounded clusters of citrus yellow flowers. This is a gorgeous, deciduous, spreading perennial that looks great planted towards the front of a sunny border or as part of a Mediterranean scheme. It also makes excellent ground cover.

Garden care: To promote new shoots remove flowerheads in spring after they have flowered. When working with spurges always wear gloves since the milky sap is...

A large, stunning black red daylily that flowers from June to July. It looks fabulous planted in drifts in a sunny mixed or herbaceous border. It looks particularly gorgeous when planted in a 'hot' border and looks great with cannas and montbretias.

Robust and easy-to-grow, the strap-like leaves are perfect for masking the ripening foliage of spring-flowering bulbs.Position: full sunSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: June to JulyFlower colour: black redOther features: strap like, dark green leavesHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in spring, applying a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure...

Masses of splendid, salmon pink, lily-like flowers with a pale midrib, borne continuously in July and August above clumps of strap-like, dark green leaves. This pink daylily contrasts surprisingly well with the spiky blue flower heads of globe thistle and sea holly. A popular old variety it's ideal for a sunny mixed or herbaceous border.Position: full sunSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: July and AugustFlower colour: salmon pinkOther features: clumps of strap like, dark green leavesHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in spring, applying a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around...

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: average to fast-growingFlowering period: May to JuneHardiness: fully hardyA useful geranium that will thrive even in damp or dry shade. This has small, deep purple-black flowers in late spring to early summer, held high above the soft-green, deeply lobed leaves, which have distinctive purple blotches around the centre. It will quickly spread to form a hummock of foliage that is excellent for suppressing weeds.

Use it in woodland, among ferns, at the edge of a border, where the dark flowers can be seen, or under deciduous trees. One of this plant's common names 'mourning widow', is inspired by the intense dark colour of the...

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: any soilRate of growth: average to fastFlowering period: April to MayHardiness: fully hardyCommonly known as elephant's ears because of their large, leathery, oval leaves, bergenias have become fashionable again, thanks both to the number of new cultivars that have become widely available and to their usefulness in the garden. Bergenias are low maintenance, evergreen, will grow in sun or shade and tolerate a wide range of soils, including dry soils and clay.This variety has handsome purple-tinged leaves and bears spikes of deep pink flowers on red stems in spring. A favourite of Edwardian garden designer Gertrude Jekyll and plantswoman Beth Chatto, this robust plant is great for edging well-trodden paths or planted in groups as ground cover.

Its...

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: any soilRate of growth: average to fastFlowering period: April to MayHardiness: fully hardyCommonly known as elephant's ears because of their large, leathery, oval leaves, bergenias have become fashionable again, thanks both to the number of new cultivars that have become widely available and to their usefulness in the garden. Bergenias are low maintenance, evergreen, will grow in sun or shade and tolerate a wide range of soils, including dry soils and clay.Tall spikes clothed in pure white flowers that fade to pink appear in spring above large, mid-green leaves. A favourite of plantswoman Beth Chatto, this robust plant is great for edging well-trodden paths or planted in groups as ground cover.

Its leaves contrast well with delicate foliage...

Position: full sunSoil: well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: June to JulyHardiness: fully hardyA compact, blue leaves ornamental grass, with needle-like, silvery blue-green leaves and short spikes of blue-green midsummer flowers, gradually fading to buff. Neat and rounded in shape, it looks great in a gravel garden, combined with the spires of blue and purple-flowering perennials, or with Mediterranean-style plants. Garden care: Comb through the plant with your fingers in winter to remove dead foliage.

Container-grown specimens should be watered well when they are establishing. Plants need replacing every few years as they become tatty-looking.

Position: partial shadeSoil: humus-rich soilRate of growth: average to fastFlowering period: June to JulyHardiness: fully hardyThis elegant foxglove produces stately spires of of white, tubular flowers in June and July held above rosettes of large, hairy, dark green leaves. This pretty white foxglove is perfect for lighting up a shady border or for dotting through a mixed border among evergreen shrubs. Although it is a short-lived plant, given favourable conditions it will self-seed freely.All parts of the plant may cause severe discomfort if ingested and contact with the foliage may irritate skin.Garden care: Ensure that the soil is kept moist in summer.

After flowering, cut back the flowered spikes to encourage more sideshoots. Cut down to the ground after flowering. Apply a...

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: May to SeptemberHardiness: fully hardyA graceful, hazy plant with airy spikes of bright pink, star-shaped flowers with long anthers like daddy long-legs, held high above the foliage on slender stems from May to September. This long-flowering perennial looks equally at home in an informal cottage-style garden or among soft grasses in a new perennial border. It is exceptionally drought-tolerant and will soak up the sun.

Give it space, as its wispy stems will lean over.Garden care: Resist the temptation to cut back gaura after it has flowered as it takes on beautiful autumn tints, particularly in cold weather. Lift and divide large colonies in spring.

Spikes of bright purplish-pink flowers from July to September and strap-shaped, fresh green leaves. This striking perennial is perfect for the middle of a sunny mixed or herbaceous border. Best planted in light, moderately-fertile, moist but well-drained soil, the vibrant bottlebrush-like blooms make excellent cut flowers.Position: full sunSoil: light, moderately-fertile, moist but well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: July to September Flower colour: bright purplish-pinkOther features: excellent cut-flowers; the flowers are highly-attractive to beesHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Protect the young shoots from slug-damage using beer traps or environmentally-friendly slug pellets.

Lift and divide congested colonies in springThis plant is featured in the In The...