Trusses of fragrant, pure white flowers from July to October and slender, toothed mid-green leaves. This elegant, white perennial phlox looks wonderful in a cool planting scheme based on pink, purple and mauve. Ideal for a moist border in sun or partial shade, the stems need supporting in spring before the flowers appear.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: July to OctoberFlower colour: pure whiteOther features: slender, toothed mid-green leavesHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Support with bamboo canes, brushwood or ring stakes before the flowers appear.

Cut back and compost the faded flower-stems in late autumn. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant in early...

Large clusters of fragrant, brilliant white flowers from August to October are produced above the narrow, toothed, mid-green leaves. This long-flowering perennial phlox is perfect for a mixed or herbaceous border in sun or partial shade. For best results it requires a moist soil and some support, particularly in exposed areas.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: August to OctoberFlower colour: brilliant whiteHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Support with bamboo canes, brushwood or ring stakes before the flowers appear.

Cut back and compost the faded flower stems in late autumn. Apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant in early springThis plant is featured in the...

Pretty carpets of pale to deep lilac-blue flowers with narrow petals in June and hairy, bright green leaves. This spreading, semi-evergreen phlox is one of the most attractive low-growing varieties. Perfect for edging areas of the border in partial shade, to minimise the incidence of powdery mildew plant in soil that remains moist in summer.Position: partial shadeSoil: humus-rich, fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: JuneFlower colour: pale to deep lilac-blueOther features: hairy, bright green leavesHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Lift and divide large clumps in autumn or spring

Lovely, lavender blue, pincushion like flowers from July to September held on delicate stems above clumps of lance shaped, grey green leaves. This long flowering blue scabious is ideal for a sunny, well drained rock garden or container planting. As its name suggests, the charming pincushion like flowers are highly attractive to butterflies.Position: full sunSoil: moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: July to SeptemberFlower colour: lavender blueOther features: the flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and bees; valuable for fresh and dried flower arrangementsHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Protect...

Position: full sunSoil: well-drained, neutral to alkaline soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: July to SeptemberHardiness: fully hardyA lovely, old-fashioned, mat-forming pink with highly scented, double, ragged white flowers from early summer through to autumn. The silver-green foliage sets off the flowers beautifully, but even when it is not in flower, this low, creeping evergreen makes a good foil for other plants. It is best planted towards the front of a perennial border, between cracks in paving, in a rock garden, or in a pot. Deadheading regularly will help encourage plenty of flowers and keep the plant looking tidy.Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole when planting out.

Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring and...

Tall plumes of tiny, coral-pink or deep buff flowers in June and July above lobed, grey-green leaves. Unlike other flowering perennials of similar height this handsome plume poppy seldom needs staking. Planted in bold swathes, it's perfect for a large, sunny, moist but well-drained border, sheltered from cold, drying winds.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soilRate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: June and July Flower colour: coral-pink or deep buffOther features: wear protective gloves and work-clothes when pruning macleaya since the yellowish-orange latex (sap) can stainHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Divide large colonies in late autumn or spring

Long, narrow spikes of bright red flowers are borne from midsummer to eary autumn above semi-evergreen, lance-shaped, mid-green leaves. This clump-forming, robust perennial has handsome foliage and will make an excellent groundcover in sun or partial shade. Best planted in bold swathes in reliably moist soils.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: any moist soilRate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: July to October Flower colour: bright redOther features: lance-shaped, dark green leaves; contact with all parts of the plant may cause skin irritation; the sap may cause a mild stomach upset if ingested; highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insectsHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Lift and divide congested colonies in spring or autumn

Slender spikes of pale yellow flowers fading to ivory from August to September above neat clumps of grass-like leaves. These elegant, creamy-yellow, torch-like flowers associate well with late-summer flowering perennials and ornamental grasses. Smaller than other varieties, they're perfect for the middle of a sunny, well-drained border.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: August to September Flower colour: pale yellow flowers fading to ivoryOther features: the flowers are attractive to beesHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: In autumn remove and compost the faded, flower spikes and apply a deep, dry mulch around the crown of the plant.

Divide and re-plant overcrowded colonies in spring

Small, egg-shaped, claret-coloured flowerheads appear like drumsticks on tall, slender stems above strap-like, mid-green leaves in mid- to late summer. Planted en masse in a border in full sun, these diminutive claret flowers look great  emerging from a screen of foliage, or against a backdrop of ornamental grasses. They gently fade as summer comes to a close.Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: July to AugustHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Split and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.

Elegant spires of long golden-brown, tubular flowers appear during midsummer. This is an unusual variation on the common foxglove that will add height to a shady corner of the garden and looks lovely dotted among ferns or other woodland plants. Although short-lived, given the right conditions it will perpetuate by self-seeding.

All parts of the plant may cause severe discomfort if ingested and contact with the foliage may irritate skin.Position: full sun to partial shadeSoil: moist, humus-rich soilRate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: May to July Flower colour: golden-brownHardiness: fully hardyGarden 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...