Slender spires of bright rose-pink flowers opening from dark pink buds in early and mid-summer. 'Rose Queen' is perfect for filling gaps left by spring-flowering plants in the middle of a moist, well-drained herbaceous border. Flourishing in sun or light dappled shade, the flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and bees.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: June and July Flower colour: bright rose-pinkOther features: attractive to butterflies and bees; wrinkled, grey-green leavesHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: To prolong flowering remove the flower spikes as soon they start to fade.

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

Position: full sunSoil: dry, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: July to SeptemberHardiness: fully hardyEasily recognised by their ruff of spiky bracts surrounding a prominent, cone-like centre of tiny flowers, sea hollies make a bold statement in a sunny border or gravel garden. This tall variety has masses of intense blue, teasel-like flowers on branching stems from July to September. Try it en masse in the middle of a sunny, well-drained border or gravel garden, or among grasses.

Eryngiums are also perfect for use in dried flower arrangements.Garden care: Stake with twiggy pea-sticks well before the plant starts to flower. Avoid the temptation to cut back the flowerheads in autumn as they provide interest in the winter garden. Lift...

Position: full sunSoil: dry, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: July to SeptemberHardiness: fully hardyEasily recognised by their ruff of spiky bracts surrounding a prominent, cone-like centre of tiny flowers, sea hollies make a bold statement in a sunny border or gravel garden. This variety produces masses of small, intense blue-purple, teasel-like flowers on branched stems from July to September. It is low-growing and evergreen and therefore a great choice for the front of a sunny, well-drained border or gravel garden.

The spiky flowers are also perfect for use in dried flower arrangements. Garden care: Lift and divide large colonies in spring. Avoid the temptation to cut back the flower-heads in autumn as they provide interest in...

A profusion of yellow-centred, single, pure white, daisy-like flowers up to 10cm across from June to September. This charming shasta daisy looks great planted in bold drifts towards the front of a sunny mixed or herbaceous border. A particularly free-flowering variety, it's perfect for use in large containers or as cut flowers.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moderately-fertile, moist but well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: June to September Flower colour: whiteOther features: lance-shaped, dark green leaves; excellent cut flowersHardiness: fully hardyGarden care:Cut the flowered stems back to ground level in autumn.Divide congested colonies in early spring or late summer

Soft, sky blue flowers on branched stems in May and June and slender, strap-shaped leaves. This striking Siberian iris is ideal for a waterside planting in sun or partial shade. For maximum impact plant in bold clumps in well-drained, neutral to slightly acid soil, allowing plenty of room.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: well-drained, moderately fertile, neutral to slightly acid soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: May and JuneFlower colour: sky blueOther features: all parts of the plant may cause severe discomfort if ingestedHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Plant shallowly with the upper part of the rhizome sitting on the surface of the soil, incorporating a low nitrogen fertiliser in the planting hole.

After planting remove the upper-most third of the leaves to...

Erect spires of vivid blue, saucer shaped flowers from May to July above low tufts of deeply toothed, greyish-green leaves. This mat forming speedwell makes an attractive and long flowering edge for a sunny, well-drained herbaceous or mixed border. The vivid blue flowers are excellent for attracting butterflies and bees into the garden.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: May to JulyFlower colour: vivid blueOther features: n/ aHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Remove faded flower-stems in autumn.

Apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring

Dense, slender spires of star-shaped, deep blue-purple flowers from June to August above hairy, toothed green leaves. This marvellous speedwell is guaranteed to create an impact at the front of a mixed or herbaceous border. To thrive it requires a well-drained soil as plants that become water logged over winter are unlikely to survive.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: June to AugustFlower colour: deep blue-purpleHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Remove faded flower-stems in autumn.

Apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring

Whorls of white flowers from April to July above a low, spreading carpet of silvery white-edged, matt-green leaves. This long flowering spotted dead nettle is excellent groundcover for around the base of roses and deciduous shrubs. Best in partial shade, once the plant has finished flowering it's important to remove the faded blooms to encourage the development of fresh new foliage.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moist, well-drained garden soilRate of growth: average to fast Flowering period: April to JulyFlower colour: whiteHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: After the plant has flowered remove the faded flower heads to encourage new foliage.

Lift and divide large clumps in late autumn or early springGoes well with: Ajuga reptas...

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: light, well-drained garden soilRate of growth: fast-growingFlowering period: April to MayHardiness: fully hardyDark green, lance-shaped leaves are topped with a froth of bright, acid yellow spring flowers that form a distinctive star shape. This perennial, early flowering euphorbia has a natural mounded shape and a short flowering season, but looks lovely as part of a green and yellow planting scheme or with dark red flowers and bronze-tinted grasses. In autumn the foliage turns a lovely shade of bronze.

Garden care: In autumn cut back the faded flower stems, avoiding new ones. When working with spurges always wear gloves since the milky sap is...

Nodding, bell-shaped, often sweetly-scented, purple-margined pale green flowers from January to April above clumps of deeply divided dark green leaves. The native 'stinking hellebore' is aptly named since the leaves give off an unpleasant odour when crushed. An unusual, architectural plant for a shady border or woodland garden, it thrives in neutral to alkaline soil.Position: partial shadeSoil: heavy, neutral to alkaline soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: January to April Flower colour: purple-margined, purple-green flowersOther features: all parts of the plant cause severe discomfort if ingested; the sap may cause skin irritationHardiness: 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...