Position: full sunSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil (or John Innes no. 3 compost for containers)Rate of growth: averageFlowering period: July to SeptemberHardiness: half hardyGlobes of of trumpet-shaped, deep blue flowers appear from July to September on straight stems above bold clumps of strap-like, mid-green leaves. These beautiful African lilies provide valuable late summer interest in a sunny, well-drained border, or large patio pot.

Where temperatures fall below zero, container-grown specimens should be overwintered in a frost free place.Garden care: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly from spring until flowering. Divide congested plants in spring, but be aware that they may not flower again the next summer.

Position: full sunSoil: moist. but well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: May to JulyHardiness: fully hardyDense clusters of star-like, ice-blue flowers appear from late spring to midsummer on graceful, arching stems above long, dark green leaves. A lovely, clump-forming perennial that looks good in the middle of a sunny border. Garden care: Divide congested plants in spring.

This vigorous Armenian cranesbill produces a mass of shallow cup-shaped, vivid magenta flowers with black centres and veins from early to late summer. It quickly forms loose hummocks of deeply cut, mid-green leaves, which turn a fabulous shade of red in autumn. An excellent plant for the middle of the border.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, well-drainedRate of growth: fast growingFlowering period: June to AugustFlowers: magentaHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: In midsummer rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded, by removing old flowered stems and leaves.

Lift and divide large colonies in springThis plant is featured in the Shady Summer Border. Click here to view the ready-made border design

Position: full sunSoil: well-drained, moderately fertile soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: August to OctoberHardiness: fully hardyMasses of large, light blue, daisy-like flowers with yellow centres appear from August through to October above lanced-shaped, mid-green leaves. A pretty aster that looks lovely at the front or middle of a mixed or herbaceous border in full sun. It is resistant to mildew and like all asters, is great for adding a splash of late summer colour to the garden.Garden care: Water regularly during dry spells and deadhead to prolong flowering.

After flowering cut the flowered stems to the ground and apply a generous mulch of well-rotted garden compost or horse manure around the base of the plant.

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: fastFlowering period: May to JulyHardiness: fully hardySemi-double, vivid yellow flowers appear on arching stems from June to August above rosettes of hairy, scalloped, fresh green leaves. This cheerful perennial brightens up a sunny garden border, especially one based on 'hot' colours. Deadheading the spent blooms should ensure a second flush of flowers in late summer.

Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps every year in early spring or late autumn.

Position: full sun or full shadeSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: fast growingFlowering period: May to SeptemberHardiness: fully hardyClusters of small, saucer shaped, crimson-purple flowers are held on slender stems above strong aromatic, light green leaves from May to September. This is one of the most versatile and useful geraniums, as it will even thrive in dry shade. The deeply cut, semi-evergreen foliage also spreads quickly to form low hummocks that suppress weeds for most of the year.

It looks lovely with strongly shaped perennials, such as bergenia, or polemonium, or planted en masse under trees, and is also valuable for hiding the foliage of spring bulbs as they die down. The leaves...

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: well-drained soilRate of growth: slow to averageFlowering period: April and MayHardiness: fully hardyThis dwarf, deciduous shrub has two seasons of interest. In mid-spring, red-tinted, pale yellow flowers appear and in autumn, the small, purple, spiky leaves turn a dazzling shade of red. It's size and the fact that it requires little attention means it is an ideal choice for a small garden, and it also makes an attractive, low informal hedge for a sunny or partially shady site. Garden care: Requires minimal pruning.

Where some pruning is required, cut back in autumn or winter, after the appearance of the autumn fruits.

Native to Crete, Greece and the Hiamalayan Mountains where it grows along rivers in deep rich alluvial soil. Probably cultivated since the mid 17th century, when it was used for medicinal purposes and as a yellow dye source. Young plants grow rapidly to form a giant upright branching bush, whereon each flower spike is a broad pyramidal spire.

Deeply incised foliage is arranged in opposite pairs, gracefully ascending the tall stems. Although individual flowers are subtle, appearing in July and August and greenish-white in colour, the overall appearance of this plant has definite 'star quality'! This plant needs plenty of expanding room, and is therefore most suited to larger spaces where it will not overshadow its neighbours.Position: full sunSoil: fertile, moist, but well drained...

The simple elegance of these spherical tea light sets will add a tranquil atmosphere wherever they're used. Each 8cm diameter glass bauble has a side hole to insert the tea light (not supplied) and a ventilation hole in the top.Size: 8cm wide x 9.5cm high

Beautiful, deep claret red flowers with slightly ruffled flowers are produced from May to June. A stunning variety that looks great planted en masse or in a mixed, sunny border. Like most bearded iris, it does prefer a slightly alkaline soil, but if you a sunny border, preferably with slightly alkaline soil, but if you have acidic or peaty soils you can top dress with lime before planting for good resultsPosition: full sunSoil: well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: May to JuneFlower colour: deep claret redOther 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...