Position: partial shadeSoil: moist, humus-rich soilRate of growth: slow-growingHardiness: fully hardyThis striking deciduous fern has triangular-shaped fronds, which are coppery-red when young and slowly mature to dark green. One of our recommended plants, it needs plenty of moisture and contrasts beautifully with evergreen ferns and other woodland plants.Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. Cut back decayed fronds in winter to allow new growth to emerge.

Position: partial shadeSoil: moist, fertile, humus-rich soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: September and October Flower colour: creamy-whiteHardiness: fully hardyA dramatic, stately perennial, this is particularly useful plant because it comes into its own late in the season, when many flowers have finished, and because it thrives in damp shade. The slender, bottlebrush-like flowers emerge in autumn from green buds and open creamy white. Try it at the back of a border, between evergreens, or to light up a shady part of the garden.

Avoid removing the faded flowerheads, since they develop into pretty, lime-green seedheads.In a recent article in the The Daily Telegraph, Dr James Compton - the man responsible for their classification - thought this plant needed atmospheric...

Position: partial shadeSoil: moist, fertile, humus-rich soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: September and OctoberHardiness: fully hardyA dramatic, tall perennial, this is particularly useful plant because it comes into its own late in the season, when many flowers have finished, and because it thrives in damp shade. The slender, bottlebrush-like flowers emerge in autumn from their buds a pale pink, but deepen in colour as they age.  When mature, they turn a rich, dark pink. The flowers are heavily scented and are a magnet for butterflies.

The foliage emerges in spring with strong purple tones and gradually turns greener as it matures through the summer. Try it at the back of a border, between evergreens. Avoid removing the faded flowerheads since they provide an interesting...

Attractive, fluffy white flowers produced on short bottlebrush-like spikes from midsummer to early autumn. An attractive rhizomatous perennial with grey-green leaves that looks lovely planted in a herbaceous border. Burnets are great for naturalising in damp wildflower meadows or by water, as they are 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: whiteHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Divide plants in spring or autumn

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, humus-rich soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: July to OctoberHardiness: half hardyA sumptuous cactus dahlia with garnet-red flowers and a nearly black centre. The fully double flowers have long, narrow, pointed petals that recurve for more half their length. This dahlia looks great planted in bold groups in a sunny, sheltered border or as part of an exotic scheme.

The flowers appear from July until the first frosts, and make excellent cut flowers.Garden care: Stake with canes or brushwood as it becomes necessary. Deadhead and feed regularly to prolong flowering. Provide a high-nitrogen liquid feed each week in June, then a high-potash fertiliser each week from July to September.

Once the first frosts have blackened the foliage, carefully lift...

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moist but well-drained, fertile, humus-rich, soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: MayHardiness: fully hardyTall spires of star-shaped, mid-blue to lilac flowers appear above strap-like leaves in late spring. Originally from damp meadowlands in North America, this bulbous perennial is perfect for naturalising in a wildflower meadow. It will happily grow in moist soil in sun or partial shade as long as the soil doesn't become waterlogged.

Take advantage of its brief flowering season to brighten up a border before summer perennials take over.Garden care: Plant the bulbs 8cm deep and 20cm apart in big groups in the autumn. Try to plant them where they will remain undisturbed for several years as they resent being moved. In cold areas...

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: June to SeptemberHardiness: fully hardyThe majestic, purple, thistle-like, honey-scented flowers of this stately cardoon are held above clumps of magnificent, deeply cut, silvery-green leaves. Given plenty of space, this perennial makes an eye-catching focal-point for a large, sunny, mixed or herbaceous border, or potager, sheltered from strong winds. The flower are particularly valuable for use in fresh or dried flower arrangements.Garden care: Avoid the temptation to remove the faded flower-heads in autumn as they provide interest in the winter garden.

Where temperatures fall below -15C (5F) protect the crown of the plant with a dry, straw mulch.

Slender spikes of lavender blue summer flowers and aromatic, silver grey green leaves. This lavender-blue catmint makes a great informal edge to sunny paths and borders. When it's trodden underfoot the cascading foliage releases a delicious aroma.

To prevent cats from completely flattening insert several twiggy sticks into the centre of the plant.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: June to SeptemberFlower colour: lavender blueOther features: attractive to bees and other beneficial insectsHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in spring, replanting divided specimens with lots of well-rotted organic matter. If powdery mildew becomes a...

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, moist, well drained or sandyRate of growth: slow to averageFlowering period: August to SeptemberHardiness: fully hardyA statuesque grass that will extend the season of interest in a mixed border, this has fine, arching leaves with a distinctive white stripe down the centre. It does not flower as reliably as other Miscanthus sinensis cultivars, but when it does, it produces striking, silky brown flowers that hang like tassels in late summer and last well into autumn.Garden careCut down to the ground in late winter, before the new foliage appears.

A vigorous form of ornamental clover that is perfect for edging borders or for use as a groundcover plant. It also looks good planted between stepping stones or paving. The bronze-purple leaves have a green margin, and the large, fragrant, smokey-pink flowers are loved by bees.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: fastFlowering period: May to AugustFlower colour: smokey-pinkOther features: colourful foliageHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Grow in moist but well drained soil with a neutral pH in a sunny or partially shaded spot.