Spikes of lavender-purple flowers, topped with long, flag-like tufts from late spring to summer and grey-green, aromatic leaves. A mass planting of this lovely 'butterfly lavender' makes an eye-catching display for a protected, sunny border. In frost-prone areas it is best grown in a large container and over-wintered indoors.

As it's borderline hardy it is best grown in a container in colder areas of the country and should be over-wintered in a cool greenhouse or conservatory.Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: June and JulyFlower colour: purpleOther features: the aromatic flowers and leaves can be used for making pot-pourriHardiness:...

Tall spikes of bell-shaped, white or greenish-white flowers from May to July above rosettes of hairy, scalloped, emerald-green leaves. Fringe cups make excellent semi-evergreen groundcover for a moist, shady shrub border or woodland garden. Best sheltered from cold, drying winds, they're a particularly valuable choice for difficult areas of dry shade.Position: partial shadeSoil: moist, humus-rich soilRate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: May to July Flower colour: white or greenish-whiteHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Remove the faded flower spikes once the plant has finished flowering.

Lift and divide congested colonies in spring and apply a generous mulch of well-rotted garden compost or compost leaf mould around the base of the plantThis plant forms part...

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: June to OctoberHardiness: fully hardy (borderline)Small, single, scarlet and dark purple flowers hang from arching stems from June to October among bronze tinted, dark green leaves. In frost-free areas this upright, hardy fuchsia makes a lovely, long-flowering, informal hedge. It performs best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in partial shade with protection from cold, drying winds.Garden care: To encourage bushy growth, pinch out the growing tips of young plants after the sixth or seventh pair of leaves.

During the growing season water regularly, applying a balanced liquid fertiliser each month. Cut back to the permanent framework in early spring.Goes well with:...

Low growing mounds of dark green leaves topped with magenta flowers. This geranium is a sterile hybrid of Geranium psilostemon and has an exceptionally long flowering period. In autumn the deeply cut, dark green leaves turn fabulous shades of red.

An excellent plant for the middle of a border.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: average to fast growingFlowering period: June to AugustFlower colour: magentaOther features: deeply cut, mid-green leaves, autumn colourHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: In midsummer rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded, by removing old flowered stems and leaves. Lift and divide large colonies in spring

A fine sturdy plant which needs no staking. Fingered spires, lime green in bud, progressively open up each stem to a rosy purple, rather like a firework sparkler. Reliable and trouble free in an open position in most soils, this plant retains its attractive structure even after flowering.Position: full sun, light shadeSoil: moderately fertile, most but well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: June to JulyFlower colour: rosy purpleOther features: faded flower spikes provide birds with valuable food.Hardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Protect young plants from slug damage using environmentally friendly slug pellets or beer traps.

Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring, taking care not to...

A striking new catmint with rich purple-blue flowers from June to August and attractive aromatic, sage-green foliage. A vigorous perennial that is perfect for the middle of a sunny border and the flowers are highly attractive to bees. Cut back after flowering has finished to keep the plant compact.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: June to AugustFlower colour: purple-blueOther features: aromatic foliage, attractive to beesHardiness: 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 problem prune out the affected areas and treat the remaining plant with...

Position: full sunSoil: moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: May to JuneHardiness: hardy (borderline)This is an unusual, late-spring flowering bulb which produces spikes of up to 20 funnel-shaped, magenta flowers. It looks stunning planted in groups among shrubs, where it will spread freely, or for providing vivid vertical accents among silver-leaved plants. The exotic-looking flowers also make lovely cut flowers.Garden care: Plant corms 10-16cm (4-6in) deep in autumn, on a bed of sharp sand to aid drainage.

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: poor, well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: AugustHardiness: fully hardyEver popular for their globes of blue flowers that attract hoards of insects, globe thistles bring a natural look to the garden. This handsome blue variety is ideal for the middle or back of a sunny, well-drained border. It makes a particularly good cut or dried flower.Garden care: Cut down to the ground after flowering to encourage a second flush of flowers.

Lift and divide congested colonies in autumn or spring.

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: average to fast-growingFlowering period: May to JuneHardiness: fully hardyA popular cultivar among garden designers, this lovely grannys bonnet has beautiful, fully double, spur-less soft pink flowers in late spring above fern-like green leaves. It looks gorgeous in the middle of a sunny border among blue and pink flowers and is equally at home planted with cottage garden flowers or among grasses. It thrives best in soil that retains moisture over the summer.

It is quite short-lived, but self-seeds freely, though rarely to nuisance level.Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in early spring and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost around the plant...

Scented, soft blue flowers with yellow beards in May and June and strap-like, semi-evergreen leaves that are green-grey and cream striped. This variegated, bearded iris looks spectacular all year round. Perfect for a sunny, well-drained, mixed border, the tall branched stems need staking with bamboo canes in windy, exposed areas.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: well-drained, moderately fertile soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: May and JuneFlower colour: soft 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...