Unlike its taller cousins, this dwarf Anchusa is neat and compact, blending into the front of borders with ease. These early flowering perennials produce their azure blue flowers above coarse, hairy foliage throughout summer.
Cape Mallow is a half hardy, semi-evergreen, sub-shrub that makes a fabulous patio plant. The cup-shaped pink flowers are reminiscent of hibiscus, with a raspberry pink ring at the centre of each bloom.
This fabulous scrambling vine will bring dazzling colour to your garden and a host of butterflies and bees who seek out the nectar of the flame coloured trumpet flowers. It'll grow to 10 feet or more if you let it but can easily be restricted by gentle pruning if you are short of space. It's not fully hardy so best grown in a large pot in a sunny spot with some support to allow it to climb upwards. Prune back in winter and protect from frost or move to the shelter of a greenhouse or conservatory.
A superb summer patio plant, adding a tropical flavour to your garden or patio - their clear sky-blue flower clusters smother this informal, scrambling shrub, which works well in large pots with cane supports. Grow outside all summer, it will need winter protection, as can be damaged below 2C, but will regrow away from the base the following year when it warms up again. In warmer parts of the country, especially in sheltered towns, plumbago will grow as an herbaceous perennial, dying down to ground level before reshooting in late spring. The clusters of phlox-like flowers are subtly scented and will attract butterflies and hoverflies into your garden, making them a great plant for wildlife. Also known by its common name of Cape Leadwort, Plumbago is named from the Latin word plumbum, meaning lead, as it was believed to be a cure for lead poisoning. A great colour addition for summer long colour, and unusual too as it is seldom offered for sale. Supplied as an established plant in a 1.5L pot, ready to pot on.
Pretty, phlox-like 13mm (1/2) white and maroon flowers that open in the late evening, releasing a delicious scent. Grow in groups to take advantage of the honey fragrance