Lupins have long been favourite plants for cottage garden planting schemes and with specimens like Lupin 'The Page' it's easy to see why. The tall spires hold dozens of pea-like blooms in a rich shades of scarlet red. This variety has been bred to provide a long flowering period which will bring great satisfaction to newcomers to gardening as well as experienced gardeners too. Lupins shouldn't be thought of as purely for cottage gardens as they'll bring a burst of colour in borders or in groups at the edge of woodlands. Height: 90cm (36). Spread: 75cm (30).
Photinia x fraseri 'Pink Marble' is a unique, variegated Photinia, named for its leaves that emerge flushed with pink. In mid to late spring clusters of mildly-scented, white flowers appear, and this eye-catching evergreen shrub works well in mixed borders. Photinia x fraseri 'Pink Marble' is hardy and low maintenance, and has been awarded an RHS AGM for outstanding garden performance. It responds well to pruning and can even be planted as an informal hedge. Height: 5m (16'). Spread: 2m (6.5').
Also known as the Cape Fuchsia or Cape Figwort, this small semi-evergreen shrub originates from South Africa and is perfect for bringing a touch of the exotic to your garden. Pendent tubular, coral-orange flowers adorn tall stems throughout the summer months, providing long lasting colour in beds, borders and patio containers. Phygelius also look fantastic in mixed herbaceous borders and cottage style gardens. Phygelius 'Pheeges Festive Orange' is hardy in milder parts of the UK but may require some winter protection in colder areas. Height and spread: 60cm (24).
Eremurus x isabellinus 'Cleopatra' is popular with professional garden designers, adding height and colour to borders. This Foxtail Lily is similar in style to Red Hot Pokers, but bears wispy multi-flowered heads on stems a metre tall. Perfect for planting amid low-lying plants in a cottage garden or contemporary borders, Eremurus x isabellinus 'Cleopatra' will form a dense clump once established. Although they look exotic, Foxtail lilies originate from Central Asia, and are nicely hardy. Height: 1.2m (3.9'). Spread: 1m (39).
With large and perfectly-formed goblet-shaped blooms, each growing with just a pair of shiny leaves on bare branches, Magnolia soulangeana is an unforgettable sight in the spring garden. The fragant flowers are white-pink in colour, flushed with deep pink at the base. For even more impact plant spring bulbs such as daffodils or tulips beneath this small tree or shrub. Magnolia denudata x liliiflora is perfect for small gardens and needs no pruning. Height and spread: 6m (20').
Also known as Meadow Rue, Thalictrum 'Black Stockings' is a tall herbaceous perennial with attractive feathery foliage and contrasting purple-black stems. In June and July hundreds of delicate, spidery mauve flowers appear which create a purple haze of colour. Favouring moist soils and part shade, Thalictrum thrives in woodland gardens and difficult shady spots. It is also equally at home in herbaceous borders where it adds height and attracts bees. Height: 200cm (79). Spread: 75cm (30).
Gunnera manicata is famed for its giant evergreen leaves, which can reach 1-2 metres across! This Giant Rhubarb may not be suitable for smaller gardens, due to its sheer size, but it looks impressive and is ideal for waterlogged soil. A planting near water shows the leaves off to their best with spectacular reflections. An attention-grabbing addition to your garden, Gunnera manicata is durable and architectural and holds an RHS AGM. Height: 2.5m (8'). Spread: 4m (13').
Erica carnea 'Pink Spangels' is a versatile evergreen Heather variety that provides outstanding ground cover thanks to its spreading habit. Between February and April an abundance of nectar-rich soft pink flowers are borne, attracting pollinating insects to your garden. This variety will flourish in nearly any well drained soil and can even cope with light shade. Height: 15cm (6). Spread: 45cm (18).
As you might expect from a plant called 'Melting Fire', this Heuchera's semi-evergreen foliage is curled with firey tones of red and purple. In June and July, Coral Bells sprouts additional flowers that appear to rise out of the fire. The tall spikes that bear these blooms add structure and interest to sunny borders and patio containers. Coral Flower's unusual colouring and long season of interest make the hardy perennial a great addition to any cottage or wildlife garden. Height: 40cm (1'4). Spread: 40cm (1'4).
This vigorous hosta is one of the most striking cultivars with its white-margined foliage. Throughout mid-summer spikes of trumpet-like lavender-coloured flowers appear. Ideally suited to lightly-shaded locations around the garden and moist soil, it makes useful ground cover, however protect from slugs to maintain a good-looking plant. Ht. 60cm, spread 1m. Supplied as a mature plant in a 2 litre pot.
Lupin are a firm favourite for lovers of the traditional cottage garden display. Lupin 'Russell Hybrids Mixed' comes in a wonderful mix of rainbow colours, which complement each other to form a perfect border or woodland display. In May, June and July, the plants' upright stems produce tightly packed blooms in many shades of red, white, pink, purple, yellow. Lupin 'Russell Hybrids Mixed' is a particularly great choice if there's a space at the back of a sunny border you need to fill, for the flowers are sure to flourish here. Height: 90cm (3'). Spread: 75cm (2'6).
Polyanthus are well-loved for their bright splash of colour each spring. Polyanthus 'Inara Flame' certainly won?t disappoint with its large clusters of golden blooms, edged with an irregular margin of fiery orange.
It?s easy to see why Surfinia Petunias are so popular. With long cascading stems and unsurpassable flower power, these annual are hard to beat! Petunia 'Surfinia Star Burgundy' is a lovely colour selection, with bicolour blooms that create a cheery summer display.
Petunia 'Sweetunia Trio' offers a wonderful mix of sumptuous bicolour blooms on compact, trailing plants that flower prolifically all summer long. The blooms are self-cleaning so there?s no need for sticky dead-heading.
A collection of New Guinea Impatiens, that produce double rosebud flowers from early summer, all the way until the first frosts. They look fantastic planted alongside each other in patio planters, window boxes and garden borders.
Description for Lavender 'Pink Summer Improved' (Butterfly Garden) not available
Description for Dahlia 'Labella® Grande Orange Bicolour' not available
For exotic glamour on your patio, look no further than Gardenia 'Celestial Star'. This hardy Cape Jasmine produces pristine white, fully double blooms with tightly scrolled petals at their centre.
Crocosmia 'Firestarter' is one of the Crocosmia Firestars Series, that have been specifically bred for their fiery bicolour flowers. It has arching flower stems, with funnel shaped, yellow blooms, each with orange edging, and sword shaped foliage.
Crocosmia ?Hot Spot is one of the Crocosmia Firestar Series, that have been bred for their fiery coloured flowers and compact growing habit. The flowers grow on arching stems, with bright yellow petals, with central rings of cherry red blotches.