If you live in a coastal area or have a garden with poor soil, Centranthus ruber 'Albus' is a great choice of plant. The hardy perennial isn't fussy: if planted in a sunny border, it will flourish regardless of soil type. This Valerian can also withstand drought, wind and exposure, producing pure white blooms in dainty clusters throughout the summer, whatever the weather. Height: 1m (3'3). Spread: 1m (3'3).
A fantastic new ultra compact snapdragon! Antirrhinum 'Farfalline' produces double blooms in a mixture of bright colours, from rich, deep hues to fresh pastels. These delightful dwarf snapdragons create a dynamic display in patio pots and window boxes or use them to edge the front of beds and borders.
This outstanding dessert variety is the sweetest blackcurrant ever - so sweet that it can be eaten straight from the bush. 'Ebony' produces heavy crops of large, firm currants - up to twice the size of normal blackcurrants - which can be harvested from early to mid July. The plants are bushy with a slightly open, spreading habit, making harvesting so easy. Easy to grow and with excellent mildew resistance. Height and spread: 120cm (47).Estimated time to cropping once planted: 16-20 months. Estimated time to best yields: 16-20 months.
Perfect for winter colour, Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn' produces a profusion of beautiful pink, perfumed flowers on woody stems in the middle of winter.
Star Magnolias are compact and slow growing, making them ideal for smaller borders and containers. Magnolia stellata 'Rosea' is a pretty cultivar that will certainly make an impact in spring. Soft pink blooms erupt from furry buds that adorn the bare branches. As the flowers age they fade to white with a delicate pink blush. This charming deciduous shrub becomes cloaked in handsome green foliage as the flowers fade and colourful cone-like fruit take their place. A particularly elegant choice for sheltered borders, patio containers and woodland gardens.
Unusually tall and striking variety with unique striped flowers. Ideal for the back of your borders due to its height, the flower spikes also make excellent cut flowers.
The best of the best, with exhilarating fragrance and colourful, fancy blooms. A traditional 'Spencer' type ideal for cutting, garden decoration or exhibiting. Superb for arches, trellises, obelisks, etc.
Description for Amaranthus caudatus 'Love Lies Bleeding' not available
Sweet William are always a cottage garden favourite, easy to grow and look after and yet incredibly rewarding too. Dianthus barbatus ?Purple Crown? bears large clusters of very fragrant deep purple and white bicolour flowers that are greatly appreciated by pollinating insects.
Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' forms mounds of silver-green foliage, and lilac-blue flower spikes from early summer. These nectar-rich blooms attract bees and pollinating insects, and cats adore the aromatic foliage. One of the most widely-grown Catmints, 'Six Hills Giant' is a tall variety, wonderful planted in generous swathes and allowed to spill from borders and soften path edges. A cottage garden favourite, it also makes a lovely cut flower.
Description for Delphinium 'Pacific Giants Mixed' not available
Agapanthus 'Bluestorm' is a new variety of Agapanthus, which has been bred specifically for its flowers. In June, this African Blue Lily grows an abundance of blue blooms on stiff stems, perfect for cut flower displays. It also boasts a long season, ensuring that your cottage garden remains colourful and interesting until the late summer. However, Agapanthus 'Atiblu' is by no means a one-trick pony; its strap-shaped, semi-evergreen foliage can be used to add structure to sunny borders. You won't even have to worry about its wellbeing when you go on holiday, for this hardy perennial tolerates drought exceptionally well, making it a good all-round plant. Height: 75cm (2'6). Spread: 50cm (1'8).