When its flowers appear in August and September, this RHS AGM plant, Perovskia 'Blue Spire', could be mistaken for a variety of Lavender. Its blooms are an attractive blue-purple colour and give off a sweet scent. They also attract droves of bees and butterflies, making the hardy shrub suitable for wildlife gardens. However, unlike Lavender, Perovskia 'Blue Spire' produces tall stems, each of which bears many flowerheads. It is therefore suitable to grow at the back of sunny borders, even in exposed, costal areas. Height: 1.2m (3'11). Spread: 1m (3'3).
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Kew Blue' is a compact shrub with a neat habit. From late summer until autumn, Bluebeard stems are full of clusters of brilliant blue flowers, that look great set against the silvery foliage, which is subtly aromatic. It thrives in hot, sunny borders, and is very easy to maintain. An attractive plant for coastal and city gardens. Height: 1m (36). Spread: 1.5m (59).
The steely-blue foliage of Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' adds form and texture to the border all year round. This attractive grass grows in dense tufts, and when planted en masse it creates an impression of softness. A useful architectural plant, this Fescue is at home in a dry, sunny spot and will do well mixed with herbaceous perennials, bedding plants or in rockeries or gravel gardens. It is robust and easy to grow. Height: 30cm (12). Spread: 25cm (10).
This superb mid to late season variety produces an abundance of delicious, juicy berries in late summer; fantastic for extending the fruiting season when grown with an early-maturing variety. Clusters of pretty white, bell-shaped flowers in spring are followed by fiery red foliage in the autumn, making this a valuable hardy shrub for seasonal interest in the garden. Blueberry 'Powder Blue' is an attractive addition to patio containers or acidic borders, and the fruits are a tasty addition to jams, pies and muffins. Height and spread if left unpruned: 2.5m (8'). Supplied in a 9cm pot.
Scabious 'Butterfly Blue' is great in wildlife gardens because, as its name suggests, it attracts scores of butterflies and bees between July and October. These pollinators flock to the hardy perennial's lavender-blue blooms, which protrude on dainty stems above grey-green, lance shaped foliage. Scabiosa atropurpurea, which is sometimes called Pinchushion Flower or Sweet Scabious, grows best in sunny, cottage garden borders, but also makes an interesting cut flower. Height: 40cm (1'4). Spread: 40cm (1'4).
New for 2014 - this stunning pansy boasts extra-large flowers in abundance that form atop bushy plants, ideal for adding a cool effect to winter and spring pots, indeed this pansy may even begin to flower during autumn so you could see their eye-catching blooms from October right through to May! Ht.15-20cm. Supplied as plug plants.
With a fresh Juniper scent, and an upright, thin habit, this architectural conifer is a great choice for the front garden, or as a conifer within a large rockery. It can also be used within a formal garden, for example, planted in pairs along the length of a path.
A handsome, silvery blue conifer with a pleasing conical shape at maturity. The foliage takes on a purple tint during particularly cold periods that adds some seasonal interest.
Most Hydrangeas produce great results but require little maintenance, and Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Danube' is no exception. When given space in a sunny or partially shady border or patio container, the hardy shrub will produce striking flowerheads in July and August. These blooms can grow to an impressive 20cm (8) in diameter, transforming cottage gardens and dominating any cut flower display. The papery petals are typically a blue-purple colour when the plant is grown in acidic soil, while an alkaline environment will result in a pink tone. Height: 1m (3'3). Spread: 1m (3'3).
Plants with architectural interest are often quite large but Euphorbia 'Glacier Blue' is just 60cm wide and 60cm tall so everyone can find a space for it. The blue-green leaves are highlighted with cream edges so will give a silver effect that will be very welcome in winter gardens. From March to June tall stems of nectar-rich creamy green flowers will emerge to stand proud over the contrasting variegated foliage. With the extra feature of being drought resistant Euphorbia ?Glacier Blue' makes the perfect compact plant for low-maintenance borders and as cut flowers too. Height and spread: 60cm (24).
Blueberry 'Chandler' produces a wealth large, firm berries up to 2g each in weight and 20mm (¾inch) in diameter. The delicious, juicy fruits are produced from the beginning of August until mid September.
The glossy red berries of this blue Holly are a sure sign that Christmas is approaching! This eye catching evergreen is supplied as a standard tree, making the perfect container plant for framing your front door. As the name suggests, Ilex x meserveae ?Blue Maid? is a female variety. It produces tiny white flowers in spring which, if pollinated by a male variety, are followed by a profusion of holly berries. The scarlet fruits contrast beautifully with its glossy, purple-green foliage.