These are fast becoming the UK's favourite plant for colourful year round foliage, and this pretty mix shows why. Add to this the sprays of tiny flowers that sit atop swaying slender stems from mid-summer and you have a highly rewarding display that'll last the whole year round.
The superb foliage of Heuchera 'Prince of Silver' makes a perfect carpet of silver with dark purple veins, when planted on mass. In late spring, delicate sprays of ivory-pink flowers appear above the foliage on slender purple stems. This fantastic herbaceous perennial forms neat clumps which provide year round interest, perfect for brightening up a sunny or semi-shaded spot in containers and borders. Highly attractive to pollinating insects due to its nectar rich blooms. Height: 45cm (18). Spread: 30cm (12).
The eye-catching blooms of Evening Primrose have played a major role in creating some of the most stunning perennial borders in gardens around the world. Oenothera 'African Sun' brings together all the key parts of this popular plants, together with maintaining a rounded, compact habit. The rich golden-yellow flowers remain open throughout the daytime as well as in the evenings and look excellent in borders and containers. Slender green foliage forms the base of this tough, reliable, hardy garden plant and will thrive in most conditions. Low maintenance and unlike other evening primroses, tolerates shade as well as full sun. Height: 90cm (36). Spread: 30cm (12).
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).
Sambucus racemosa 'Sutherland Gold' is an appealing choice if you?re looking for a plant with interesting and light-coloured foliage to fill a gap in a large garden border. The European Red Elder has bright yellow-green, feathery leaves, contrasting wonderfully with shrubs with dark green foliage. Sambucus racemosa 'Sutherland Gold' grows well in all types of soil, but is happiest in a spot that is both well-drained and moist. Conical heads of creamy white flowers are produced in late summer, followed by elderberries. Height and spread: 2.5m (8.2').
Sherbet Lemon is a quick and easy pre-planted basket for the busy gardener. The plants have been professionally chosen, to ensure the basket looks fantastic when in bloom, over the summer months.
Symphoricarpos x doorenbosii 'Mother of Pearl' has nectar rich, white flowers in summer, and powder pink berries in autumn making it an ideal shrub for a wildlife-friendly garden.
Heuchera 'Stormy Seas' is best known for the unusual colouring of its foliage: the hardy perennial's curled leaves are maroon-red with a green underside. They look particularly striking alongside the spikes of creamy-white flowers that appear in the summer. However, the plant's practical functions are not to be overlooked, for this Coral Flower is also great for providing ground cover in both sunny and partially shady areas. It also makes a great addition to mixed patio containers. With so much going for it, Coral Bells is surely deserving of a place in any cottage or wildlife garden. Height: 40cm (1'4). Spread: 40cm (1'4).
Petunia ?Tumbelina Cherry Ripple? is an eye-catching double trailing petunia with two-toned magenta and white flowers. It puts on such an abundant display that only 5 plants are needed to fill a hanging basket with masses of vibrant colour that last the whole summer. ?Cherry Ripple? is also a perfect choice for window boxes, containers and flower pouches®. Height: 30cm (12). Spread: 30cm (12).
Are you tempted by the beautiful, globe-shaped blooms of African Blue Lillies but concerned that they will struggle in the changeable British climate? Perhaps the 'Northern Star' variety of Agapanthus is the answer to your prayers! Not only does it produce an abundance of deep blue flower umbels in mid to late summer, but it is among the toughest plants of its kind.
For a tulip with maximum impact in any spring display, look no further than Tulip 'Suncatcher'. These bold, two-tone flowers have the classic goblet shape, starting a deep, golden yellow with fiery red tips to each petal to make them really stand out. Best planted in large groups where the can really make a statement, these wonderful blooms are perfect for cutting too! Height: 45cm .Spread: 15cm (6)
A lovely textural herbaceous perennial, Sedum 'Herbstfreude' produces fleshy, succulent pale green leaves and stems. From August through to September, large flattened clusters of tiny dark pink flowers open, creating a carpet of colour which is highly attractive to bees and butterflies. A valuable plant for late season colour, this RHS AGM Stonecrop also retains attractive seed heads throughout winter, giving your garden structure and interest. Sedum 'Herbstfreude' also has fantastic drought tolerance making it ideal for dry sunny borders, coastal gardens or prairie-style plantings. Height and spread: 60cm (24).