If you are looking to add a large splash of purple and blue to your garden then you really must consider Clematis 'Semu'. This variety is known for it's velvety purple petals with blue undersides plus the features of hardiness and a tireless free-flowering habit. All that it requires from you in return is that it's cut back to just above ground level each year. The striking summer flowers are present from July to September and will be happy scrambling over walls, trellis, fences and any other support that you can offer it. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 1m (3'). Pruning group: 3.
Clematis 'Rasputin' can be relied upon to produce an abundance of velvety deep violet blooms with undulating petal edges from July to September. This popular variety is one of the darkest flowered Clematis so it will make a stunning contrast if teamed with pale flowered climbing roses. To keep the intense purple colour it's best to position Clematis 'Rasputin' in light shade as strong direct sunlight will fade the flowers. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 1m (3'). Pruning group: 3.
Clematis 'Étoile Violette', also known in English as 'Violet Star', is a Clematis created by Francisque Morel in France, in 1885. This classic, RHS Award of Garden Merit variety has beautiful violet purple flowers, with yellow stamens in the centres, all through June, July and August. It is perfect for a bare garden wall or fence, that gets plenty of sun. Very easy to maintain, just prune back to ground level in late autumn. Height: 5m (15'). Spread: 1.5m (5'). Pruning group: 3.
With bright, magenta pink blooms, Buddeja ?Octopus? will be the highlight of your patio this summer. This compact shrub has been bred for a branching habit. Buddlejas flower at the branch tips, so more branches means even more flowers!
What an eye-catching plant! Clematis 'Rüütel' is not shy and is happy to show off it's single, deep red flowers in prolific abundance from July to September. The blooms are unusually large and flowers up to 20cm (8) across are very common. Maintenance is a doddle as all that is required is to cut back the stems to just above ground level each year. A strong climber, Clematis 'Ruutel' is compact but vigorous making it ideal for scrambling up fences, trellises, pergolas and walls or supported in containers. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 1m (3'). Pruning group: 3.
For a volcanic explosion of colour, you can?t beat Begonia 'Illumination Mix Molten Lava'.
Clematis 'Purpurea Plena Elegans' is a Clematis created at the start of the 20th Century, and has unusual sepals compared to most other Clematis. The flowerheads are ornate and showy, and red-purple in colour. It flowers from mid summer until early autumn and is a nice addition to any type of garden. Best planted in a sunny position, either trained up a wall or fence, or in an obelisk planter on patios or decking. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 1.5m (5'). Pruning group: 3.
Clematis are climbing plants, so 'Tudor' Old Man's Beard should be grown against a wall or trellis. It can be placed in a flowerbed or patio container; provided it is given plenty of sunlight, it will grow well in most environments. The hardy shrub really comes into its own in May, when its flowers appear. These blooms have a pale pink tone, but each petal is adorned with a darker stripe in its centre. The stamens are a similarly striking red colour. As if this unusual pattern wasn't enough, the blooms are also remarkable in shape. Their wavy edges form ruffles where they curl inwards, making for an extremely interesting display. These flowers last until the late summer, so Clematis 'Tudor' is one of the longest-flowering plants of its kind. Height: 1.5m (4'11). Spread: 1m (3'3). Pruning group 2.
A stunning deep red-maroon flowering clematis with large velvety petals, flowering from May to June and again in September. Ideal for growing up a fence, trellis, pergola or arch, enjoying a full-sun location. Keep the roots cool and moist. Fully hardy. Height 2m, spread 1m. Supplied in 3 litre pots.
The Euonymus japonicus ?Himalaya? is a popular choice due to its versatility and hardiness.
Viburnum tinus 'Lisarose' is one of few shrubs that flowers in winter, between December and April, so it is an excellent choice for providing colour when so much of the garden is dormant. It has evergreen foliage and creamy white florets open from deep pink buds, on compact flowerheads, which are then followed by shiny black fruits. It is an ideal shrub for wide borders in larger gardens, especially those with a woodland setting. Planted in a line, Laurustinus makes a lovely hedge. Height and spread: 3m (10?).
Sumptuous, frilly blooms with fully double, ruffled petals that are a world away from traditional Pansies! Pansy ?Orchi? is a showy mix of sunny yellow and coolest blue-white flowers that make the perfect partners.
Give your garden the ?wow? factor in spring with the luxuriant blooms of Tulip ?Ice Cream Duo?. This pair of peony-flowered varieties make perfect planting partners, bringing opulence to beds, borders and patio containers.
Hardy Fuchsia 'Angela' is a garden darling with dangling, violet-purple blooms and bright crimson sepals, from June right through to autumn! This compact variety has been trained on a trellis to create a fabulous patio plant, but would work equally well in borders, either as a bush or standard trained Fuchsia.
A hardy perennial that is ideal for patio planters and the front of garden borders, Veronica 'Bubblegum Candles', has upright, short, pink flower spikes, that are great for attracting bees and butterflies.
Pansies have long been a popular choice for British gardeners, due to their reliability and prettiness. Pansy 'Coolwave Berries 'n' Cream Mix' is two lovely varieties that look great planted next to each other.