Create a PALETTE OF PINK

Cosmos, Japanese anemones and sedums bring in the sweetest sorbet shades

When it comes to annuals, reliable Cosmos bipinnatus is an excellent value-formoney plant. Easily grown from seed in spring, it’s a cost-effective way to add colour in pots or fill gaps in a border and looks especially wonderful partnered with the late-flowering annual cleome.

The easiest late-colour pink comes from perennial Japanese anemones. Anemone hupehensis japonica

‘Pamina’ gets my vote because it has slightly double flowers. These anemones grow almost anywhere, reaching a height of about 80cm (32in), and are perfect for the middle of a deep border. Plant them with pink-f lowering Hylotelephium spectabile and they’ll both pull in pollinating insects on warm days.

Hylotelephium (sedum or ice plant) enjoys a well-drained soil and a sunny spot. Hold off from cutting it back in autumn because it adds interesting shape to the border in winter. Both the hylotelephium and Japanese anemones can be lifted and divided in spring so you can easily turn one plant into many.

For height in autumn, Eupatorium purpureum is my go-to plant. It rubs along nicely with equally-tall helianthus ‘Lemon Queen’ at about 1.5m (5ft). The domes of pink flowers attract butterflies and bees and, although tall, it rarely needs staking and copes in sun or part shade. Ideally it requires a well-drained but moist soil. To match its stature, partner with a tall ornamental grass such as Miscanthus sinensis ‘Malepartus’.

If it’s powerful neon pink you’re after then nothing beats nerine ‘Zeal Giant’. This bulbous perennial thrives in pots or can be grown successfully at the foot of a southfacing wall. Prevent it from getting very wet and cold and it will be happy to stay outside in winter. These bright pink blooms make perfect cut flowers and look dazzling in a sunny spot. Plant as bulbs in spring or early summer, or treat yourself to a budding plant in autumn. They make a great solo statement in a pot. ➤

Reliable Cosmos bipinnatus is an excellent value-for-money plant

Willowy Japanese anemones with hardy fuchsias and sedum

Grow neon pink nerine ‘Zeal Giant’ in beds or a pot

Pink semi-double Anemone hupehensis japonica ‘Pamina’

❤

Annual cleome has spidery flowers that team well with cosmos and other pink daisies