Susan’s favourite border stalwarts

Symphytum ibericum

Iberian comfrey has nodding clusters of pink flowers in May and June with deep green leaves.

Polystichum setiferum ‘Plumosomultilobum Group’

Evergreen soft shield ferns have lacy, multi-layered, dark green fronds.

Spiraea japonica ‘Goldflame’

Vibrant red leaves emerge in spring, maturing to yellow then lime-green. Has dark pink summer flowers.

Chaenomeles superba ‘Crimson and Gold’

Spiny ornamental quince with crimson flowers and fragrant golden fruits.

Viburnum juddii

A rounded, compact shrub with sweetly scented, creamy-white flowers opening from pink buds in spring

Cercis siliquastrum

The deciduous Judas tree has heartshaped leaves, clusters of dark-pink flowers and purple seed pods.