HERBACEOUS PLANTS TO REACH THE HEAVENS VENS
Cardiocrinum giganteum
Sporting a magnificent 2.5m (8ft) crown of white, scented trumpets in June and July, the only way is up with giant Himalayan lilies!
It’s monocarpic so it dies after flowering, but its offsets will grow on to bloom in a few years’ time, adding an exotic quality to lightly shaded borders and woodland gardens.
Eucomis pole-evansii
This giant, 1.5m (5ft) pineapple lily comes out of the border like a sturdy green firework. The leaves are large and strappy, with a central stem smothered in starry, white flowers and topped with a punky tuft. Prefers a warm border but is also good in containers. Water and feed well in summer and keep the soil dry in winter.
Macleaya cordata
Statuesque and spectacular, the plume poppy is an architectural plant that can top 2m (6ft 6in). Handsome, steely blue leaves have crisply scalloped edges – like frilly f lying saucers that are topped with feathery sprays of cream flowers that are glorious when backlit.Some say it’s invasive, but it’s actually quite slow to get going and spread can be controlled by digging up stray runners in spring.
Eupatorium maculatum Atropurpureum Group
Handsome Joe Pye weed can stand head and shoulders above the late summer competition, with bouffant blooms forming a 2.5m (8ft) dome that are much loved by the local butterfly population. Hardy and unfussy about soil type, it needs moisture to reach its full magnitude.
Helianthus lianthus giganteus ‘Sheila’s Sunshine Sunshine’
If you’ve space, then giantnt sunf lowers are the way to fill it! Perennial ‘Sheila’s Sunshine’ will l reach an imposing 2.4m (7ft 8in) and is smothered in cheery yellow low flowers in late summer and autumn. Good for cutting. In a sunny nny and moist spot, it’ll form a decent clump. May need staking.