Christine’s must musthave perennials

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’

I love the way they crowd the stems with flowers. I keep them in check by splitting them. Height: 1.5m (5ft), spread: 50cm (20in).

Astilbe

Astilbes have been flowering here for years. Their plumes mix so well with ferns. Height and spread: 50cm (20in).

Hemerocallis

Such a range of beautiful colours! They bloom all summer and grow into a huge clump. Height: 80cm (32in), spread: 45cm (18in).

Centaurea macrocephala

We call this giant knapweed Ena Sharples’ hairnet! Bees love its crown of yellow flowers. Height: 1.5m (5ft), spread: 50cm (20in).

Leucanthemella serotina

They’re from Geoff Hamilton’s garden and are often still flowering in November. Height and spread: 1.5m (5ft).

Gladiolus colvillii ‘ Albus’

Looks great in pots in my newly-developed gravel area, these flowers are pure white and elegant. Height: 60cm (2ft).