Top 5...variegated perennials
These bi-coloured, leafy lovelies will brighten up your garden plantings in sun or shade
1 Alstroemeria ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’
Astonishing scarlet flowers in summer. Moist, well-drained soil in sun or semishade. H: 75cm (30in), S: 60cm (24in). Tip Hardy to -10C (14F), so mulch in winter or grow in pots. Fromrom www. thompson-morgan.com; tel:l 0844 573 1818.
2 Polemonium ‘Brise d’Anjou’
Upright, clumping habit. Soft violet-blue, scented flowers throughout spring. Good for early pollinators. Any moist, well-drained soil. Sun or semi shade. H/S: 45cm (18in). Tip Trim off blooms after flowering to encourage ourage fresh growth. From www. ballyrobert gardens.com;dens.com; tel: 028 934 40101.
3 Hosta fortunei ‘Patriot’
Clump-former with striking riking variegation. Pale lavender vender flowers from July. Moist soil in semi-shade or r pots. H: 60cm (24in), S: : 90cm (36in). Tip Protect emerging shoots against slugs and snails. From www.gardening express.co.uk; tel: 0844 804 4253.
4 Iris pallida ‘Argentea Variegata’
Bold foliage with soft blue, scented flowers in early summer. Adaptable and hardy in most parts of the UK. Any well-drained soil in sun. H: 60cm (24in), S: 50cm (20cm). Tip Cut down stems after flowering. Remove old leaves in autumn. From www. burncoose.co.uk; tel: 01209 860316.
5 Convallaria majalis ‘Albostriata’
Spreading ground cover with cream-lined leaves. Wands of fragrant bell-flowers in spring. Any soil in semishade. H: 25cm (10in), S: 30cm (12in). Tip Remove any plain green shoots as they occasionally appear. From www. borderalpines.co.uk; tel: 01409 253654.