Top 5... late-flowering annual gems
Give your summer garden some jazzy pizzazz with these vibrant beauties
1 Amaranthus caudatus
Tall, leafy plants with tassels or spires in crimson, green or rustic tones. H: 1.5m (5ft), S: 90cm (3ft). Tip Large or spreading varieties may need staking to avoid wind damage. Fromrom www. mr-fothergills.co.uk; tel:l 0333 777 3936.
2 Cleome hassleriana
Branched, airy habit with long-stamened flowers in rose, purple or white. H: 1.5m (5ft), S: 90cm (3ft). Tip Useful for planting among tallerller roses for a lush display. From www. plantsofdistinction.co.uk; tel: l: 01449 721720.
3 Cosmos bipinnatus
Feathery foliage with daisy flowers in red, pink, white and yellow shades. H: : 90cm–1.5m (3-5ft), S: 60cm (2ft). Tip Keep plants compact by avoiding planting anting in overly rich soil. From www. thompson-morgan.com; tel: l: 0844 573 1818.
4 Tithonia rotundifolia
Stout, leafy habit with glowing orange or orange-red, daisy-like blooms and velvety petals. H/S: 1.2m (4ft). Tip Needs a warm, sunny and sheltered position. From www.sarahraven.com; tel: 0345 092 0283.
5 Zinnia
Leafy plants with single or double flowers in a wide range of gloriously intense and luminous tones. H: 60cm (2ft), S: 30cm (1ft). Tip Rather than sow direct, sow under glass and plant in summer for the best results. From www. thompson-morgan.com; tel: 0844 573 1818.