Fruiting perennials

Their berries may be inedible, but these plants add ornamental value to the autumn garden

1 Arum italicum ‘Marmoratum’

Marbled leaves in autumn to late spring. Tall stems of berries in September. Any moist, well-drained soil in semi-shade. H/S: 30cm (12in). Tip Summer dormant, so combine with summer-season plants. From www.bethchatto.co.uk; tel: 01206 822007.

2 Iris foetidissima

Indestructible evergreen. Pale flowers yield bright orange seed pods. Any soil, sun or shade. H: 45cm (18in), S: 30cm (12in). Tip Useful for growing beneath trees in dry shade. From www.burncoose.co.uk; tel: 01209 860316.

3 Actaea pachypoda

Clump-forming perennial with divided leaves. Long-lasting fruit. Woodsy soil in semi-shade. H: 75cm (30in), S: 30cm (12in). Tip Plant with ferns, hostas and hellebores. From www.bluebellcottage.co.uk; tel: 01928 713718.

4 Podophyllum peltatum

Stout, rhizomatous perennial. Umbrella-like leaves and white flowers in spring. Moist, woodsy soil in semi-shade. H/S: 45cm (18in). Tip Imposing alongside pondsides or in bog gardens. From www.penlanperennials.co.uk; tel: 01239 842260. 5 Iris domestica Sprays of mottled, summer flowers form clusters of black berries. Full sun in moist, well-drained soil. H/S: 1m (3ft 3in).

Tip Can prove tender but easy from seed if plant succumbs in winter.

From www.urbanjungle.uk.com; tel: 01502 219110.