Flax

Common blue flax ( Linum usitatissimum) and red flax ( L. grandiflorum ‘Rubrum’) are tall, willowy annuals with brightly coloured, flat flowers that face the sky. They’re popular with pollinators and the seed pods are filled with linseed, which birds will appreciate. You could even make some linen from the stems! Height: 60cm (24in).