John’s long-season plants

Geranium ‘Rozanne’

This hardy geranium features vibrant, lavender-blue flowers with a white centre from early summer through to the frosts, then reliably pops up again each spring. H: 60cm (2ft), S: 80cm (32in).

Rose ‘Fru Dagmar Hastrup’

A compact Rugosa rose with pink, single flowers that develop a vivid golden colour in autumn in a sunny spot and produces eye-catching scarlet hips the size of tomatoes! H: 90cm (3ft), S: 1.2m (4ft).

Ligularia dentata ‘Desdemona’

Huge, bronze-tinted, purple-backed leaves and clusters of deep yellow, daisylike flowers on tall stems add pizzazz to autumn borders. This robust perennial suits a moist, shady spot. H/S: 1m (40in).

Meconopsis betonicifolia

The spectacular electric-blue flowers with bright yellow centres bring drama from May-July. They’ll only flourish in a shady spot with moist, acid soil. Perfect for bog gardens. H: 1.2m (4ft), S: 45cm (18in).

Acer davidii

Snake-bark maple looks magnificent at any time of year. Glossy, green leaves turn vivid orange and yellow in autumn and the stunning green and white striped bark looks silvery at distance. H/S: 15m (49ft).

Eryngiums

Seed heads add structure and interest to borders. Spiky, electric-blue summer flowers with feathery ruffs take on an ethereal form as they fade. Likes a dry, sunny spot. H: 75cm (30in), S: 45cm (18in).