Top 5... late-spring perennials

Try one of these delights to see out the season with extra splashes of colour in the garden

1Tiarella ‘Spring Symphony’ Classy evergreen, shade-tolerant ground cover with black-blotched, finger-like leaves. From May slender spires of frothy, creamy, pink-tinged flowers arise in profusion. Any moist, well-drained soil in semi to full shade. Looks great when planted under shrubs or in pots. H/S: 30cm (1ft).

Tip Removing spent flower spikes will encourage more to form.

From www.crocus.co.uk; tel: 01344 578111.

2Geum ‘Cosmopolitan’ Semi-double, ruffled flowers in apricot, rose and cream tones. Sterile blossoms on long stalks appear from late spring into early summer. Damp, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H: 60cm (2ft), S: 45cm (1½ft). Tip Blossoms make excellent cut flowers. From www.claireaustin-hardyplants. co.uk; tel: 01686 670342.

3Ajuga incisa ‘Bikun’ (‘Frosted Jade’)

Strikingly variegated species from Japan. Forms clumps, rather than spreads. Deep violet-blue, tubular flowers in spring. Damp, but well-drained soil in semi-shade. H: 20cm (8in), S: 30cm (1ft).

Tip Avoid it getting swamped by more vigorous neighbours.

From www.brittanyperennials.uk; tel: te +33 (0)297436255 (French speaking).

4Aquilegia fragrans Less well-known species producing large, creamy-yellow, long-spurred flowers in late spring or early summer. Lovely sweet fragrance. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H: 45cm (1½ft), S: 30cm (1ft).

Tip When grown with other aquilegia varieties it won’t come true from seed.

From www.plant-world-seeds.com; tel: 01803 872939.

5Geranium cinereum ‘Jolly Jewel’

Showy range of varieties on neat, diminutive, semi-evergreen plants. Black-eyed flowers in salmon, pink and purple tones from late spring for months. Moist, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H: 15cm (6in), S: 30cm (1ft).

Tip Good for edging pathways or fronts of borders.

From www.crocus.co.uk; tel: 01344 578111.