Top p 5... water garden perennials

Give your pond a summer treat by adding one – or even a few – of these perfect plants

1 Primula florindae ‘Red Shades’

Orange-red selection from the normally yellow-flowered giant Himalayan cowslip. Scented blossoms on tall stems from July. Best in semi-shade in moist but not wet soil. H: 70cm (2¼ft), S: 35cm (1ft 1½in).

Tip Will self-seed but offspring may be variable in colour.

From www.harperleyhallfarmnurseries. co.uk; tel: 01207 233318.

2 Astilbe ‘Sprite’

Wiry stems carry airy sprays of light-pink flowers from July until September. Attractive rust-coloured seed heads. Deciduous perennial with serrated, dark green foliage. Moist soil on pond margins or bog garden. H/S: 30cm (1ft). Tip Ideal for planting in a shady spot.

From www.bethchatto.co.uk; tel: 01206 822007.

3 Darmera peltata ‘Nana’

Deciduous, slow-spreading, rhizomatous perennial with rounded, umbrella-like leaves. Heads of pale pink, starlike flowers on long stems appear in spring before the foliage. Dwarf form of a much larger species ideal for smaller ponds. Damp soil on pond margins. H/S: 60cm (2ft). Tip Can be grown as a container plant in dappled shade. From www.holdencloughnursery.com; tel: 01200 447615.

4 Iris ensata ‘Moonlight Waves’

Classy Japanese water iris producing white flowers with lime-green centres in July and August. Clump-forming perennial with bright green, ribbed leaves. H: 60cm (2ft), S: 45cm (1½ft). Tip Plant in humus-rich, damp soil. From www.bethchatto.co.uk; tel: 01206 822007.

5 Schoenoplectus lacustris ‘Zebrinus’

Moisture-loving, evergreen, rush-like plant with white-banded leaves. Small, brown flowers in summer. Spreads by creeping rhizomes. Grows in soil up to 30cm (1ft) deep in full sun. H: 90cm (3ft), S: 60cm (2ft).

Tip Grow in mesh basket and annually trim off surplus rhizomes in autumn.

From www.plantsforponds.co.uk; tel: 07465 222676.