Top 5... summer-flowering stars
Bijou plants to keep your garden blooming
1 Allium sikkimense Dainty, slender-leaved species producing nodding heads of cobaltblue flowers. Border edges or rock garden. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H: 20cm (8in), S: 15cm (6in). Tip Lovely for growing in pots. From www.borderalpines.co.uk; tel: 01409 253654.
2 Diascia barberae ‘Ruby Field’ Mat-forming variety with neat, rounded leaves and salmon-pink blooms over a long season. Any welldrained soil in sun. Protect from winter wet. H: 15cm (6in), S: 45cm (1½ft). Tip Add grit to improve drainage in heavier soil. From www.bethchatto.co.uk; tel: 01206 822007.
3 Erigeron glaucus ‘Sea Breeze’ Long-blooming daisy producing sugar-pink blossoms over a mat of blue-green foliage. Any well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. Ideal for use in coastal gardens H: 30cm (1ft), S: 45cm (1½ft). Tip Will self-seed, so remove spent blooms after flowering. From www.crocus.co.uk; tel: 01344 578111.
4 Origanum ‘Kent Beauty’ Dwarf, semi-evergreen shrublet with rounded, blue-green, aromatic leaves and long-lasting, hop-like pink flower heads. Alkaline soil, that’s not too rich in sun. Front of border or rock garden. H/S: 20cm (8in). Tip Use on a raised bed and allow it to trail down. From www.crocus.co.uk; tel: 01344 578111.
5 Penstemon pinifolius ‘Mersea Yellow’
Evergreen shrublet, with woody rootstock. Narrow, bright green foliage. Yellow, tubular flowers over a long season. Any well-drained soil in sun. H: 20cm (8in), S: 30cm (1ft).
Tip Shear off spent flower spikes to keep plants bushy.
From www.edrom-nurseries.co.uk; tel: 01890 771386.