Top 5... Late-summer shrubs
1 Hibiscus syriacus ‘Pink Chiffon’ Hardy, deciduous, British-bred shrub with neat, three-lobed, dark green leaves. Large, pink, double-centred flowers from mid-August to October. Any-moist, welldrained soil, especially neutral to slightly chalky. H: 3m (10ft), S: 1.6m (6ft). Tip Only prune lightly to keep plant in shape. From www.dobies.co.uk; tel: 0844 967 0303. 2
2 Caryopteris clandonensis ‘Hint of Gold’
Soft gold, aromatic foliage, brighter in spring, is a lovely contrast to the powderblue blossoms from late August. Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. RHS AGM winner. Any well-drained soil in sun. Drought tolerant once established. H/S: 90cm (3ft). Tip Prune back stems in March to keep plant bushy. From www.thompson-morgan.com; tel: 0844 573 1818. 3 Zauschneria californica ‘Glasnevin’ Low, spreading, semi-evergreen shrublet with slender, grey-green leaves. Flared, tubular, vermillion-red flowers from August to first frosts. Hardy to -10C (50F). Well-drained, not too fertile soil in full sun. Avoid winter wet. H: 30cm (1ft), S: 60cm (2ft). Tip Excellent in raised beds, over wall-tops wa or pots. From www.borderalpines.co.uk; tel: 01409 253654.
4 Ceratostigma willmottianum ‘Forest Blue’
Mound-forming shrub with small neat, lanceshaped leaves which turn red in autumn. Vivid blue forget-me-not flowers from August to first frosts. Attracts bees and butterflies. Any moist, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. H: 90cm (3ft), S: 1.2m (4ft).
Tip Remove any stems damaged by winter frosts.
From www.kelways.co.uk; tel: 01458 250521.
5 Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Little Spire’
Compact form of Russian sage. Upright, silvery stems, with narrow, aromatic, grey-green leaves. Small, violet-blue flowers on stems create a hazy effect over many weeks. Any well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H/S: 60cm (2ft).
Tip Good on dry, chalky soils and in coastal locations.
From www.crocus.co.uk; tel: 01344 578111.
Autumn is almost here, but these beauties will give a last blast of colour in the garden