Some reliable favourites to plant now

Peonies

Long-lived, remaining in good health for decades with minimal attention. Though flowering is brief, their foliage is attractive and useful as cover. Some need staking. Best in full sun.

Hostas

Hostas come in a huge range of sizes and colours, with lovely flowers. Those with blue leaves need shade while variegated and green leaves withstand more sun. Surprisingly tolerant of dry soils.

Lupins

Lupins grow best in light, sandy soils and acid soils in sun. They’re short-lived in clay due to poor drainage in winter and ensuing slugs and snails. Remove old flowers to prevent weakening plants.

Iris sibirica

These are the easiest iris, with attractive foliage all summer. After four years the clumps develop dead centres and need to be divided. They thrive in sun or part shade and in wet, heavy soils.

Delphiniums

Majestic, tall and showy, and essential to give height. Easily raised from seed, they can also be grown from cuttings taken in spring. They need full sun and staking, and grow well in chalky soils.

Astrantia

Easy to grow and surviving in less than ideal conditions, these make clumps of low foliage and stiff stems of starry flowers throughout summer. They’re ideal for cutting. Sun or part shade.

Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’

This hardy plant is among the best, flowering for many months in late summer. The stems are well branched and self-supporting. In early summer the low clumps of leaves suppress weeds.

Epimedium

Dainty foliage and fascinating flowers in spring make these tough plants useful for ground cover in part shade. Some are tolerant of dry shade while the more showy kinds prefer a rich, moist soil.