8 of Julian and Fiona’s favourite plants for summer

Valeriana pyrenaica Adds height, colour and scent over a threeto-four-week period. Prefers damp soil in sun or light shade. 90cm. USDA 4a-9b†.

Primula japonica One of the most vigorous Asian bog primulas with flowers in whorls up the stem. Likes moist, even wet, soil in sun or light shade. 40cm. RHS H7, USDA 4a-8b.

Rhododendron ‘Persil’ A deciduous shrub with light-green leaves that is fantastically scented during its early summer flowering season. Needs very light shade and moist, but well-drained, acid soil. 1.5m. AGM*. RHS H6, USDA 7a-9b.

Clematis ‘Broughton Star’ Masses of early flowers for a month, and purple-toned foliage. Can potentially grow very large so good for letting loose on trees. 12m. AGM. RHS H5, USDA 7a-9b.

Saxifraga ‘Rubrifolia’ ( fortunei) This ground-cover plant is one of Julian and Fiona’s favourite plants throughout the year, but it becomes a real star turn in autumn when it explodes into spikes with thousands of tiny white flowers. Prefers light shade. 30cm. RHS H4, USDA 6a-9b.

Saxifraga x urbium Spreading rosettes of light-green foliage provide excellent ground cover, through which bulbs can grow. Good in shade, including dry shade, and poor soils. Popular with honey bees. 30cm. RHS H5, USDA 6a-7b.

Silene uniflora More commonly known as sea campion, this native coastal plant with grey foliage, is a brilliant nectar source for moths, bumblebees and other insects. It is semi-evergreen and constantly spreading. Likes sun and is happy in poor soil. 10cm. USDA 3a-8b.

Hesperis matronalis A white-flowered form of a biennial that is typically dark lavender in colour. Has a wonderful scent and, if grown in sunny spots, is a great nectar source for many insects. Needs sun or light shade and often self-seeds. 90cm. RHS H6, USDA 4a-9b.