Plantsman’s favourites

Plantswoman Fleur van Zonneveld selects her favourite plants for August

We love naturalness in plant combinations and much prefer the single-flowered dahlias to the big, dinner-plate doubles. Although incredibly chic, Dahlia ‘Dark Desire’ works especially well in natural combination. Its dark, velvety red petals appear chocolate brown from a distance, almost like the related Cosmos atrosanguineus, and contrast dramatically with its goldenyellow stamens. However, the combination of the dark flower with bronze leaf and stem can make it look a little dull unless it is contrasted with brightly coloured neighbours, such as the lime-green Nicotiana langsdorffii or the spicy pink Diascia personata. Height 75cm. Origin Garden origin. Conditions Moist but well-drained soil; full sun. Hardiness RHS H3†.. Season of interest Summer to autumn.