Adolfo Harrison
1 Capsicum annuum ‘Padron’
The Padron pepper that we recognise from tapas menus is well suited to growing in the UK, and will keep producing mostly mild chillies until autumn. My dad grows them every year to bring a bit of Spain into our lives. He pots them on to hand out as gifts, and is proud of the fact that one of his plants even ended up in the Vitamin C border at the Chelsea Physic Garden. H 50cm, S 40cm.
2 Ratibida columnifera f. pulcherrima
‘Red Midget’ I was once lucky enough to collaborate with planting expert Chris Marchant on a project where the brief was to create a tapestry of warm colours. Through the research it became apparent that a significant percentage of floriferous plants for hot borders are short-lived species. Chris introduced me to this choice, which is a great example of a short but vibrant life fully lived.
Usually grown as an annual, it is a perennial so may return the following year. H 50cm, S 50cm. RHS H6.
3 Galium odoratum
Scattered on prepared soil around other woodland perennials and shrubs, G. odoratum creates beautifully textured and scented groundcover for a semi-shaded aspect matrix, and creates the ideal stage for more dominant plants. H 30cm, S 1m. RHS H7, USDA 4a-8b.
4 Primula veris ‘Sunset Shades’
I wasn’t always a huge fan of Primula veris, but I’m starting to use it more after reading James Hitchmough’s enthusiastic account of their usefulness as an early flowering, low-level plant that can handle being overshadowed later by taller perennials. P. veris ‘Sunset Shades’ offers some warmth when we yearn for it after winter. H 25cm, S 25cm.
5 Orlaya grandiflora
When the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is held in its more normal slot of May, the white laceflowe with its understated elegance is one of the show’s classic plants. Its long outer petals give it such a clear and bold silhouette while still offering the porosity you get from an umbel. The first time I grew it was from a seed packet that came with Gardens Illustrated years ago. H 75cm, S 50cm. AGM. RHS H7.
6 Tropaeolum majus ‘Empress of India’
This nasturtium cultivar is to red what Eschscholzia is to orange. I first saw it taking over the front of a tidy yew hedge, and it was both the deep green and formality of the yew that showed off its rambling habit and deep-red flowers to their best. You can almost see it grow in front of your eyes – it’s basically part animal, part salad. H 20cm, S 30cm.