PETALS THAT POP

SCABIOSA ATROPURPUREA GELATO ‘BLUEBERRY’

this is a compact hardy perennial that willingly pumps out stems of dark berry-coloured flowers in summer and autumn. The bees love it as it flowers for a long time. The flowers last well as a cut flower, adding to the plant’s charm. this plant is a neat option to add to the flower border for some welcome colour. Trim back lightly before winter. plant in full sun.

SCABIOSA JAPONICA ‘RITZ BLUE’

From its compact mounding habit comes a plethora of rich lavender-blue flowers. The blooms make a statement in sunny borders and raised gardens. team this up with white cosmos or salvias for a summer and an autumn swathe of colour. Bees, birds and butterflies like this one too.

ARGYRANTHEMUM ‘BUTTERBALL’

Flower lovers who enjoy shades of lemon and white will appreciate the large blooms produced by this compact Federation daisy. Flowers appear from late spring and keep coming until the end of autumn. As the flowers open, they’re a rich buttery lemon colour and then fade to creamy white as the flowers age. This perennial will thrive in sunny borders or in raised planters and tubs and is hardy to cold.

NEMESIA ‘MISTY BICOLOUR’

this wee nemesia from oderings is captivating with its two-toned lavender and white flowers. Once it starts flowering in autumn, expect to see flowers constantly until the end of spring. These lowgrowing perennials may look delicate, but they’re quite tough. don’t be stingy; plant plenty in rows or in clusters. The flowers have a sweet delicate perfume as well. Ideal in the sun and partial shade.

DIANTHUS ROCKIN ‘WHITE’

I love having flowers to pick over autumn and winter. This compac-tgrowing perennial dianthus produces upright tall stems up to 25cm long. It is hardy to cold weather and can self-seed in sheltered spots. The pure white flowers of Rockin ‘White’, from Oderings, last for over a week in a vase. Ideal for a planter or even a larger window box. Trim off the dead flowers to encourage more to appear.