6 perennials for border heat

Kniphofia ‘Nancy’s Red’

Perfect for giving tired planting a lift, the coral-red flowers of this red hot poker start appearing in June and keep coming right through until October. It’s a good choice for a dry, sunny location. HxS: 2x11/2ft (60x45cm).

Helenium ‘Waltraut’ AGM

This reliable sneezeweed’ produces its generous (3in/8cm across) sunsetblushed flowers well into September. Plant in sun, in groups of three or five for maximum impact. Plants may need support. HxS:39inx2ft (1mx60cm).

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ AGM

With deep yellow petals surrounding dark eyes, the blooms of this coneflower are long-lasting (continuing into October). Happy in sun or part shade, in moist, welldrained soil. HxS: 2x11/2ft (60x45cm).

Lobelia cardinalis ‘Queen Victoria’ AGM

Long spikes of bold scarlet blooms plus dark stems and foliage – it’s a winning combination that provides colour and contrast in a single plant. Great for cutting; prefers moist soil but happy in sun or part shade. HxS: 3x2ft (90x30cm).

Crocosmia ‘Mistral’

Similar to the popular ‘Lucifer’ with its brilliant red flowers and strappy foliage, only a little shorter, making it ideal for planting mid- to back-of-border. Prefers sun, but doesn’t like the soil to dry out. HxS: 3ftx20in (90x50cm).

Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’

A reliable performer supplying zingy flowers from early July into September. With pink petals surrounding a central burnt orange cone, they’re great for wildlife and leave a long-lasting silhouette. HxS: 39inx11/2ft (1mx45cm).