6 blooms to brighten borders

Lychnis coronaria AGM

Throughout summer the rose campion produces a striking display of magenta single flowers that sit above downy silver foliage. The white form is also lovely. Happy in sun or semi-shade. H: 16in (80cm).

Verbascum bombyciferum

Broussa mullein is a drought-tolerant biennial that forms a rocket of yellow above silver leaves. Ideal for creating vertical accents, it performs best in well-drained soil in sun. H: 6ft (1.8m).

Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’

With their mellow apricot-orange colouring the single flowers of this avens easily blend into the border, and look good with grasses. Flowers: May-Sept. Happy in sun or semishade. H: 16in (80cm).

Potentilla ‘Gibson’s Scarlet’ AGM

A little firecracker that provides bursts of colour at the front of the border, courtesy of the scarlet single flowers – they blaze above strawberry-like leaves throughout summer. Plant in full sun. H: 11∕2ft (45cm).

Aster

xfrikartii ‘Mönch’ AGM

An early autumn must-have, this aster produces lavender daisies with golden centres from August to October and provides useful late-season nectar for pollinators. Needs well-drained soil in a sunny spot. H: 21∕2ft (75cm).

Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ AGM

Bees love ‘Caradonna’s slim summer spires of dark-stemmed purple flowers. Cut back after flowering to encourage further blooms. Needs well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H: 20in (50cm).