9 Architectural flowers
Eryngium x zabelii ‘Big Blue’ AGM
This fabulous sea holly has electric-blue thimble flowers, surrounded by a ruff of spiky bracts, above silver-green foliage. Grow in very well-drained soil in full sun. H: 29in (75cm).
Achillea filipendulina ‘Gold Plate’ AGM
The flat, sun-yellow flowerheads of this yarrow are landing platforms for pollinators in summer, and their skeletal form looks good in autumn. Well-drained soil in sun. H: 47in (1.2m).
Allium cristophii AGM
The star of these pink-violet flowerheads resemble exploding fireworks when they bloom in May, and make wonderful dried flowers. This perennial can be bought ready-grown now. H: 19in (50cm).
Echinops ritro ‘Veitch’s Blue’
Bees love the spherical flowerheads of this globe thistle, which resemble blue ping-pong balls. Cut for dried flowers or leave the seedheads for autumn. Welldrained soil in sun. H: 39in (1m).
Kniphofia ‘Nobilis’ AGM
This magnificent red-hot poker has coral-orange torches atop sturdy stems in late summer and early autumn, above a clump of evergreen leaves. Welldrained soil in sun. H: 59-78in (1.5-2m).
Angelica gigas
The angelica has fantastic, domed beetroot flowerheads on thick, red stems. Grow as a biennial or short-lived perennial. It attracts insects, so don’t plant it near a patio. H: 47-59in (1.2-1.5m).
Agapanthus ‘Midnight Star’ AGM
One of the best African lilies, this produces a mass of deep-blue starry flowers atop tall, stout stems. It also has fantastic, strappy leaves. Well-drained soil in sun. H: 31in (80cm).
Centaurea macrocephala
The giant knapweed has punk-haired yellow flowers that resemble enormous thistles and attract bees and butterflies in summer. Grow in well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H: 39in (1m).
Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’
This pineapple lily is a bulbous perennial with spikes of starry summer flowers on claret stems, above strappy red-olive leaves. Good in pots that are overwintered indoors. H: 27in (70cm).