Best picks for sun, shade and pots

3 for sun

Melianthus major

A great feature plant for the back of a border or a sheltered spot, the stunning leaves combine a lovely grey-green colouring with distinctive serrated edges. A little tender, it needs protection during colder weather. HxS: 9.8ft (3m).

Euphorbia mellifera

This large euphorbia, native to Madeira, makes a wonderful leafy shrub for its brilliant-green whorls of foliage and rounded form. The honey-scented flowers are an added bonus. On the tender side, it benefits from a sheltered spot, against a warm wall. HxS: 8ft (2.4m).

Ricinus communis ‘Carmencita’

The large deep-red palmate leaves of the castor oil plant make a great accompaniment to hot-coloured summer perennials, with pompom flowers for added interest. A tender plant, it needs winter protection. HxS: 5x3ft (1.5x1m).

3 for shade Podophyllum versipelle ‘Spotty Dotty’

A favourite with Chelsea designers, these shade-loving perennials have beautifully patterned, soft and velvety leaves. The flowers are also unusual, but you have to look closely for them. Great combined with shade-tolerant grasses. HxS:

1ft 3inx2ft 6in (40x80cm).

Astelia chathamica ‘Silver Spear’

The silvery strappy leaves make this a great contrast plant and the light colouring brightens a shady corner. Hardy in milder areas and sheltered gardens, it’s equally good in pots. Looks good with euphorbias and ferns. HxS: 4ftx6ft 6in (1.2x2m).

Fatsia japonica

A classic architectural shrub guaranteed to lend an exotic feel with its large, glossy, palmate leaves. Looks good contrasted with upright bamboos or more compact pittosporums. Fully hardy, these are slow growing so good for smaller spaces. HxS: 13x13ft (4x4m).

3 for pots Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’

A classic hosta with large ribbed leaves, slightly acid-green and reputedly less attractive to slugs. Great in a pot on its own, it’s a good feature plant and the lilac flowers are attractive, too. HxS: 3.4x3ft (105x90cm).

Phormium Back in Black (‘Seilack’)

This dark, compact phormium makes a perfect dramatic centrepiece for a pot. The strappy leaves make a bold statement, and look good with oranges and reds of trailing begonias and geraniums. HxS: 29.5x10in (75x25cm).

Ensete ventricosum

The rich red-leaved Abyssinian banana is a fantastic tropical feature plant that sets the scene for an exotic display. Grow in a pot to keep summer growth in check and keep well fed and watered. Bring indoors for the winter. HxS: 16.4x13ft (5x4m).