9 yellow border plants

3 for the exotic touch B. ‘Fireworks’ AGM

This Begonia rex hybrid has large, puckered leaves of dark-veined silvery green with amethyst edges. Both the leaf stalks and thick vein undersides are rich crimson. Keep as a house plant but add to exotic summer displays outdoors in lightly shaded spots. H&S: 18in (45cm).

B. ‘Down Home’

For drama, cane begonias have a tall, usually upright growing habit and once temperatures are warm, can be placed outdoors in lightly shaded beds and containers during summer. Plant against the bright foliage of a large-leaved hosta such as ‘Coast to Coast’. H&S: 3ft (1m).

B. grandis subsp. evansiana ‘Alba’ AGM

This variety of the hardy begonia will die back to small tubers every autumn and grow back in spring, returning to flower against bright-green foliage from late summer into autumn. In well-drained soil, ours regularly survives temperatures of 19°F (-7°C). HxS: 20x12in (50x30cm).

3 just right for bedding B. Megawatt Pink Green Leaf

Hybrids of fibrous-rooted ‘wax-leaf’ B. semperflorens have been widely popular since bedding ‘took off’ in the 1970s. They are tender perennials, but grown as annuals from tiny seeds sown early in the year. This interspecific hybrid produces pink flowers over a long period. HxS: 20x16in (50x40cm).

B. Nonstop Mocca White

These have been with us since the 1970s, filling beds with their compact shape, bright colours and ability to flower all summer. Raised from seed to flower the same year, tubers develop and can be overwintered. The Mocca Series has a lively colour range with wide blooms and long leaves. H&S: 18in (45cm).

B. ‘Glowing Embers’ AGM

There are some strong contenders to beat this fiery begonia, yet it still holds the crown for its long-season single orange flowers held against dark purplebronze foliage on neat, semi-cascading plants. These look their best in containers or raised beds and thrive in sun or shade. H&S: 14in (25cm).

3 of the showiest B. ‘Illumination Salmon’ AGM

With a strongly cascading habit, weather resistance and lots of double, warmsalmon blooms to 3in (8cm) across from early summer well into autumn, this is perfect for baskets and pedestal containers. Plants die back to tubers and can be overwintered. H: 12in (30cm) trailing to 24in (60cm) S: 18in (45cm).

B. Nonstop Rose Petticoat

The blooms of this tuberous begonia are not subtle, but the ruffled pink-flushed white petals rimmed with rosy-pink swirl from the centre part to reveal golden stamens. These blooms are 4in (10cm) wide, produced over a long summer period and are good for bedding or containers. H&S: 10in (25cm).

B. Rivulet White Elegance

This is an improved, eye-catching version of B. Million Kisses Elegance, whose stand-out coral calyx and palepink petals remind me of scallops. From a strong, bushy habit, the many blooms open against dark-green foliage. Plants thrive in sun or light shade and require no deadheading. H&S: 14in (35cm).