Let it grow

Verbascum or mullein is a cottage-garden classic, adored by bees and other beneficial insects. ‘Snowy Spires’ is an eye-catching white variety that has magenta-coloured centres to every flower on its long, slender stems above rosettes of leaves. Grow it in the sun in borders or pots. It also lasts well as a cut flower. £3.50 for 50 pelleted seeds, Dobies (dobies.co.uk).