Six of the most reliable varieties

‘Apricot Twist’

Sweetly-scented flowers from May-September. Shrubby habit, narrow leaves. H/S: 45cm (1½ft). From www.macplants.co.uk; tel: 01875 341179.

‘Constant Cheer’

Dusky-orange flowers fade to purple mauve. Bushy habit. Blooms April-August. H: 60cm (2ft), S: 45cm (1½ft). From www.claireaustin-hardy plants.co.uk; tel 01686 670342.

‘Sunburst’

Cream-edged foliage. Scented, yellow blooms from March to July. H: 55cm (1¾ft), S: 45cm (1½ft). From www.cgf.net; tel: 01386 422829.

‘Bowles’s Mauve’

Purple-mauve flowers from May-September. Narrow grey-green leaves. H: 80cm (2¾ft), S: 75cm (2½ft). From www.claireaustin-hardy plants.co.uk; tel 01686 670342.

‘Orange Flame’

Mat-forming shrublet. Luminous orange flowers in June-July. H: 15cm (6in), S: 25cm (10in). From www.borderalpines.co.uk; tel: 01409 253654.

‘Winter Orchid’

Fragrant, rusty-orange flowers fade to purple from May-October. Shrubby habit. H/S: 45cm (1½ft). From www.macplants.co.uk; tel: 01875 341179.