5 annual must-haves

1 Nigella damascena ‘Miss Jekyll’

Pure romance and the softest blend of blue and green, the common name ‘love in a mist’ perfectly describes the effect it creates. Mingles with anything and makes a perfect complement to the calendula. Height x Spread 45cm x 40cm Flowering Jun-Sep

2 Calendula ‘Indian Prince’

One of the most rewarding plants to grow. Totally hardy and happy sown in autumn for an early start. Simple daisy flowers of vivid orange, the colour intensified by crimson reverses and centres. Self-sows, or just collect the seed. HxS 45cm x 45cm

F Jun-Oct

3 Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Purity’

My favourite annual with an incomparable elegance. Big plants from an early sowing in February, but if you missed the boat it is worth trying a direct sowing, thinning out once germinated so just a few remain.

It’s worth potting on those you have thinned out, too. HxS 1.2m x 60cm F Jun-Oct

4 Nicotiana mutabilis

Adding a dainty touch to any pastel-leaning border, its long white trumpet flowers change to pink, and both colours decorate the plant at any one time. Seed is ultra-fine so sow sparingly. Slow to germinate but then gets moving. HxS 1.5m x 60cm

F Jun-Sep

5 Tagetes ‘Cinnabar’

Perfect for companion planting in the vegetable garden but also an absolute must for big, dramatic containers with a

‘hot’ colour theme alongside dahlias, amaranthus and red salvias. Pollinators absolutely love it and its single, velvety flowers are accessible and prolific. HxS 90cm x 60cm

F Jun-Oct