8 KEY SEEDHEADS

1 Acanthus spinosus

An architectural plant with glossy, dark-green leaves and statuesque stems, carrying multiple whorls of white flowers with purple bracts that make striking winter silhouettes. 1.5m. RHS H6, USDA 5a-9b†. 2 Eupatorium maculatum

Loved by pollinators, the rose-purple, domed flowers of this late-summer stalwart die well and provide food for the birds in winter. 2m. RHS H7. 3 Calamagrostis brachytricha

Low clumps of foliage sprout thin stems in early autumn, with fluffy, pinkishgrey plumes turning silver-buff in winter. 1.2m. AGM*. RHS H6, USDA 4a-9b. 4 Dianthus carthusianorum

A semi-evergreen perennial, this top performer has grass-like leaves and wiry stems topped with bright, magenta flowers from early summer through autumn fading to attractive seedheads. 60cm. RHS H7. 5 Allium atropurpureum

Some of the best seedheads for form are alliums. Leave them in borders over winter to enjoy their globe, dome and nest shapes. 50cm. RHS H5.

6 Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis

This interesting perennial, with vetch-like leaves and violet flowers, is related to liquorice. It gives its best show in winter with inflated, spiny seedheads like bristly, brown cones. 2m. RHS H5.

7 Baptisia australis

This plant has attractive, blue-green leaves and beautiful, indigo-blue flowers – a bit like looser lupins – in early summer, followed by black seed capsules. 1.2m. AGM. RHS H7, USDA 3a-9b.

8 Cynara cardunculus

The cardoon is known for its huge, arching, silver-green leaves, but its thistle-like flowers flush luminous mauve-purple in late summer before drying to stand proud in winter. 2.5m. AGM. RHS H5, USDA 7a-9b.