FIVE COASTAL CLASSICS

1 ERYNGIUM PICOS BLUE

Growing to about 16in, the stems of this tough, compact sea-holly terminate with electric-blue flowers, above. 2

ARMERIA MARITIMA SPLENDENS

In summer, this form of thrift produces a mass of pink flowers on 8in stems above compact, grassy mounds of foliage.

3 CENTRANTHUS RUBER

Valerian is a clump-forming perennial for well-drained soil, boasting 3ft stems crowned with dense clusters of red flowers.

4 CRAMBE MARITIMA

A native to our coastline, sea kale produces mounds of wavy-edged, blue-green leaves topped with sprays of white flowers in summer.

5 GRISELINIA LITTORALIS VARIEGATA

A variegated evergreen shrub that makes an attractive hedge thanks to its glossy green and cream oval foliage.