Jolly hollyhocks

These lofty cottage-garden classics are covered in pretty saucer-shaped flowers in shades of pink, cream, apricot and red, from early summer to autumn. They’re perfect at the back of a sunny border, but allow them room to breathe. They need good air circulation to prevent rust, a fungal disease that produces orange-brown spots on the leaves.

Easy to grow from seed or planted as plugs, they flower best in the second year of growth.

✣ For jewel-like colour, try cream-and-burgundy Alcea rosea ‘Crème de Cassis’ (1.8m tall), or rust-resistant ‘Halo Red’ (1.8m tall), which has raspberry red blooms with custard-yellow centres.