Herbaceous perennials

Herbaceous perennials form one of the most important aspects of the nursery. Our aim is to offer a selection of plants that is wide enough to satisfy customers looking for tried and tested favourites through to rarer species and cultivars.

The over-riding objective is that the plants we are offer are garden-worthy, being beautiful, hardy and reliable - we don’t seek to stock a vast range of obscure species simply for their rarity, nor are we content to simply rely on fast selling popular plants.

Most of our perennials are grown in half litre to 1.5litre sized pots. They are raised from seed, cuttings, divisions and newly bought in stock plants. We try to provide plants which are suitable for most habitats such as damp shade to dry sunny conditions. The following list also includes hardy bulb plants.

The list below is constantly being updated so please check regularly. If the plant you are looking for is not listed please don’t hesitate to phone or email to enquire as we sometimes don’t list a plant if we only have a few available.

For accuracy we cross check all our plant names against the current RHS Plant Finder. This can have unforeseen effects, with, for example, the formerly quite straight forward ‘Sedum ‘Gooseberry Fool’ receiving a major upgrade to Sedum telephium subsp. maximum ‘Gooseberry Fool’. That’s about sixteen syllables. Ho-hum.

List update 30 April 2008

Abutilon vitifolium

Achillea 'Apfelblüte'

Achillea millefolium 'Dark Lilac Beauty' Fully hardy perennial; Very free flowering with flat sprays of tiny dark pink flowers throughout summer. Prefers full and moist but well drained soil. H: 60-80cm

Aconitum 'Pink Sensation' Monkshood. Hardy perennial for a sunny position in the mid to rear of the border. Unusually for the genus pink flowers are borne in mid to late summer whereas most monkshoods are blue. All parts poisonous. H: 100cm

Aconitum cammarum 'Leonora' Monkshood. Hardy herbaceous perennial, with feathery foliage and in mid- to late-summer white flowers edged with blue. Best in full sun and towards the rear of the border. All parts poisonous. H:100cm

Aconitum cammarum 'Stainless Steel' Monkshood. Hardy herbaceous perennial suitable for a semi shaded position. Strong upright grower with branching spikes of steel blue hooded flowers from July-August. Deeply divided foliage. H:1m. Poisonous if eaten.

Actaea pachypoda A hardy, rhizomatous, woodland perennial from woodlands in E. North America. Attractive, deeply incised leaves, white flowers in late spring, white berries on red stems. Prefers shade and moister soils. H: 60-90cm

Actaea rubra Red baneberry. A hardy, rhizomatous, woodland perennial from W. North America. Attractive, deeply incised leaves, white flowers in late spring, scarlet berries thereafter. Prefers shade and moister soils. H: 60-90cm

Actaea spicata Bugbane. Hardy perennial from north American, suited to natural 'woodland' planting; small white flowers in mid-summer, followed by distinctive shiny black berries thereafter. Fully hardy. H: 50cm

Adenophora aurita

Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist'

Agapanthus 'Ice Lolly'

Agapanthus 'Lilliput' Unusual dwarf deciduous agapanthus, with small strap like dark green leaves. Small dark blue flower umbels in mid-late summer. H:40cm. Full sun. Well drained soil. Hardy.

Agapanthus 'Peter Pan' Dwarf Lily of the Nile. Umbels of blue flowers in mid-summer. Very well suited to a pot as it is compact and, when pot-bound, very floriferous. Hardy and can be planted in the garden. H: about 30cm

Agapanthus 'Snowball'

Agapanthus africanus 'Blue Triumphator' Deciduous strap leaved late flowering perennial. Large pale blue flower umbels in mid-late summer. H:80cm. Frost hardy. Full sun. Well drained soil.

Agapanthus campanulatus 'Albovittatus' Strong cream variagation on low, grassy evergreen foliage which looks good throughout summer. Rich blue flowers in August show well. Prefers full sun and moist but well drained soil. Hardy. H: 60cm.

Agapanthus comptonii

Agapanthus hybrida 'Back in Black'

Agapanthus umbellatus 'albus' Striking ornamental plant with prominent clusters of white flowers held high above a mound dark green, shiny strap leaves. Hardy. H: 1m

Agastache 'Serpentine' Sun-loving hardy perennial, with characteristically aromatic foliage. Large purple-blue flowers through summer. H:75cm

Agastache mexicana 'Sangria'

Alcea rosea plena 'Chater's Purple'

Alchemilla mollis Vigorous and spreading perennial that will self-seed freely; good ground cover. Light green foliage offsets tiny yellow/lime green flowers. Full sun and fully hardy.

Alstromeria x arendsii 'Meyer Hybrid'

Anchusa azurea 'Loddon Royalist' Upright perennial with basal hairy, lance-shaped leaves. Single deep blue flowers are borne on branching spikes in early summer. H:1.2m. Hardy. Full sun. Gorgeous and extremely garden worthy!

Anemone leveillei Low growing early summer flowering anemone. Clump forming perennial. Kidney-shaped basal leaves. Delicate white flowers with green centres and purple stamens. Good for naturalising. Hardy. H:50cm. Sun or partial shade. Moist soil.

Anemone x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert' Lovely single white flower, with bright yellow centre, in late summer-autumn. Clump forming and vigorous. H:1m. Prefers partial shade. Well drained soil. Hardy.

Anemone x hybrida 'September Charm' Fully hardy and clump-forming perennial, noted for numerous large pale pink flowers in late summer. Suitable for either a shady or sunny spot. H:90cm

Anemonella thalictroides Woodland species from North America, related to anemones but much more delicate. Bronze-green fern-like foliage, with small white flowers in spring. Best in humus-rich, reliably moist and cool soil. H:10cm

Anthericum liliago St. Bernard's Lily. Rhizomatous with grass-like leaves 40cm long. White lily-like small flowers are borne in racemes in early summer. H:90cm. Hardy. Full sun. Fertile well-drained soil.

Arabis caucasica 'Pixie Cream'

Arenaria montana Evergreen perennial with small dark green leaves. Spreading prostrate stems. Large round white flowers in summer. Full sun or semi-shade. Moist but well drained soil. S:12cm. H:5cm. Hardy.

Aruncus aethusifolius Compact hardy perennial from woodlands in Korea; finely cut foliage and delicate upright panicles of minute flowers in spring. Moist shade preferred. H: 25-40cm

Astantia major 'Hadspen Blood'

Aster 'Tonga' Sun-loving hardy perennial that will bring a welcome splash of colour to the garden from mid-summer onwards. Very easy to grow in any decent soil, simply cut back in the spring and enjoy! H: about 35cm

Aster novae-belgii 'September rubin'

Astilbe chinensis 'Finale' Vigorous clump forming perennial suitable for moist shade. Handsome dissected foliage. Clear pink flower spikes in late summer. H:50cm. Hardy.

Astilbe chinensis 'Purpurkerze' A classic hardy perenial for moist and/or shady position. Delicate, feathery bronze-green foliage and long purple-rose plumes of flowers in early summer. H: up to 90cm

Astilbe japonicum 'Montgomery' Vigorous clump forming perennial suitable for moist shade. Handsome dissected foliage. Clear pink flower spikes in late summer. H:50cm. Hardy.

Astilbe japonicum 'Vesuvius'

Astilbe x arendsii 'Snowdrift' Clump-forming perennial, happier in moist soil and partial shade. Pure white flower panicles over dark green foliage in midsummer. Hardy. H:70cm.

Astrantia major 'Snow Star'

Athyrium felix-femina 'Frizelliae' Hardy Fern. Shade loving hardy perennial, for a moist and cool spot. Grown for its unusual foliage, which is renewed each year. H: about 75cm when established.

Athyrium nipponicum 'Red Beauty'

Bergenia hybrida 'Beethoven'

Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring' Spreading rhizomatous perennial for the shady garden. Large heart shaped leaves and small pure white flowers throughout the spring. H:30cm. Hardy.

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' An excellent plant for a cool and shady position, with bright blue flowers from spring into summer, and dramatically variegated leaves that can grow very large under the right conditions. Highly recommended. H: about 50cm

Campanula aucheri Compact, rosette forming perennial from the eastern Caucasus. Rich violet flowers are carried singly at the tip of each stem. Light shade and sharp drainage preferred. Fully hardy. H: only 10cm

Campanula sarmatica Species campanula from the Caucasus, growing to about 50cm and producing spires of pendant pale grey-blue flowers in summer. Best in full sun and moist but well drained soil. Fully hardy.

Cardamine pentaphyllos Spreading, rhizomatous perennial, emerging in spring with large, delicate pink - white flowers, and deep green foliage. Ideally suited to woodland habitat. Fully hardy. H:30cm

Centaurea montana 'Alba' White flowerheads are, borne on dense grey/green woolly stems from late spring to summer. Moist but well drained soil, fully hardy. H: 45cm; W:60cm.

Centaurea ruthenica Hardy perennial for a sunny spot in any decent soil. Attractive dark green and deeply divided (pinnatifid) foliage, and sulphur-yellow flower heads in mid-suumer. Best in full sun. H: 120

Centranthus ruber 'coccineus'

Chrysanthemum coccinea 'Duro' Clump forming vigorous perennial with feathery basal leaves. Bright purple-red large daisy blossoms from mid-late summer. Good for cutting. Hardy. H: 80cm. Full sun.

Cimicifuga ramosa 'Pink Spike' Hardy perennial from north American woodlands, with delicate, deeply dissected purple-green foliage, and tall spires of pink flowers in mid-late summer. Best in reliably moist, humus-rich soil in semi-shade. Hardy. H: about 1.2m

Corydalis 'Blackberry Wine' Spreading, fully hardy perennial with fern-like foliage. Rich purple flowers in spring and early summer. Prefers dappled shade. H:15cm.

Cyclamen hederifolium 'Amaze Me'

Cypella herbertii

Cyrtomium falcatum Japanese Holly Fern. Distinctive evergreen fern from East Asia, with holly-like leaves on long fronds. Best in full or partial shade and moist soil. Frost hardy. H: up to 1m AGM

Darmera peltata Lovely clump forming perennial for damp shady garden. Pink-white spheres on erect flower stalks occur in mid spring followed by large lobed attractive leaves. Hardy. H:40cm. W:80cm.

Delphinium elatum 'Christel' Large, summer flowering hardy perennial, bearing spires of violet flowers in summer. Prefers full sun and a rich soil; may need support in a very windy spot. H:150cm

Delphinium elatum 'Gossamer' Hardy perennial for a sunny sopt and rich soil. Unusual light blue flowers with green markings. Cut back and feed after flowering to encourage a scond flush. H: about 125cm

Delphinium elatum 'Independence' Substantial hardy perennial for a sunny mid-border position. Flowers are a really good clear gentian blue, early to mid-summer. Cut back hard and feed to encourage a second flush. H:120cm

Delphinium elatum New Millenium F1 Hybrid 'Misty Mauves' Recently released hybrid series of Delphinium offering more richly coloured and abundant flowering than previous varieties. Rich soil, full sun and protection from high wind will give best results. H: about 90cm

Dianthus arenarius A very dainty wild species from N and E Europe. Very fine, grass-like foliage and deeply incised pale pink or white flowers. Unusually, this species will tolerate shade. Fully hardy. H: flowering stems to 30cm

Dianthus carthusianorum Striking evergreen perennial with grey-green grass like basal leaves, forming rounded clump. Very tall slender flower stalks with deep pink flowers throughout summer. Full sun. Well drained soil. Hardy. H:50cm.

Dianthus pavonius

Dianthus subcaulis

Dicentra 'Adrian Bloom' Clump forming rhizome; grey-green leaves with nodding racemes of narrow carmine-red flowers in late spring and early autumn. H: 35cm; W: 45cm. Fully hardy. Prefers partial shade.

Dicentra formosa 'Bacchanal' Elegant hardy perennial well suited to shady and even dry conditions. Feathery foliage, pink-flushed stems and rich purple flowers in spring/early summer. H:45cm.

Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' Substantial hardy perennial, at home in dry shade, with feathery foliage and masses of white 'bleeding heart' flowers in early summer. Fully hardy. H: 60cm

Dictamnus albus 'albiflorus' Burning bush. Striking perennial for late spring-early summer. Clump forming. White lemon scented flowers in early summer. H:90cm. Full sun. Well drained soil.

Dierama 'Guinevere'

Digitalis lutea Erect hardy perennial producing tall spites of yellow foxglove flowers in early summer. Fully hardy; prefers partial shade. H:90cm

Dodecatheon meadia Clump forming with soft pale green leaves. Loose clusters of deep magenta-pink flowers with reflexed petals are borne in late spring. Hardy. H:20cm. Partial shade. Dormant in summer.

Dracunculus vulgaris

Dryopteris atrata

Dryopteris goldiana Goldie's Shield Fern. Stout, hardy evergreen fern, with fronds up to 80cm in length and 35cm in width, edged with gold. Prefers shade and reliably moist soil.

Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' Exceptionally large-flowered with deep pink petals and rusty-orange 'cone'. Useful for mid to rear border. Fully hardy. H:1m

Epimedium 'Akakage'

Epimedium 'Amber Queen'

Epimedium 'Fire Dragon'

Epimedium 'Pink Elf'

Epimedium grandiflorum Carpeting evergreen perennial suitable for woodland garden. Dense heart shaped divided leaves, tinged with copper. Wiry stems bearing clusters of white flowers in spring. H:30cm. Hardy.

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' Spreading rhizomatous perennial. Heart shaped deep green leaves, purple-tinged when young. Pendent violet-purple flowers in spring. Fully hardy. Shade tolerant. H:25cm

Epimedium leptorrhizum

Epimedium pauciflorum

Epimedium x warleyense Carpeting perennial suitable for shade. Gorgeous heart shaped leaves. Clusters of coppery-orange flowers in spring. H:30cm+. Hardy.

Eryngium agavifolium Evergreen and clump forming. Rosettes of sword shaped toothed green leaves with thistle-like green/white flowerheads in summer. H:1.5m. Half hardy. Full sun. Well-drained soil.

Erysimum allionii Wallflower. Hardy perennial, flowering from spring through to mid-summer, bearing very fragrant (reminiscent even of tropical Frangipani) orange-yellow flowers. Cut back to encourage new growth and further flowering. Prefers full sun. H: 45cm

Erysimum ‘Bowle’s Mauve’

Erysimum ‘Constant Cheer’

Erythronium albidum

Erythronium ‘Pagoda’

Euphorbia x martinii 'Tiny Tim' Bold, compact evergreen sub-shrub. Numerous yellow-green flowers from spring to midsummer. Reddish stems. Full sun or semi shade. Hardy. H: 60cm

Ferula communis Giant Fennel. An exceptionally large hardy perennial, native to the Mediterranean. Feathery foliage and very large umbels of brilliant yellow flowers. Prefers full sun and well drained soil. H: 3m. Fantastic architectural plant.

Galega officianalis

Goat's Rue. An exceptionally fine border plant. Vigorous and clump forming. Soft green leaves. Mauve-white flowers in mid-summer-autumn. Hardy. H:30cm-1.5m. Sun or semi-shade.

Gaura lindheimeri Bold plant for the mid-border;mottled mid green leaves. Slender stems bearing delicate white flowers from Spring to Autumn. H:1.2m. W:90cm. Fully hardy. Prefers a sunny and well-drained site.

Geranium 'Dusky Cr?g' Ground covering hardy perennial. Low growing. Small dark brownish lobed leaves with soft pink flowers throughout the summer. H: 20cm. Full sun or partial shade. Well drained position.

Geranium hybridum 'Jolly Bee'

Geranium maculatum 'Album'

Geranium maculatum 'Chatto' Erect clump forming perennial. Mid green lobed leaves. Light lilac flowers in late spring-mid summer. Fully hardy. Prefers moist soil. H:65cm. Tolerates most conditions.

Geranium maculatum 'Espresso' Hardy, clump-forming perennial with bronze-red foliage and pretty pink flowers. Best is partial shade and moister rather than drier soils. H: 20-35cm

Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell' Mourning widow. Robust and easy clump-forming plant with mauve-blue flowers. Originally native to sub-alpine meadows from the Pyrenees east to W. Russia. Prefers well drained soil in sun or partial shade. Hardy. H:80cm.

Geranium phaeum 'Samobor' Mourning Widow. Clump forming hardy perennial, with deeply lobed leaves, heavily marked in black to maroon. Deep purple/maroon flowers in early summer. Prefers well drained soil in sun or partial shade. H:80cm.

Geranium sanguineum 'Album' An extremely easy-going plant, tolerant of a wide range of conditions, with a long flowering period and bold red autumn foliage. White flowers. H: 30cm

Geranium sanguineum 'Elke'

Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei' Bloody Cranesbill. Easy to grow, thriving in sun or part shade and most soils. Extended flowering period with large red blooms. Hardy. H: 30cm

Geranium x cantabrigiense 'St. Ola' Compact evergreen perennial spreading slowly by runners. White flowers in summer. H: 30cm. Hardy. Sun or partial shade, well drained soil.

Geum 'Marmalade'

Hardy, clump-forming perennial for a sunny spot towards the front of the border. Warm orange coloured flowers of mauvey-purple stems in summer. H: 40cm

Geum hybridum 'Flames of Passion'

Gillenia trifoliata Bowman's Root. Erect hardy perennial from eastern USA. Handsome toothed leaves and small starlike white flower throughout summer. Prefers moist shade but is pretty tolerant. H:1m

Helenium autumnale 'Moerheim Beauty' Beautiful upright plant bearing copper-red 'daisy' like flowers with dark brown disk florets. Flowers from early to late summer. H:90cm. Hardy. Prefers full sun.

Helianthemum 'Cornish Cream'

Helleborus 'Double Queen Mixed'

Helleborus orientalis 'Primrose hybrid' Herbaceous perennial suitable for semi-shade and deep rich soil. Gorgeous pale yellow-lemon flowers and dark evergreen foliage. Choice hellebore. H: 40cm. Hardy.

Helleborus orientalis 'Smokey Blue' Very dark bluish-purple flowered hellebore. Flowering from late winter into early spring. Good rich soil. Hardy. H:30cm. Prefers semi-shade but will grow in sun.

Helleborus orientalis 'ssp. guttatus' Evergreen perennial requiring deep rich soil in partial shade. White cup shaped flowers with red speckling in late winter-spring. Cut old leaves off before flower buds emerge. Hardy. H:50cm.

Hemerocallis 'Barbara Mitchell'

Hemerocallis 'Bela Lugosi' A really magnificent hardy, trouble-free perennial that will make a big impact in a sunny and well-drained border. Large (i.e. 12-15cm diameter) deep purple-red flowers in summer. H: about 75cm

Hemerocallis 'Corky' Day lily. AGM. Free flowering evergreen perennial. Throughout the summer, star shaped deep yellow flowers with brown stripe on the back of the flower petal. Will tolerate shade but prefers sun. H:70cm. Fuly hardy.

Hemerocallis 'Eleonore'

Hemerocallis 'Frans Hals’

Hemerocallis ‘Green Flutter’

Hemerocallis 'Mildred Mitchell' Day lily. Large, fragrant lavender-coloured flowers with a blue eye-zone and ruffled edges are this hardy perennial's outstanding feature. Very tolerant and easy to grow. Fully hardy. H:65cm.

Hemerocallis 'Moses Fire'

Hemerocallis ‘Snowy Apparition’

Hemerocallis ‘Summer Wine’

Hepatica transsilvanica Pale green lobed leaves; semi-evergreen. Delicate bowl-shaped blue, pale pink-white flowers early spring. H+W 20cm. Hardy. Partial shade. Moist soil. Thrives well in heavy soil.

Heuchera 'Obsidian' Hardy clump forming perennial with glossy rounded dark purple black foliage. White flowers in summer. H:60cm. Moist well drained soil in sun or part shade. Lift and divide every 3 yrs. PBR

Heuchera micrantha var. diversifolia 'Palace Purple'

Palace Purple. Evergreen clump-forming perennial, suitable for sun or light shade, leaves glossy burgundy red, sprays of small white flowers. Fully hardy. H:50cm

Heuchera sanguinea 'White Cloud'

Heuchera villosa macrorrhizza (Syn. Autumn Bride)

Clump-forming and fully hardy perenial with intense light green foliage and delicate sprays of white flowers in th eautumn. Good for front of border and in almost any situation. H: 25cm

Heucherella 'Strawberry Swirl'Semi-evergreen hardy perennial for a sunny or partly shade spot, with mid-green leaves and abundant small, bright pink flowers in summer. Very pretty. Fully hardy. H: 40cm

Hosta 'Big Daddy'Hardy clump forming perennial suitable for damp shade. Large cupped deep-blue leaves with a puckered texture. H:60cm.

Hosta 'Halcyon' Lovely clump forming perennial. Large blue grey ribbed leaves. Greyish-white flowers on blue-grey flower scapes in summer. H:60cm. Shade. Moist soil. Hardy.

Hosta 'Night Before Christmas'

Hosta hybrida 'Great Expectation'

Hosta hybrida 'Northern Exposure'

Hosta ventricosa

Iris 'Holden Clough' A natural hybrid, found in the Holden Clough nursery in Lancashire. Yellow flowers, closely veined in purple, giving an overall brown effect. Best in full sun and moist but well drained soil. Fully hardy and perennial. H:50cm.

Iris bulleyana

Iris ensata 'Darling' Japanese iris. Beardless rhizomatous perennial. Soft pale pink flowers in midsummer, with erect standards and larger falls. H:80-100cm. Hardy. Marginal or wet border plant. Full sun.

Iris ensata 'Rose Queen'

Iris ensata 'Ruffled Dimity'

Iris ensata 'Sensation' Sumptuous Japanese iris which prefers moisture but will tolerate dry soils. Hardy. Clump forming with sword shaped leaves. Double rich violet-blue flowers with small yellow signals in early summer. H:80cm.

Iris ensta 'Loyalty'

Iris forrestii Very beautiful hardy perennial for a sunny or lightly shaded spot; primrose-yellow flowers in early summer. Native to S.W. China and N. Burma. H: 50cm

Iris lazica

Iris ochroleuca

Iris sibirica 'Butter and Sugar' Rhizomatous beardless iris - vigorous and clump forming. Thin grey-green leaves. Flowers in late spring - standards white, falls yellow with greenish veins. H:70cm. Hardy. Sun or partial shade.

Iris sibirica 'Dance Ballerina Dance' Siberian Iris. Ruffled lilac-white standards and flowing lilac falls, with honey markings and white tinged edges in summer. Best in reasonably moist soil in full. Fully hardy. H: 90cm

Iris sibirica 'Ego' Gorgeous rich blue flowered sibirican iris. Flowers with sinuate edge. H:60cm. Full sun or semi shade. Moist but well drained soil. Hardy.

Iris sibirica 'Papillon' Rhizomatous clump forming Siberian iris. Pale blue flowers in early summer. Prefers well drained soil in full sun. H:70cm. Fully hardy.

Iris x robusta 'Gerald Darby' Rhizomatous beardless iris suitable for damp conditions - sun or partial shade. Strap like leaves purple at the bases and violet stems. Up to 4 violet-blue flowers on each stem in spring. H:75cm. Hardy. AGM

Kniphofia 'Ada' Bold statement plant for a sunny location; large apricot flowers fading to yellow in early to mid summer. Fully hardy.. H:90cm

Kniphofia 'Green Jade'

Kniphofia 'Tawny King' A recently introduced form of 'red hot poker', with tawny apricot buds that open to cream flowers on bronze stems. Large, spectacular yet easy to grow plant for a sunny spot. Fully hardy. H: up to 1.2m

Lamium orvalaClump forming perennial. Large-leaved variety of 'dead nettle' with exceptionally large raspberry to mauve flowers in spring. Prefers shade. Fully hardy. H:25cm.

Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy' Excellent ground cover in moist/dry shade. Leaves variegated green/silver. White flowers all summer. Hardy. H:20-45cm. Cut back after flowering to encourage further flowers.

Ligusticum scoticum Scotch lovage. Attractive shiny bright green leaved celery scented clump forming perennial. Ideal for windswept exposed gardens. Cream flower umbels in summer. Hardy: H:60cm. Sun.

Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went' Toadflax. Sun-loving and erect hardy perennial with tightly massed spires of small soft pink flowers in summer. Fully hardy. H: 60cm

Lobelia vedrariensis 'Butterfly Blue' A really vivid display of violet-blue flowers in summer is the main attraction of this hardy perennial. Will do better in moister soils, or even a shallow pond margin. H: around 80cm

Lunaria annua 'var. albiflora' White Honesty. Heart shaped light green leaves and white flowers borne in Spring. Attractive seedheads. Prefers well drained conditions. Partial shade or sun. Hardy. H:80cm.

Lupinus 'Noble Maiden' Classic hardy cottage garden perennial, with tall spires of creamy-white flowers in summer. Best in full sun and a rich soil. H:100cm

Lupinus 'Red Flame'Important element in the classic 'cottage garden'. Tall spires of bright red flowers in summer. At their best after a year in the ground. Fully hardy. H: about 60cm

Lychnis flos-cuculi 'White Robin' Clump-forming perennial, an essential component of any 'wild' or natural planting scheme. Small white tufted flowers in early summer; will self-seed freely. Fully hardy. H: 45cm.

Melittis melissophyllum

Matteucia struthiopteris Shuttlecock fern. Vigorous, moisture loving fern. H:70cm. Partial shade. Hardy.

Mertensia virginica Clump forming shade perennial with attractive grey-green leaves and thick fleshy roots. Gorgeous drooping blue flowerheads in March-May. Dormant during summer. Moist soil. Hardy. H:30cm.

Monarda didyma 'Panorama Red Shades'

Monarda didyma ‘Mahogany’Clump-forming perennial bearing lovely wine-red flowers with brown-red bracts in mid-summer to autumn. H:90cm. Hardy. Susceptible to mildew in dry summers. Full sun or part shade.

Myosotis capitata

Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' Vigorous, clump-forming perennial with aromatic grey green leaves and abundant small lilac-blue flowers in summer. Prefers full sun and well drained soil. Fully hardy. H: 90cm

Nepeta subsessilis ‘Pink Dreams’ Shade-adapted nepeta from Japan. Very pretty pinky-mauve flowers in mid summer. Fully hardy and perennial. H: up to 90cm

Osmunda regalis Royal Fern. Large deciduous fern with fronds up to 2m in length. Fully hardy. Prefers moist soil and dappled shade.

Paeonia delavayi ludlowii

Paeonia delavayi 'Mrs. Sarson' A seed raised strain of tree paeonia, with finely cut foliage frequently flushed pink, and bearing large bowl-shaped flowers in various colours from orangey-yellow through to deep red. Fully hardy. H:about 2m

Paeonia lactiflora 'Flame' An oustanding hardy perennial. Forms bold clumps of deep green leaves, and bears large single brilliant coral-pink-red flowers with ruffled petals in early summer. H:75cm. Hardy. Full sun or partial shade. Moist soil.

Paeonia lactiflora 'Krinkled White' Beautiful hardy peony, with large white wavy-textured petals. White topped green pistils show through the yellow centres. Grow in full sun or dappled shade. H: about 60cm

Paeonia lactiflora 'Peter Brand'

Papaver orientale 'Prinzessin Victoria Louise' Clump forming perennial, with large salmon flowers fom late spring to midsummer. Thrives in deep, fertile moist but well drained soil in full sun. Fully hardy. H:90cm

Papaver orientale 'Royal Chocolate Distinction' A first-class example of a modern oriental poppy cultivar, bearing large maroon flowers in early summer. Full sun and rich soil preferred. Full hardy and perenial. H: 75cm

Papver orientale ‘Royal Wedding’ White with black centre.

Penstemon ovatus Unusual, large leaved penstemon species. Pale blue, tubular flowers from mid-summmer until autumn. Prefers full sun or light shade. Hardy. H:50cm

Phlomis russeliana

Phlomis samia Unusual but very garden-worthy perennial from N. Africa and E. Mediterranean region. Large purple flowers in early summer. Full sun preferrred. Fully hardy. H: up to 1m

Phlox maculata 'Omega'Handsome and erect perennial with narrow green leaves and in mid-late summer large white flowers with lilac eye. Prefers full sun and moist but well drained soil. Mildew resistant. Fully hardy. Native to E. USA. H:90cm

Phlox paniculata 'Blue Paradise'

Phlox paniculata 'David' A strong, hardy perennial for a sunny spot and reliably moist soil. Large panicles of pure white fragrant flowers in summer; mildew-resistant. H:80cm

Phlox paniculata 'Flamingo'

Phlox paniculata 'Franz Schubert' Delicate pink with lighter centres. Fragrant. H:80cm. Summer flowering. Moist well drained soil. Milldew resistant.

Phlox paniculata 'Orange Perfection' Hardy herbaceous perennial, bearing masses of orange flowers in mid summer. Happiest in full sun and in soil that remains reasonably moist (I.e. not sand!). H:50cm

Phlox paniculata 'Starfire'

Pinellia cordata

Podophyllum peltatum

Polystichum polyblepharum

Polystichum setiferum 'Proliferum' Hardy evergreen fern, with spirally arranged, lance-shaped dark green fronds. Adaptable and robust, but is happiest in cool leaf-litter rich soil. H: about 75cm

Potentilla recta 'var. sulphurea' Exceptionally attractive hardy perennial, with clusters of delicately coloured creamy-yellow flowers. Prefers full sun. H: 40cm

Primula beesiana Deciduous rosette-forming candelabra primula. Two-three whorls of intensely coloured pink/purple/reddish pink flowers in early summer. H.60cm. Hardy. Prefers partial shade. Moist soil.

Primula chionantha

Primula japonica ‘Apple blossom’

Primula japonica ‘Alba’

Primula japonica ‘Miller’s Crimson’

Primula luteolaHardy primula suitable for moist, but well drained soil in sun or partial shade. Basal leaves with fine sharp teeth. Lovely sulphur yellow flowers on a flowering stem of 15-35 cm. Farinose at top. Flowers in umbels. Stunning plant.

Primula vulgaris 'Val Horncastle'

Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign' Clump forming perennial with very attractive dark green velvety basal leaves. Large purple-blue flowers in spring. One of the best plain-leaved cultivars. Shade. Hardy. H:30cm.

Pycanthemum muticum

Ranunculus gramineus

Rodgersia 'henrici-hybrids' Sturdy hardy perennial well suited to moist soils, noted for handsome, bold foliage, green tinged bronze, and dense clusters of pink-red flowers in summer. H: 90cm

Rodgersia pinnata 'Chocolate Wing'

Salvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland' Erect, with many branches bearing deep blue-violet flowers during late summer to autumn. Full sun and well drained soil preferred. Fully Hardy. H: 45cm

Salvia patens 'Chilcombe'

Salvia sclarea 'var. Turkestanica'Very showy plant with grey-green hairy leaves.Erect and many branched pinkish stems. Panicles of pink-blue-flecked white flowers with prominent bracts in summer. H:1m. Hardy. Moist soil. Sun or partial shade.

Saponaria lempergii 'Max Frei' Attractive herbaceous perennial which flowers almost continuously from June-September.

Saxifraga cortusifolia 'Black Ruby'Hardy herbaceous perennial, with dramatically dark foliage and vivid pink-red flowers on stems up to 40cm in height in late summer. Thrives in sheltered and dappled shade. Japan. Fully hardy.

Saxifraga cotelydon 'Pyramidalis' Cushion forming hardy evergreen perennial , with large loose panicles of white flowers in late spring to ealry summer. Sharp drainange essential. Fully hardy. H: 15cm

Saxifraga hirsuta Native to SW Ireland and the Iberian Peninsula, forming dense carpets of foliage in shady and moist positions. Sprays of delicate flowers in early summer. Fully hardy.

Saxifraga stolonifera Hardy perennial native to China and well suited to a moist shady position. Large, hairy leaves, white flowers on stems to 40cm in early summer. Spreads easily. Fully hardy.

Scabiosa ochroleuca 'Moon Dance'

Schizostylus coccineus 'Alba'

Sedum spectabile 'Carl' Sturdy perennial with blue green leaves and rose pink flowers throughout the Autumn. H:45cm. Full sun. Well drained soil.

Sedum 'Gooseberry Fool' Autumn flowering fleshy perennial suitable for the front or middle of the border. Greenish-soft yellow flowers in late autumn. H:40cm. Full sun. Freely draining soil. Hardy.

Sedum 'Purple Emperor' Perennial that really comes into its own in late summer and autumn, with masses of tiny pink flowers; impressive deep purple-red foliage. Fully hardy. H:40cm

Sedum 'Xenox'

Sedum telephium 'Matrona' Very attractive red foliage (Young foliage green-grey). Creamy-pink flowers in midsummer-autumn. H: 45cm. Hardy. Full sun.

Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh' Delicate single pale pink flowers borne in summer on slender erect stems. H:90cm; W:1m. Full sun and well drained soil. Hardy.

Smilacina racemosa Shade loving hardy perennial. Similar to a Solomon's Seal but with fragrant creamy-white fluffy flowers in spring. H: 60cm.

Spigelia marilandica

Stokesia laevis 'Alba' Evergreen perennial, forming a basal rosette of leaves and bearing white flowers from mid-summer onwards, somewhat resembling cornflowers. Fully hardy. Full sun. H: 60cm

Stokesia laevis 'Omega Skyrocket'Unusually large form of this well-loved hardy perennial, reaching as much as 90cm, with large, deeply incised lilac-coloured flowers in late summer. Full sun preferred.

Symphyandra hoffmaniiClump forming perennial. Hardy. Cream bell shaped flowers in summer. H:50cm.

Thalictrum aquilegiifolium

Thalictrum delvayi 'Hewitt's Double' Clump forming perennial preferring partial shade/sun and moist soil. Will tolerate wet soil. Intense violet double flowers. Very dainty foliage. H:1.5 m. Hardy.

Thalictrum hybridum 'Splendide'

Thalictrum petaloides

Thalictrum ‘Elin’

Thalictrum glaucum

Tradescantia 'Concorde Grape' Clump forming perennial with erect lance shaped grey-purplish leaves. From early-mid summer dark grape coloured flowers. Prefers full sun and poor soil. Hardy. H:60cm.

Tradescantia 'Perrine's Pink' Forms dense clumps of erect foliage, with a long-lasting display from mid-summer onwards of bright pink, three-petalled flowers. Fully hardy, and prefers full sun. H: about40-50cm

Tradescantia Andersonia Group 'Osprey' Clump forming vigorous evergreen perennial with pointed green leaves. Throughout summer palest blue flowers with violet centres. Best in full sun and a fertile soil. Fully hardy. H70cm.

Tricyrtis 'Blue Wonder'

Tricyrtis 'Hotogisu' Late-flowering hardy perennial for a lightly shaded spot. Exotic light purple-mauve flowers with an unusual blue tinge and, uncharacteristically, unspotted. H: up to 75cm

Trillium grandiflorum

Trillium pisillum

Trollius x cultorum 'Alabaster'

Trollius x cultorum 'Lemon Queen' Clump forming perennial. Closely resembles a very large buttercup, with pale yellow globular flowers 7cm across in late spring/early summer. Moist soil preferred and some shade. H: 60cm. Hardy.

Tulbaghia fragrans 'Alba'

Uvularia grandiflora

Valeriana officinalis On the face of it a rather non-descript plant but one that is actually a real star in the garden producing massed clusters of soft pink to white flowers in summer; quite tall, so best to the rear of a border. Full sun preferred, H: 1m

Verbascum 'Carribean Crush'

Verbascum 'Cotswold Queen' Forms a dense rosette of grey-green leaves from which emerge panicles of yellow flowers with purple centres during summer. Fully hardy. H:1.25m. Full sun. Well-drained soil.

Verbasum weidemannium

Veronica gentianoides Mat-forming with a basal rosette of dark green leaves. Bears very pretty light blue, veined flowers in erect spires in early summer. Prefers full sun. Fully Hardy. H:45cm

Veronicastrum virginicum 'Erica' Hardy herbaceous perennial for sun or light shade. Tall, upright spikes have purplish-red buds that open to pink flowers. Adds great colour and interest to the late summer garden. H: 1m

Veronicastrum virginicum 'Pink Glow' Clump forming erect perennial with lance shaped pointed dark green leaves. From midsummer-autumn slender dense spires of pink flowers are borne. Rich soil. Sun. H:1m.#

Vinca minor atropurpurea

Vinca minor Plena

Viola cornuta 'Icy but Spicy' Very pretty and compact hardy perennial, with cool blue cream flowers, marked with magenta honey guides and primrose eye in spring and into summer. Will do well in full sun or light shade. Fully hardy. H: 20cm

Viola cornuta 'Irish Molly'

Viola cornuta 'Milkmaid'

Viola cornuta 'Victoria's Blush'

Viola odorata alba

Woodsia obtusa

Woodwardia fimbriata Fern native to North America. Prefers moist shade. Easily grown and handsome plant. Frond height up to 1.5m. More or less evergreen. Segments finely and sharply toothed. Leathery fronds. Hardy to -10C.

Zantedeschia 'Solfatare'

Zantedeschia aethiopicaArum Lily. Clump-forming and rhizomatous perennial bearing large white spathes (flowers) in summer. Full sun and moist soil preferred. Frost hardy. H: 90cm