Eremurus x isabellinus 'Cleopatra'
These stately plants produces apricot coloured flower spikes which soar above the border in the early summer. To do well, these Asian plants need shelter and warmth, especially after flowering, so grow them where the sun bakes the tubers in late ... [... more]
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Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus
Day lilies provide a lively succession of short-lived flowers in a huge range of colours, and this early summer species has scented, star-shaped blooms in clear yellow. It can be grown to brighten up a dull part of a sunny border, and/or as part ... [... more]
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Viburnum lantana
This hardy, vigorous shrub is ideal for an informal garden or large shrub border. It offers interest for most of the year with large, lacecap-like, white flowers from late spring to early summer. The plant is deciduous, with attractive ... [... more]
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Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Black Barlow'
Find out how to grow Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Black Barlow' Popular for its late spring and early summer dark plum-purple flowers, it makes a stronger show than the more well-known 'Nora Barlow' which has much paler, pinker colours. ... [... more]
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Geranium phaeum 'Album'
One of Matthew Biggs' favourite plants for shady spots, Geranium phaeum 'Album' thrives in damp soil. From late spring to early summer, it produces clear white flowers with reflexed petals and golden anthers. Trouble-free to grow, plants can be ... [... more]
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Clematis 'Parisienne'
One of a number of short-growing clematis bred for use on the patio, 'Parisienne' puts on a bold display from late-spring to early summer. The striking, pale, violet-blue flowers have overlapping sepals and contrast well with the bright red ... [... more]
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Iberis sempervirens 'Schneeflocke'
Previoulsy known as 'Snowflake'. A useful plant for rock gardens and well-drained borders, forming dense evergreen mats which make a good background for the round heads of white candytuft flowers in late spring and early summer. When not in ... [... more]
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Iris 'Quechee'
What's known as a tall bearded iris (iris over 70cm), 'Quechee' has large, attractive, orange-red flowers with gold yellow centres in late spring and early summer. They're ideally suited to a pastel scheme, or as accent plants next to species ... [... more]
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Recommended lilies
Lilies are a must for any garden, with gorgeous blooms and wonderful scent, they add an unmistakeable touch of summer glamour. Most lilies are incredibly easy to grow, and, given the right choice you can have them flowering from early summer ... [... more]
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Arisaema triphyllum
An interesting species from North America with large tri-foliate leaves and green and purple-striped spathes in spring and early summer followed by clusters of conspicuous bright red fruits in autumn. It's perfect for adding an exotic touch to a ... [... more]
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Buddleja alternifolia
This buddleia, found wild in Chinese hedgerows, is different from the more familiar varieties. The branches are more slender, arching or weeping almost to the ground, with leaves in early summer. Soft lilac-purple or pink fragrant flowers in ... [... more]
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Erigeron 'Dunkelste Aller'
Often called by its English name 'Darkest of All', this German hybrid makes an eye-catching show of rich, deep purple. Like many other erigerons, it's an early summer equivalent of a short aster, and needs to go in a gravel garden or at the front ... [... more]
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