Ernst Pagels, the great German nurseryman who did much breeding work on ornamental grasses, took on Achilleas at the age of 90 with great success. The last time I was in England Pagels’ plants were the stars at the RHS Achillea trials at Wisley. Read more about Achillea ‘Walter Funke’
The only Agapanthus we know which flowers throughout late spring, summer and autumn. A dwarf evergreen, white flowered variety with particularly handsome flower heads. This plant rarely produces viable seed. Read more about Agapanthus ‘Perpetual Peace’
Ageratum houstonianum, making up to 90cm tall. Masses of true blue powder puff like flowers appear through the warmer months until the first frost. Sun and some summer watering required. Read more about Ageratum houstonianum
This, one of the best silver foliage plants, has been a mainstay of our double borders for years. It's planted next to the deep violet flowered Salvia nemorosa ‘Mainacht’. Artemisia ‘Valerie Finnis’ makes a dramatic suckering thicket of large jagged silver leaves. Read more about Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Valerie Finnis’
This beautiful new variety with icy mauve flowers has the same growth habit and flower structure as the popular Aster ‘Ruby Buttons. Metre tall arching stems are covered with flowers through most of March and April. Read more about Aster ‘Blue Diamond’
A plant of mostly dry ground in the eastern parts of the USA, this species does well for us. Aster ‘Calliope’ was raised in the 1890s at the RHS gardens and is more elegant in flower than most Easter daisies. Read more about Aster laevis ‘Calliope’
‘Ruby Buttons’ is one of a new breed of Easter Daisy bred for the commercial cut flower trade as much as for the garden. 100cm tall stems clothed in glossy green, pointed leaves carry heads of full double ruby purple flowers in autumn. Read more about Aster ‘Ruby Buttons’
