Plants L-R

Selected by George Russell and released around 1937 these hybrids form a strong clump to about 1 m tall. Best grown in climates with cool wet winters and dry summers, and in full sun in well drained moderately fertile slightly acidic soil. Lupins will not tolerate limey conditions

Montanoa is a genus of about 25 species of large evergreen daisies from tropical America. They are best grown in enriched soil in a sunny position, protected from strong wind as their cane-like growth can be brittle. They will not tolerate frost. Montanoa grandiflora is from Central America and can reach a height of 4 meters. It's leaves are deeply indented, making it a striking addition to a mixed planting. In winter it produces open clusters up to 60 cm across of white daisy heads each about 6 cm across. Stunning when in full flower. Quite drought tolerant in my garden.

Not a bamboo of course, but a multi-stemmed woody-based perennial from China and Japan. The clumps of thsi dwarf variety eventually may reach 50cm and have divided leaves in shades of deep green, bronze and red. White flowers occur in summer followed by red berries. Sun or light to quite heavy shade, tolerate light frosts. Best grown in fertile soil, it can be used as a feture in mixed plantings or as a low hedge.

From a group of some 350 species of perennials and shrubs from Africa, Asia and Australia. They generally have rather succulent stems and most are frost tender. Plectranthus contains some of the most useful plants for relatively dry shade under the existing canopies of trees, where their best feature may then be their foliage colour, their flowers, or in some cases both. Plectranthus barbatus is a great foliage shrub for use either in sunny or shaded positions where its thick light green furry leaves provide good contrast. The very long flower spikes are perhaps the strongest blue in this genus. Cut back the branches from time to time to keep compact.

Pogonantherum comes from the rain forests of south east Asia, but requires only moderate amounts of water once established. it has graceful, arching much-branched stems bearing soft lime green leaves. it can be grown in a pot indoors in a well lit area, or in the garden where it is particularly suitable around pondscapes or in Japanese style gardens. A non-invasive species which forms a tight clump. ut back hard in early spring to promote fresh growth.

From a group of some 25 species from cooler parts of the northern hemisphere, P caeruleum is the most widely cultivated. The new spring foliage is very eye-catching and is followed by dense clusters of lavender blue saucer shaped flowers each, about 2 cm across. It is best grown in moist fertile well draining soil in a sunny or lightly shaded position. It requires summer moisture, and is frost tolerant. It is not recommended for very hot conditions unless treated as an annual