This variety holds its dense spikes like torches above the leaves, providing much-needed colour at a point in summer when interest is often lacking in shadier corners. Unlike many Astilbes, this will tolerate a fair amount of direct sun, especially in regions with cool summers. The fresh, ferny-looking leaves contrast beautifully with bolder-leaved perennials, like Hostas or Bergenia. The great versatility of 'Visions' will make it popular even with Astilbe haters!

Serbian Bellflower is a good choice for sunny rock gardens, but bear in mind the spreading habit and keep this away from delicate alpines. Ideal as a groundcover over small areas. An especially good companion to shrub roses, since both plants will burst into flower at the same time. This is the perfect choice for those romantic pastel colour schemes.

'Hillside Black Beauty' grows best in a rich, moist soil with plenty of humus. With even moisture, plants will tolerate a fair bit of sun early in the day, thus showing their best possible foliage colour. Clumps are long-lived and rarely need to be divided. For maximum contrast, place this against a light-coloured background or use it towards the front of the border, perhaps near a clump of chartreuse-leaved Hosta 'Sum and Substance'.

True red is a rare colour among perennials, so this plant offers gardeners an opportunity to create completely new combinations. Consider using a flash of 'Limerock Ruby' among softer pastel-toned perennials, or perhaps combine it with hot shades of gold, orange and yellow to create a truly bold statement. In rich soils this may be inclined to get floppy in midseason, something that's easy to correct -- just shear plants back by half and they will burst back into flower within a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, hardiness and winter dieback are not yet fully understood for this plant. Excellent drainage seems to be important, and reliable winter snow cover may be another factor. At any rate, 'Limerock Ruby' is well worth considering even as a long-blooming tender perennial because of its beauty and incredible versatility.

With a compact and mounding habit, this plant is a superb choice for edging gardens in partial to full shade. The mound contrasts well with bolder-leaved perennials, particularly variegated Hosta such as our Top 10 selection, 'Patriot'. Consider using this also in large tubs or containers of mixed perennials. Disease resistance and performance in warm summer regions is far superior to older selections on the market.

Reliably evergreen in many regions, a drift of 'Crimson Curls' near an entranceway or patio is a good way to add year-long interest. This looks smashing when combined with blue or gold-leaved Hostas or metallic silver Japanese Painted Fern. Clumps can go for several seasons with little maintenance, aside from a quick tidying up in mid spring with scissors.

'Patriot' is a Hosta of medium size, perfect for massing as a groundcover. Plants will also hold their own as a specimen, particularly when surrounded by a low-growing groundcover such as the dark-leaved Chocolate Chip Carpet Bugle. Like all Hosta, this can go for many years without needing regular division or much attention at all, aside from watering during extended droughts. Fairly resistant to slug damage.

Being a fairly tall selection, 'Becky' is probably most at home towards the middle to back of a sunny border. Plants begin to flower in mid summer just as most other Shasta Daisies are finishing. Regular deadheading will keep loads of new buds forming, or just cut plenty of blooms to enjoy indoors every couple of weeks. The foliage mounds are sturdy and disease-resistant, helping to make this one of the best low-care perennials available today.

This plant is so unique, it's best featured towards the front of a sunny border. Since Oriental Poppies usually go dormant and disappear by mid summer, clever gardeners often plant them next to, or behind something that will get big and bushy later in the season, such as Russian Sage or Butterfly Gaura. The dusky tones and large flowers of 'Patty's Plum' are most effective when contrasted with small-flowered neighbouring plants in white or pastel shades.

Like most Jacob's Ladders, this prefers some protection from hot afternoon sun. Plants should be cut back hard after blooming, to discourage self-sown seedlings and also to rejuvenate the attractive leaves. Plants prefer a site that remains evenly moist but not soggy. The foliage mound makes an attractive edging along pathways and also adds a special touch to mixed tubs or other containers.