With the nickname of French lavender, what could this be other than just gorgeous! It's known for the little 'ears' that flourish on top of the flower spikes and is an old variety, probably in cultivation for 400 years. Very fragrant and intensely colourful. Best grown in full sun with good drainage. It's hardy but winter wet or melting snow could carry it off. Makes a good container pot which can, therefore, be put under cover in winter in wet areas. H&S 2'. 2l pot.

Also known as lion's tail or lion's ear, this tall growing plant is half-hardy but comes through temps of -4 in our experience. It has whorls of orange flowers on stems which are woody at the base and it has hairy mid-green, long leaves. Excellent for attracting bees and butterflies. Drought tolerant, plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Can also be grown in pots and moved indoors for winter. 1l pots

Also known as Klip Dagga, this Leonotis has square stems with coarsely toothed, triangular leaves about 2.5 ins long. The flowers grow in rounded, spiny cluster about 2" to 4" across, encircling the stems. As the stems grow, new clusters develop. The tubular flower are orange and furry and about 1" long.

The deep purple, fluffy, poker-like flowers are produced from midsummer to autumn, above stiff stems, sparsely covered in leaves. They require a very well drained soil and ours do particularly well on a raised bed. Height 3'. Fully hardy. 2l pot

Herbaceous perennial, flowering in early summer at a height of about 3'. White flowers and spiky upright foliage make this an interesting architectural plant. It can be grown in a container and tolerates full sun and sandy, drought prone soils. Hardy. 2l pot.

Similar in form to Libertia formosa, the attraction with this one is enhanced by the leaves which turn a bronze colour in winter. These can also be used a a statement plant in an urn or pot or planted as a group which is really eyecatching. Will take temps down to -7C. 2l pot.

An interesting Libertia with bronze leaves and white flowers. Planted in clumps, they're very striking and make a bold statement. 2l pot

Heart shaped glossy chocolatey/maroon leaves in spring with dark purple reverse, turning green as they age. The flowers are clusters of orange-yellow daisy type. Good for a moist sunny border but doesn't like strong mid day sun. Protect from slugs and keep the plants damp. H. 3'. 2l pot

Very similar to Ligularia Othello and needing the same conditions. The flowers are a little larger.

Clumping habit with large, rounded kidney-shaped, dark purple leaves - with toothed edges - on long dark petioles. H. 40" Likes evenly moist soil. Full sun in cool summer climates to partial shade elsewhere. Bold groupings of 6 and more are eye-catching. Can also be used in a mixed border. 2l pot in spring.

This is a handsome plant with large, round dark green leaves with a purple reverse. Tall stems appear in June bearing bright golden orange, large daisy-like flowers. It's good at the back of a border or beside water. Sun or Partial shade. H 36" or more, S. up to 36". Protect from slugs! 2l pot

Good for shady and moist parts of the garden. This grows to about 2' tall with about 18" spread. This Ligularia has deeply lobed foliage which is a darkish green on top and violet burgundy underneath. A really stunning plant with a coronet of golden yellow daisy like flowers in summer. Hardy. 2l pot

This striking and handsome plant has tall stems of yellow flowers from mid to late summer with deeply toothed large leaves. Plant ini full sun in well drained light and moist soil. Shelter from wind to avoid stems snapping H. 5' S. 2'6".

Large attractive leaves and tall spikes of yellow flowers on black stems in summer. Plant in deep, fertile moisture retentive soil in a sunny and sheltered position where it won't dry out. Suitable for bog gardens and watersides. H. 5' , growing in clumps which mature in 2 to 5 years.

Not to be confused with Lobelias seen in hanging baskets, this tall and striking perennial has scarlet flowers over deep bronze foliage. H. 36". Best planted in groups. 2l pot

Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens Inc. Many spikes of deep blue-violet flowers on upright plants. This is a great plant for mixed borders and is attractive to butterflies.

Heads of pure white flowers with a silvery hue - a most attractive plant. 2l pot

This is a lovely, cheerful yellow plant which is happy in full sun or part shade. It likes soil that doesn't dry out in summer but is well-drained and moist. It's a good one for the edge of a bog garden or pond margin but is equally happy in a border that isn't drought-prone. Might need some support. H&S 3'x2'. 2l pot

3'-4' tall, moisture loving, so good for pond edges etc. Purple or pink flowers. Perennial. 2l