Developed in Holland specifically for its seed pods (now much valued as dried "flowers"), the flowers of 'Prince of Orange' (below) themselves are rather special. In a vibrant orange which seems to have the sharp edge taken off it, the yellow throat is ringed in a row of distinct crimson speckles. The unusually dark foliage sets off the flowers well and the height is a very manageable 90cm (3ft), ideal for the border and for cutting.
The National Dahlia Collection has had a huge influence in recent years, popularising a flower which had been out of fashion for some time. They have also introduced new cultivars, in particular those with single flowers; singles really seem to have captured gardeners' imagination. Their latest, 'Tiger' (below), has sharp yellow flowers streaked in bright red and set against very dark foliage.
The first double Echinacea, this wonderful burnt orange 'Hot Papaya' (below) is a little shorter than many double Echinacea and its stems seem stronger. So not only is it an unusual and long lasting cut flower but it supports itself well in the garden. The flower colour goes well with silvery or bronze foliage and the intriguing flower shape looks good in a vase.
Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii' (below) is an ornamental banana that's a real stunner. Spectacular in shape, with its large, paddle-shaped leaves arranged around an upright stem, it's unlike any other plant in its shining red. Good in a summer border with Canna, Dahlia and Crocosmia this is also a superb plant for large containers. Unfortunately, the fruits are not edible but with such a dramatic presence, who cares?
The latest Gladiolus in the big and blowsy style is 'Kashmir' (below), an unusually vivid and penetrating shade you might call pale magenta purple, with white flashes in the throat. But many gardeners are now turning more to dwarf and smaller flowered cultivars like 'Hastings', whose fiftieth anniversary falls this year. Sent to Rob Evans of Pheasant Acre Nursery by a customer, this cultivar was thought to be lost but is now again available for sale. Once known as 'Café au Lait', that name describes the colour well.
'Super blue' lavenders are known for holding their colour especially well without fading and for their very slender but wiry stems. This makes them especially good for bunching as the slender stems allow more heads to be gathered together without the cluster of stems becoming too fat. Cut them just before the buds open. 'Miss Dawnderry' (below) is especially dark in colour and makes an attractive garden plant.
Neil Lucas at Knoll Gardens has a continuing programme of developing new ornamental grasses especially suited to the British climate. 'Short Stuff' (below) is his latest. Pennisetum macrourum is lovely grass but is very tall and flowers very late in the year. 'Short Stuff' is flowering now and reaches only about 90cm (3ft) high. Its upright blue-tinted leaves are topped with slender green tipped spikes in rusty pink.
There are many hundreds of different border Phlox but this one is special. The blue flowers of Phlox paniculata 'Blue Evening' (below) are prolifically produced and their fragrance is among the most powerful of all Phlox. The dark stems create an appealing colour harmony with the flowers and in spring the new shoots are the same deep purple as they first emerge. One of the best of all Phlox.
Known as the 'tomato bush' – because of its appearance – this is a big bushy tomato that's intended for large containers. 'Lizzano' (below) is so vigorous that you need just one plant in a 45cm (18in) pot and you never need to remove side shoots as you do with traditional tomatoes. Bred in Britain by the same breeder who created well known 'Tumbler', the crop is huge, the flavour is excellent and its also has good resistance to blight.
In recent years we've seen Heuchera and x Heucherella in some astonishing colours and colour combinations – many unexpectedly vivid. So 'Art Deco' (below) with its dark smokey leaves, the veins picked out in an even deeper shade, is especially welcome. The undersides of the leaves are beetroot red and the dusty white flowers show up beautifully against the background of dark leaves.