August
Eurybia divaricata
Eurybia divaricata, previously know as Aster divaricatus, is one of the prettiest shade-loving plants around. It was a favoured plant of Gertrude Jekyll who used it in her own garden planted amongst bergenias. A fantastic plant for adding a change of texture and colour in late summer. It produces masses of white daisy-like flowers with burnt yellow centres from June to September, above dark, almost black, wiry stems which create a delicate graceful habit. Grows to 60cm x 60cm.
Achillea Terracotta
This is a gorgeous sun loving perennial that will brighten up any garden, even in a British summer! The large flat flowerheads are made up of clusters of tiny golden terracotta flowers that fade gradually over the summer to softer honey tones. They can be left through the winter as the seedheads look fantastic on frosty mornings. They grow to 1m high so may need staking.
Myrtus communis
Common Myrtle is a lovely evergreen shrub with glossy, pointed, aromatic leaves. At this time of year it is festooned with white, fluffy, puffball flowers which are sweetly scented. Later these will be followed by purple-black berries. The bark too is a lovely rust colour which adds to the overall interest. A bushy shrub, it makes an excellent backdrop in any border with well drained, fertile soil. Plant in a sunny position against a south or west facing wall, as it only frost-hardy and needs extra protection in cold areas. Can also be used as attractive hedging. Prune in late spring to keep a good shape and mulch with manure.
