Seldom offered as seed, Abutilon x hybridum is a popular group of hybrids that are frost-tender shrubs typically growing 60 to 90cm (24-36in) tall. The lantern-like buds open to solitary, pendulous, bell shaped flowers up to 8cm (3in) in diameter

If you have the space in your garden this is one plant to choose. Acanthus are robust perennials with handsome, lobed foliage. In late summer, tall racemes of white flowers with dusky purple bracts appear. Used as a motive in architecture and art through ages, Acanthus is a true architectural beauty!

Achillea ‘Cerise Queen’ is a carefree and generously blooming perennial which requires little maintenance to create an explosion of late summer colour. The large, flat-topped clusters of vibrant, pink flowers with tiny white centers are irresistible to butterflies, and also make excellent cut flowers.

These native wildflowers have clustered flower heads of tiny white flowers that from a distance look like little patches of snow resting on the grass. This famous herb is terrific as a wildflower clump in a blooming meadow, they are also a favourite for dried flower arrangements.

Acoelorrhaphe wrightii is native to Florida and parts of the Caribbean, this striking fan palm is small to moderately tall. Hardy to -6°C (20°F) it is one of just a few palms that can survive in saturated soil conditions. A good outdoor palm for a milder areas and a very tropical alternative to a hedge of shrubs.

Agapanthus Getty White is a sparkling plant with dense clusters of white flowers on erect stems. It is a sparkling plant and is dazzling against a dark green backdrop. They are terrific as cut flowers and are suited to both formal and modern style arrangements.

The Agapanthus or Blue African Lily is one of the aristocrats of the late summer garden. Requiring only the minimum of care, the exotic combination of graceful foliage and stunning flowers is equally impressive in the border or large planter. This is a lovely plant to grow and they are very easy from seed.

The Agapanthus is one of the aristocrats of the late summer garden. 'Peter Pan Blue' is a fine dwarf hybrid with neat clumps of leaves and large clusters of light- blue flowerheads. The exotic combination of graceful foliage and stunning flowers is equally impressive in the border or container.

Agave mckelvyana is a small, relatively rare, dwarf species of Agave from western Arizona. This little beauty forms a tight rosette of broad, bluish green, fleshy leaves with small teeth.It is one of the hardiest agaves, can take winter rain and is tolerant of drought and severe freezes.

Agave parryi var. neomexicana is a dramatic specimen. This native Mexican succulent forms a compact rosette of soft fleshy, bluish green leaves. The foliage is wide and heavily armed with dark tipped spines. With the ability to grow 60cm wide and as tall, it is one of the most cold hardy Agave species.