'Pulchrum' means beautiful in botanical terms and amply demonstrated by this South African species. From late spring to late autumn it producing dense sprays of largish purple-veined mauve flowers and with gorgeous large silver-grey velvety leaves, they are simply irresistible.

“Jacobs Ladder” is an easy perennial to grow and is a very attractive plant for a border with moist but well-drained soil. It forms clumps of dark green leaves, and in early summer produces spikes of blue, bell-shaped flowers. To prolong flowering, deadhead regularly.

Polemonium caeruleum “Album” is the rare white form of the more common blue. “Jacobs Ladder” forms clumps of dark green leaves, the leaves give the plant its name as they are divided like ladder rungs. In early summer produces spikes of white, bell-shaped flowers.

Delicate in appearance and yet very cold hardy, Sedum acre is beautiful from the first stirrings of early spring to the twilight of autumn. Hardy and very easy to grow. Started early it will form a nice dense ground cover the very first season. If the weather is favourable it will flower within six months.

If you’re looking for a beautiful plant that thrives with virtual neglect, Sedum reflexum just might fit the bill. The small bushes spread over the ground and the foliage resembles mini spruce branches. They are at their loveliest spilling over edges of walls and rocks to create the illusion of a living waterfall.