Gold/ Orange

It is only within the past decade that a number of new noteworthy members of the genus Agastache have emerged from botanical obscurity. ‘Apricot Sprite’ is an outstanding perennial that provides a sizzling blast of tubular, peachy-apricot flowers. Compact and quick growing, they flower in the first year from seed.

Agastache are very seductive. You start with one, and the next thing you know, you’ve got ten different plants in the flowerbed and are wondering where you can find space to sneak another one in. ‘Apache Sunset’ is one of the best and most durable - coral-peach blooms with rose and violet buds. Just gorgeous and, of course, extremely tempting.

With cascading tassels of the most wonderful coral-pink. Amaranthus 'Coral Fountain' is a great addition to the garden and a superb filler for the vase. With generous treatment, specimens three or four feet or more with enormous drooping tassels of flowers can be obtained.

The blooms of Amaranthus caudatus 'Mira' have a unique ombre colour that transitions from light sage green, to lilac, to deep purple. The trailing locks are like jeweled necklaces, thick, pendulous tassels that extend 60 to 90cm long. They add exceptional texture and visual interest to gardens and floral designs alike.

Amaranthus 'Hot Biscuits' is a rather splendid ornamental addition to the garden and the vase. This gorgeous and graceful amaranth feature bold spikes of coppery-bronze branching plumes. They make an excellent cut flower and make exciting vase material that hold their colour longer than other amaranths.

Antirrhinum majus are one of the most reliable flowers for the garden and one of the most important 'summer cut-flowers' grown from seed. Although the usually bloom in boldly painted, bright primary colours, its lovely to be offered a softer option. 'Orange Wonder' has the most beautiful and delicate, orange-rose blooms.

Though technically classified as a short lived perennial, Antirrhinum majus are often cultivated as an annual, sown early in spring to flower in summer. They can also be grown as a biennial, sown in late summer to flower the following season. 'Rose' blooms with beautifully soft rose pink flowers.

‘Indian Prince' has unique petals quite unlike other Calendula, the dark orange rays are in layers of orange, backed with rich mahogany red petals. Easily grown, sown direct in spring or in autumn, they are perfect candidates for cutting and flower arrangements.

Cheerful and bright, use Calendula in beds, borders or containers. Calendula is prolific and durable, and like most hardy annuals it is easy to grow, simply sow where it is to flower. It is currently one of the top herbs used for medicinal use. Sprinkle salads and decorate cakes with the edible tangy petals.

Calendula officinalis 'Neon' is a true showstopper. The densely set, double flowers glow with deep orange petals each with bronze tips. Growing to a height of around 60 to 70cm they are the essence of early summer colour in the garden and make a stunning cut flower.

'Sunset Buff' is a lovely, more subtle coloured calendula. It is the soft apricot-buff version of 'Indian Prince' with the same crimson petal backs. They grow to a height of around 60cm and a spread of 45cm, are an excellent variety for borders and make a stunning cut flower.

'Sunset Mix' is a dynamic blend of the Sunset series in orange, apricot, peach, cream, and yellow shades. It includes bicolors and tricolors with the same darker crimson colours on the back of each petal. They are an excellent variety for borders and make a stunning cut flower.

A professional quality aster that was developed specifically for the cut flower market, the 'Lady Coral' series feature Chrysanthemum-like incurving petals that are sure to capture the imagination of every self respecting cut flower enthusiast. The large blooms of 'Orange-Apricot' are a must grow for their exquisite colouring.

Bred specifically for professional cut flower production. Carthamus tinctorius ‘Kinko’ is a special selection featuring deep orange blooms. Easy to grow from seed, flowering can be staggered by sowing successionally. It will give a host of vibrant hues throughout summer, whether in the garden or in the vase.

Ten years back coleus were gaudy relics from Grandmother's generation, but now coleus are back and teetering on the cutting edge. “Wizard Sunset” is one of the softer colours from the Wizard series, with heart-shaped leaves in beautiful shades of bronze - apricot. Excellent in full sun.

Developed for florists for use as a cut flower. Dianthus Chabaud is a vintage carnation that dates back as early as 1904. Displayed profusely on slender, sturdy stems, the apricot and soft orange blushing petals of Chabaud ‘Orange Sherbet’ are striped with dark raspberry red and coral.

This rare and lovely foxglove from Spain is one of the very best in cultivation. Digitalis obscura, the Sunset Foxglove blooms from late spring to mid-summer with striking bell-shaped blooms in all the colours of the sunset. Rusty orange and amber with interior red veining and spotting.

Siberian wallflowers are at their best in early to mid-May. With cheerful deep orange blooms, they are very easy to grow and combine well with other plants; indeed wallflowers demand companions and set the mind racing regarding potential planting combinations.

Erysimum (formerly Cheiranthus) cheiri ‘Fire King' is another old and tried variety, with striking, flame-like, glowing orange-scarlet flowers. A compact variety with a bushy habit and a rich fragrance, they will supply the household with an abundance of cut flowers for many weeks.