Aster

This salvia shows velvety purple and plum coloured blooms from spring to autumn and sometimes even until the first frosts. Grown in ideal conditions in well-draining soil and full sun or partial shade it will keep its foliage in mild winters and can tolerate very low temperatures with some winter protection. Plant in a patio container or near seating areas to enjoy the minty-blackcurrant scent from the foliage.

Tall blue flower spikes sit on a bed of yellow-green scented foliage. The flower spikes can reach up to 90cm and attract pollinators with their sweet fragrance. Flowers appear in mid-summer which makes thnis plant perfect for adding colour to your garden for later in the season. Agastache can be planted in containers for the first season and then be planted into your garden border for the following seasons.

Low-growing perennial variety with hairy dark green leaves and delicate blue bell-shaped flowers from early summer to late autumn. Just like annual Borage, the flowers of this perennial veriety are very useful for all pollinators as they refill with nectar within only two mintues after a bee has visited. Ideal for difficult areas in the garden like dry shady spots. The flowers are edible and can be added to salads or frozen in ice cubes to decorate delicious summer drinks.