Borago pygmaea

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.

Eryngiums are very robust plants that grow well in full sun and can be tolerant to drought. The plants bear spikey cone-shaped flowerheads in blue and silver-grey tones. Spent flowerheads give winter interest to your border, so don’t cut them back straight away.

Monarda is also known as Bergamot and this variety bears interesting fluffy rich scarlet flowers that appear in early summer and flower all the way into autumn. This plant is very aromatic and retains its scent when dried. May need dividing every three years to revive the plant.