Eryngium planum

Cobalt blue flowers that resemble butterflies emerge in summer and last all the way into autumn. The plants can cope with light frosts but might need extra protection during extreme cold temperatures. Cut back in late summer to encourage a second flush in autumn and then trim the following year in spring to strenghten new growth.

Cistus populifolius is an evergreen frost-hardy shrub that carries white single flowers from spring into summer. Grows best in a hot and dry position on poor soil and is drought-tolerant. Plants are best ordered in spring and planted immediately for good show in the first summer.

This native wildflower bears large white or pink flowers with a purple lower lip that sit on honey-scented foliage traditionally used in “Maybowl” beverages and retaining its fragrance once it’s dried. Melittis Melissophyllum is a very tough plant and can survive long periods of summer drought once it’s established.