Gaillardia × grandiflora

This deciduous perennial can grow up to 1m tall and attracts butterflies, which is why it’s also called butterfly weed. Clusters of flat bright-orange flowers in midsummer are followed by long seedpods.

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.

This evergreen perennial stands out because of it’s unusual look with its sturdy flower stems that are covered in whorls of pale yellow hooded flowers. After flowering these turn into architectural seedheads that give interest to your border in the bleak winter months and offer shelter for small insects.