PLANTS FOR MAY COLOUR

James Williams recommends some favourite plants for this time of year.

Feather reed grass, Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ This looks good all year round and holds its structure right up until late February, when it is cut down, just before the new growth starts. It is a clump-forming perennial grass, with arching leaves and upright bronze panicles. Height 36in (90cm); spread 20in (50cm).

Bronze fennel, Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’

An upright perennial; beautifully airy, with feathery foliage, which is a brownish purple when young, turning to a grey-green. In summer, there are umbellifers of tiny yellow flowers, followed by attractive seedheads in autumn. Height 6ft (1.8m); spread 40in (1m).

Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’

A perennial which forms a large clump of greyish foliage and spikes of tiny blue flowers loved by bees and butterflies. James considers it a must for a wildlife garden. Height and spread 36in (90cm).

Allium ‘Purple Sensation’

This is a bulb producing round purple flowerheads of approximately 2¾in (7cm) in diameter on long stems. It looks more natural in the wild garden, where its flat leaves are hidden. Height 36in (90cm).

Sanguisorba ‘Tanna’

A herbaceous perennial, the flowerheads are dots of dark red, carried on tall, wiry stems. They can withstand the weather and work very well in a natural garden. Height and spread 20in (50cm).

Pyrus communis ‘Beech Hill’

This is a conical tree, which looks particularly good planted as a group in an avenue. It is deciduous, with lovely white blossom in spring and good colour in autumn, with small, edible green fruit. James says it is a great all-rounder for structure and interest throughout the year, although the large size makes it unsuitable for smaller gardens. Height 23ft (7m); spread 13ft (4m).