Summer

Clematis x durandii. A much-loved hybrid between C. ‘Jackmanii’ and C. integrifolia with rich, saucer-shaped, indigo-blue flowers with deep midribs. The semi-nodding flowers, with beautifully contrasting pale-yellow anthers, appear from June until the autumn. 1.5m. AGM. RHS H6, USDA 5a-9b.

Herbaceous Clematis: choosing and growing the best herbaceous clematis

The deep beds are crammed with a complex tapestry of perennial interest, with an emphasis on foliage that ranges from the fresh, grassy growth of Hakonechloa macra to the deep-plum leaves of Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’.

Planting for a dry and shady urban garden

In this mixed House Border, the
red flowers of Rosa ‘Florence
Mary Morse’ bring early colour alongside the white sprays of Persicaria x fennica ‘Johanniswolke’. The tall, slender annual corncockles are woven through the border plants, and, along with alliums and bronze fennel, help to unify the plantings
and create a naturalistic scene.

Summer planting at Malverleys: borders, layering and planning ahead

In a hilltop location, bands of Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Rosea’, Phlomis russeliana and self-seeded Lychnis coronaria support each other in a densely planted flower garden. The sun is setting through a Catalpa bignonioides and great plumes of Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’ hide the parking area.

How to create a flower-filled hillside garden

Benton End in Suffolk, where the artist and gardener Cedric Morris and his partner Arthur Lett-Haines moved in 1940, is where Morris bred many of his beautiful and painterly coloured bearded irises

Benton irises: how to choose and grow them

Winter succulents

Discover winter-to-spring planting combinations

Begonia 'Red Tempest'

Begonias: the best for your garden and how to plant

Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firedance'

Plant profile How to grow Persicaria

Seedscape: future proofing

Gardens to visit

Garden events and things to do this month

A late summer container

Easy charm and subtle colour until early autumn

Mixed borders at Gravetye Manor garden

Planting at Gravetye: the borders

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)

Convallaria majalis or Lily of the valley and how it is grown

Ornamental grasses: Calamagrostis emodensis

Designers choose the best ornamental grasses

Verbascum 'Spica'

The Verbascum you need for the garden

Sweet pea, Lathyrus odoratus 'Matucana'.

Annual climbers: 21 of the best annual climbers to plant