The plants in this collection will die right back in autumn, then fresh new growth will appear again in spring.

Brooding tones will add depth to the colour palette, and that is why these two are always in demand by designers.



In this collection you will receive three of each of the following plants. They are all supplied in 9cm nursery pots.


Astrantia major 'Claret': This is one of the darkest-flowered astrantias, with deep, ruby red pincushion-like flowers with a ruff of longer bracts than many other varieties. The leaves are pretty too; deeply lobed and dark green. Although it is an old cottage garden favourite, this astrantia works equally well in contemporary-style plantings. Use towards the front of a sunny, yet moist border, where the flower colour can be fully appreciated. Grows to 90cm.


Foeniculum vulgare 'Giant Bronze': Fine clouds of feathery, bronze-purple leaves and flat-topped, sulphur-yellow flowerheads in mid- to late summer, followed by aromatic seeds. Fennel is the perfect centre-piece for a sunny herb garden. An invaluable border plant, the foliage provides a delicate foil against which the flower heads of herbaceous plants and bulbs can be seen. Grows to 1.8m.



• Planting tips: Prepare the bed well by digging in lots of composted organic matter before you plant. For best results it is essential that the plants are kept well watered for the first year, particularly during warmer weather.