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

Few plants will flower well in shadier spots, but it is still possible to make these areas exciting by planting things with a strong structural presence - like these. The euphorbia will also add a bright shot of colour in spring, while the rodgersia will jettison its flower spikes in summer.



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


Rodgersia aesculifolia: Towering spikes of star-shaped, white or pink flowers on large panicles up to 60cm long in midsummer. This striking, clump-forming perennial with its horse chestnut-like leaves looks great planted in the moist margins of a stream or pond. Best grown in a sheltered, shady spot where it contrasts well with the lacy texture of ferns. Grows to 2m.


Hosta 'Sum and Substance': This tough hosta has huge, corrugated yellow-green leaves, which seem to show some resistance to slugs and snails. The spikes of pale lilac flowers, which appear in midsummer, are also attractive. It can be used to make a bold statement in a large container in a shady courtyard, but in the border it will look stunning when planted among other plants with distinctive foliage, such as ferns. Although it will cope with some sun, the leaves are best shaded from the midday sun and sheltered from cold, drying winds. Grows to 75cm.


Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae: A compact, shade-loving, spreading euphorbia that has long-lasting, lime-green flowers in late spring above rosettes of glossy, dark green leaves. It's a valuable plant for difficult areas of dry shade, particularly under trees, and it also looks at home in a woodland setting. As it is evergreen and suckering it also makes attractive groundcover. Left unchecked it can become invasive, romping through areas of a small garden. Grows to 70cm.


Matteuccia struthiopteris: This wonderful deciduous shuttlecock fern is at its most beautiful in spring when the large, pale green, lacy fronds start to unfurl and filter the sunlight. It is one of the best foliage plants for areas of moist, dappled shade and works particularly well planted in groups next to water or in a woodland garden in between deciduous trees. Grows to 1.7m.