June plants

In early summer, head gardener Åsa Gregers-Warg is spoilt for choice with a fabulous mix of richly coloured and delicate flowers, fabulous foliage and silky tactile grasses

EREMURUS X ISABELLINUS CLEOPATRA'

In early summer, these tangerine spires make wonderful bold statements in our borders as they rise through the fresh, wispy foliage of Stipa tenuissima and self-seeded, white-flowered milk thistle Galactites tomentosa 'Alba'. Eryngium x oliverianum or E. x zabelii would make a good perennial alternative to the latter, while adding Verbena bonariensis to the mix can add colour throughout summer. Foxtail lilies, or desert candles as they're also known, need excellent drainage to thrive, but most struggle in our Gravel Garden. This one is the exception.

Height and spread 1.2m x 30cm.
Origin Garden, E. olgae x E. stenophyllus cross (parent species from Central Asia).
Conditions Well-drained soil; full sun.
Hardiness RHS H6, USDA 5a-8bt.
Season of interest June.

OENOTHERA ‘LEMON SUNSET’

This lovely evening primrose starts out soft lemon-yellow, before turning a light peachy-red as the saucer-shaped blooms mature. A favourite here at Beth Chatto’s, forming upright clumps with somewhat lanky stems. This short-lived perennial is easy to grow, even in poor, sandy soil, and useful for filling empty gaps. The easiest way to encourage a continuous flush of flowers is to deadhead at regular intervals. Simply grab a handful of stems (we often do this just as the last buds opens) and trim the stalks, roughly by half, down to the first leaves. Self-seeds freely.

Height and spread 1m x 20cm.
Origin Garden (species Argentina, Chile).
Conditions Well-drained soil; full sun.
Hardiness RHS H4, USDA 5a-9b.
Season of interest June – August.