Lychnis coronaria

Lychnis coronaria is a superb plant for a sunny border. A short-lived perennial, it forms clumps of silver felty leaves, which make a pleasant backdrop to bright magenta flowers in late summer.

There's a number of cultivars to choose from, ranging from pink and white flowers, with double-flowered varieties (pictured) as well. Lychnis coronaria can tolerate most well-drained soils but produces the best leaf colour in dry soil. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).