Acanthus mollis (Bear's Breeches): Architectural spires of purple/white flowers over large, dark green deeply divided leaves. Best in sun or light shade. Height to 1.2m.

Centaurea atropurpurea: Attractive deep-red, almost black thistle like flowers above silvery foliage. Good for bees and butterflies. Hardy. Up to 1m. [Collect Only]

Lobelia x speciosa 'Tania': Dramatic spikes of brightest pink flowers in late summer.

Lythrum virgatum 'Dropmore Purple' (Wand loosestrife 'Dropmore Purple'): Upright spikes of purple-pink flowers in the mid-summer with lance-like foliage. Prefers a moist soil. Hardy. Up to 1m.

Molinia caerulea 'Transparent' (Purple moor grass 'Transparent'): Deciduous grass with long feathery purple flower spikes. Likes moist but well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Hardy. Up to 1.2m.

Monarda 'Prarienacht' (Bergamot 'Prarienacht'): Whorls of zingy purple flowers over bright green aromatic foliage. Very attractive to bees. Hardy. Up to 90cm.

Salvia Amethyst Lips = 'Dyspurp' (Sage 'Amethyst Lips'): Bicolour flowers in white and deep purple and delicious scented foliage. Half-hardy, copes with -5C in a sheltered spot. To 1m.

Salvia x sylvestris 'Dear Anja' (Wood sage 'Dear Anja'): Spikes of lilac-purple flowers tipped with white. Aromatic foliage. Prefers a sunny spot with good drainage. Bees love it. Hardy. Up to 1m.

Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double' (Chinese meadow rue 'Hewitt's Double'): Tiny purple pom-pom flowers dance airily above ferny grey-green foliage. Height to 1.2m. Hardy