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.

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.

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

Perovskia 'Blue Spire' (Russian Sage 'Blue Spire'): Fine spikes of purple flowers on silver stems. Lovely winter stem effect. Hardy. Up to 1m. [Collect Only]

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