Hosta (Tardiana Group) ‘Halcyon’

Smooth, lance-shaped, glaucous leaves to 20cm long are topped with spikes of handsome, lavender-grey, bell-shaped flowers in mid- to late summer. It’s one of plantswoman Beth Chatto’s favourites, and it will make a flourish at the front of a shady border, sheltered from cold, drying winds. The foliage is also invaluable for softening the edges of hard landscaping.