Unfortunately this very striking old fashioned plant has become an environmental weed. Although it is an herbaceous perennial, it was commonly grown and sold as an annual. Clusters of pink, purple or white hanging bell-shaped flowers are borne on tall upright flower stems. The leaves form a dense rosette of hairy basal leaves. It invades wet forests, riparian and alpine areas where it replaces native herbs.

Best known for their tall spikes of beautiful flowers, this group of both annuals and perennials range in height from 30 cm to 2 m high depending on the species. The flowers are borne in spring and summer in a range of colours including pale or deep blues, purples, whites or lilacs. Plant Delphiniums in an open airy position in full-sun in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. The 'Butterfly' delphinium and the species grandiflorum are popular cut flowers.

The foxglove-like flowers of these cottage garden style plants appear mainly in summer. Flowers are borne at the end of erect flower spikes in a range of colours including blues, reds, whites and bi-colors. Best grown in full or half-sun in moist welldrained soil. Cut plants back hard after flowering. Ask at your local garden centre about the wide selection of Penstemon hybrids for your garden.

Formerly known as Hebe formosa. This true Veronica is endemic to Tasmania. It grows on rocky hillsides from sealevel to altitudes of 1200 m. A perennial shrub ranging in height from 0.5 to 2 m. In late spring and early summer it blooms profusely and is covered with many small flowers varying in colour from pale lilac to violet blue. It will grow in most soils, prefers part-shade to full-sun, and is frost-hardy. Suitable for cottage gardens and rockeries.