Lupins

Impossibly perfect 2 - 4ft spikes of yellow, pink, orange, blue, maroon and white flowers from May to August if you deadhead; there’s an industry of growers conjuring new colours and sizes of these come back year-after-year perennials. Whether in a cottage garden or modern drifts, plan ahead for bees and cut-flowers. Spray early to control flies and protect early shoots from slugs. The origin of the wolf connection is debated.