Quick Guide: summer, hardy, semi-shade, height: 60cm/24in, width: 45cm/18in

Native to Europe and Western Asia, this group of herbaceous perennials includes three species which are well suited to summer borders or informal planting schemes. All have attractive divided leaves and bear tiny but numerous white or pale pink star-shaped flowers. They last well as cut flowers.

GROWING Set out young plants between autumn and spring in well-drained, fertile soil. Semi-shade is best but full sun is tolerated, as long as the soil does not dry out. Apply a moisture conserving mulch in spring. Cut plants back to ground level in late autumn.

PROPAGATION Divide roots in autumn or spring

SPECIES A. major, fresh green leaves, pinkish-green flowers surrounded by silver bracts; A. maxima, similar to A. major but bolder in effect, with pink bracts; A. carniolica, midgreen, slender leaves, white flowers - the variety `Rubra' is only 30cm/12in high with deep crimson flowers and bracts.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Generally trouble-free.