Scilla peruviana

Unlike its name suggests, Scilla peruviana (or 'Portuguese squill') is nothing to do with Peru, it’s actually originally from the Mediterranean! Either way, the vivid blue flowers formed on cone-shaped heads do have a certain exotic look which is sure to remind you of sunny holidays. Flowering in early summer, the lush blooms provide effortless colour and look spectacular planted in bold swathes running throughout sunny borders or shrubberies – they do well in pots too.

Despite this Scilla’s exotic origins, it’s a pretty tough customer and fully hardy in a typical UK winter. It does love a sunny spot though, so do make sure it’s planted in the suntrap area of your garden for best results. Scilla peruviana are very easy to grow, just plant the bulbs in autumn and leave them to it – they’ll emerge in early summer the following year, then every year after that too!