Golden rod

Golden rod is a traditional border plant, but old varieties were tall, untidy and invasive compared with modern compact hybrids such as 'Goldenmosa'. This variety has large sprays of golden mimosa-like flower that last throughout late summer and early autumn on 75cm (30in) high stems, which are strong enough to stand without support. Their feathery shape and texture associates beautifully with all the large daisies, such as rudbeckia and helenium, and goes particularly well with an autumn mixture of mahogony, orange and yellow shades. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).