Linaria purpurea

Toadflax, Linaria purpurea, is native to southern Italy but has naturalised in other parts of Europe. An erect perennial with stiff stems and pale green leaves, it bears tall dense flower spikes of dainty pale purple flowers, each with two lips and spurs, rather like snapdragons. It's extremely attractive to bees and butterflies, and makes a beautiful cut flower.

Grow Linaria purpurea in an herbaceous border or gravel garden, where it will quickly naturalise. For best results grow in well-drained soil in full sun.