Codonopsis

Rather like a climbing Fritillaria is how I'd describe these unusual herbaceous vines. The flowers have the same bell-shape and a similar green and maroon colour scheme, though without the chequering. The markings are just as interesting however.
Often recommended for woodland conditions but adaptable to a variety of rich and not too dry soils where the vine can grow up through shrubs into the light. Watch out for molluscs early on. To 6ft tall. Flowering late summer/autumn.

Codonopsis lanceolata

A particularly tough easy species with substantial jade and maroon bells

sold out

Codonopsis pilosula Tangshen

A vigorous climber with pale bells, delicately marked with purple inside

£8

Aconitum lycoctonum moldavicum

This is one of those species where the flowers have a tall narrow hood. The best-known forms have yellowish or off-white flowers but this is a very nice dusky purple form, to about 3ft tall and flowering in late summer. Easy and hardy

£8