Self seeding plants for sun and shade - in pictures

For sun: Verbena bonariensis is a beautiful late summer perennial that offers flowers like purple-tipped wands waving high above borders. Photograph: Peter T Lovatt/Alamy

For sun: Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' offers an aniseed scented haze of foliage that brings movement to the garden, but deep tap roots mean you should take out unwanted seedlings quickly. Photograph: Jacky Parker/Alamy

For sun: Alchemilla mollis is a useful groundcover plant with a froth of yellowish-green flowers which add zest to planting schemes. Photograph: Christina Bollen/Alamy

For sun: Cirsium tuberosum is a native, herbaceous perennial with spiny silvery grey leaves and purple-pink flowers. Photograph: CuboImages srl/Alamy

For sun: Chrysanthemum parthenium or the feverfew herb has daisy-like flowers that can last for months, adding a cheery note to the garden. Photograph: JoeFox Nature/Alamy

For shade: Nicotiana sylvestris is a towering exotic annual which offers evening scent, making it perfect for planting near outside dining or seating areas Photograph: Steffen Hauser/botanikfoto/Alamy

For shade: Meconopsis cambrica or the Welsh poppy is an annual that doesn’t mind some shade which makes its yellows and oranges a useful bright addition to the garden. Photograph: Anna Yu/Alamy

For shade: Aquilegia vulgaris is a native woodland plant that comes in a range of blues, purples, pinks and whites. Photograph: Olivier Parent/Alamy

For shade: Helleborus foetidus or the stinking hellebore has dramatic, deeply cut leaves enhanced in spring by unusual lime-green flowers. Photograph: CuboImages srl/Alamy

For shade: Digitalis purpurea is unmistakeable for its classic spires in various shades of pink, purple and white. Foxgloves add a majestic presence to a shady spot. Photograph: imagebroker/Alamy