@missjansevilla@thorogoodchris1 @Matthew_Pottage @HarrietRycroft They are:
Hibiscus, one of those perennial as opposed to shrubby ones.
Rhus typina, shrub or small tree, can sucker quite a bit)
Double sunflower, an annual.
Echinops, perennial.
I still find it amazing that Aloiampelos striatula, formerly Aloe striatula is hardy outdoors here!
We've no sunbirds to feed on their nectar but will happily make do with the raft of native pollinators that flock to feed on its exotic spires of blooms.
I love the unusual split corollas of these hedge bindweeds, Calystegia sepium, not often seen.
It's a pity they're so invasive as they're incredibly ornamental.
I remember trying to introduce bindweed to my parents' garden when I was young, luckily it didn't establish!
If someone were to find themselves in La Rochelle.....are there any amazing gardens/nurseries/garden centres within a couple of hours travel (by car) worth visiting?