Linaria

There are around 180 species of toadflaxes, spread throughout Europe (with a couple of native species), Asia and into North Africa. Perennials or annuals, upright or low-growing. Very colourful flowers, in spikes, with each flower 2-lipped, containing a spur and a strange swelling which resembles a toads throat! The flowers as a whole arguably resemble shoals of exotic fish. They appreciate an open site, well-drained soils. Many will self-seed, including the hybrids, but they won't necessarily be the same as the parent, so some removal of seedlings maybe needed. Great for bees and other small insect pollinators.