Annuals or bulb ideas needed

In the new garden I should have a larger area to dedicate to tall growing annuals and bulbs. So I'm after suggestions - must grow to 1.2metres (four foot old money) minimum, and preferably reasonably compact as the two staples that they need to share space with are Nicotiana sylvestris...........


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................. and Cleome spinosa....................


I'm not too keen on Dahlias (certainly not the "pom pom" type) except for Bishop of Llandaff, but if you have one that is a bit special to suggest feel free.

I'm sort of ruling out Lilies too, as the area is a hot bed of Lily Beetle (I'm moving to just over the road from my beloved), and I'll have enough of a battle keeping my Toad Lilies and Gloriosa free of them as it is!

The reason that I want annuals (or bulbs) is that the space will be given over to tulips and fritillary in the spring.

 

Could you stick some ornamental grass in there? Looks good with Cleome, I've found.

 

Or some big old Larkspurs for a bit more colour.

 

How about Leonotis nepetifolia and Atriplex hortensis. Both are essentially vertical with little sideways growth, and can reach 7 to 8 feet.

I find L. nepetifolia a much more reliable flowerer than L. leonorus, which hardly gets into flower before the frosts.

 

Just remembered the Salvia sclarea turkestanica that I have in the cold frame too.

I do like the sky blue Larkspurs - noted!

But PeterS - that Leonotis nepetifolia is excellent! Off to find some seeds now........

Keep 'em coming - your thoughts are appreciated!