If your garden could do with some extra colour a little earlier this summer, we have many flowering shrubs, climbers and perennials to choose from.
Early summer flowering:
- Agapanthus
- Alchemilla mollis
- Digitalis (Floxglove)
- Hydrangea macrophylla
- Ornamental grasses
- Salvia
- Syringa vulgaris (Common lilac)
- Lupins
- Paeonia (Peonies)
- Philadelphus (Mock orange)
- Rhododendrons (we stock many varieties so the flowering period can be quite long, most flower in April and May)
- Verbena bonariensis
From the Ancient Greek “Rose Tree”, there are over 11,024 species of Rhododendron! The sweet, nectar type smelling flowers evokes images of tropical islands and tiny Hummingbirds! We stock many varieties so the flowering period can be quite long, however, most flower in April and May.
Plan your planting scheme to include colour, movement, height and texture for best effect. In early summer, Philadelphus offers a neutral backdrop of white, heavily scented flowers to other border plants such as roses.
Digitalis (Foxglove) are a popular choice for cottage style gardens. They are irrestiable to pollinators and so also work well in a meadow style planting scheme.
Originally native to the Balkans, Lilac is now a widely cultivated ornamental shrub. Perfect for attracting pollinators such as butterflies to your garden.
Ornamental grasses can really lift a border, giving it that designer look when planted amongst architectural perennials such as the cool blue Agapanthus (African lily).
Tall flowing grasses, try Stipa Tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass), create the perfect backdrop to flowering perennials such as Verbena bonariensis and long flowering purple Salvias.
Evergreen grasses tend to be lower growing but can be very useful for filling in gaps and maintaining colour throughout the winter months. Try the cool blue evergreen grass Festuca glauca for year round interest.
Jobs for June:
- Hoe borders regularly to keep down weeds
- Be water-wise, especially in drought-affected areas
- Position summer hanging baskets and containers outside
- Mow lawns at least once a week, weather dependent
- Plant out summer bedding
- Stake tall or floppy plants
- Prune many spring-flowering shrubs
- Shade greenhouses to keep them cool and prevent scorch
For ideas and advice contact or visit us at The Big Plant Nursery and ask about our popular ‘At Home’ Consultancy Service if you are not sure where to start.