{"id":36296,"date":"2024-06-05T13:20:59","date_gmt":"2024-06-05T11:20:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/5bfeb62e-3088-488a-88a1-ad3ac20aa887"},"modified":"2024-06-05T13:31:41","modified_gmt":"2024-06-05T11:31:41","slug":"60-great-flowers-for-brilliant-colour-in-early-summer-chosen-by-expert-gardeners-and-plantspeople","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/rss_feed\/60-great-flowers-for-brilliant-colour-in-early-summer-chosen-by-expert-gardeners-and-plantspeople\/","title":{"rendered":"60 great flowers for brilliant colour in early summer chosen by expert gardeners and plantspeople"},"content":{"rendered":"

As temperatures continue to rise, momentum gathers in the garden and sun-lovers show their hand. From nodding woodlanders to audacious perennials, here are 60 early summer flowers chosen by experts <\/p>

By <\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 05 June 2024 at 11:20 AM<\/p>

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Making sure your garden sings throughout all the seasons is key to the pleasure it provides. Below is a list of early summer flowers that will start emerging any time from June<\/a> and can last up to September. Early summer flowers can bring the beginnings of the promise of summer and make the transformation from spring to summer all the more sweet. The below list has been picked by leading plantspeople: Bob Brown (BB<\/strong>), Fergus Garrett <\/a>(FG<\/strong>), Hans Kramer (HK<\/strong>), Marina Christopher (MC<\/strong>), Chris Marchant (CM<\/strong>), Derry Watkins (DW<\/strong>) and Matthew Reese (MR<\/strong>).<\/p>

Enjoy their choices, and don’t miss our summer flowers list<\/a>, too.<\/p>

Perfect early summer flowers to grow<\/h2>
Valeriana pyrenaica<\/em><\/h3>
Valeriana pyrenaica – \u00a9 Sharon Pearson<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A delightful, clump-forming perennial with pointed, heart-shaped, light-green leaves, which are sharply serrated, puckered and coarsely textured. These are loosely clasped around and oppositely arranged in tiers on upright stems. The densely branched, domed clusters of pale pink to off-white flowers are scented and carried throughout the plant. With age flowers give way to wispy, fluffy seedheads that float elegantly above the main body. Looks heavenly when mixed in with common cow parsley, creating a light and airy tapestry of pink and white. Height<\/strong> 1.2m. Origin<\/strong> Found alongside waterways in the Pyrenees and the Iberian system. Naturalised in the British Isles. Conditions<\/strong> Moist soil in sun or partial shade. Hardiness<\/strong> USDA 4a-9b. Season<\/strong> May to July. FG<\/strong><\/p>
Baptisia<\/em> \u2018Purple Smoke\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Baptisia$
Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
In the mid-1990s there was renewed interest in the genus Baptisia, a member of the pea family, which produces multiple stems with terminal flower spikes in white, yellow, pink, blue and indigo. Most familiar in British gardens is Baptisia australis<\/em>, a blue-flowered species with upright stems. Baptisia species are promiscuous and the late Rob Gardner of the North Carolina Botanical Garden introduced Baptisia<\/em> \u2018Purple Smoke\u2019 in 1996, a hybrid between Baptisia australis<\/em> var. aberrans<\/em> and Baptisia albescens<\/em> with dark stems and purplish-blue flowers. Height<\/strong> 1.2m. Origin Eastern North America. Conditions<\/strong> Well-drained soil in full sun. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7, USDA 3a-9b. Season<\/strong> May to June. MC<\/strong><\/p>
Dianthus cruentus<\/em><\/h3>
$\"Dianthus$
Dianthus cruentus – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Neat mounds of grass-like foliage give rise to wiry flowering stems with clusters of small, blood-red flowers, usually with bright blue stamens. I say \u2018usually\u2019 because to begin with I found that my plants seldom set seed \u2013 a mystery to me until some observant friend pointed out that most plants were either all-male (hence the blue stamens) or all-female with a white stigma, and few were both sexes on the same plant. The flowerheads look like fireworks, and work well with smaller grasses such as Stipa tenuissima<\/em> or Eragrostis curvula \u2018<\/em>Totnes Burgundy\u2019. Height<\/strong> 45-60cm. Origin<\/strong> Balkans. Conditions<\/strong> Well-drained, preferably neutral to alkaline soil in sun. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H5. Season<\/strong> May to August. MC<\/strong><\/p>
Geranium<\/em> \u2018Orion\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Geranium$
Geranium ‘Orion’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
In the late 1990s, Dutch nurseryman Brian Kabbes discovered a seedling of the hardy, mound-forming Geranium<\/em> \u2018Brookside\u2019 (a hybrid between Geranium<\/em><\/a> clarkei<\/em> \u2018Kashmir Purple\u2019 and Geranium pratense<\/em>) that had darker blue and much larger flowers than its parent. Electric-purple veins guide insects<\/a> to the central white disc, which must produce copious amounts of nectar as bees are drawn to the blooms in their droves, despite the plant being sterile. It does not produce seed so has an extended flowering season. AGM. Height<\/strong> 60-75cm. Origin<\/strong> Hybrid raised in the Netherlands. Conditions<\/strong> Reasonable soil in sun or dappled shade. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7, USDA 5a-9b. Season<\/strong> May to September. MC<\/strong><\/p>
Here’s more on hardy geraniums<\/a><\/strong><\/p>
Paeonia delavayi<\/em><\/h3> $\"Paeonia$
\u00a9 Maayke de Ridder<\/figcaption><\/figure>
There are numerous tree peonies. I assume many are more fancy than this straightforward Paeonia delavayi.<\/em> I have had it for at least 25 years in a draughty, dry and cold place in the shadow of oak trees and its performance is admirable. The bushes are more than two metres high with relatively small, blood-red flowers, which I have to admit are slightly obscured by the foliage. But who cares? This is so beautiful and looks clean and healthy until autumn, when the big seedpods loosen their shiny black seeds. Height<\/strong> 1.5-2m. Origin<\/strong> China. Conditions<\/strong> Any soil, as this is far less demanding than herbaceous peonies<\/a>. Sun to part shade. Hardiness<\/strong> At least RHS H7, USDA 5a-8b. Season<\/strong> May to June. HK<\/strong><\/p>
Crambe grandiflora<\/em><\/h3>
$\"Crambe$
Crambe grandiflora – \u00a9 Maayke de Ridder<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This rarely grown Caucasian species is the perfect mix between the tall Crambe cordifolia<\/em> and the low Crambe maritima.<\/em> I can never understand why a plant as good as this is found only in the wild. At the end of May the first flowers start to open and you can smell the unmistakable scent of rapeseed, although this is sweeter. The inflorescence is a wide multi-branched umbel with hundreds of white flowers, bigger than in Crambe<\/em> cordifolia<\/em>, and with soft-yellow centres. Seed is easily set and sometimes it germinates en masse in spring. Height<\/strong> 1.2m. Origin<\/strong> Caucasus, Crimea. Conditions<\/strong> Good fertile soil, preferably alkaline, in a sunny spot. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7. Season May. HK<\/strong><\/p>
Polystichum setiferum <\/em>Green Lace (= \u2018Gracillimum\u2019)<\/h3>
$\"Polystichum$
Polystichum setiferum Green Lace (= \u2018Gracillimum\u2019) – \u00a9 Maayke de Ridder<\/figcaption><\/figure>
An American visitor to our nursery once described this magnificent fern as \u2018dynamite\u2019, and he was right. The fronds of this rare cultivar, a selected seedling of \u2018Pulcherrimum Bevis\u2019, are extremely fine, almost thread-like, and yet they remain green throughout winter. Old plants can grow to almost one metre across, but this will take years. You can\u2019t propagate from spores or bulbils \u2013 the only way is by division. But once you have it, you can be sure you\u2019ll have it for your whole lifetime. Height<\/strong> 70cm. Origin<\/strong> Garden origin from European species. Conditions<\/strong> Not too dry, alkaline is no problem. Part shade to full shade. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7. Season<\/strong> All year round. HK<\/strong><\/p>
Erodium<\/em> \u2018Special Rose\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Erodium$
Erodium \u2018Special Rose\u2019 – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Most erodiums are short-lived, but Erodium chrysanthum<\/em> goes on and on. It normally has pale-yellow flowers, but this pink hybrid, available for many years as just \u2018pink form\u2019, has now been given the name \u2018Special Rose\u2019. Because it sets no seed it will go on blooming month after month, providing pale, rose-pink flowers above a neat clump of finely cut, grey leaves. Given plenty of sunshine and good drainage conditions, it will delight for years \u2013 my plant is now over 12 years old. To propagate the plant, take short stubby little basal cuttings in March. Height<\/strong> 15-20cm. Origin<\/strong> Hybrid of Erodium chrysanthum <\/em>x Erodium<\/em> sp. Conditions<\/strong> Full sun, good drainage. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H5, USDA 5a-9b. Season<\/strong> May to October. DW<\/strong><\/p>
Astrantia<\/em> \u2018Buckland\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Astrantia$
Astrantia Buckland – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Astrantias are always good-value garden plants, establishing quickly and self-seeding,<\/a> but the modern hybrids are sterile, putting all their energy into flowering rather than producing seedlings. Thick with flowers in May and June, if cut back hard in early July they will flower magnificently again in September and even October. This is my favourite, its pale-pink flowers like tiny Victorian posies in a ruff of pale-pink bracts. Although they are said to like shade, I find my very best astrantias are sited in damp sun. They just don\u2019t like to dry out. Height<\/strong> 70cm. Origin<\/strong> Hybrid of Astrantia major<\/em> x Astrantia maxima<\/em>. Conditions<\/strong> Sun or light shade, soil that\u2019s not too dry. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7, USDA 4a-7b. Season<\/strong> May to June, September. DW<\/strong><\/p>
Uvularia grandiflora <\/em>var. pallida<\/em><\/h3> $\"Uvularia$
Uvularia grandiflora var. pallida. – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
I love spring woodlanders even though they are so ephemeral. Each day produces new promise as plants emerge and flower before the woodland canopy closes to leave them in shade. This form of merrybells has pale, greenish-yellow, pendent flowers on willowy, arching stems and simple, lance-shaped leaves. The six slender petals are gently twisted and sway in the slightest breeze. They are clump-forming and multiply by seed or by creeping rhizomes, and are delightful with epimediums, Anemone nemorosa<\/em> and eythroniums. Height<\/strong> 30-60cm. Origin<\/strong> Eastern USA. Conditions<\/strong> Moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil in dappled shade. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H5, USDA 4a-9b. Season<\/strong> April to May. MC<\/strong><\/p>
Prunus<\/em> \u2018Shirofugen\u2019<\/h2> $\"Prunus$
Prunus shirofugen – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
I was first encouraged to appreciate the elegance and beauty of this flowering cherry tree by Christopher Lloyd while I was working at Great Dixter<\/a> in East Sussex. Christo pointed out the copper tint of the new foliage and the long, pendent stalks, which hold pretty, double flowers that slightly darken with age and scatter to the ground in a confetti of petals. Its leaves also colour well in autumn before falling. It is best grown asa multi-stemmed tree, which will enhance the plant\u2019s spreading habit. AGM. Height<\/strong> 4-6m. Origin<\/strong> Japan. Conditions<\/strong> Good, moist garden soil. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H6, USDA 5a-7b. Season<\/strong> Flowers in May followed by colourful foliage in autumn. MR<\/strong><\/p>
Bunium bulbocastanum<\/em><\/h3> $\"Bunium$
Bunium bulbocastanum – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Bunium bulbocastanum<\/em> is also known as the earth chestnut, thanks to its small, crunchy tubers (pignuts), which can be eaten raw or cooked, and taste like sweet chestnuts. Its seeds are edible too, but I grow it for its beautiful, fine foliage (which can also be eaten) and for its perfect, white umbels. I was told it liked a dry site, so I planted it in gravel where it became a pretty 40cm-high plant, but it then sowed itself into sticky clay at the edge of the pond<\/a> where it enjoyed life so much that it grew into a ravishing 90cm of airy leaves and tall-stemmed flowers. Height<\/strong> 50-90cm. Origin<\/strong> Europe and Asia. Conditions<\/strong> Sun, damp or dry. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H5, USDA 5a-8b. Season<\/strong> May to June. DW<\/strong><\/p>
Euphorbia palustris<\/em><\/h3> $\"Euphorbia$
Euphorbia palustris – \u00a9 Sharon Pearson<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The fresh green stems of this euphorbia carry arching, long, linear, dark-green leaves, which are flashed with white midribs, leading to a bun of acid-lime green at the centre. The stems elongate as the central floret flattens out. Flowering side branches enhance the impression of electric acid green, bleeding down the uppermost canopy. In midsummer the plant takes on a green willowy habit only to switch on again for the autumn with crimson, yellow and orange. AGM. Height<\/strong> 1.2m. Origin<\/strong> Native to Europe from Sweden down to Spain and east to the Caucasus. Conditions<\/strong> Wet moist soil; will thrive in swampy conditions in sun or part shade. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H4, USDA 5a-9b. Season<\/strong> Flowers May to June; autumn colour October to November. FG<\/strong><\/p>
Rosa<\/em> \u2018Penelope\u2019<\/h3> $\"Rosa$
Rosa ‘Penelope’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Graham Stuart Thomas described Rosa<\/em> \u2018Penelope\u2019 as \u2018one of the very best roses for creating a white effect without being white\u2019 and it looks particularly good with greys and pale, icy blues. It is continuous in flower and superb for cutting \u2013 Vita Sackville-West<\/a> noted that the buds continue to open once in the vase. The semi-double blooms are held in airy sprays and open peachy-pink, turning white with age. The sprays are a beautiful ensemble of old and new blooms, and importantly, the flowers shatter once finished so do not sully the show. Deadhead and feed to keep the display going. AGM. Height<\/strong> 1m. Origin<\/strong> Garden origin. Conditions<\/strong> Any good garden soil in sun. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H5, USDA 5a-10b. Season<\/strong> June to July. MR<\/strong><\/p>
Looking for more rose inspiration?<\/a><\/p>
Nectaroscordum siculum <\/em><\/h3>
$\"Nectarascordum$
Nectarascordum siculum – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The most elegant and graceful of onions, this used to be called Allium siculum<\/em>. Tall stems thrust up through twisted, glaucous leaves, each tipped with a narrow, pointed cluster of buds in a papery sheath. As the buds expand they bend over demurely like shy maidens hiding the purple-flushed inside of each flower under a subtle cream and grey-green skirt. Amazingly, as the seeds begin to ripen they turn up again to make a bouquet of pointed elf hats. In sandy soil it can self-seed excessively, but never seeds for me. Height<\/strong> 1-1.2m. Origin<\/strong> Mediterranean, from France to Turkey. Conditions<\/strong> Well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H5, USDA 6a-10b. Season<\/strong> May to July. DW<\/strong><\/p>
Gladiolus communis <\/em>subsp. byzantinus<\/em><\/h3> $\"Gladiolus$
Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus – \u00a9 Sharon Pearson<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This plant produces unashamedly high-octane, magenta flowers, distinctly gladioli<\/a> in shape, with centres streaked in subtle flashes of white and gold that decorate upright stems enfolded by thin, sword-like, pleated leaves. This cormous perennial struggles to increase in colder parts of the UK, but with heat it\u2019s prolific \u2013 hence the naturalised colonies in Devon and Cornwall. Gladiolus italicus<\/em> is vastly inferior but is often sold as byzantinus to unsuspecting customers. Electrifying next to lime-green euphorbias. AGM. Height<\/strong> 70cm. Origin<\/strong> Native of Spain, northwestern Africa, Sicily. Conditions<\/strong> Sunny position in a sheltered site. Any soil free of waterlogging. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H5, USDA 5a-10b. Season<\/strong> May to July. FG<\/strong><\/p>
Eremurus<\/em> \u2018Joanna\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Eremurus$
Eremurus ‘Joanna’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Eremuruses are summer dormant and often struggle through wet summers. The glorious Eremurus<\/em> \u2018Joanna\u2019 is stronger than most and copes well in our maritime climate. The flower spikes are huge, each one composed of hundreds of star-shaped, white flowers with a yellow eye. \u2018Joanna\u2019 looks best when grown with taller perennials and shrubs. When planting, make a hole 10cm deep that is wide enough to accommodate the star-shaped crowns, add sharp grit and then cover, ensuring the bud of the crown is just nosing the surface. AGM. Height<\/strong> 3m. Origin<\/strong> Garden origin. Conditions<\/strong> Ideally, full sun and not toowet in summer. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H6, USDA 6a-9b. Season<\/strong> June. MR<\/strong><\/p>
Lychnis flos-jovis<\/em><\/h3>
$\"Lychnis$
Lychnis flos-jovis (Flower of Jove) – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This pretty campion, commonly called the flower of Jove, is a more refined and more perennial version of the common Lychnis coronaria<\/em>, and it should bebetter known. The slender, branching stems are held above basal leaves covered in a silvery patina and carry clusters of lovely pink flowers. These work well with cool blues, such as the spikes of old-world salvias or Nigella damascena<\/em> Moody Blues. Plant in good soil that does not sit wet. Flowers are produced in the second year from seed and can either be planted in drifts at 20cm apart, or scattered naturally through the border. AGM. Height<\/strong> 40-50cm. Origin<\/strong> Europe. Conditions<\/strong> Good garden soil. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H6, USDA 4a-9b. Season<\/strong> June to July. MR<\/strong><\/p>
Sambucus <\/em>nigra f. porphyrophylla<\/em> \u2018Thundercloud\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Sambucus$
Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla ‘Thundercloud’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
In early summer, sweetly fragrant, pale-pink flowers emerge from clusters of deep-red flower buds to the delight of insects and humans alike. This wonderful older cultivar was spotted by plantsman Christopher Sanders as a sport on a branch of the purple-leaved cultivar \u2018Guincho Purple\u2019 at the Dorothy Clive Garden in Staffordshire. With the owner\u2019s permission, he successfully propagated some cuttings and it was released by Bridgemere Nurseries in 1997. AGM. Height<\/strong> 4m. Origin Sport of Sambucus nigra<\/em> f. porphyrophylla<\/em> \u2018Guincho Purple\u2019. Conditions Most soils including alkaline. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H6, USDA 4a-7b. Season<\/strong> May to June. MC<\/strong><\/p>
Orlaya grandiflora<\/em><\/h3>
$\"Orlaya$
Orlaya grandiflora (White lace flower) – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This pretty annual, a relative of cow parsley, is popular for naturalistic plantings. It has fine, filigree foliage and large, flat-headed umbels of white flowers with much enlarged outer petals. Most umbellifer seeds require sowing fresh in autumn and winter so they receive a freeze\/thaw regime that breaks down the inhibitors to germination. Orlaya grandiflora<\/em> germinates readily in autumn but can be erratic in spring. Occasionally, the foliage turns yellow and mature plants collapse for no apparent reason \u2013 usually the result of carrot fly. AGM. Height<\/strong> 30-45cm. Origin<\/strong> Mediterranean. Conditions<\/strong> Sharply drained, leansoil in full sun. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H4. Season<\/strong> June to July. MC<\/strong><\/p>
Penstemon digitalis \u2018<\/em>Joke\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Penstemon$
\u00a9 Maayke de Ridder<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Don\u2019t be fooled by the name; this is a plant that deserves to be taken seriously. In fact, Joke is a fairly common Dutch name and this cultivar was named by a former teacher of mine, Paul Wilmink, for his wife. He still grows flowers for cutting and selected this seedling, with its strong, blackish-red stems, for its sturdiness. It is the perfect cut flower, bearing large panicles of tubular, lilac-pink flowers. In winter purple-red-leafed rosettes appear alongside the old flower stalks, which bear pointed, brown-red seed capsules. Height<\/strong> 1m. Origin<\/strong> North America. Conditions<\/strong> Any well-drained soil in full sun. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7. Season<\/strong> June to July. HK<\/strong><\/p>
Here’s our penstemon guide<\/a><\/p>
Gillenia trifoliata<\/em><\/h3> $\"Gillenia$
Gillenia trifoliata – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This plant has been one of my favourite hardy perennials since I started my first nursery more than 30 years ago. It is still one of my top ten plants as it exhibits great qualities throughout its growing season. Although a woodlander in its native country, I have found it performs best in full sun with a moisture-retentive soil. Pink shoots emerge in spring, its delicate white flowers are subtended by a showy red calyx, followed by beautiful seedheads<\/a>, and the foliage turns crimson in autumn. What more could you ask for? AGM. Height<\/strong> 60-90cm. Origin<\/strong> Northeastern USA, Canada. Conditions<\/strong> Moisture-retentive soil; sun or dappled shade<\/a>. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7, USDA 3a-8b. Season<\/strong> May to August. MC<\/strong><\/p>
Verbascum<\/em> \u2018Petra\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Verbascum$
Verbascum ‘Petra’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Mulleins have always been popular for their tall flower spikes, which provide useful vertical accents in the garden. Most are yellow with purple stamens or occasionally white. A few species, notably Verbascum phoeniceum<\/em>, exhibit a colour range from white to purple. Hybridisation of Verbascum<\/em> phoeniceum<\/em> and various perennial yellow species has resulted in some wonderful colour breaks. Verbascum<\/em> \u2018Petra\u2019 has unusual reddish-brown flowers and is one of several cultivars bred by Vic Johnstone and Claire Wilson, who formerly held the National Collection of Verbascum. Height<\/strong> 1.2m. Origin<\/strong> Garden hybrid. Conditions<\/strong> Well-drained soil; lightly dappled shade. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H6, USDA 4a-8b. Season<\/strong> July. MC<\/strong><\/p>
Paeonia veitchii<\/em> \u2018Alba\u2019<\/h3> $\"Paeonia$
Paeonia veitchii ‘Alba’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
When I first became acquainted with this lovely peony<\/a>, I was told that it was \u2018as rare as hen\u2019s teeth\u2019 and this still appears to be the case. In late spring, the deeply dissected foliage is a bronzy-green colour, maturing to deep green during the summer months. Tight green and pointed pendent buds appear at the end of flowering stems and as they develop, tightly rolled petals that are the palest-pink become evident. The slightly nodding flowers open to a pristine white with a central boss of yellow stamens emitting the most delicate, sweet fragrance. Height<\/strong> 60-75cm. Origin<\/strong> China. Conditions<\/strong> Moisture-retentive soilin sun or dappled shade. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H5, USDA 6a-8b. Season<\/strong> June to July. MC<\/strong><\/p>
Zizia aurea<\/em><\/h3> $\"Zizia$
Zizia aurea – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
My interest in the umbellifer family (Apiaceae) tempted me to try some of the North American species and Zizia aurea<\/em> is one I have grown for several years. It has attractively dissected foliage and forms a rounded mound before it sends up sprays of small, yellow flowers in late spring and early summer. It is found in meadows<\/a> and damp woods in its native habitat and appears relatively tolerant of most garden soil as long as it isn\u2019t too dry. Exhibited in recent show gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show, it is deservedly gaining more attention. Height<\/strong> 60-90cm. Origin<\/strong> Across North America, apart from in the southeast. Conditions<\/strong> Moisture-retentive soil in sun or dappled shade. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7, USDA 4a-9b. Season<\/strong> May to June. MC<\/strong><\/p>
Agastache<\/em> \u2018Painted Lady\u2019<\/h3> $\"Agastache$
Agastache ‘Painted Lady’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Had I been offered a plant described as \u2018a marriage of vivid pink and orange flowers\u2019, I might have declined. In this case, I\u2019m glad I accepted, as the colour combination is glorious, proving that colour harmony is a matter of proportion. The peppermint-scented flower spikes are upbeat but not gaudy. They make a fine display all summer<\/a>, and tone with pink or orange<\/a> spectrums. A good choice for a pot where they will thrive in full sun and need little watering or deadheading. Height 70cm. Origin A selection of Agastache mexicana<\/em> from hot, dry climates of southern North America. Conditions<\/strong> Free-draining, warm soils. Protect from winter wet. Hardiness<\/strong> USDA 6a-9b. Season<\/strong> Early June to September. CM<\/strong><\/p>
Asplenium scolopendrium<\/em> \u2018Crispum Bolton\u2019s Nobile\u2019<\/h3> $\"Asplenium$
\u00a9 Maayke de Ridder<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The hart\u2019s tongue fern, with its dark, evergreen, deeply frilled fronds, is one of the most distinctive native ferns and very easy to distinguish from other ferns. I prefer its old name of Phyllitis scolopendrium<\/em>, which is how I discovered this beautiful plant more than 30 years ago in Reginald Kaye\u2019s nursery in Lancashire. I bought a splendid specimen there in 1981 and it is still growing in my garden. Height<\/strong> 60cm. Origin<\/strong> Europe, North America, Asia. Conditions<\/strong> Typically likes an alkaline soil, but will tolerate an acidic soil in shade or sun. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7, USDA 5a-9b. Season<\/strong> All year round. HK<\/strong><\/p>
Monarda bradburiana<\/em><\/h3> $\"Monarda$
Monarda bradburiana – \u00a9 Maayke de Ridder<\/figcaption><\/figure>
In spring this fantastic plant has thick, purplish-pink leaves, with dark-purple veins. In May the buds appear and in early June the first light-pink flowers open. The flowers are large for such a short plant and sit within dark purplish bracts. We would like to breed some other colours, but all our 500 seedlings retained the same light-pink colour, which in fact is the best companion to its purple bracts. This plant will not suffer from mildew, and in autumn when the purplish leaves darken it is especially attractive. Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies<\/a>. Height<\/strong> 60cm. Origin<\/strong> Southeastern USA. Conditions<\/strong> Sun; can stand more drought than normal Monarda hybrids. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7, USDA 4a-8b. Season<\/strong> May to July. HK<\/strong><\/p>
Thalictrum species<\/em><\/h3> $\"Thalictrum$
\u00a9 Maayke de Ridder<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This must be our best yellow-flowered meadow rue<\/a>. For years we\u2019ve grown Thalictrum flavum<\/em> subsp. glaucum<\/em>, but this plant, sometimes sold as the invalid species sphaerostachyum, is superlative. The foliage is much bluer, with strong, upright, flowering stems. The umbels are made up of small, light-yellow flowers without petals, which give an almost creamy effect. Bees are attracted to it because of the multitude of stamens producing golden pollen. Except in really windy areas, it needs no staking, and it combines very well with the blue baptisia. Height<\/strong> 1.5m. Origin<\/strong> Unknown. Conditions<\/strong> Full sun to part shade in a fertile soil that is not too dry. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7. Season<\/strong> June to August. HK<\/strong><\/p>
Here’s how to grow thalictrum<\/a><\/p>
Echinacea pallida<\/em><\/h3>
$\"Echinacea$
Echinacea pallida – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Great swathes of echinaceas are familiar subjects for naturalistic-style gardens and are a magnet for bees and other pollinating insects. The one most often seen is Echinacea purpurea<\/em>, with stiff, almost horizontal, rosy-purple, pink or white rays and a conspicuous brown or green central cone. Altogether more understated, and to my eye more elegant, is Echinacea pallida<\/em>, which has slender, reflexed petals that are usually pale pink, deepening in colour towards the prominent brownish cone. The flowering stems tend to be strong and wiry with the blooms bobbing about in the breeze. Height<\/strong> 1.2m. Origin<\/strong> Eastern USA. Conditions<\/strong> Well-drained soil in sun. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7, USDA 4a-10b. Season<\/strong> Summer. MC<\/p>
Persicaria <\/em>x fennica<\/em><\/h3>
$\"Persicaria$
Persicaria x fennica – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The giant, white-fleece flower, known by many as Persicaria polymorpha<\/em>, looks like a huge, creamy-white cloud of froth that has just settled on the garden. In bloom from June to October, the fluffy plumes of flower slowly change from white to beige and then eventually to pink. The sturdy, bamboo-like stems gradually bow outwards under the weight of flowers until the plant reaches about 2.5m across. It looks frighteningly vigorous, and takes up a lot of room in the garden, but it is not invasive, increasing in size only slowly. Height<\/strong> 2m. Origin<\/strong> Hybrid origin with Persicaria<\/em> alpina<\/em>. Conditions<\/strong> Sun or part shade; any reasonable soil. Hardiness<\/strong> USDA 4a-9b. Season<\/strong> June to October. DW<\/strong><\/p>
Looking for more on persicaria?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>
Nepeta kubanica<\/em><\/h3> $\"Nepeta$
Nepeta kubanica – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Nepeta cataria<\/em> is an addictive drug for cats. Nepeta kubanica<\/em>, on the other hand, does not interest cats, but is addictive for me. It is a giant nepeta<\/a>, standing 1.2m tall, with substantial, solid-looking, 45cm-flower spikes carried on dark stems. Blue flowers emerge from the darkest of blue buds and almost black calyxes in tight whorls. A show-stopping plant when in full flower. The leaves have the usual good minty nepeta smell, and the substantial seedheads stand well into winter. De Hessenhof, my favourite Dutch nursery, gave me this plant a few years ago and it is magnificent. Height<\/strong> 1.2m. Origin<\/strong> Central Europe, Caucasus. Conditions<\/strong> Sun and good drainage. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7, USDA 4a-8b. Season<\/strong> June to September. DW<\/strong><\/p>
Lathyrus odoratus<\/em> \u2018Matucana\u2019<\/h3> $\"Lathyrus$
Lathyrus odoratus Matucana – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This is the sweetest smelling of all the sweet peas. Lathyrus odoratus<\/em> \u2018Matucana\u2019 closely resembles the original sweet pea introduced by Francesco Cupani in 1699, but it has four rather than two flowers per stem and they are slightly bigger. Both have deep-magenta upper petals and purple-blue lower petals. A hardy annual, it is best sown in October and kept under cover without heat until March. It can be sown in February or March but will never get as big or produce as many flowers. In a good year I need a step ladder to pick the flowers from plants sown in autumn. AGM. Height<\/strong> 2m. Origin<\/strong> Sicily. Conditions<\/strong> Full sun, not too dry. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H3, USDA 2a-11. Season<\/strong> June to September. DW<\/strong><\/p>
Here’s how to grow sweet peas<\/a><\/p>
Allium carinatum <\/em>subsp. pulchellum<\/em><\/h3> $\"Allium$
Allium carinatum subsp. pulchellum – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Ornamental alliums<\/a> usually conjure up the big, bold and brazen purple, rose or white drumstick-types, which are so prominent in gardens in late May and early June. Allium carinatum <\/em>subsp. pulchellum<\/em> is more subtle, however, flowering later in the year but still attracting bees and other pollinators with copious nectar. The flowerheads start off upright and as they open the individual flowers hang down until they look like a brilliant firework. Once pollinated, they return to the vertical and produce lots of black seeds. AGM. Height<\/strong> 30-40cm. Origin<\/strong> Central and southern Europe, Russia and Turkey. Conditions<\/strong> Well-drained soil in sun. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H5, USDA 3a-9b. Season<\/strong> July and August. MC<\/strong><\/p>
Rosa<\/em> \u2018Florence Mary Morse\u2019<\/h3>
<\/p>
$\"Rosa$
Rosa ‘Florence Mary Morse’ – \u00a9 Sharon Pearson<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This rose was bred in 1951 by Reimer Kordes, a German breeder who was also responsible for \u2018Iceberg\u2019, one of the most successful roses of all time. This one has raggedy, somewhat messy, open-centred, semi-double flowers, and lacks the heavenly scent expected of old roses. Nevertheless, it more than makes up for its flaws with abundant clusters of rich pillarbox-red flowers produced repeatedly over the summer and autumn. Slightly stiff in habit, it mixes well with other ingredients and in Great Dixter\u2019s famous Long Border, it is the only permanent plant to be repeated four times \u2013 a true testament to its qualities. Height<\/strong> 2m. Origins<\/strong> W Kordes & Sons. A cross between \u2018Chateau\u2019 and \u2018Magnifica\u2019. Conditions<\/strong> Best in full sun in good soil. Hardiness<\/strong> USDA 4b-10b. Season<\/strong> June to November. FG<\/strong><\/p>
Lysimachia atropurpurea<\/em><\/h3>
$\"Lysimachia$
Lysimachia atropurpurea – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Pewter-coloured leaves and serpentine stems support the small, deep-purple flowers. As they age, the stems twist and turn, forming slight, grotesque parodies of ladies admiring themselves in a mirror. It is said to be perennial, but I have always found it to be biennial, never surviving its first real flowering. As I like the silvery rosette of leaves in the first year, however, and love the self-congratulatory arching flowering stems in the second, I am willing to sow it every year. Oddly, for a biennial, it never self-seeds. How on earth does it expect to survive? Height<\/strong> 50-60cm. Origin<\/strong> Balkans, Turkey. Conditions<\/strong> Soil that\u2019s not too dry in sun. Hardiness<\/strong> USDA 4a-9b. Season<\/strong> June to August. DW<\/strong><\/p>
Libertia chilensis<\/em><\/h3>
$\"Libertia$
Libertia chilensis – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This plant is reliable and undemanding, while making a generous contribution to formal and informal assemblies. Even before the flowers appear, the slender sword-like foliage, arranged in fans, adds vertical definition to a scheme, provided you keep slugs and snails from decimating it. Arching flower stems bow down under the weight of startling white terminal flower clusters and give a lightened elegance to woodland scenes. Later, golden-brown seedpods provide additional layers of interest. AGM. Height<\/strong> 85cm. Origin<\/strong> From stream banks and open woodlands in Chile and Argentina. Conditions<\/strong> Humus-rich, fertile soil. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H3, USDA 8a-11. Season<\/strong> Flowers during May and June, with seedheads and foliage extending the interest much longer. CM<\/strong><\/p>
Iris graminea<\/em><\/h3>
$\"Iris$
Iris graminea var. pseudocyperus – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This plant has earned itself the common epithet the plum tart iris since the flowers exude a curious sweet smell that is redolent of poached plums. The scent really conjures up a summer kitchen. This is a small and charming iris with slender flowers whose colouring is a rich vignette of purples and mauve, enhanced by a characteristic metallic sheen. The flowers have three large, spreading, pendent fall petals, which are white and strongly veined with violet. AGM. Height<\/strong> 25cm. Origin<\/strong> Native to grassy places and open woods from Spain to Caucasus. Conditions<\/strong> Moisture-retentive soil, preferring dappled shade in order to flower and to thrive. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H6, USDA 3b-9a. Season<\/strong> Flowers May to June. CM<\/strong><\/p>
Potentilla<\/em> \u2018Volcan\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Potentilla$
Potentilla ‘Volcan’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This deep, blood red has to be one of my favourite ways of giving a dash of excitement to a sober composition. With their velvety texture and rich, deep hue, the flowers of Potentilla<\/em> \u2018Volcan\u2019 will scramble through branches of adjacent plants in their quest for light. It is particularly good with Salvia verticillata<\/em> \u2018Purple Rain\u2019 and Nepeta racemosa<\/em> \u2018Blue Wonder\u2019 to give a rich Persian carpet effect. The display lasts longer than many of the other herbaceous potentilla and this plant requires little attention. Height<\/strong> 45cm. Origin<\/strong> A hybrid of Potentilla atrosanguinea<\/em> from high-altitude scrub between Sikkim and Afghanistan. Conditions<\/strong> Most free-draining garden loams in a sunny position. Hardiness<\/strong> USDA 5a-9b. Season<\/strong> June to July. CM<\/strong><\/p>
Rudbeckia hirta<\/em> \u2018Prairie Sun\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Rudbeckia$
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Prairie Sun’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This rudbeckia<\/a> has huge, sumptuous, yellow flowers, each with a striking green central cone. It can be grown as either an annual or a biennial, and will bloom all summer, continuing to produce a succession of flowers well into autumn. If sown early in the year, it will flower from August, but I prefer to sow seed in July, over-winter the plants in a frame, and grow them on through the spring. I then have fat plants to put out in June, which will flower from July onwards. Grow alongside reds, perhaps Salvia coccinea<\/em>, or white anemones, depending on your taste. Height<\/strong> 80cm. Origin<\/strong> Garden origin, from North America. Conditions<\/strong> Rich soil in full sun. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H3, USDA 3a-8b. Season<\/strong> July to September. MR<\/strong><\/p>
Read our guide to growing rudbeckia<\/a>.<\/p>
Crocosmia<\/em> \u2018Hellfire\u2019<\/h3> $\"Crocosmia$
Crocosmia ‘Hellfire’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The renowned Crocosmia<\/em> \u2018Lucifer\u2019 used to be my default red crocosmia for the garden, but it has now been usurped by the brilliant \u2018Hellfire\u2019. The flowers of \u2018Hellfire\u2019 are a dusky, deep red and larger than those of \u2018Lucifer\u2019, which look orange in comparison. The blooms are held on dark stems and seem to peer out from above the masses of vivid-green, sword-shaped leaves. Plant in good, moist soil at the front of the border as the foliage provides good contrast against lower-growing plants and remains clean until autumn. Divide the corms every four years to maintain vigour. AGM. Height<\/strong> 1.2m. Origin<\/strong> Garden origin, from South Africa. Conditions<\/strong> Moist, open garden soil in sun to partial shade. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H5, USDA 5a-10b. Season<\/strong> June to August. MR<\/strong><\/p>
Here’s more on how to grow crocosmia<\/a><\/p>
Silphium mohrii<\/em><\/h3>
$\"Silphium$
Silphium mohrii – \u00a9 Maayke de Ridder<\/figcaption><\/figure>
With so many yellow composites flowering in summer and autumn, do we need another one? In this case yes, because this is a real discovery \u2013 I find it incomprehensible that this noble plant was not discovered for our gardens earlier. The big, bristly, lance-shaped foliage, although handsome, doesn\u2019t give away the beauty of the plant, but as soon as the first large, disc flowers open, everybody starts to ask about it. The flowers are up to 8cm across in a beautiful lemon-yellow colour. The show goes on until the first frost. It is also the smallest silphium we grow here in the nursery. Height<\/strong> 1.3m. Origin<\/strong> Southeast USA. Conditions<\/strong> Best in poor soil in sun. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7. Season<\/strong> August to September. HK<\/strong><\/p>
Delphinium elatum<\/em><\/h3> $\"Delphinium$
Delphinium elatum – \u00a9 Maayke de Ridder<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The flowers of Delphinium elatum<\/em> are small and very widely spaced, not what we expect of a good delphinium. But, after planting it along a well-used path at the nursery, everybody wanted it as soon as the first flowers appeared. Healthy, deeply fingered leaves follow very tall stems that don\u2019t need staking. These carry very long spikes of sky-blue flowers and, although they are small, the whole makes for an impressive show. We have grown this plant for more than ten years in the same place; it has lived longer than any other delphinium hybrid on our sandy soil. Height<\/strong> 2m. Origin<\/strong> Europe, Asia. Conditions<\/strong> Full sun in fertile soil. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7, USDA 3a-8b. Season<\/strong> June. HK<\/strong><\/p>
Veronicastrum virginicum<\/em> \u2018Lavendelturm\u2019<\/h3> $\"Veronicastrum$
Veronicastrum virginicum ‘Lavendelturm’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Veronicastrums<\/a> have erect stems with leaves in whorls along their length. They provide a strong, perpendicular accent that lasts well into the autumn, long after the flowers have gone. Veronicastrum virginicum<\/em> \u2018Lavendelturm\u2019 has branched spikelets of lavender flowers and is adored by bees and butterflies alike. It flowers in midsummer and is a great vertical element in naturalistic planting schemes, mixing particularly well with grasses. They do not suffer from powdery mildew and seldom need staking. Height<\/strong> 1.5-1.8m. Origin<\/strong> Eastern USA and southern Canada. Conditions<\/strong> Moisture-retentive soil in sun or dappled shade. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7, USDA 3a-9b. Season<\/strong> July to August. Don’t miss our plant profile on veronicastrums. <\/a> MC<\/strong><\/p>
Agapanthus<\/em> \u2018Rotterdam\u2019<\/h3> $\"Agapanthus$
\u00a9 Maayke de Ridder<\/figcaption><\/figure>
There is a whole range of agapanthus<\/a> cultivars with city names, all grown by amateur breeder Kees van Duivenvoorde. It is really difficult to choose between them, because they are all good. It seems that most customers prefer the really dark colours, but I like \u2018Rotterdam\u2019. This cultivar has almost luminous light-blue flowers with a darker midvein, arranged in large, spherical heads. These work really well in the garden because you can see them from a great distance. Whether you plant them in a pot or grow them in the open ground, this is a totally reliable flowering agapanthus. Height<\/strong> 80cm. Origin<\/strong> South Africa. Conditions<\/strong> Fertile soil in full sun. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H6. Season<\/strong> July to August. HK<\/strong><\/p>
Papaver somniferum<\/em> \u2018Lauren\u2019s Grape\u2019<\/h3> $\"Papaver$
Papaver somniferum Lauren’s Grape – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
These big, sumptuous, silky bowls of deep purple are probably my favourite opium poppies. Designer Lauren Springer spent years removing all the opium poppies that weren\u2019t deep purple from her garden. When they have only themselves to cross with they come almost entirely true. Best sown in pots or in situ to avoid disturbing the root. If you want to grow more than one colour, you\u2019ll either have to remove all seedheads and sow fresh every year or resign yourself to the colours mixing and muddying back towards the wild, lavender opium poppy. Height<\/strong> 90cm-1.2m. Origin<\/strong> Species from Asia, bred in USA. Conditions<\/strong> Sun; good drainage. Hardiness<\/strong> USDA 7a-10b. Season<\/strong> June to July. DW<\/strong><\/p>
Clematis <\/em>x durandii<\/em><\/h3> $\"Clematis$
Clematis x durandii – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This herbaceous clematis<\/a> does not climb, but if supported well will clamber. It is a bit of a handful \u2013 happy to straggle two metres in any direction \u2013 but infinitely rewarding, producing showers of big, deep-blue-purple flowers month after month. Books will tell you to grow it through a shrub but you will never see the flowers that way. It is happiest with plenty of sun and a support of its own that you can keep tying it back into. It will grow up to two metres and then cascade back down, covered in flowers. AGM. Height<\/strong> 2m. Origin<\/strong> A 19th-century hybrid of Clematis integrifolia<\/em> and Clematis<\/em> lanuginosa<\/em>. Conditions<\/strong> Good soil in sun or light shade. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H6, USDA 5a-9b. Season<\/strong> June to September. DW<\/strong><\/p>
Centaurea atropurpurea<\/em><\/h3> $\"Centaurea$
Centaurea atropurpurea – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The fat buds of Centaurea atropurpurea<\/em> emerge above intricately cut, grey leaves and are so beautifully patterned with shiny, dark-edged, overlapping scales that there seems almost no need for any flowers. But soon the top of the bud will be forced open by the dark, wine-red thistle flowers spreading outwards like a stain of blood. Flowering all through July and August, they add a touch of drama to the garden. The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators<\/a>, and are good for cutting. Height<\/strong> 1m. Origin<\/strong> The Balkans. Conditions<\/strong> Sunny spot with good drainage. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7, USDA 5a-9b. Season<\/strong> July to August. DW<\/strong><\/p>
Eryngium <\/em>x oliverianum<\/em><\/h3> $\"Eryngium$
Eryngium x oliverianum – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Everyone wants to grow Eryngium alpinum<\/em> with its dramatic, big, soft blue ruff of lacy bracts. But Eryngium alpinum<\/em> fades away, dwindling in all but the most perfect conditions, while Eryngium x oliverianum<\/em> bulks up well and just gets better year on year. It has almost the same big, blue, lacy flowerheads, plus it has handsome jagged leaves on stout, purple stems. I grow both in my gravel garden,<\/a> but I have to replant Eryngium alpinum<\/em> every couple of years in order to keep it going. Both of them have handsome seedheads that stand well into winter. AGM. Height<\/strong> 90cm. Origin<\/strong> 19th-century hybrid. Conditions<\/strong> Full sun, good drainage. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H6, USDA 5a-8b. Season<\/strong> July to August. DW<\/strong><\/p>
Looking for more on eryngium<\/a>?<\/strong><\/p>
Veronicastrum virginicum <\/em>\u2018Album\u2019<\/h3> $\"Veronicastrum$
Veronicastrum viginicum ‘Album’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The height of restrained elegance, veronicastrums<\/a> hold their dark-green leaves in layered whorls, giving a distinctive texture to the garden before the flowers appear. The white flower spikes surge upwards out of the foliage, each one densely clothed with tiny, white flowers. The myriad vertical spires look like a cluster of tall spears. It is the perfect crisp white accent to the billowing excesses of the late summer garden. Dark-brown seedheads follow, extending interest to January, and contrasting with the horizontal whorls of leaves below. AGM. Height<\/strong> 1.2-1.5m. Origin<\/strong> USA. Conditions<\/strong> Sun or light shade. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7, USDA 3a-8b. Season<\/strong> July to August. DW<\/strong><\/p>
Salvia<\/em> \u2018Amistad\u2019<\/h3> $\"Salvia$
Salvia Amistad – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This cultivar, which was found by plant expert Rolando Uria in an Argentinian garden \u2013 amistad means friendship in Spanish \u2013 became the best salvia inmy salvia-ridden garden last summer. Deep, purple-blue flowers sprout from almost-black calyxes on long, dark stems. Both the young plants, which grew to a metre tall, and the older ones, which grew up to 1.5m tall, all flowered profusely from July right through to October. The vigorous bushy plants are self-supporting with glossy-green leaves. So far it has been hardy for me, but we have not yet had a hard winter to test it. AGM. Height<\/strong> 1.5m. Origin<\/strong> Cultivar found in Argentina. Conditions<\/strong> Full sun, good drainage. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H3, USDA 8a-11. Season<\/strong> July to October. DW<\/strong><\/p>
Here’s our salvia grow guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>
Lilium leichtlinii<\/em><\/h3> $\"Lilium$
Lilium leichtlinii – \u00a9 Sharon Pearson<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A chic Asiatic lily with charcoal brown shoots that emerge from the ground like prehistoric vegetation, before elongating into long, stiff and robust, shiny black stems that are clothed in dense whorls of thin, glossy, green leaves. Well spaced and uprightly angular, dark-coloured side branches hold oval buds, which are chocolate-purple flushed green in colour. These open into large, yellow dangling flowers. From the centre of each flower protrude elongated and elegantly reflexed filaments carrying prominent cinnamon anthers floating around a central carpel. Height<\/strong> 1.5m. Origin<\/strong> South Korea and Japan. Conditions<\/strong> Moist but free-draining, acid soil in sun or partial shade. Hardiness<\/strong> USDA 5b-11. Season<\/strong> July to August. FG<\/strong><\/p>
Tetrapanax papyrifer<\/em><\/h3> $\"Tetrapanax$
Tetrapanax papyrifer – \u00a9 Sharon Pearson<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This is one of the most dramatic foliage plants. Huge, deeply lobed, green, palmate leaves up to two metres across, neatly dissected with cream veins, are held on arching stem, like vast fans. The undersides of each leaf, the leaf stalks, and all the active growing shoots are covered in a woolly indumentum. Established plants flower in late summer with ivy-like clusters of creamy flowers emerging from down-covered buds. Small, black berries containing seeds follow. Spreads extensively from underground roots and different clones exist, varying in leaf size and shape, colour, habit and hardiness. AGM. Height<\/strong> 3m. Origin<\/strong> Endemic to Taiwan. Conditions<\/strong> Sun or partial shade; good soil. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H3, USDA 6a-10b. Season<\/strong> June to November. FG<\/strong><\/p>
Kniphofia <\/em>\u2018Tawny King\u2019<\/h3> $\"Kniphofia$
Kniphofia ‘Tawny King’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The drama of kniphofia<\/a> flowers is fleeting, so choose one with an impressive display. Flower spikes of \u2018Tawny King\u2019 are a brilliant graduation of pale orange to gold, fading slowly to creamy buff. Flowers are plentiful, provided the crowns are not overshadowed by neighbouring plants. Teamed with the deep-blue spikes of Nepeta grandiflora<\/em> they speak of sunny days and scorching temperatures \u2013 even if the British summer is sometimes rather slow to oblige. AGM. Height<\/strong> 90cm. Origin<\/strong> Species originate mainly in the mountains and upland grasslands of South Africa, some in central Africa. Conditions<\/strong> Deep, fertile soil in full sun, benefiting from spring and autumn mulch. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H5, USDA 6a-9b. Season<\/strong> June to July. CM<\/strong><\/p>
Here’s our kniphofia grow guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>
Tagetes <\/em>‘Cinnabar’<\/h3>
$\"Tagetes$
Tagetes Cinnabar – \u00a9 Sharon Pearson<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Christopher Lloyd \u2018worked up\u2019 this French marigold at Great Dixter by selecting seeds from the tallest plants, resulting in a most elegant marigold. Gently fluted, branching stems carry dozens of single flowers with dark-green, finely cut pinnate leaves providing the backdrop. The flowers are 3.5cm wide and glow in rich terracotta red with each petal edged with a thin mustard-yellow line. A small yet prominent yellow boss decorates the centre. Flowering is long and plants warrant support from a cane. Save your own seed but keep mother plants away from other marigolds. Height<\/strong> 1.2m. Origin<\/strong> Species from Mexico. Conditions<\/strong> Full sun in most soils. Hardiness<\/strong> USDA 2a-11. Season June to November. FG<\/strong><\/p>
Aconitum<\/em> \u2018Stainless Steel\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Aconitum$
Aconitum ‘stainless steel’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The steely grey-blue flowers of this plant have a ghostly quality in the low light of early evening. The beautiful dense spikes also make a fine cut flower. In borders at home, we plant them between clumps of Miscanthus sinensis<\/em> \u2018Morning Light\u2019 where the silver variegated grass hides their untidy lower foliage \u2013 a common trait of aconitums. Aconitum contains toxins which can be absorbed through skin so prolonged exposure could be harmful. Wear gardening gloves to handle plants and flowers. AGM. Height<\/strong> 1m. Origin<\/strong> From a Dutch introduction of hybrid origin. Conditions<\/strong> Fertile, moisture-retentive soil in sun or light shade. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H7, USDA 3a-7b. Season<\/strong> June to July. CM<\/strong><\/p>
Eryngium amethystinum<\/em><\/h3>
$\"Eryngium$
\u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This plant steals in on the scene in early summer. Having quietly grown up through adjacent foliage almost unnoticed, it ripens in the sunlight to a magnificent blue and demands attention. Each flower resembles an intricate Elizabethan ruff, and is a veritable pollen magnet for bees and butterflies. The stiff and spiny structure is defensive, while ensuring the plant needs no artificial corsetry to stand. Best kept in lean soils to curb ultimate height and to aid their vertical stability. Height<\/strong> 60cm. Origin<\/strong> Italy, Sicily and the Balkans. Conditions<\/strong> Well-drained loam from mildly alkaline to acidic. Hardiness<\/strong> USDA 6a-10b. Season<\/strong> Best colour from June to August, though the structure endures longer. CM<\/strong><\/p>
Arisaema candidissimum<\/em><\/h3>
$\"Arisaema$
Arisaema candidissimum – \u00a9 Torie Chugg<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This has good, short foliage and beautifully scented flowers. They last longer because they don\u2019t get pollinated. I never get fertile seed, which would be useful for a nurseryman. I decided this might be because my plants are one clone that is not self-fertile. Eventually I managed to track down a tuber grown from seed in New York State \u2013 which had to be a different clone. I planted it hoping it would cross-fertilise with my existing clump, giving me viable seed. I shouldn\u2019t have bothered: the new plant finished flowering two weeks before the first of my flowers opened. AGM. Height<\/strong> 30cm. Origin China. Conditions<\/strong> Moist-ish shade. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H4, USDA 6a-9b Season<\/strong> July and August. BB<\/strong><\/p>
Dierama pulcherrimum<\/em> \u2018Merlin\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Dierama$
Dierama pulcherrimum ‘Merlin’ – \u00a9 Torie Chugg<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Until it became possible to reproduce tissue culture in a laboratory, it was almost impossible to find dieramas in the exact colour you wanted. Propagation by seed from richly coloured plants usually produced more washed-out colours, and reproduction by division caused plants to sulk. The colour everyone wanted was blackberry, in the cultivar \u2018Blackbird\u2019. Now anyone can have the deep black-red of \u2018Merlin\u2019. Horticulture\u2019s Exclusive Brethren don\u2019t like this: \u2018It\u2019s awfully egalitarian.\u2019 Good thing too. The flowers drip from slender stems that constantly move in the breeze. Height<\/strong> 1m. Origin<\/strong> South Africa. Conditions<\/strong> Well-drained soil that\u2019s not dry. Hardiness<\/strong> USDA 8a-10b. Season<\/strong> Flowers midsummer. BB<\/strong><\/p>
Rhodanthe chlorocephala <\/em>subsp. rosea<\/em> \u2018Pierrot\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Rhodanthe$
Rhodanthe chlorocephala subsp. rosea \u2018Pierrot\u2019 – \u00a9 Sharon Pearson<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A delicate everlasting daisy, ideal for cutting and drying but also worthwhile in the garden, either in pots or borders. The flowers have translucent, white, crisp, papery petals in multiple rows forming ragged discs 2cm across, each offset by a charming, yellow-rimmed black eye. These are held on long, stiff, upright stems dressed in short, linear, grey leaves. Cheerful during the day, the flowers shut into neat globes by night before opening again the next morning. Sown outside in hot climates, but in the UK they\u2019re best if sown under glass in March, pricked out into trays and planted out in May. Height<\/strong> 40cm. Origin<\/strong> A native of Australia. Conditions<\/strong> Full sun in well-drained soil. Season<\/strong> June to August. FG<\/strong><\/p>
Acanthus mollis<\/em> \u2018Rue Ledan\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Acanthus$
Acanthus mollis ‘Rue Ledan’ – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
There is a classic elegance to this plant, its scrolling foliage a design feature on early Corinthian columns. This form has vigour and rigidity, sporting fine, turgid flower spikes of ghostly white. Stems stand for weeks without staking, and often endure late into autumn to provide winter structure and valuable bird food. A reliable mainstay in a prominent north-facing border. AGM. Height<\/strong> 1m. Origin<\/strong> Species native to Europe. This form originated in a garden in northern France. Conditions<\/strong> Most well-drained garden loam, will benefit from an early spring mulch of leaf mould. Hardiness<\/strong> RHS H6, USDA 6a-9b. Season<\/strong> July to October. CM<\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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As temperatures continue to rise, momentum gathers in the garden and sun-lovers show their hand. From nodding woodlanders to audacious perennials, here are 60 early summer flowers chosen by experts <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":36297,"template":"","categories":[1,51],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"40"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/06\/60-great-flowers-for-brilliant-colour-in-early-summer-chosen-by-expert-gardeners-and-plantspeople.jpg",1707,2560,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/06\/60-great-flowers-for-brilliant-colour-in-early-summer-chosen-by-expert-gardeners-and-plantspeople-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/06\/60-great-flowers-for-brilliant-colour-in-early-summer-chosen-by-expert-gardeners-and-plantspeople-200x300.jpg",200,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/06\/60-great-flowers-for-brilliant-colour-in-early-summer-chosen-by-expert-gardeners-and-plantspeople-768x1152.jpg",768,1152,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/06\/60-great-flowers-for-brilliant-colour-in-early-summer-chosen-by-expert-gardeners-and-plantspeople-683x1024.jpg",683,1024,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/06\/60-great-flowers-for-brilliant-colour-in-early-summer-chosen-by-expert-gardeners-and-plantspeople-1024x1536.jpg",1024,1536,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/06\/60-great-flowers-for-brilliant-colour-in-early-summer-chosen-by-expert-gardeners-and-plantspeople-1366x2048.jpg",1366,2048,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"As temperatures continue to rise, momentum gathers in the garden and sun-lovers show their hand. From nodding woodlanders to audacious perennials, here are 60 early summer flowers chosen by experts","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/36296"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36296"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36296"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}