Gardening expert's 5 'standout' summer flowers to plant now for 'reliable' blooms
Summer is the ideal season for gardens to burst into a kaleidoscope of hues. With just a handful of plants, even the tiniest of outdoor spaces can be transformed into a "refreshed" and "full of life" sanctuary.
Emma Fell, head of horticulture at Hillier Garden Centres, has shared her top selections for "reliable, long-lasting" summer flowers, reports the Express. Gardeners World explained that July is a great month to sow seeds, due to the high soil and air temperatures.
The Royal Horticultural Society also recommended cutting back the likes of geraniums after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second flowering period.
1. Dahlia
Emma Fell praised dahlias for their stunning, architectural flowers that come in a vast array of colours and shapes. She noted: "Dahlias are celebrated for their impressive, sculptural blooms that come in an extensive palette of colours and forms. From delicate pastels to fiery reds and oranges, their versatility makes them an excellent choice for creating impact."
She advises that they flourish in full sunlight with fertile, well-drained soil, adding: "They thrive best in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil. Regular watering and deadheading will encourage continuous flowering, often lasting from midsummer right through to the first frost."
Fell also highlighted their suitability for garden borders or sizeable pots, saying: "Their striking presence makes them ideal for borders or large containers."
2. Gerbera
According to the expert, garvinea brings the same daisy-like blooms as traditional gerbera, but with the added benefit of hardiness. These vibrant flowers are perfect for borders, pots, or as cut flowers, thriving in sunny spots with good drainage.
3. Impatiens
Emma Fell described how impatiens bring a splash of colour to shadier areas: "Impatiens, often known as Busy Lizzies, are a top choice for shaded areas where many flowering plants struggle. Their abundant blooms in shades of pink, red, white and purple provide much-needed vibrancy to the darker corners of your garden."
She specified their preference for semi-shade and moist conditions, saying: "These plants prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil (in full shade, they will reduce in flowering)."
Fell recommended them for shaded patios and balconies due to their low maintenance and shade tolerance. She continued: "Because of their shade tolerance and ease of care, they're perfect for brightening patios, balconies and shaded garden beds."
4. Geraniums
Bedding geraniums are a staple for summer colour thanks to their robust nature and 'prolific blooming.' They offer bright, cheerful flowers in various shades, such as reds, pinks, whites, and purples.
Noted for their adaptability, geraniums are excellent for edging, container gardening, and hanging displays.
5. Rudbeckia
Emma said: "Rudbeckias bring warm, golden yellow blooms with dark centres that add a striking contrast to any planting scheme. They are long-flowering, typically from midsummer into autumn, and are excellent for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
"Rudbeckias prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them low-maintenance yet highly effective plants for summer colour."
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