Planting July Blooms: Top Picks for Vibrant Garden Flowers This Month

Planting July Blooms: Top Picks for Vibrant Garden Flowers This Month

Summer is the perfect time to fill your garden with a riot of colours and scents, and these summer-flowering perennials are just the ticket. From towering waterlilies to low-growing Mediterranean plants, there's something for every garden.

1. Dahlia types of waterlily, such as the vibrant 'Gwyneth' with its symphony of burnt orange, bronze, and yellow tones, provide continuous blooms from summer right through to the first frosts. The exact height of these varieties isn't specified, but they make great subjects for cutting and garden display.

2. Hoheria 'Glory of Amlwch', a small, flowering tree, makes a wonderful focal point among perennials. It is quick growing, resilient, and grows up to 5-6m, making it an ideal choice for larger gardens.

3. Echinacea 'Aloha' is a tasteful echinacea with buttermilk flowers that fade to leave a typical conehead as added interest. It prefers reasonably deep soil and full sun and grows up to 1m in height.

4. Hemerocallis 'Ariadne', a scented daylily, originates from east Asia and grows up to 1m in flower. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun and is a great choice for those who love the fragrance of flowers.

5. Limonium, a plant tolerant of drier conditions and exposed sites, offers a range of varieties suitable for gardens with such conditions. One such variety, Limonium platyphyllum, boasts purple, firework-like flowers in July.

6. 'Ms Mars' is a dwarf sunflower with pink and claret-colored flowers, growing knee-high without needing staking. It's the perfect choice for smaller gardens or for those who want a low-maintenance sunflower.

7. Origanum 'Kent Beauty' is a low-growing plant with flowerheads resembling miniature hop flowers. It originates from the Mediterranean area and grows up to 15-20cm, making it ideal for rock gardens or as a ground cover.

8. 'Alstroemeria 'Pandora' has rich purple flowers that can work with most colours throughout July and the summer. However, it requires a little protection with a bark mulch for its first winter to ensure continued flowering.

9. Patrinia scabiosifolia has flat heads of small flowers that are an insect magnet, reminiscent of a yellow Verbena bonariensis. It grows up to 1-1.5m and originates from eastern Asia.

10. 'Nigella papillosa cultivars' flowers and subsequent seedheads are stunning in their own right and look great in borders. The 'Delft Blue' variety has bicoloured blooms of white and deep blue on sturdy stems.

For a well-drained, sunny garden, consider the following perennials:

- **Hydrangea** thrives in zones 4 to 9, producing big, beautiful blossoms in various colours, including pink, blue, lavender, and white. They are deer-resistant and can be paired with hostas or heucheras for a shaded effect.

- **Gaillardia**, known as Blanket Flower, blooms in fiery shades of red, orange, yellow, and gold. It is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and attracts pollinators.

- **Black-Eyed Susans** add vibrant yellow blooms to the garden and are a favourite of pollinators. They are native to North America and thrive in full sun.

- **Coneflower** is a popular choice for attracting pollinators and adding colour to the garden. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

- **Roses** offer a variety of colours and pair well with companion plants like catmint and lavender. They require regular maintenance like pruning.

- **Agapanthus**, known as the lily of the Nile, blooms in purple, blue, white, and pink hues. It requires regular watering but cannot tolerate waterlogged soil.

- **Eucryphia Lucida 'Ballerina'** is a small tree with scented, picotee-edged pink flowers for most of the summer. It originates from Tasmania and grows up to 3-4m.

- **Lilium 'Red Velvet'** is an elegant hybrid Asiatic lily with up to 20 swept-back, dark red flowers on each stem, capable of growing up to 2m high when happy. It prefers well-drained, alkaline soil and part shade.

- **Crocosmia masoniorum 'Rowallane yellow'** is a highly floriferous and graceful plant, with yellow flowers that last for a long time. It originates from South Africa and grows up to 1.2m.

- 'Penstemon 'Raven' is a classic penstemon with tubular, dark-purple flowers appearing throughout summer and into autumn. It grows up to 50cm-1m in height.

These perennials are sure to bring a touch of summer magic to your garden. Happy gardening!

[1] https://www.almanac.com/plant/hydrangea [2] https://www.almanac.com/plant/coneflower [3] https://www.almanac.com/plant/black-eyed-susan [4] https://www.almanac.com/plant/gaillardia [5] https://www.almanac.com/plant/coneflower

1. After a day spent exploring vibrant travel destinations, return home to a tranquil garden, filled with the aromatic scent of Agapanthus 'lily of the Nile'.
2. For those who appreciate fashion-and-beauty, pay close attention to the blooms of the elegant Lilium 'Red Velvet', adding a touch of style to any home-and-garden setting.
3. For the lifestyle enthusiast, the energetic pursuit of sports can be complemented by the growing of Low-growing Mediterranean plants, such as Origanum 'Kent Beauty'.
4. When savoring delicious food-and-drink, admire the captivating beauty of the Hoheria 'Glory of Amlwch' towering in the garden, providing a stunning backdrop to your dining experience.
5. After a day enjoying the outdoors, unwind in a garden adorned with a riot of colors from 'Ms Mars' dwarf sunflowers, their vibrant hues harmonizing with your chosen home-and-garden décor.

Read also: