Discover the Best Perennials that Bloom All Summer in the UK
Summer is in full bloom in the UK, and what better way to enjoy the sunshine than with a vibrant and colorful garden? Perennials are the perfect choice for adding a pop of color to your outdoor space, and with so many varieties to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. In this article, we'll explore the best perennials that bloom all summer in the UK, providing you with a wealth of inspiration for your garden.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these stunning perennials are sure to bring a smile to your face and attract a host of beneficial pollinators to your garden. So, let's dive in and discover the best perennials that bloom all summer in the UK!
1. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee balm is a perennial herb that produces vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers that bloom from June to September. This fragrant herb attracts pollinators and hummingbirds, adding a touch of drama to your garden. With its tall spikes of flowers and attractive foliage, bee balm is a great choice for adding a vertical element to your garden. Plant bee balm in well-draining soil and full sun for the best results.
Varieties to try: 'Raspberry Wine', 'Ginger Ale', 'Marshall's Delight'
Care tips: Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms, and divide and replant every 3-4 years to maintain plant health.
2. Catmint (Nepeta faassenii)
Catmint is a low-maintenance perennial that produces spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers from June to August. This drought-tolerant herb attracts pollinators and cats (hence its name!), adding a touch of whimsy to your garden. With its silvery-gray foliage and upright growth habit, catmint is a great choice for adding a structural element to your garden. Plant catmint in well-draining soil and full sun for the best results.
Varieties to try: 'Walker's Low', 'Six Hills Giant', 'Cambridge Blue'
Care tips: Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth, and divide and replant every 3-4 years to maintain plant health.
3. Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
Daylilies are a hardy perennial that produces showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in a range of colors from June to September. These low-maintenance flowers attract pollinators and require minimal care, making them a great choice for busy gardeners. With their strap-like foliage and upright growth habit, daylilies are a great choice for adding a pop of color to your garden. Plant daylilies in well-draining soil and full sun for the best results.
Varieties to try: 'Stella de Oro', 'Happy Returns', 'Conca d'Oro'
Care tips: Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms, and divide and replant every 3-4 years to maintain plant health.
4. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia is a perennial herb that produces tall spikes of blue, purple, or red flowers from June to September. This fragrant herb attracts pollinators and hummingbirds, adding a touch of drama to your garden. With its upright growth habit and attractive foliage, salvia is a great choice for adding a vertical element to your garden. Plant salvia in well-draining soil and full sun for the best results.
Varieties to try: 'Mainacht', 'Blue Hill', 'Red Hot Poker'
Care tips: Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms, and divide and replant every 3-4 years to maintain plant health.
5. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is a perennial herb that produces flat-topped clusters of white or yellow flowers from June to September. This fragrant herb attracts pollinators and requires minimal care, making it a great choice for busy gardeners. With its fern-like foliage and upright growth habit, yarrow is a great choice for adding a structural element to your garden. Plant yarrow in well-draining soil and full sun for the best results.
Varieties to try: 'Moonshine', 'Coronation Gold', 'Paprika'
Care tips: Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms, and divide and replant every 3-4 years to maintain plant health.
6. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender is a low-maintenance perennial that produces purple flowers from June to August. This fragrant herb attracts pollinators and requires minimal care, making it a great choice for busy gardeners. With its silvery-gray foliage and upright growth habit, lavender is a great choice for adding a structural element to your garden. Plant lavender in well-draining soil and full sun for the best results.
Varieties to try: 'Hidcote', 'Munstead', 'Grosso'
Care tips: Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth, and divide and replant every 3-4 years to maintain plant health.
7. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Penstemon is a perennial herb that produces tubular flowers in a range of colors from June to September. This fragrant herb attracts pollinators and hummingbirds, adding a touch of drama to your garden. With its upright growth habit and attractive foliage, penstemon is a great choice for adding a vertical element to your garden. Plant penstemon in well-draining soil and full sun for the best results.
Varieties to try: 'Garnet', 'Ruby Red', 'Husker Red'
Care tips: Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms, and divide and replant every 3-4 years to maintain plant health.
8. Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
Hollyhock is a tall perennial that produces showy, cup-shaped flowers in a range of colors from June to August. This fragrant flower attracts pollinators and requires minimal care, making it a great choice for busy gardeners. With its stately growth habit and attractive foliage, hollyhock is a great choice for adding a structural element to your garden. Plant hollyhock in well-draining soil and full sun for the best results.
Varieties to try: 'Nigra', 'Cinderella', 'Royal Velvet'
Care tips: Stake tall varieties to prevent them from toppling over, and divide and replant every 3-4 years to maintain plant health.
There you have it - the best perennials that bloom all summer in the UK. Whether you're looking for a low-maintenance option or a statement piece, there's something on this list for every gardener. Remember to choose perennials that suit your garden's conditions and care for them regularly to ensure they thrive. Happy gardening!