Our Favourite Cottage Garden Plants
ALSTROEMERIA
Alstroemeria, more commonly known as Peruvian Lilies, are native to South America and perennial, meaning they flower every year. They grow from tubers forming clumps of foliage which produce trumpet shaped flowers. Alstroemeria flower in the early parts of summer producing stunning striped and streaked flowers, ranging in a variety of colours.
Alstroemeria prefer to be planted in part shade or full sun, any time between May and August, and like to be planted in rich, fertile, free draining soil. They are drought tolerant but watering in dry periods will help to encourage further growth.
SALVIA
Salvias add fabulous colour and form to your summer borders and will flower from June through to the first frosts. With vertical, densely packed flower spikes in a range of colours, salvias are a true cottage garden classic and are a real magnet for bees and butterflies!
Tough and adaptable, their beautiful flowers grow upon clumps of aromatic foliage and can reach up to 90cm in height – perfect for the front of your summer borders!
Salvias grow well in hot, dry conditions and can also tolerate light shade. For the best results, plant your Salvias in moist, well-drained soil.
RUDBECKIA
Rudbeckia, also known as Black Eyed Susan, are attractive low maintenance perennials, with long-lasting golden flowers from mid-summer into autumn. These delightful daisy-like plants are best in sunny spots and look fantastic in the middle of a border due to their impressive stature and eye-catching flowers!
Rudbeckias are versatile, showy and extremely reliable and will add a splash of colour with their stunning yellow flowers. Plant in fertile, moisture-holding and well-drained soil and water whenever necessary to keep the soil moist to prolong flowering!
COREOPSIS
Low maintenance, long-blooming and sun loving, Coreopsis are a great addition to a cottage garden border. They produce a range of multi-coloured blooms that will brighten up any spot in your garden! Coreopsis are best in full sun, but it can also be successfully grown in partial shade.
Most coreopsis varieties are very easy to grow and like well-draining soils but will tolerate dry, rocky soils. Coreopsis will need regular water when first planted until they are established but after that, they are drought tolerant.
