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Pink flower clusters of garden phlox in a summer borderPerennials

Phlox paniculata

Garden Phlox

phloxfragrant flowersbee-friendlycottage gardensummer bloom

Garden Phlox is a stately border plant with large, dome-shaped flower clusters in pink, purple, or white. The blooms release a sweet fragrance and appear from July to September. Phlox is indispensable in the classic cottage garden.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Medium
Height
60–120 cm
Spread
40–60 cm
Hardiness zone
4–8
Family
Polemoniaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
pink, purple, white
Wildlife value
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in moist, fertile soil. Ensure good air circulation between plants to prevent powdery mildew. Water at the base and avoid wetting the foliage. Fertilise in spring and early summer.

Pruning tips

Remove spent flower clusters to encourage repeat blooming. Thin stems to five or six per clump in spring for larger flower heads. Cut dead foliage back after the first frost.

Good companions

Pink-purple coneflower with orange-brown cone in a sunny borderPerennials

Echinacea purpurea

Purple Coneflower

Purple Coneflower is a sturdy perennial with distinctive pink-purple petals surrounding an orange-brown cone. The flowers appear from July to September and are a magnet for butterflies and bees. In autumn and winter, the seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.

Full sunLow60–120 cm
Golden-yellow Black-eyed Susan with dark brown center in a sunny borderPerennials

Rudbeckia fulgida

Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan blooms from July through October with radiant golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. The plant is virtually indestructible, spreads gradually, and suits large borders and prairie-style gardens. After flowering, the seed heads provide food for birds.

Full sunLow60–90 cm
Tall blue flower spikes of larkspur in a sunny borderPerennials

Delphinium elatum

Larkspur

Larkspur is an imposing border plant whose tall spikes of blue to purple flowers become the focal point of any garden. It blooms in June and July and can reach up to 180 cm. The plant is toxic if ingested, but indispensable for those seeking dramatic vertical accents.

Full sunMedium100–180 cm