We all know the many benefits of having a beautiful flower garden. Other than looking spectacular, having different types of flowers to care for and live around can do wonders for our mental and physical well being, plus a garden full of vibrant flowers will have numerous benefits to the wildlife.
In this blog, we are going to take a look at some of the most popular garden flowers in the UK - we'll cover the key features of each one, as well as when you can expect to see them in full bloom. Use this information to help you plan your dream garden beds and hanging baskets, for a striking display in your outdoor space, full of colour and fragrant foliage.
1. Clematis
We'll kick things off with the 'Queen of the Climbers'. One of the major appeals of clematis is how many different varieties there are. With a little bit of planning you can have flowering plants all year round using summer and winter-flowering clematis. There is also a huge range of colours and shapes to choose from, so you can create dazzling displays to brighten up your garden - the bell shaped flowers are always popular.
These flowering shrubs are the perfect climbers for walls and fences, but also work well in containers, beds and mixed borders. They can take a bit of time to establish, but when they do you are rewarded with beautiful and fragrant flowers.
When do they bloom? Generally early spring to early summer, but autumn and winter flowering plants are also available.
2. Roses
You could make a strong case that a British flower garden isn't complete without some roses. Again, one of the huge appeals of these instantly recognisable plants is that they come in such a huge range of colours that you can tailor the design of your garden to suit your needs and tastes. Pink flowers, white flowers, peach flowers, red flowers - whatever you want, to create your very own unique arrangement. They also range from more traditional flowering shrubs to small container plants.
When do they bloom? Late spring to early autumn - some will just bloom once, but other types can bloom again and again throughout the season.
3. Rhododendron
If you're looking for a spectacular flower garden, made up with big, bright, colourful flowers, then rhododendrons could be the way to go. Again, there is just so much choice here in terms of colours and the types of flowers - we love these Japanese Azaleas with their vibrant orange flowers which are perfect for beds in partial shade.
When do they bloom? From early spring and throughout the summer - some varieties flower in autumn too.
4. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas tend to be a deciduous shrub (although some can be evergreen shrubs), but they bring with them bursts of colour, with pink, white or blue flowers. They climb well, and are therefore perfect for covering bare walls or fences, and the globe shaped flowers that are produced are truly unique. Try the Teller Pink, which produces stunning large pink flowers in the mid to late summer.
When do they bloom? Throughout the summer, on the previous years growth
5. Camellia
For a touch of style and class in your borders, camellias might be the way to go. These glossy evergreens make an incredible focal point in your garden, producing a sea of colour in your garden as the weather gets warm. They also work well in container gardens, or on a patio.
When do they bloom? Most varieties of camellia flower in early spring, while some will flower in autumn and winter
6. Buddleia
Sometimes known as the butterfly bush, the most striking feature of buddleia plants is the wonderful fragrant flowers that they produce - a popular source of nectar for butterflies. These are fast to grow, and incredibly versatile and tough. Grow them in rock gardens or grow them as cottage garden flowers - they work in both. Anywhere with well drained soil. The trumpet shaped flowers are an exciting addition to any British garden.
When do they bloom? Most varieties will produce summer flowers, right through autumn. You will find some types can start blooming as early as spring, though.
7. Petunia
For delicate, pretty garden flowers that offer colour for months on end, you could do a lot worse than planting petunias. One of the most popular bedding plants in the country, but they are also brilliant for hanging baskets and window boxes. While they are technically perennial plants, they tend to be grown as annuals as they really struggle in colder weather. But you can use them to create dazzling displays from spring to autumn!
When do they bloom? From late spring to early autumn - just make sure you keep it well watered and fed and you will be rewarded!
8. Sunflower
As summer flowers go, sunflowers stand out as one of the most striking, and beautiful in flower gardens all over the country. As herbaceous perennials, they die back every winter, only to burst through again the following year - attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your garden.Sunflower plants are surprisingly easy to grow - just give them some well drained soil, away from windy spots, with plenty of sunlight (around six hours a day, not quite full sun).
When do they bloom? All through the summer.
9. Marigolds
Sometimes known as calendulas, marigolds are a hardy annual with showy flowers that make it the perfect plant to light up garden beds. They are low-maintenance plants, they need well drained soil and full sun but once they are established they require little effort. The stunning globe shaped flowers of the Marvel Orange are ideal for indoor and outdoor gardens alike - the pom-pom like flowers will attract pollinators and make a great centrepiece.
When do they bloom? From early spring to autumn. These long-flowering plants give you plenty of colour for very little effort.
10. Sweet Pea
We'll finish with this classic example of British garden plants, the sweet pea. One of the major appeals of these delicate little plants is how versatile they are - use them in garden beds for a pop of colour, or utilise their long flowering attributes in hanging baskets or window boxes. They thrive in full sun or light shade, and they produce colourful flowers for months on end. Easy to grow and maintain, providing instant colour.
When do they bloom? All through the summer and into the autumn.
Conclusion
With a little bit of planning, you can create stunning displays of common garden flowers that pop with colour and attract wildlife all year round. There are so many different options - do you want garden plants that bloom early, fall from hanging baskets with cascading purple flowers? Or are you looking for something to brighten up your garden beds in late winter, to cheer you up when the weather deteriorates?
Whatever you are looking for, you can find it in our extensive range ofpopular garden plants, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch. We have flowers for cottage gardens, winter gardens, rock gardens, wildflower gardens - whatever you need.
