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Don't miss this key planting window
Short on time? Bring instant colour to your garden with fast-growing perennials that can be planted now in borders, baskets, pots, and containers.
April is a great month for planting perennials, as the soil is still warming up but holds plenty of moisture. Getting them in the ground now also means plants can establish themselves before heatwaves or dry spells hit.
'The world of perennials can feel complicated — there are so many exciting new perennials out there to choose from,' says Paul Seaborne, coordinator of The Plant Fairs Roadshow. 'Avoid the pitfall of choosing only plants in flower, that might not provide long-term interest through the rest of the year. The best thing is to go to a specialist plant fair and get advice from the growers themselves, who can tell you what and where to plant them. Get advice from your expert grower on plants that cope with late frosts.'
Perennials will come back year after year, so you want to give them the best possible start.
On that note, take a look at the best perennials to plant now before it's too late:
Annie Godfrey, from Daisy Roots Nursery in Hertfordshire, recommends whimsical Verbascum for April planting.
'Verbascum is a great perennial to plant in April. I sowed mine from seed in the late autumn, so they will flower this year and put on a great display — hopefully in time for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where I'll be exhibiting inside the Great Pavilion. Verbascum will give a quick return if you plant them next September.'
'I would highly recommend planting rosette-forming salvias in April. They're great at the moment, and they're coming into great growth,' says William Dyson, salvia specialist and curator at Great Comp Garden in Borough Green, Kent.
'Looking at my Salvia caradonna in the nursery, they already have flower buds, and I reckon they'll be flowering by early to mid May. They are available in a range of colours, from white through various shades of pink to dark purples. European herbaceous salvias 'Salvia nemorosa 'Caradona', Salvia Nemorosa 'Kate Glenn' and Salvia nemorosa 'Schneehügel' are all fantastic.'
'My favourites to plant in April include Thalictrum with its intricate foliage and dark stems, with the flowers to come is wonderful and planting it in April allows it to establish its roots,' explains Paul.
Most Thalictrums are happy growing in sun or partial shade — just make sure the soil is rich and well-draining. They are perfect for adding colour, height and movement to borders.
According to Ursula Cholmeley from Easton Walled Gardens in Lincolnshire, you should plant echinacea now for a spectacular display of colour this summer. 'They have distinctive green petals with pink blush, and perform well later in the growing season.'
Easy-to-grow and unfussy: what's not to like about reliable daylilies? Avilable in a wide range of colours, including muted reds, pale creams, and vibrant orange, they're perfect to pop in a pot or bring inside as cut flowers.
Ursula's top tip: 'Deadhead regularly to encourage prolonged blooming. Plus, I always recommend selecting the right variety at planting time to maximise visual impact and performance.'
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