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Extend the season in your plot with these colourful choices
There's still time to boost your borders. From ornamental flowers to coneflowers, don't miss your last chance to plant easy-to-grow perennials for a burst of late-summer colour.
'July may seem too late to start planting, but it's actually a great time to introduce perennials that will bring colour to the garden throughout late summer and into autumn. This will make for a longer-lasting garden that will thrive right up until the change of season,' says Elise Harlock from Prestige Flowers.
Before you reach for your gardening gloves, Dr Russell Sharp, founder of Eutrema, shares his pre-planting tips: 'For each perennial, soak the pot thoroughly so the root ball is fully hydrated, then plant it at the same depth it was growing in the container. If the soil is poor, adding some peat-free compost can help, but avoid creating an overly rich planting hole that roots are reluctant to grow beyond.'
Take a look at the perennials to plant in July before it's too late:
Sun-loving heleniums, also known wittily as sneezeweed, provide late-summer colour. They are perfect for placing in the middle or back of borders, adding height and interest.
'Heleniums are a standout choice, bringing fiery reds and golds that deepen the late-season palette,' says Elise.
'Japanese anemones are also a nice choice, bringing elegance to the garden just as other flowers begin to die off,' adds Elise. 'The key is to water them consistently in the early weeks and choose sunny, well-drained positions.'
According to Elise, verbena bonariensis also works well, adding height and airy texture to a garden. Another variety to add to your July planting list, these hardy perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are also prolific self-seeders, replanting whenever the wind takes them.
'July is also a fab month for planting container-grown ornamental grasses, should you wish to bring a bit of movement and texture to your garden,' explains Ashleigh Bradshaw, garden expert at Hayter.
'Miscanthus is a popular choice. Just make sure you water thoroughly after planting and add a mulch to retain moisture. Also, try to avoid planting during an outright heatwave – wait for weather that's a little cooler!'
Delivering drama with almost no effort, tall-stemmed crocosmia is an eye-catching perennial that will brighten pots and borders during the summer months. Choose a sunny, well-draining spot and you'll have beautiful colour well into the autumn months.
Pretty coneflowers, with their daisy-like heads, make a colourful addition to any garden. They can be planted in July, but keep an eye on the temperature: high levels of heat can cause extra stress.
'For a quick-flowering display that will bear flowers between July and September, we recommend Coneflowers (aka Echinacea). These will bring a bustling and bright combination of oranges, yellows, reds and pinks to your garden,' adds Ashleigh.
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