The season for outdoor entertaining is upon us, the time when we can get full benefit from the 'outdoor room'. One group of plants, perennials, can help to deliver results that you can be proud of whilst still allowing plenty of deck-chair time.
Perennials are so versatile that many will thrive in pots and containers on paved patios, balconies and roof gardens. Emerging every spring, they grow up quickly in the rising temperatures. By June many are already flowering, bringing joyful colour to borders, or anywhere they are growing in pots and containers. As well as beautiful flowers, many have attractive foliage too. If space is limited, it's important to choose plants that deliver in more than one way, or over a longer time-frame, resulting in maximum ornamental value.
Our selection includes Achillea, also known as yarrow, Aquilegia (columbine) and Digitalis (foxglove). Dip into the wonderful tradition of the perennial border, mix with the best of contemporary design and enhance your garden this summer.
ACHILLIA
These are perfect in wildflower or rock gardens, their daisy-like flowers giving a naturalistic feel. Taller varieties are perfect for borders. Achillea offer a range of gorgeous colours from bright reds and yellows to blush pinks and soft whites - lots of choice for any garden whatever the colour scheme. There's an added bonus with Achillea too. They are some of the best perennials for cutting and drying so, if you're feeling creative, you can enjoy them inside or out! Look out for Achillea millefolium, a mat forming plant producing brilliant yellow flat headed blooms made up of many tiny florets. Their aromatic green-grey leaves add to their impact in the garden.
AQUILEGIA
These clump-forming perennials are ideal for light woodland settings or in herbaceous borders. For alpine varieties make sure ground is sharply drained and ideally situate them in a place that won't get too hot in summer. Look out for Aquilegia chrysantha with its eye-catching yellow flowers. Aquilegia vulgaris varieties are reliable and offer flower colours from deep violet to pink and white. 'Nora Barlow' is a favourite, producing beautiful pink and greenish-white flowers on strong leafy stems. Aquilegia alpina produces attractive foliage and lovely blue flowers.
DIGITALIS
Foxgloves are real classics. Consider Digitalis davisiana, which will give you long stems of pale yellow flowers. Digitalis x mertonensis is a clump forming plant that will yield pinkish buff flowers and reach a height of 90cm. The garden centre will be able to suggest others that are particularly good for your region.
Each of these is fully hardy and share similar requirements for fertile loamy soil, with adequate moisture but good drainage. Perennials do not normally require a lot of care, though some attention will be rewarded with improved performance. Tidy up at the end of the flowering season, cut back dead or withered shoots and weed at the same time. Water in dry spells, though a good mulch will minimise the need for this. Feeding in spring with bone meal or slow-release fertiliser will ensure a long and healthy life for your perennials.
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