Blooming passion for various flora: Discover my top 7 preferred blossoms cultivated in my cut flower garden during late summer
In the heart of summer, gardens burst with vibrant colours and delightful scents. Here's a roundup of some of the most popular flowers for your garden and cutting garden, along with tips on where to find them.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are endlessly versatile blooms, often used in larger-scale arrangements and pairing well with other seasonal favourites like phlox, cosmos, and garden roses. They can be grown in pots, with early spring being the best time to plant them. Amazon offers mixed Hydrangea macrophylla plants in pots for £18.99, while Crocus offers a 3 litre pot of Hydrangea arborescens 'Pink Annabelle' for £39.99.
Phlox
Phlox is a staple in bridal bouquets and perfect for creating a cottage-style garden. It pairs well with delphinium and campanula. Sarah Raven offers 175 Phlox drummondii grandiflora 'Cherry Caramel' for £2.25, and Crocus offers approx 300 seeds of Phlox drummondii 'Sugar Stars' for £3.49. Chiltern offers approx 200 seeds of Phlox drummondii 'Crème Brûlée' for £2.49.
Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia, with its unique 'cone' shape and daisy type look, is a favourite late summer flower to grow and arrange. Thompson & Morgan offers a 9cm pot of Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm' for £9.99, and Crocus offers a 3 litre pot of Rudbeckia 'Summerdaisy Cherry' for £29.99.
Cosmos
Cosmos is a cheerful, easy-to-grow flower that continues to produce more when cut. White purity is a popular variety. Sarah Raven offers Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apricotta' seeds, Chiltern offers Cosmos bipinnatus 'Purity' seeds, and RHS Plants offers Cosmos bipinnatus 'Double Click Cranberries' seeds. Rocket Gardens offers Zinnia Purple Prince plug plants, while Thompson & Morgan offers Zinnia 'Forecast' seeds, and Chiltern offers Zinnia elegans 'Lilliput White' seeds.
Japanese Anemones
Japanese anemones offer a fresh burst of beauty as many summer flowers are fading, making them a unique and valuable addition to the cutting garden. They are a favourite among florists for their effortless elegance and versatility in arrangements. Kate Avery from The Little Flower School appreciates Japanese anemones for their delicate, dancing petals and tall, wiry stems.
Dahlias
Dahlias are a favourite late summer flower among florists. They can be grown in pots and deadheading them ensures continuous flower production. Caroline Bates recommends buying Dahlia 'Bishop's Children' from Sarah Raven, Dahlia 'Cornel' from Crocus, and Dahlia 'Cafe Au Lait' from Thompson & Morgan.
A small cut flower growing patch can be started in pots, even in limited space. For beginners, Sarah Raven's website offers options for both sowing seeds and buying plug plants. Sophie Warren-Smith, known for her flower arranging skills, offers bespoke wedding floristry services for the last five years. Kate Avery from The Little Flower School specializes in mentoring florists in the art and business of wedding floral design.
Deadheading cosmos will keep them growing back week after week, ensuring a continuous supply of these delightful flowers. Zinnias, loved by wildlife, have a great vase life if cut at the right time. Rudbeckia, with its bright yellow blooms, adds a pop of colour to any arrangement.
In conclusion, these summer blooms will bring joy to your garden and cutting garden, and their versatility ensures they can be used in various arrangements. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these flowers are a great addition to your garden. Happy gardening!
