July's Blooms: Best Flowers to Plant in the UK This Month

July in the UK brings warm days and long evenings, making it an ideal time to plant flowers that will bloom late in the season or next year. With careful selection, you can create a vibrant garden that will continue to flourish even as autumn approaches. Let's explore some of the best flowers to plant in July in the UK.

When choosing flowers for July planting, consider the UK's climate, which is generally cool and wet. Opt for hardy, late-blooming varieties or those that can be sown directly into the soil. Here are some top choices that will ensure your garden remains colourful and attractive throughout the year.

Hardy Annuals for Quick Colour

Hardy annuals are perfect for planting in July as they can mature and bloom within a few months. They are also easy to grow and come in a variety of colours and sizes.

Hardy annuals can be sown directly into the soil or started in seed trays and transplanted later. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Some popular hardy annuals for July planting include:

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

Nasturtiums are versatile, easy-to-grow plants that produce edible flowers and leaves. They come in various colours, including red, orange, yellow, and white. Nasturtiums prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They are also great companion plants, helping to deter pests and enrich the soil.

Sow nasturtium seeds directly into the soil from late spring to early autumn. They germinate quickly and can be harvested within 50-60 days. Mix different colours for a vibrant, eye-catching display.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a cheerful, easy-to-grow flower that attracts beneficial insects to the garden. It produces yellow, orange, or red blooms that can be used to make dyes, soaps, or teas. Calendula prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and well-drained soil.

Sow calendula seeds directly into the soil from spring to early autumn. They germinate within 7-14 days and bloom within 45-60 days. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers and extend the blooming period.

Perennials for Long-Lasting Beauty

Perennials are excellent choices for July planting as they will return year after year, providing colour and interest in your garden. Many perennials can be planted in July and will bloom the following year or even later in the current season.

Perennials prefer well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Some popular perennials for July planting include:

Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)

Astilbe, also known as false spirea, is a stunning perennial that produces feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or purple. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Astilbe is an excellent choice for shady gardens or as a backdrop to other perennials.

Plant astilbe divisions or seedlings in July, and they will bloom the following year. Astilbe is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional division to maintain vigour and deadheading to encourage reblooming.

Hellebores (Lenten rose, Helleborus spp.)

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that produce nodding flowers in winter or early spring, providing much-needed colour during the dormant season. They come in various colours, including white, green, pink, and purple. Hellebores prefer partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Plant hellebore divisions or seedlings in July, and they will bloom the following winter. Hellebores are low-maintenance, requiring only occasional division to maintain vigour and the removal of old leaves in late winter to early spring.

Delphiniums (Delphinium elatum)

Delphiniums are tall, stately perennials that produce spikes of flowers in various colours, including blue, purple, pink, and white. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate partial shade. Delphiniums are excellent for adding height and structure to the garden.

Plant delphinium seedlings or divisions in July, and they will bloom the following year. Delphiniums are relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional division to maintain vigour and staking to support the tall flower spikes.

In conclusion, July is an ideal time to plant a variety of flowers in the UK, from hardy annuals that will bloom quickly to perennials that will provide colour and interest for years to come. By selecting flowers that thrive in the UK's cool, wet climate, you can create a vibrant, attractive garden that will continue to flourish even as autumn approaches. So, get out there and start planting!