After the vibrancy of May and June, borders often start to look a bit jaded and faded in July through to August but there is still time to fill late summer gaps in your border. In the first instance, make sure your border is looking its best by deadheading plants and removing any dead annuals. A good tidy up can make a world of difference!
To fill any gaps in a sunny border, look for a perennial that will add interest, structure and colour – one of my favourites is Verbena bonariensis ‘Lollipop’. This fabulous hardy plant has long rough stems with clusters of iridescent purple flowers and will flower well into September. The stems give you some height and interest, so it doesn’t crowd out your existing planting. Furthermore, the gorgeous flowers create little pops of colour which really help to lift your border.
Paired with Echinacea ‘Prairie Splendor’ Rose for prairie style planting scheme. Repeat planting creates rhythm and structure.
Later summer gaps can also be filled with stunning Echinacea – these hardy perennials with bright daisy like head should keep your border going into September and sometimes beyond. This year I have planted ‘Prairie Splendor’ Rose to compliment my hot bed of Potentilla and Spirea.
As a contrasting colour palette, I have also introduced another hardy perennial – Rudbeckia ‘Smileyz Loving’ – rust-red flowers with dark brown cones. You can dead head when they have flowered back to the next bud or leave later in the autumn as the seeds in the flower heads will provide a tasty treat for garden birds.
Contrast with Rudbeckia ‘Smileyz Loving’ and Gaillardia X grandiflora ‘Sunset Snappy’
To keep your later summer borders in tip top condition, remember to get rid of any perennial weeds that pop up and keep feeding with a nitrogen rich fertiliser every couple of weeks. Your plants will thank you for going the extra mile and reward you with a fabulous floral display through August, into September and beyond.
If you would like further advice or information please get in touch.
