Pollinator-friendly

Galanthus nivalis is a reliable spring bulb for natural drifts and small pockets of early colour. Supplied “in the green”, it arrives with foliage attached so you can replant it soon after flowering, which can help it settle in faster than dry bulbs.

These plants are perfect for lawns, borders, and woodland edges where they can return year after year. In late winter, nodding white flowers with green touches appear on short stems, often pushing through frost. They’re especially striking when planted in generous groups and allowed to naturalise.

Plant promptly into soil that stays moist but drains well, ideally enriched with leaf mould or garden compost. Keep each clump at the same depth it was growing previously, then firm the soil around it. Water in well to settle roots and remove air pockets.

Once established, maintenance is simple. Let the foliage die back naturally so the bulb can store energy for next season’s display. Where planted in grass, delay mowing until the leaves have fully yellowed and collapsed.

For the most natural effect, repeat the planting in several small drifts and vary the spacing slightly. Snowdrops pair well with winter aconites and early narcissus, and they’re excellent for underplanting deciduous trees. With the right conditions, clumps will slowly broaden over time into a more generous seasonal carpet.

Monarda ‘Cambridge Scarlet’ produces vivid, shaggy scarlet flower heads that bring hot summer colour to borders and cutting gardens, and it’s a standout plant for attracting pollinators in wildlife-friendly planting.

Forming a vigorous clump to around 90cm, it carries its blooms above aromatic foliage and flowers over several weeks in summer, creating a bold vertical accent and plenty of stems for informal bouquets.

Plant in full sun or light partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Monarda performs best where it isn’t allowed to dry out completely and where air can move around the leaves.

Water during dry spells, mulch in spring, and deadhead to extend the display. In autumn, cut back spent stems to the base, and divide clumps every few years to keep plants vigorous and flowering well.

Perfect for cottage borders and mixed planting with grasses and perennials, this bee balm is also valuable for bees and butterflies, making it both beautiful and beneficial in the summer garden.

Dahlia 'Bumble Rumble' brings collarette flowers in pink and white tones to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 50–70 cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Dahlia 'Phyllis Farmer' brings waterlily blooms in pink with a warm yellow centre to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 90–100 cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Dahlia 'Shiloh Noelle' brings romantic pink blooms with creamy blush tones to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 70cm–1m, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Dahlia 'Jowey Arenda' brings ball-shaped flowers blending yellow and red to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 90–120 cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Dahlia 'Picking Garden Mix' brings a surprise mix of colours and flower forms for bouquets to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 80–120 cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Freesia 'Double Mixed' produces a fragrant mix of double, funnel-shaped flowers on gently arching stems, filling borders and patio pots with colour and a sweet scent. Freesias are also excellent cut flowers and last well in a vase.

Growing to around 25–45 cm, they form narrow, fresh green leaves and send up multiple buds per stem. With warm conditions and bright light, they flower through late summer and into early autumn.

Plant corms in spring in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil, or start them in pots under cover for earlier growth. Freesias prefer warmth and do best where they are protected from cold winds.

Water after planting and keep compost lightly moist as shoots appear, increasing watering as buds form. Feed weekly with a liquid fertiliser once flower spikes develop, and provide support if stems need it.

Perfect for containers, greenhouse growing, and sunny borders, freesias bring perfume and colour to small spaces. After flowering, reduce watering and store corms dry and frost-free if grown outdoors.

Phlox paniculata ‘David’ produces large heads of pure white, sweetly scented flowers that light up summer borders and bring a fresh, classic look to cottage and wildlife-friendly planting.

Forming an upright clump to around 1–1.5m tall, it flowers over many weeks in mid to late summer, with dense, starry blooms that open progressively and provide plenty of long stems for cutting.

Plant in full sun or light partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Phlox performs best with consistent moisture and benefits from an annual mulch to keep roots cool.

Water during dry spells and deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, then cut stems back to the base in late autumn. Division in spring or autumn can refresh older clumps and improve vigour.

Ideal for borders and cutting gardens, ‘David’ pairs beautifully with grasses and daisies, and the nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies throughout the summer.

English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non‑scripta) create one of the most recognisable spring displays: arching stems lined with fragrant, bell‑shaped blooms in deep, woodland blue. They’re a lovely way to bring a natural, British feel to gardens and wild corners.

They’re ideal for naturalising beneath deciduous trees, along shady hedgerows, or at the edge of a border where the soil stays cool. In the right spot, bulbs will spread steadily and form a beautiful carpet over time, returning reliably each spring and filling gaps before summer perennials wake up.

Bluebells prefer humus‑rich, moderately fertile soil that drains well but doesn’t dry out. If your soil is heavy or very sandy, improve it with leaf mould or compost to boost structure and moisture retention, and choose partial shade to keep the ground from baking.

Plant bulbs in autumn about 8cm deep and 8–10cm apart. Leave them undisturbed once planted—bluebells bulk up best when they’re allowed to settle and multiply in place, creating thicker clumps and more flower stems each year.

After flowering, let the foliage die back naturally to feed the bulbs for next year. Bluebells can spread in favourable conditions, so choose a planting area where you’re happy for them to roam and mingle, especially in woodland-style planting, alongside ferns and other shade lovers.

Dahlia 'Thomas A. Edison' brings jewel-toned purple decorative blooms to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 0.5–1 m, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ produces a vibrant mix of coneflower blooms in warm summer shades, bringing long-lasting colour and a wildlife-friendly feel to sunny borders and cutting gardens.

Reaching around 60–70cm tall, it forms sturdy stems topped with classic daisy-like flowers with a central cone. It flowers from summer into early autumn and is excellent for bees and butterflies.

Plant in full sun (or light shade) in deep, well-drained soil. Coneflowers dislike winter waterlogging, so avoid very heavy, wet soils or improve drainage with grit and organic matter.

Water to establish, then keep on the drier side once settled. Deadhead to extend flowering, or leave seedheads for structure and birds. Cut stems back in late winter or early spring.

Ideal for prairie-style planting, mixed borders and cut flowers, echinacea pairs beautifully with grasses, kniphofia and late-summer perennials for a long season of interest.

Dahlia 'Golden Scepter' brings bright yellow pompons for cheerful summer colour to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 70–90 cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Dahlia 'Waltzing Mathilda' brings warm orange blooms with a soft, sunset glow to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches around 70–75cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Phlox paniculata Mixed produces an uplifting blend of scented summer flowers in a range of shades, bringing a classic cottage-garden feel to borders and delivering plenty of stems for cutting.

These hardy perennials form upright clumps and typically reach around 1–1.5m tall, carrying dense heads of starry blooms that open over weeks, providing long-lasting colour through mid to late summer.

Plant in full sun or light partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Phlox appreciates consistent moisture and benefits from a mulched root run to help prevent stress in hot weather.

Water during dry spells and deadhead to encourage further blooms. Improve airflow by spacing plants well, and cut stems back to the base in late autumn after flowering has finished.

Ideal for mixed borders and wildlife-friendly gardens, phlox pairs beautifully with grasses and daisies, and the sweetly scented flowers are also loved by pollinators throughout the summer.

Anemone coronaria 'Mr Fokker' brings rich violet-blue flowers to borders and containers, opening with clean, papery petals around a dark eye that reads beautifully from a distance. These jewel-like blooms add instant sparkle to spring and early-summer displays, and look especially striking planted in drifts.

Growing from corms, this anemone forms a tidy clump of finely cut foliage with compact, upright stems. Once established it produces a steady succession of flowers that sit neatly above the leaves, making it ideal for edging, patio pots, and cutting. Expect reliable performance in cool, bright conditions.

Soak corms for a few hours before planting, then set them 5–7cm deep in well-drained soil in full sun or light partial shade. Choose a sheltered spot and enrich the ground with organic matter for best results, keeping the soil evenly moist while roots develop.

Water during dry spells and avoid waterlogging, particularly in heavy soils. A light feed as growth begins supports flowering, and removing spent blooms helps keep the display tidy. In colder areas, a winter mulch or container protection can improve return and longevity.

Perfect for cutting gardens and seasonal arrangements, anemones offer long-lasting stems when picked just as buds begin to open. They also provide early nectar for pollinators, bringing colour and wildlife value to smaller spaces as well as mixed borders.

Dahlia 'Blue Bayou' brings anemone-flowered blooms in purple-pink tones to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 1.2 m, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Sparaxis 'Mixed' brings a bright, contrasting mix of starry summer flowers to the very front of borders and containers, opening wide in sunshine for maximum impact. These small flowers are packed with personality and look best planted in generous drifts.

At around 25 cm tall, sparaxis stays neat and compact, making it ideal for pots, rockeries and edging. It flowers through summer and is especially effective mixed with other low-growing seasonal bulbs.

Plant corms in spring once the soil has warmed, in a sunny or lightly shaded, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Space corms closely for a full display, and improve drainage with grit if needed.

Water after planting and during dry spells while shoots develop. Once flowering finishes, allow foliage to die back naturally; in colder or wetter gardens, lift and store corms dry over winter.

A brilliant choice for colourful summer pots and for bringing a cheerful, jewel-toned feel to small spaces and wildlife-friendly planting.

Dahlia 'Verrone’s Obsidian' is an orchid-form dahlia with starry, near-black blooms and a bright yellow centre. The open shape gives a modern look in the border and can be easier for pollinators to use than densely double dahlias—ideal for a dramatic cutting garden.

For best results, start tubers in pots from March or April in a frost-free place, then plant out once the risk of frost has passed. Choose full sun and a warm, sheltered position, and mix in plenty of garden compost to improve structure and drainage.

Plant tubers about 10–15cm deep with the ‘eye’ facing upwards, spacing plants roughly 45–60cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist as shoots develop. If you’re growing taller stems or larger flower heads, add a cane early so support is in place before flowering.

Water deeply in dry weather and feed every two to three weeks through summer with a high-potash fertiliser to encourage buds. Deadhead regularly and cut stems often—removing spent blooms helps direct energy into new flowers, giving you a longer, heavier display.

After the first frosts blacken the foliage, cut stems back and lift the tubers to store somewhere cool, dry and frost-free. In very mild areas you can mulch heavily, but lifting is safest. Replant next spring and you’ll usually see stronger plants each year.

Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff' is loved for the contrast of bright red flowers against very dark foliage. It’s a classic choice for cottage borders and cutting beds, and it flowers from summer into autumn. This variety also carries the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

For best results, start tubers in pots from March or April in a frost-free place, then plant out once the risk of frost has passed. Choose full sun and a warm, sheltered position, and mix in plenty of garden compost to improve structure and drainage.

Plant tubers about 10–15cm deep with the ‘eye’ facing upwards, spacing plants roughly 45–60cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist as shoots develop. If you’re growing taller stems or larger flower heads, add a cane early so support is in place before flowering.

Water deeply in dry weather and feed every two to three weeks through summer with a high-potash fertiliser to encourage buds. Deadhead regularly and cut stems often—removing spent blooms helps direct energy into new flowers, giving you a longer, heavier display.

After the first frosts blacken the foliage, cut stems back and lift the tubers to store somewhere cool, dry and frost-free. In very mild areas you can mulch heavily, but lifting is safest. Replant next spring and you’ll usually see stronger plants each year.

Anemone coronaria 'St. Brigid Mixed' brings a lively mix of richly coloured blooms to borders and containers, opening with clean, papery petals around a dark eye that reads beautifully from a distance. These jewel-like blooms add instant sparkle to spring and early-summer displays, and look especially striking planted in drifts.

Growing from corms, this anemone forms a tidy clump of finely cut foliage with compact, upright stems. Once established it produces a steady succession of flowers that sit neatly above the leaves, making it ideal for edging, patio pots, and cutting. Expect reliable performance in cool, bright conditions.

Soak corms for a few hours before planting, then set them 5–7cm deep in well-drained soil in full sun or light partial shade. Choose a sheltered spot and enrich the ground with organic matter for best results, keeping the soil evenly moist while roots develop.

Water during dry spells and avoid waterlogging, particularly in heavy soils. A light feed as growth begins supports flowering, and removing spent blooms helps keep the display tidy. In colder areas, a winter mulch or container protection can improve return and longevity.

Perfect for cutting gardens and seasonal arrangements, anemones offer long-lasting stems when picked just as buds begin to open. They also provide early nectar for pollinators, bringing colour and wildlife value to smaller spaces as well as mixed borders.

Dahlia 'Bright Eyes' brings single flowers with pink petals and a bright yellow eye to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches around 60–100cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Hymenocallis × festalis 'Zwanenburg' produces fragrant white, spidery flowers with a central cup, sending up dramatic flower spikes that add structure and summer interest to borders and patio pots. The blooms open progressively up the stem for a longer display and excellent cut stems.

Reaching an established height of around 50–70 cm, this bulb forms neat clumps of fresh foliage, then flowers in the warmest months when many spring bulbs have finished.

Plant in spring in a warm, sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Work in compost to improve fertility and drainage, and avoid waterlogged ground, which can rot dormant bulbs or corms.

Water during dry spells while growth is active and feed every two to three weeks once buds form. Remove spent stems for a tidy finish, but leave foliage until it dies back naturally to feed next year’s bulb.

Ideal for borders, containers and cutting gardens, these spikes bring a slightly exotic note to planting schemes. In colder areas, lift and store bulbs once foliage yellows, or protect them well in a sheltered spot.

Anemone × hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ is a classic Japanese anemone prized for elegant, semi‑double white flowers on tall, wiry stems from late summer into autumn. The clear white blooms brighten borders and work beautifully in twilight gardens. Each flower has a bright boss of yellow stamens for contrast.

Plant in full sun or partial shade in soil that remains moist but drains well. It’s happiest in richer ground and is well suited to the back of a border, where it can rise through neighbouring perennials and shrubs. It’s a good choice for brightening slightly shaded borders and underplanting shrubs.

As it settles in, it forms a clump and may gradually spread, so give it room and avoid disturbing it unnecessarily. The flowers are excellent for cutting, and the foliage stays attractive for much of the season. Try pairing with ferns, hostas and grasses for a calm, natural look.

Mulch annually with compost and water during dry spells to encourage plenty of blooms. In exposed sites, neighbouring plants often provide enough support, but discreet staking is helpful in windy positions. A spring mulch also helps keep roots cool, especially in sunnier gardens.

Cut stems back in late autumn, or leave them for winter structure and tidy up in spring. A timeless, award‑winning plant for late‑season colour. Given time, it can become a generous clump with a long run of blooms.

Anemone × hybrida ‘Königin Charlotte’ (Queen Charlotte) is an award‑winning Japanese anemone with rich rose‑pink, semi‑double flowers carried on tall stems from late summer into autumn. The large blooms add colour and movement when many borders are fading. Overlapping petals give a fuller look, with a warm yellow centre.

Grow it in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well‑drained soil. It’s excellent at the back of a mixed border, where its stems can weave naturally through neighbouring plants and grasses. A little afternoon shade can be helpful in hotter gardens.

Over time it forms a substantial clump and can spread, so allow space and try not to move it once established. Pair it with asters, salvias and ornamental grasses for a long season of interest. It’s particularly effective in drifts, where repeated clumps create rhythm through the border.

Mulch in spring, water in dry spells, and avoid excessive winter wet. Stems usually hold well, but a light support can help in exposed gardens. Adding organic matter helps sandy soils hold moisture and supports better flowering.

Cut back after flowering, or leave stems standing over winter and tidy in spring. A dependable perennial for late‑summer colour with a soft, romantic feel. As an RHS AGM cultivar, it’s a dependable choice for late‑season colour.