Flower Seeds to Sow in July

July is a fantastic month for gardeners in the UK, bursting with opportunities to sow a variety of flowering plants that can transform your outdoor spaces well into autumn. Now is the perfect time to think about both annuals and perennials. Annuals can provide quick blooms to enjoy throughout the summer, while perennials offer the promise of returning colour year after year. If you’re looking to plan for next year, sowing biennials like foxgloves and wallflowers now will reward you with beautiful displays in the spring.

In addition, July is an excellent month to promote healthy growth by planting out young plants started from seed in previous months. Just remember to give them a good water and some tender care as they establish themselves. Overall, the key to a successful July is to embrace the season’s bounty, explore different species, and watch your garden flourish. With the right selection of flowering plants, your garden will be a stunning vista filled with life and colour as you enjoy the warm summer days. Let’s dive into some of the best flowering plants to sow this month!

Anemone

Flowering Months: April to July

Anemones are delightful perennials known for their eye-catching blooms and robust nature. Anemones come in an array of colours, including white, blue, and violet. Typically reaching heights of 20 to 75cm, these plants thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade. Blooming in spring to summer, anemones work beautifully in borders, woodland gardens, and pots. They’re relatively low-maintenance, requiring regular watering, especially when establishing, making them an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add vibrant colour to their outdoor spaces.

Arabis

Flowering Months: April to May

Arabis, commonly known as rock cress, is a charming perennial that provides ground cover and colourful spring blooms. Typically growing to heights of 15 to 30cm, this hardy plant thrives in well-drained soil and loves full sun. The delicate, four-petalled flowers come in shades of white, pink, and purple, creating a lovely contrast against its evergreen foliage. Blooming from early spring to early summer, arabis is ideal for rock gardens, borders, or as a trailing plant over walls. Its low maintenance requirements and ability to suppress weeds make it an excellent choice for a variety of landscaping needs.

Astilbe

Flowering Months: June to August

Astilbe is a stunning perennial that adds soft texture and vibrant colour to shady gardens. Typically growing to heights of 30 to 90cm, this plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers dappled sunlight. Blooming from late spring to early summer, astilbe produces feathery, plume-like flower spikes in shades of pink, red, and white. Its beautifully serrated foliage provides an attractive backdrop throughout the growing season. Astilbe works well as a focal point in borders or alongside water features, and with its love for moisture, it’s perfect for bog gardens and shaded areas where other plants struggle.

Cabbage (Ornamental)

Flowering Months: N/A

Ornamental cabbage is a striking plant that brings unique colour and texture to winter gardens. Growing to about 30 to 50cm, it thrives in rich, well-drained soil and prefers full sun. The large, rosette-shaped leaves are available in various shades, from deep purples to vibrant greens, creating a stunning visual impact. While primarily grown for its decorative foliage, ornamental cabbage can survive light frosts, making it a perfect choice for adding winter interest. It’s often used in formal gardens, borders, and containers, providing winter colour when most other plants have faded.

Cactus (Houseplant)

Flowering Months: Throughout the Year

Cactus houseplants are perfect for adding a touch of the desert to your indoor spaces. With numerous species available, these low-maintenance plants thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer well-drained soil. Typically growing to various heights, cacti are characterised by their unique shapes and often striking flowers. They require minimal watering, making them ideal for busy lifestyles. Cactus houseplants not only add visual interest with their diverse forms and colours but also enhance air quality, making them a practical choice for homes and offices. Their resilience and individuality make them a trendy choice for modern indoor gardening.

Calceolaria

Flowering Months: March to April

Calceolaria, commonly known as pocketbook flower, is a delightful perennial admired for its uniquely shaped blooms. Typically growing to heights of 20 to 45cm, this charming plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers cooler conditions. In late spring to summer, calceolaria produces vibrant flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red, resembling tiny handbags dangling from the stems. Perfect for containers or mixed borders, this plant adds a fun touch to any garden design. With its relatively low care requirements and uncanny blooms, calceolaria is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking something a bit different.

Cheiranthus

Flowering Months: April to June

Cheiranthus, often known as wallflower, is a delightful biennial that blooms with cheerful, fragrant flowers. Typically reaching heights of 30 to 60cm, this hardy plant thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Blooming in spring, cheiranthus produces clusters of colourful flowers in shades of yellow, purple, and orange, adding warmth and beauty to gardens. Its sweet scent enhances the garden atmosphere, making it perfect for borders or cottage gardens. With minimal care and the ability to attract beneficial insects, wallflowers are an excellent choice for cultivating a lively, fragrant outdoor space.

Chinese Lantern

Flowering Months: July to October

Chinese lantern, or Physalis alkekengi, is a unique perennial known for its vibrant, lantern-shaped husks that encase small berries. Typically growing to heights of 30 to 90cm, this plant thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun. Blooming in summer, the bright orange husks appear in late summer and autumn, providing a stunning visual display that lasts into the cooler months. Chinese lanterns are often used in dried arrangements, making them a versatile addition to gardens. With moderate care and an ability to spread, this striking plant will become an eye-catching feature, bringing interest to your outdoor space year-round.

Chrysanthemum (Perennial)

Flowering Months: August to October

Chrysanthemum perennial, or Dendranthema, is an exceptionally vibrant plant renowned for its impressive blooms that can brighten any garden. Typically growing to heights of 30 to 90cm, this hardy perennial thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys full sun. Blooming from late summer to autumn, chrysanthemums showcase a diverse palette of colours, including rich yellows, bright reds, and soft whites, creating stunning displays in borders and containers. They are also excellent for attracting pollinators. With relatively low maintenance requirements and a long flowering period, chrysanthemum perennials are ideal for adding cheerful colour and life to your outdoor spaces.

Clematis

Flowering Months: June to August

Clematis is a stunning climbing plant famous for its spectacular flowers and versatility in garden design. Typically reaching heights of 1 to 3 metres, this perennial thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun or partial shade. Blooming in spring and summer, clematis offers an impressive range of colours and flower shapes, from large, star-like blooms to delicate bell-shaped flowers. It’s perfect for trellises, fences, or walls, adding vertical interest to gardens. With proper care, including regular pruning and watering, clematis can flourish and provide a beautiful and aromatic display in your outdoor space.

Coleus

Flowering Months: June to October

Coleus is a vibrant foliage plant that adds a splash of colour to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Typically growing to heights of 30 to 60cm, coleus thrives in rich, well-drained soil and prefers partial to full shade. Its leaves come in an exciting array of colours and patterns, featuring combinations of greens, reds, yellows, and purples, making it perfect for borders, containers, or hanging baskets. While it blooms small, inconspicuous flowers, coleus is primarily valued for its stunning foliage. With minimal care and a capacity for various growing conditions, this plant is a wonderful choice for adding lively colour to gardens.

Daisy

Flowering Months: April to May

The common daisy, or Bellis perennis, is a cheerful perennial that adds a charming touch to gardens and meadows. Typically growing to heights of 15 to 30cm, this hardy plant thrives in a variety of soils and enjoys full sun. It blooms from spring through autumn, showcasing the classic white petals surrounding a bright yellow centre, creating a delightful contrast that brightens any landscape. Daisies are low-maintenance and are well-suited for borders, cottage gardens, and as part of wildflower mixes. Their ability to naturalise means they will often return year after year, providing ongoing colour and appeal.

Dianthus (Perennial)

Flowering Months: June to July

Perennial Dianthus, commonly known as carnations or pinks, offer a range of delightful blooms and a lovely fragrance. Typically reaching heights of 30 to 60cm, these hardy plants thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun. Blooming from spring to summer, they produce clusters of charming flowers in a variety of colours, including reds, pinks, and whites, with delicate fringed edges that enhance their beauty. Ideal for borders, rock gardens, or containers, dianthus perennials attract pollinators while adding fragrance and colour to your garden. With minimal care, these plants make a stunning addition to any floral arrangement.

Erigeron

Flowering Months: June to September

Erigeron, often known as fleabane, is a lovely perennial that brings a sense of lightness to gardens. Typically reaching heights of 30 to 60cm, this hardy plant thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys full sun. Blooming from late spring to autumn, erigeron features small, daisy-like flowers in shades of white, pink, and lavender, creating a delicate and airy display that complements other garden plants beautifully. Its fine, needle-like foliage adds texture, making it an excellent choice for borders and wildflower gardens. With its ability to self-seed and naturalise, erigeron provides ongoing beauty with very little maintenance.

Forget Me Not

Flowering Months: April to June

Forget Me Not, or Myosotis, is a charming perennial known for its striking small blue flowers and sweet associations. Typically growing to heights of 15 to 30cm, this plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade to full sun. Blooming in early spring, forget me nots produce clusters of delicate blooms with yellow centres, often forming a lovely carpet of colour. They are perfect for woodland gardens, borders, or as ground cover. With their low maintenance requirements and ability to self-seed, forget me nots can naturalise beautifully, adding a sentimental touch to any outdoor space.

Gaillardia

Flowering Months: July to September

Gaillardia, commonly known as blanket flower, is a vibrant perennial appreciated for its striking, daisy-like blooms. Typically growing to heights of 30 to 60cm, this hardy plant thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys full sun. Blooming from summer to early autumn, gaillardia showcases bold colours, ranging from fiery reds and oranges to sunny yellows. Its rugged nature makes it drought-tolerant and ideal for low-maintenance gardens. Gaillardia not only adds warmth and colour to flowerbeds but also attracts pollinators, contributing to a lively garden atmosphere. This plant is perfect for borders or mixed plantings, providing reliable beauty all season long.

Michaelmas Daisy

Flowering Months: June to October

Michaelmas daisy, or Aster novae-angliae, is a vibrant perennial that blooms late in the growing season, brightening up gardens in autumn. Reaching heights of 60 to 120cm, this hardy plant thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Blooming from late summer to autumn, it produces clusters of vibrant purple, pink, or white flowers with yellow centres, providing a stunning contrast as many other plants start to fade. Michaelmas daisy is excellent for borders and attracts a variety of pollinators. With its minimal care requirements and extended flowering period, it’s ideal for adding colour and life even as summer draws to a close.

Pansy (Perennial)

Flowering Months: January to April

Perennial pansies are delightful plants known for their colourful, expressive blooms. Typically growing to heights of 15 to 30cm, these hardy perennials thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade. Blooming from spring through autumn, pansies showcase an array of colours, including vibrant purples, yellows, and blues, often with distinct markings that enhance their appeal. Ideal for containers, borders, or hanging baskets, perennial pansies provide cheerful colour throughout the growing season. With their ability to withstand cooler temperatures, they can brighten up gardens well into the colder months.

Penstemon (Perennial)

Flowering Months: June to September

Penstemon perennial, commonly known as beardtongue, is a striking flowering plant admired for its tubular blossoms and lush foliage. Typically reaching heights of 30 to 120cm, this hardy perennial thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys full sun. Blooming from late spring to autumn, penstemon offers a delightful array of colours, including shades of pink, red, blue, and purple. Its elegant flowers attract various pollinators, adding life to your garden. With minimal care and a long flowering season, penstemon is an excellent choice for creating vibrant displays in borders or mixed plantings.

Polemonium

Flowering Months: June to September

Polemonium, often referred to as Jacob’s Ladder, is a charming perennial that adds delightful colour and texture to gardens. Typically growing to heights of 30 to 60cm, this plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade. Blooming in late spring to early summer, polemonium showcases clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white, complemented by fern-like foliage. Its graceful form makes it ideal for borders or woodland gardens. Easy to care for and resilient, polemonium is a lovely addition that brings gentle beauty and attracts beneficial insects to your outdoor space.

Polyanthus

Flowering Months: March to May

Polyanthus is a cheerful perennial that produces bright clusters of flowers in early spring, often heralding in warmer weather. Typically growing to heights of 20 to 30cm, this plant flourishes in well-drained soil and prefers partial shade to full sun. With its vibrant blooms in colours ranging from yellow and pink to deep purple, polyanthus adds a lively touch to borders and containers. The foliage is rich and green, providing an attractive backdrop for the striking flowers. This hardy plant is perfect for creating colour in your garden as the seasons change, requiring minimal care to thrive.

Poppy (Perennial)

Flowering Months: April to July

Perennial poppies are stunning flowers known for their large, showy blooms and delicate tissue-like petals. Typically growing to heights of 30 to 90cm, these hardy plants thrive in well-drained soil and enjoy full sun. Blooming from late spring through summer, perennial poppies come in a variety of captivating colours, including red, orange, and yellow. Their lush foliage adds a beautiful contrast that enhances any garden setting. Poppies are excellent for borders or wildflower gardens, and their ability to attract bees and other pollinators makes them a valuable choice for encouraging biodiversity in your outdoor space.

Potentilla

Flowering Months: June to September

Potentilla, often known as cinquefoil, is a hard-working perennial that brings a delightful splash of colour to gardens. Typically reaching heights of 30 to 60cm, this resilient plant flourishes in well-drained soil and thrives in full sun. Blooming from late spring through autumn, potentilla produces charming, cup-shaped flowers in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. Its deeply lobed green foliage provides a wonderful contrast to the bright blooms. Ideal for borders, rock gardens, or as ground cover, potentilla is low-maintenance and attracts pollinators, making it a fantastic addition for those seeking a joyful and lively garden display.

Primrose

Flowering Months: March to May

Primrose, or Primula vulgaris, is a delightful perennial that heralds the arrival of spring. Growing to heights of 15 to 30cm, this hardy plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in partial shade to full sun. It produces clusters of bright, cheerful flowers in shades of yellow, pink, and purple, often with a cheerful lemon-yellow centre. Primrose is particularly well-suited for cottage gardens or woodland settings, as it can often naturalise beautifully. With low maintenance requirements and the ability to spread, primrose adds long-lasting joy and colour to your garden as the days grow warmer.

Primula Malacoides

Flowering Months: January to May

Primula malacoides, commonly known as baby primrose, is a charming perennial that brightens gardens in winter and spring. Typically growing to heights of 20 to 45cm, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade. This plant features soft, frilly leaves that provide an attractive backdrop for its delicate flowers, which bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white. Its compact growth makes it perfect for containers, borders, or as a houseplant. With its cheerful display in early spring, Primula malacoides is a lovely choice for adding a burst of colour to those cooler months.

Primula Pulverulenta

Flowering Months: May to July

Primula pulverulenta, or mealy primrose, is a stunning perennial known for its vibrant, wine-red flowers that bloom in clusters. Growing typically to heights of 30 to 60cm, this plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and enjoys partial shade to full sun. Its large, glossy leaves are attractively fuzzy, providing a beautiful contrast to the striking blooms. Blooming from late spring to summer, Primula pulverulenta is an excellent choice for borders or shaded areas in gardens. With relatively low maintenance needs, this primrose adds vibrant colour and texture to any outdoor space, thriving in rich, organic conditions.

Pyrethrum

Flowering Months: May to June

Pyrethrum, or Tanacetum cinerariifolium, is a vibrant perennial prized for its large, daisy-like flowers and potent insect-repellent properties. Typically growing to heights of 30 to 90cm, this hardy plant thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys full sun. Blooming from early summer to autumn, pyrethrum showcases bright white flowers with golden-yellow centres, creating an eye-catching display. Its aromatic foliage is also a lovely addition to herbaceous borders. Besides its beauty, pyrethrum is commonly used in organic pest control, making it both a decorative and practical addition to your garden.

Sensitive Plant

Flowering Months: June to September

The Sensitive Plant, or Mimosa pudica, is a fascinating perennial known for its unique behaviour when touched. Typically growing to heights of 30 to 60cm, this tropical plant thrives in warm, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade. Featuring delicate, fern-like leaves that fold up when disturbed, the Sensitive Plant produces soft pink, fluffy flowers in summer. This intriguing characteristic makes it especially appealing for children and curious gardeners alike. While it prefers warmth, it’s relatively easy to care for, making it a fun and engaging addition to your garden or indoor plant collection.

Stock (Biennial)

Flowering Months: May to June

Stock, or Matthiola incana, is a fragrant biennial valued for its colourful blooms and sweet scent. Typically reaching heights of 30 to 60cm, this sturdy plant thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys full sun. Blooming from spring to early summer, stock flowers are available in a variety of vibrant colours, including purple, pink, and white, often with a pleasant fragrance that attracts pollinators. Perfect for borders, containers, or as part of a cut flower arrangement, stock is relatively easy to care for. Its cheerful blooms add charm and fragrance, making it an excellent choice for enhancing garden aesthetics.

Strelitzia

Flowering Months: February to May

Strelitzia, commonly known as the bird of paradise plant, is a striking perennial that adds a touch of the tropics to gardens. Typically growing to heights of 1 to 2 metres, this plant thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun. Strelitzia is renowned for its large, banana-like leaves that create a lush backdrop for its unique, bird-shaped flowers, which display vibrant orange and blue hues. Blooming from late spring to autumn, this eye-catching plant is ideal for creating a dramatic focal point in gardens or as an exotic houseplant. With moderate care, strelitzia thrives in warm climates with winter frost protection and delivers stunning visual impact.

Viola (Biennial)

Flowering Months: April to July

Viola biennial, commonly known as pansies or violas, is a cheerful plant that brings a wealth of colour to gardens. Typically growing to heights of 15 to 30cm, these hardy biennials thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade. Blooming from spring through autumn, violas display lovely blossoms in a variety of vibrant colours, including yellows, purples, and blues, often with distinct markings that enhance their visual appeal. Ideal for borders, hanging baskets, or containers, violas provide ongoing joy throughout the growing season. With good resilience to cooler temperatures, they can brighten up gardens well into the autumn months.

Wallflower

Flowering Months: April to May

Wallflower, or Erysimum cheiri, is a lovely biennial known for its cheerful, fragrant flowers. Typically growing to heights of 30 to 60cm, this hardy plant thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Blooming in spring, wallflowers produce clusters of vibrant blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and purple, providing a delightful display that attracts a variety of pollinators. Their sweet scent enhances the garden atmosphere, making them suitable for borders and rock gardens. With minimal care and the ability to adapt to various conditions, wallflowers are an excellent choice for adding colour and interest to any garden layout.

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