June is a glorious month for UK gardens. The days are long, the sun is warm. This year's climate is not yet ablaze, so it's quite pleasant to be outdoors, admiring the summer colours. If you're looking for herbaceous perennial ideas to brighten your borders, windowboxes and planters, here are Boma's top June picks! These jewels are featured in the garden centre, ready to transform your outdoor space.
Let's delve into some of the most remarkable perennials that will add pizzazz to your June garden:
1. The Delicate Dancer: Gaura
Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri) adds a touch of ethereal beauty to your June borders. Its delicate, white, star-shaped flowers dance gracefully on slender stems, creating a cloud of white throughout the summer months. Gaura thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade too. Superb examples are 'Gaudi White', 'Freefolk Rosy, and Gaura 'Pink'. This low-maintenance wonder requires minimal care – simply deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Imagine a group of Gaura swaying gently in the breeze at the front of your border,adding a touch of elegance and lightness.
2. The Fairytale Favourite: Foxgloves
Foxgloves (Digitalis) are a quintessential cottage garden classic. They're available in a spectrum of colours, from elegant whites and pinks to rich purples and dramatic bicolours. The tall, majestic flower spikes rise above the border, adorned with bell-shaped blooms that resemble miniature fingers. Foxgloves are a magnet for pollinators like bumblebees, adding a touch of magic to your garden. They prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. While the foliage is slightly toxic, the stunning beauty of the flowers makes them a worthwhile addition to a garden with careful planning (avoid planting them where children or pets have easy access). Boma displays varieties 'Lucas', Goldcrest, 'Rose Ivory', 'Plum Gold', 'Sweet Dream', 'Giant Spotted' and more.
3. The Colourful Chameleon: Penstemons
Penstemons are a versatile group of perennials offering a kaleidoscope of colours, from vibrant purples and reds to delicate pinks and whites. Their tubular blooms, often with contrasting throats, rise elegantly above the border on slender stems. Penstemons come in a range of heights, making them perfect for various spots in your garden. Taller varieties like Penstemon digitalis can reach up to a metre, while shorter cultivars like Penstemon 'Electric Blue', 'Apple Blossom', 'Phoenix Violet', and 'Phoenix Red', are ideal for edging borders. These sun-worshippers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming throughout the summer.
4. The Fragrant Favourite: Salvias
Salvias, also known as sages, are a diverse group of perennials with something to offer everyone. Salvia nemorosa, with its vibrant blue flower spikes, adds a touch of cool summer elegance to the border. Boma has a large selection of Salvia, including Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens', nemorosa 'Caradonna Pink Inspiration', compact 'Bright Rose', microphylla 'Cerro Potosi', nemerosa 'Blue Marvel', farinacea 'Mystic Spires', greggii 'Mirage Blue' and 'Hot Pink', to name a few, which boast contrasting blooms, creating a truly eye-catching statement. Many salvias offer fragrant foliage, releasing a delightful scent when brushed against. These sun-loving plants thrive in well-drained soil and require minimal care. They come in a range of heights, making them perfect for various border positions.
5. The Sun-Kissed Star: Crocosmia
Crocosmia (previously known as Montbretia) is another fiery favourite for June borders. Its bright orange to crimson blooms, resembling miniature flames, are borne on slender, arching stems, adding a touch of the exotic to your garden. They thrive in full sun but tolerate partial shade, too. This low-maintenance wonder requires minimal care – simply cut back the stems after flowering to encourage new growth. Imagine a group of Crocosmia dancing in the breeze at the back of your border, providing a stunning focal point. Boma's varieties currently include 'Emily McKenzie', Lucifer', Miss Scarlet and 'Bright Eyes'.
6. The Dazzling Diva: Dahlias
Dahlias are the undisputed queens of the summer border. They come in a staggering array of colours, shapes, and sizes, offering something for every taste. From the classic dinner plate dahlias with their giant, dinner-plate-sized blooms to the delicate pompom and single dahlias, the possibilities are endless. Dahlias are sun-worshippers, demanding well-drained soil and consistent watering. With a little extra care, they will reward you with months of dazzling blooms. Imagine a bold clump of dahlias creating a dramatic focal point in your border, attracting admiring glances from all who see them. Now available at Boma in varieties 'Maggiore White', 'Starburst Pink' and 'Summer Red Bicolour'
7. The Majestic Spire: Delphiniums
Delphiniums are stately perennials that add a touch of grandeur to the June border. Their tall, majestic flower spikes soar upwards, adorned with countless individual florets that come in shades of blue, purple, and white. These elegant giants are a magnet for pollinators and make a breathtaking cut flower. Delphiniums prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Available varieties include 'Galahad', 'Pacific Giant', 'Pure White', 'Excalibur white', 'Rose White Bee', 'Elatum', 'Dusky Maidens' and more.
If you're looking for tips on display combinations for planters, beds, and borders, speak to the Horti team at Boma. The garden centre is now showing superb displays. Pop in for a visit.
