Gardeners are being encouraged to plant six types of flowers in July to ensure a colourful and vibrant display throughout the summer, according to experts at Dobbies Garden Centres. These blooms are not only eye-catching but also easy to care for, making them ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Top Summer Bedding Plants
Dobbies recommends planting summer bedding favourites such as marigold, begonias and geraniums. These flowers thrive in hot weather and require little gardening experience, making them perfect for flower beds, borders, patio containers, window boxes and hanging baskets. Regular watering during hot, dry spells and occasional deadheading—removing dead flower heads—will encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
Lavender and Delphiniums
Lavender is another top pick for July planting. This perennial herb produces a distinctive scent and attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinators, enhancing wildlife-friendly gardens. It can be planted in borders or large containers and, with a light prune after flowering, will return year after year.
Gardeners planning ahead are reminded that July is the final opportunity to sow delphiniums. Although they will not flower until next summer, their tall, elegant blooms are a favourite in traditional cottage-style gardens, providing impressive height and colour when they appear.
Hydrangeas for Immediate Impact
Hydrangeas are an excellent choice for those wanting immediate results. Their large flower heads create striking displays in borders and continue to produce strong colour well into autumn, making them one of the longest-lasting flowering shrubs in the garden.
Essential Summer Maintenance
While July is often a month for enjoying the garden, Dobbies stresses the importance of staying on top of essential maintenance. Gardeners should monitor weather forecasts, especially during heatwaves, as prolonged hot weather can quickly dry out pots, baskets and newly planted flowers. Plants in containers are particularly vulnerable because compost dries out faster than soil. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening helps plants absorb moisture more effectively while reducing evaporation. Deadheading dying flowers throughout July will encourage many bedding plants to produce fresh flowers, keeping the garden colourful for longer.
