Few garden styles exude as much romance and charm as the English cottage garden. Achieving this look involves selecting plants that intertwine, creating a harmonious display as if they have coexisted for years. Despite the seemingly effortless and informal appearance, successful English cottage gardens demand thoughtful curation to avoid descending into chaotic disarray.
01 Peachleaf Bellflower (Campanula persicifolia)
The delightful peachleaf bellflower, known scientifically as Campanula persicifolia, adds a touch of elegance to your garden. With its long stems and continuous summer bloom, it serves as both a beautiful cut flower and a charming garden addition. Unlike some Campanula species, this bellflower doesn’t become overly invasive, but be prepared for its appearance in different spots each year, a welcome surprise for any garden enthusiast.
02 Cottage Pinks (Dianthus x allwoodii)
Exuding a spicy fragrance and adorned with fringed petals, cottage pinks (Dianthus x allwoodii) bring classic charm to your garden. These short flowers are best placed at the front of your garden border, allowing you to fully appreciate their scent as you brush against them. Resistant to drought and generally untroubled by animals, these pinks, available in various non-traditional colors, are a favorite among butterflies.
03 Delphinium
Though somewhat demanding, delphiniums are a worthwhile addition to your cottage garden. Enduring cold winters, they may need some protection from scorching heat and insufficient summer moisture. Select a sheltered spot to prevent their tall flower spikes from toppling in adverse weather conditions. Pruning spent flower stalks to ground level encourages repeat blooms, extending their flowering period well into the fall, even enduring light frosts.
04 Hardy Geranium “Rozanne”
Distinct from Pelargoniums sold as zonal geraniums, hardy geraniums, exemplified by the exceptional “Rozanne,” form low mounds, filling spaces around taller plants effortlessly. Unlike traditional varieties, “Rozanne” blooms continuously throughout the summer, eliminating the need for deadheading. Should they appear weary by mid-summer, a simple shear promotes fresh growth and a new flush of flowers in a matter of weeks.
05 Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
Known for their nostalgic charm, hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) captivate with memories of towering plants reaching impressive heights. Whether serving as vertical accents or effective screens, these flowers, available in single or double varieties, add whimsy to any garden. To prevent rust fungus, provide good air circulation, ensuring they remain a delightful feature without compromising their health.
06 Japanese Anemone
For a late-season burst of beauty, Japanese anemones stand unrivaled in cottage gardens. Their gracefully swaying demeanor finds a natural home in this setting. Thriving in moist yet well-draining soil, these plants can reach heights of 4 ft. and may benefit from staking, particularly the double-flowered varieties. The white-flowering heirloom “Honorine Jobert” has garnered considerable attention, while Japanese anemones also showcase enchanting shades of pink, purple, and rich mahogany.
07 Lady’s Mantle
A quintessential presence in cottage gardens, lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) gracefully adorns pathways and conceals the lower stems of roses. Its cup-shaped leaves, adorned with a waxy fuzz that captures and rolls water droplets, provide a captivating backdrop. With delicate sprays of chartreuse flowers, lady’s mantle is effortlessly low-maintenance. For an aesthetically pleasing display, remove the flower stalks after blooming, allowing the whimsical leaves to command the spotlight.
08 Lavender
Renowned in English gardens, lavenders like “Munstead” and “Hidcote” contribute to the quintessential cottage garden allure. While these varieties thrive in England’s misty, temperate climate, suitable lavenders exist for less temperate conditions. However, remember that lavenders are more susceptible to excess water than drought. Provide well-draining soil to ensure their thriving presence in your garden.
09 Peony
Despite their brief flowering period, peonies captivate with stunning beauty and intoxicating fragrance. The foliage remains attractive throughout the season, especially when leaves take on a red hue in the fall. Vigilance against botrytis, or gray mold, in humid conditions is essential. With proper care, peony plants can grace your garden for decades.
10 Phlox
Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) emerges as a late-summer sensation, showcasing flower clusters that endure for over a month. While older phlox varieties were susceptible to powdery mildew, newer breeds withstand humid summers without losing their beauty. Keep an eye out for the Hummingbird Moth, a delightful phlox pollinator that might pay your garden a visit.