As the days grow longer and the weather warms, it's time to think about injecting some vibrant colours and textures into your garden with summer bedding plants. These plants can instantly transform your outdoor spaces with their dazzling displays and are perfect for filling gaps in borders, sprucing up pots and containers, or just creating a seasonal display. Here at Horticentre in Wakefield, we pride ourselves on offering a fantastic selection of summer bedding plants that will thrive in the British summer. Here are our top picks to brighten your garden this season.
1. Geraniums (Pelargonium)
A classic choice for British gardens, geraniums provide bold splashes of reds, pinks, and whites. They are extremely versatile and can thrive in both beds and containers. Their robust nature means they can handle the unpredictable British summer, making them a stalwart choice for gardeners of all levels.
2. Begonias
Begonias are perfect for adding continuous colour throughout the summer until the first frosts of autumn. They flourish in both sun and shade, making them ideal for different parts of the garden. With a variety of types available, including the cascading varieties for hanging baskets and the striking non-stop begonias, there is a begonia to suit every garden.
3. Petunias
For a show-stopping display, petunias are a go-to with their vibrant colours and large, trumpet-shaped blooms. They are particularly effective in hanging baskets and containers where their dramatic flowers can spill over the edges beautifully.
4. Marigolds (Tagetes)
Known for their bright orange and yellow blooms, marigolds are not only cheerful but also beneficial for deterring pests, making them a practical addition to vegetable gardens as well as flower beds.
5. Lobelia
This delicate bedding plant is perfect for creating a sea of blue, white, or red at the edges of your flower beds or cascading over the sides of pots and baskets. Lobelia's fine, trailing foliage filled with masses of tiny flowers provides a striking contrast to larger blooms.
6. Impatiens (Busy Lizzies)
Impatiens are fantastic for shady areas where other plants might struggle. They offer a bright palette of colours, from vibrant pinks to deep purples, and maintain their blossoming from late spring until the first frosts.
7. Cosmos
With their feathery foliage and daisy-like flowers, cosmos add an ethereal quality to the garden. They are incredibly easy to grow and their charming blooms come in shades of pink, white, and maroon, attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.
8. Zinnias
Zinnias are celebrated for their vivid colours and long-lasting flowers that make excellent cut flowers. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and are perfect for a sunny spot where they can really flourish.
9. Salvia
Salvia adds height and drama with its spikes of blue, red, or white flowers. It's particularly good for attracting pollinators and adds a structural element to your bedding arrangements.
10. Fuchsia
Though often used in hanging baskets, fuchsia can also be a stunning addition to summer beds, especially in semi-shaded areas. Their unique, teardrop flowers bring an exotic touch to temperate gardens.
Visit Horticentre in Wakefield
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a budding green thumb, summer bedding plants offer an instant uplift to your garden spaces. Visit us at Horticentre in Wakefield to explore our full range of summer bedding plants. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to help you select the perfect plants to create a summer garden you will love. Bring colour and life into your garden this season with our top picks for summer bedding plants!
