David Domoney shares his summer gardening tips
1. Heleniums
Charles Carr, head of wholesale nurseries for Hillier, said: “Sun-loving heleniums add an abundance of colour, bursting from mid-summer through into autumn.
“There are hundreds of varieties to choose from, from hot yellows to reds to vibrant oranges.
“Regular deadheading as they finish flowering will encourage future growth and longer spells of colour into autumn. They can grow to be quite big, so taller varieties may benefit from staking.”
According to the expert, they are “easy to grow” and thrive in most soil types, preferring a full sun location in the garden.
2. Heliopsis
Heliopsis, also known as fake sunflowers, are the perfect plant for people with larger gardens, ranging in height from 40cm to two metres.
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They have three-inch double or single flowers of beautiful yellows and oranges, surrounded by golden centre cones.
The pro added: “They not only make impressive, colourful features in borders and beds, attracting an array of pollinators but can also make for lovely cut flowers.
“They grow in clumps with branching stems that give a bushy habit, and the flowering period is between six and eight weeks.”
To encourage buds to form, deadhead any spent flowers to prolong the flowering period for as long as possible.
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3. Penstemon
Penstemon are gorgeous trumpet-shaped flowers, surrounded by green leaves, available in deep purples, pinks, whites and blues.
According to the expert, they are also available in bi-colours combing shades, bringing “welcome colour” to the garden in autumn.
Charles noted: “This is a perfect plant for mixed and herbaceous borders and is loved by bees. Penstemon thrives in well-drained soil and are very tolerant to drought conditions.
“We recommend taking cuttings in summer and mulching annually with well-rotted manure or leaf mould and feeding weekly in summer.”
4. Crocosmia
Crocosmia comes in a range of hot summer colours from orange to yellow and red, ideal for brightening up the garden towards the end of summer.
They can add both height and colour into the garden, and can be planted in conjunction with mid-height plants like peonies and geraniums at the front.
The expert explained: “Originating from South Africa, they require fertile, moist but well-drained soil, and they grow from corms, planted around 8cm deep like bulbs.
“To avoid clumping, plant them a few centimetres apart then divide every three to five years to encourage better flowering.”
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