Twin green thumb experts suggest 20 eye-catching plants for a captivating June garden. Embellish your outdoor space this month with their expert recommendations.
June Blooms: Unleash Your Garden's Potential
Which flowers should you plant in June to add a splash of color to your garden and make it truly pop? Look no further! Here are some of our top picks to get your garden rolling this summer.
1. Rodgersia pinnata 'Buckland Beauty'
A stunning dark-pink seedling from Rodgersia pinnata 'Superba', Rodgersia pinnata 'Buckland Beauty' blooms beautifully with flowerheads turning a striking dark red come autumn. Ideal for dried flower arrangements, this plant is perfect for those seeking an exquisite touch of elegance.
Growth: Reaching heights of 1mOrigin: Garden origin (China)Growing Conditions: Moist but well-drained soil in full sun/part shadeHardiness: RHS H4, USDA 3a-8bSeason of Interest: All summer
2. Oenothera stricta 'Sulphurea'
The pale-yellow Chilean evening primrose is a delightful perennial/biennial that self-seeds with ease. Its flowers open in late afternoon, turning apricot over the course of a few hours before dropping. The purple-red flush on the buds and stems adds to the overall appeal.
Growth: 60-90cmOrigin: Garden origin (Chile)Growing Conditions: Any well-drained soil; full sunHardiness: RHS H5, USDA 6a-10bSeason of Interest: All summer
3. Campanula latifolia 'Buckland'
Another exquisite plant, Campanula latifolia 'Buckland' is a seedling from Campanula latifolia var. alba. Its purple eye and slight flush of color in the white elevate this plant into a classy, refined perennial.
Growth: 1mOrigin: Garden origin (Europe and western Asia)Growing Conditions: Any soil; full sun to part shadeHardiness: RHS H5, USDA 4a-9bSeason of Interest: Summer
4. Iris ensata 'Rose Queen'
Commonly called the Japanese water iris, Iris ensata 'Rose Queen' thrives in shallow water but is also happy when drier as long as it's close to water. Its smaller flowers and distinctive rose color make it a captivating addition to any garden.
Growth: 75-90cmOrigin: Garden origin (Japan and the Far East)Growing Conditions: Rich, moist soil; full sunHardiness: RHS H6, USDA 5a-8bSeason of Interest: Early summer
5. Arisaema candidissimum
Characterized by its pink spathes, Arisaema candidissimum is an exotic-looking aroid that stands out in any garden. The spathes emerge late in June, producing beautiful flowers before the leaves appear. The impacts of the first frost of autumn will knock the display, but the plant will spend the ensuing months below ground as flattened tubers, so it's essential to mark its position well and protect it with a thick mulch.
Growth: 30cmOrigin: ChinaGrowing Conditions: Warm spot in part shadeHardiness: RHS H4, USDA 5a-7bSeason of Interest: All summer
6. Rosa 'Dortmund'
A stunning climbing rose with glossy green foliage, 'Dortmund' produces clusters of white-centered, red flowers throughout summer and into autumn, followed by attractive orange hips. Despite its thorns, the annual tidy-up and tying-in is well worth it.
Growth: 3mOrigin: Garden originGrowing Conditions: Moist but well-drained soil; full sunHardiness: RHS H5, USDA 4a-10bSeason of Interest: All summer
7. Kniphofia thomsonii
Unlike most red hot pokers, this species looks more like an aloe with its gracefully curving, soft-orange flowers. This hardy Kniphofia is a great addition to any garden––just don't expect it to be as tough as some.
Growth: 60-90cmOrigin: East AfricaGrowing Conditions: Well-drained soil; full sun to light shadeHardiness: RHS H3, USDA 7a-10bSeason of Interest: Summer
8. Convolvulus althaeoides
A unique bindweed that we at Wildside love, Convolvulus althaeoides provides a beautiful combination with soft purple-blue catmint, lasting for many weeks. Reach for this bindweed if you're in search of something with clean pink flowers.
Growth: Scrambling to 60cmOrigin: MediterraneanGrowing Conditions: Well-drained soil; full sunHardiness: RHS H3-4, USDA 6a-8bSeason of Interest: All summer
9. Eryngium x zabelii
Eryngiums, or sea hollies, are famous for their prickly leaves and cone-shaped flowerheads surrounded by vicious-looking bracts. A range of cultivars is available, varying in intensity of the blue flowerheads and flower stems. Easy to propagate, this hybrid is an excellent addition to any garden.
Growth: 60-90cmOrigin: Garden originGrowing Conditions: Well-drained soil; full sunHardiness: RHS H5, USDA 6a-9bSeason of Interest: Summer
10. Dierama pulcherrimum
Native South African plants, Dierama pulcherrimum is also known as angel's fishing rods. It flowers later than most, usually through July, with beautiful pink, purple, white, or amethyst-colored bells hanging beneath wiry flower stems.
Growth: 1-2mOrigin: South AfricaGrowing Conditions: Well-drained soil; full sunHardiness: RHS H3-4, USDA 8a-10bSeason of Interest: Late summer for flowers
11. Luzula sylvatica 'Marginata'
Versatile woodrush Luzula sylvatica 'Marginata' performs best in slightly acidic, moisture-retentive soils in dappled light but thrives in difficult growing conditions, adapting to dry shade and poorly draining soils in full sun. Its green foliage features neat creamy-white margins, creating a beautiful, low-maintenance groundcover.
Growth: 45x45 cmOrigin: Europe, including Britain, through to the Western CaucasusGrowing Conditions: Dry to moist, organically rich soil; full sun to shadeHardiness: RHS H7, USDA 4a-9bSeason of Interest: Flowers late April to July; foliage year-round
12. Brunnera macrophylla 'Langtrees'
A lovely groundcover, 'Langtrees' produces forget-me-not flowers in the spring that last until midsummer. The foliage, characterized by metallic spots, forms attractive mounds that persist throughout the season. Cutting it back in summer encourages new foliage and a second bloom. Rabbits also steer clear of this essential groundcover at Lowther.
Growth: 50x50 cmOrigin: Garden (species: Western Asian, in the Caucasus and northeastern Turkey)Growing Conditions: Moist, well-drained, organically rich soils; part to full shadeHardiness: RHS H6, USDA 3a-7bSeason of Interest: April to June
13. Aquilegia vulgaris
Remember picking poppies in the wild as a child? And favoring the bluish-mauve nodding, bonnet-like flowers over the dusky pink ones? Aquilegia vulgaris is a short-lived perennial that also has a long history in cultivation. It pairs beautifully with mid-season tulips, making a stunning visual display. Easy to grow, this plant self-seeds almost too readily in optimum conditions, making it a great addition to Lowther's Rock Garden.
Growth: 70x30 cmOrigin: Europe, including BritainGrowing Conditions: Moist, well-drained, moderately rich soil; full sun to part shadeHardiness: RHS H7, USDA 3a-8bSeason of Interest: Late April to early July
14. Onoclea sensibilis
After emerging in late spring, Onoclea sensibilis provides lush green foliage that mellows to a pale green throughout the season. Its extensive rhizomatous root system produces new arching leathery fronds through the summer, with golden-brown flower panicles dancing above the foliage until midsummer.
Growth: 60x1.5mOrigin: Eastern North AmericaGrowing Conditions: Moisture-retentive, organically rich soils; part to full shadeHardiness: RHS H6, USDA 4a-8bSeason of Interest: Late April to first frost
15. Papaver cambricum
Native to the coast of western Europe and Britain, Papaver cambricum is an undemanding tap-rooted perennial that self-seeds prolifically. The charming yellow flowers with single petals are a must-have foliage plant that will add enchantment to any garden from late spring to early autumn.
Growth: 50x30 cmOrigin: Coast of western Europe and BritainGrowing Conditions: Moist, well-drained, moderately rich soils; full sun to shade (best in dappled shade)Hardiness: RHS H7, USDA 6a-8bSeason of Interest: June to September
16. Thalictrum aquilegiifolium 'Album'
With its delicate, divided green foliage, Thalictrum aquilegiifolium 'Album' is a graceful perennial that lifts the spirits with its airy white flowers from early summer onwards. In late spring, it creates a romantic vibe among beautiful ferns and woodland paths.
Growth: 1x60 cmOrigin: Europe to AsiaGrowing Conditions: Moist, well-drained, organically rich soil; full sun to part shade (preferably dappled light)Hardiness: RHS H5, USDA 5a-8bSeason of Interest: June to July
17. Lamium orvala
Large, heart-shaped, green leaves resembling wild nettles adorn this handsome foliage plant without the sting. Its whorls of pink-lipped, velvety flowers and neatly poised habit make Lamium orvala a beautiful asset to partially shaded borders from late spring through late summer.
Growth: 50x50 cmOrigin: Central Eastern EuropeGrowing Conditions: Moist, well-drained, organically rich soils; best in partial to full shadeHardiness: RHS H7, USDA 4a-8bSeason of Interest: Late April to July
18. Magnolia wilsonii
Discovered by Ernest Wilson in China in 1900, Magnolia wilsonii boasts beautiful, saucer-shaped flowers with crimson stamens and delicate fragrance. The tree takes on an almost ethereal quality in early summer. Its rambling habit makes it a lovely addition to any garden, ensuring a sense of rebirth among urban ruins.
Growth: 8x8 mOrigin: South-central ChinaGrowing Conditions: Moist, well-drained, organically rich soils; full sun to part shadeHardiness: RHS H6, USDA 6a-9bSeason of Interest: Mid-May through June
19. Clematis montana 'Var. Grandiflora'
This vigorous deciduous climber, reaching heights of 12m even on a north-facing wall, produces an incredible abundance of glittering white star-shaped flowers that are slightly fragrant. Its rambling habit adds to the romance of Lowther's ruins, creating a dreamy atmosphere of rebirth.
Growth: 12x4 mOrigin: Throughout mountainous areas of Asia, from Afghanistan to TaiwanGrowing Conditions: Moist, well-drained, organically rich soils; full sun to part shadeHardiness: RHS H5, USDA 4a-9b†Season of Interest: May to June
20. Tilia x europaea
Strong-growing and exquisite, Tilia x europaea is a beautiful lime tree that becomes a grand avenue maker. It is known for its striking red twigs and leaf buds that resemble small boxing gloves. The charming cream-colored flower clusters, accompanied by the hum of bees, fill the air with their delightful fragrance in late spring.
Growth: 35x15 mOrigin: Europe, including Britain (hybrid between T. cordata and T. platyphyllos)Growing Conditions: Moist, well-drained, moderately rich soil; full sun to part shadeHardiness: RHS H6, USDA 3a-7bSeason of Interest: Flowers June to July; winter stems until first leaf bursts
More to Discover in Your Garden
In addition to these beautiful blooms, there are many other gardens worth visiting in June to gather inspiration and refresh your green thumb. Check out our recommendations for some of the best gardens to explore in various locations around the world.
Want to know more? Keep following us for advice on how to create the perfect garden, what to plant, and the best gardening tips for success.
1. The botanical gardens in your city's home-and-garden section offer an ideal setting to explore various plants and learn about their care.
2. A scenic travel destination could be a picturesque landscape garden, helping you gain new perspectives and ideas for upgrading your own garden.
3. To get ideas on fashioning a sustainable lifestyle, consider visiting a local community garden, where people share their passion for gardening and cultivating plants.
4. For those interested in pursuing urban gardening, rooftop gardens provide a unique setting for growing plants above the city, showcasing innovative techniques for limited spaces.
5. If you're a car enthusiast, a large vehicle museum with outdoor gardens is an excellent blend of automotive history and landscape design inspiration.
6. Fashion-and-beauty devotees will appreciate a garden showcasing floral designs inspired by runway trends, demonstrating the interplay between nature and style.
7. For the food-and-drink aficionados, garden restaurants and wine bars present a perfect combination of fresh ingredients, scenic views, and a relaxed atmosphere.
8. In the pursuit of enhancing relationships, a peaceful community garden or a therapy garden can serve as a tranquil space for social connection and mutual gardening endeavors.
9. For pet lovers, a haven for animals with well-designed pet spaces, such as dog parks or aviaries, can provide inspiration for creating a pet-friendly garden.
10. Diverse tourist attractions like botanical gardens, greenhouses, and arboretums located in exotic destinations offer unforgettable experiences and gardening insights from around the world.
Embrace the beauty of nature by exploring different gardens, broadening your understanding of plants, and gaining inspiration for your own garden's potential.
