Your garden should be a source of joy and beauty throughout the year, but unpredictable weather can sometimes make it difficult to know which plants will thrive.
In this article, gardening expert Calum Maddock at HomeHow.co.uk explores a variety of flowering plants that can withstand everything that Mother Nature throws their way, from scorching summers to harsh winters.
Whether you prefer vibrant pops of colour or elegant, understated blooms, there’s a perfect all-weather plant to add life to your outdoor space.
Hemerocallis
These bright orange, glowing plants have large, lily-like, ruffled flowers that open for just a single day. They are great for creating a large, colourful display. The flowers stand on strong stems and are very easy to grow. The flowers are short-lived, and this gives them the common name daylily. However, they are produced in very fast succession, and you’ll find multiple flowering stems on each plant. They are very hardy and can survive harsh British winter weather without the need for any further protection. Most varieties are herbaceous perennials. This means they tend to die down each autumn and then re-bloom each spring. However, some varieties are evergreen. This means they keep their leaves throughout the year.
Primula Vulgaris
These types of primrose are known for their long flowering periods. They can often bloom as early as December. They tend to thrive in damp, shaded conditions and work wonderfully in providing an early source of pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinating insects. Allow the plants to self-seed naturally around your garden. Mulch annually with some good-quality compost or well-rotted manure.
Geranium Phaeum
These plants self-seed, so this makes them very useful for filling up large areas of your garden. They are commonly known as mourning widows, dusky crane’s-bill, or black widows. The dark violet flower provides elegant beauty to your garden. For the best results, these should be planted in moist, well-drained soil and can be placed in full sun to shade. Cut back the plants after flowering if you want to encourage a further flush of blooms.
Iris Pseudacorus
These plants work best in moist areas with rich soil and thrive when placed in an area with full sun exposure. They are the ideal addition to any wildlife garden as they attract hoverflies, bees, and other insects. These plants work well when placed close to a pond. They can thrive in up to a foot of brackish or fresh water. Remove wilted flowers when they die off, but keep the leaves until they are completely yellow. The leaves must remain connected to the roots until they are completely dead so the plant can build up stocks ready for the next bloom.
Hydrangea Arborescens
These flowers look beautiful when planted in the borders around your garden. The flower heads can grow up to 30cm in width and create a gorgeous white statement. They thrive in well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade. These plants are known for being very hardy. However, late winter frosts can damage the buds, so it’s best to plant them in sheltered corners of the garden or against a warm wall if your garden gets quite cold in the winter. Regular pruning can help to keep these naturally open plants more dense and compact. It’s important to note that these flowers can be toxic to cats and dogs, so keep this in mind if you have pets that regularly use the garden.
Euphorbia Characias
These plants are also commonly known as Mediterranean Spurge. They are enthusiastic plants that can grow up to 1.2 metres in height. These are a perfect addition if you want your garden to look full throughout the year. For the best results, grow these plants in moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Cut the flower stems to ground level when the blooms fade. Take care when handling these plants, as they produce a thick, white sap which can irritate the skin and eyes.
Final Thoughts
This list offers just a taste of the many fantastic all-weather plants available to transform your garden into a haven of year-round beauty. From the sun-loving Hydrangea to the shade-tolerant Primula Vulgaris, there’s a perfect plant for every corner of your outdoor space. So, don’t let unpredictable weather dampen your gardening spirit! Embrace the power of these resilient blooms and watch your garden flourish, rain or shine. Remember, with a little planning and the right plant choices, you can cultivate a vibrant outdoor oasis that brings you joy throughout the entire year.
