Instant spring colours to cheer up your garden - the plants will 'flower for months'
With the first bank holiday weekend over and three more to look forward to in May, now's the time to inject some spring colour into your garden to make the most of the long weekends ahead. Here gardening expert Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk picks out his top plants for adding an instant splash of colour.
If gardening is a hobby and you’re out in all weather, then you’ll be beginning to enjoy the fruits of your labour right now with flowering spring bulbs you planted last year.
But for those who weren’t quite as organised or simply ran out of time, adding some spring colour to your outside space will give your garden a lift after the winter months.
There are lots of beautiful plants which will give you instant colour and interest in the garden. The added bonus is many will carry on doing just that throughout the year and you can enjoy their changing shades as the seasons change.
Here are my suggestions for some of the best plants to inject a splash of colour into your garden.
Senetti
Senetti plants are vibrant and bring an early blast of beautiful, bright blooms to the garden. They can cope with most weather conditions too, and if you look after them, will treat you with blocks all summer.
Prunus Comet - Compact Cherry Almond Shrub
This dwarf, flowering bushy shrub grows around five feet tall and is full of blooms during April and May. It’s a good all-rounder throughout the year. During summer the elongated leaves will provide dappled shade and in autumn the shrub will display an eye-catching yellow-bronze colour.
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Armeria maritima splendens - Sea Thrift plants
A beautiful plant which will flower for months - right through from early spring to autumn. Flowers are bright pink, on slender stems with neat, grass-like foliage. These work well in borders or in tubs on the patio.
Alliums
Alliums flower early summer and are a beautiful addition to any garden. The long, elegant stems and structural seed head once they’ve faded will create interest for months. Plant alliums in borders and mixed beds for the best display.
Bellis Daisy Flowered Rose
Delicate daisies like pom pom flowers adorn these plants throughout spring. Remember to deadhead to encourage more flowering. These hardy plants will grow in partial shade and sunshine and will create a wonderful display in borders or in containers.
Fragrant Blue English Lavender
This is a classic British cottage garden favourite and versatile in any style of garden. Great to line pathways, in containers, as a low hedge - it will work anywhere. Bees love this plant and the unmistakable perfume will leave your garden sweet smelling all summer.