Michael sources fresh plant picks for a colourful, thriving garden
The days are getting longer, the birds are getting louder, and garden centres are about to explode with colour – it can only mean one thing: spring is upon us!
If your borders are looking a little worse for wear after winter, now is the time to start planning ahead. The best plants for long-lasting, low-maintenance blooms will be arriving in garden centres before you know it.
Farplants is the supplier of more than 11 million plants to garden retailers across the UK every year and their collection of summer-flowering beauties promises bold colours, head-turning fragrance and fuss-free growing.
So, grab your trowel and take a look at some plants that deserve a spot in your garden this year.
Spiraea Walberton’s® Plum Carpet
A must for anyone who loves easy-care plants with long-lasting appeal, Spiraea Walberton’s® Plum Carpet is striking. Its deep plum shoots create a rich backdrop to the masses of vibrant magenta flowers that arrive in summer.
If you’re already a fan of Spiraea Walberton’s® Magic Carpet (‘Walbuma’), you’ll love this variety as they make the perfect pair – one with orangey autumn tones, the other with bold plum shades. Available from March to May, it’s a great choice to kick-start your summer planting plans.
Nemesia ‘Evening Dusk’ and N.‘Lady Penelope’
For gardeners who appreciate fragrance as much as colour, Nemesia ‘Evening Dusk’ and N. ‘Lady Penelope’ should be on your radar. These exclusive Farplants-bred varieties have transformed nemesias into a garden staple thanks to their improved flower colour, size and scent.
Their neat, compact habit makes them perfect for containers, hanging baskets, or the front of a border. ‘Evening Dusk’ offers soft, twilight hues with a delightful fragrance, while ‘Lady Penelope’ provides a more delicate, pastel palette. Both varieties are repeat-flowering, ensuring you get plenty of colour from April to June.
Lavandula Bella Toscane®
A garden classic with a fresh twist, Lavandula Bella Toscane® is a standout lavender variety that combines early flowering with excellent disease resistance.
This naturally compact plant thrives in full sun and can handle temperatures down to -10°C, making it a reliable choice for UK gardens.
Its deep purple flowers are larger than many traditional lavenders, creating a striking display in borders and containers. Plus, its scent is irresistible to both gardeners and pollinators alike. Available in garden centres from May, it’s perfect for adding Mediterranean spice to your outdoor space.
Hydrangea Cloud Nine
Hydrangea enthusiasts, take note – H. Cloud Nine (‘Tmhy18-1’) is a new plant that deserves a spot in your garden.
This hardy shrub produces abundant white lacecap flowers that bloom for months, gradually opening from a pale lime green to a crisp, brilliant white. With glossy green leaves and striking serrated petal edges, this variety is a fantastic choice for adding height and structure to a border. It also performs beautifully in large patio containers.
Whether you have a tricky shady corner or want a reliable showstopper, Cloud Nine delivers. Look out for it in garden centres in May and June.
Rosa Scentifall™ Blush
A rose that thrives in a hanging basket? Yes, you read that right. Rosa Scentifall™ Blush is bred specifically for cascading growth, making it a unique and space-saving choice for balconies, patios, or small gardens.
Its arching habit showcases delicate blush pink blooms, which release a rich, classic rose fragrance. Pair it with Scentifall Lemon – last year’s popular launch – for a stunning duo that offers both colour and scent. Whether grown in baskets, containers, or trailing from raised beds, this variety is a conversation starter.
Expect to find it in garden centres from May and June.
Coreopsis Walberton’s® Flying Saucers
Flowering from summer right through to late autumn, this hardy perennial provides an extended season of vibrant blooms, and is ideal for pots, borders or cottage garden planting schemes. This range comes in four striking colours, all boasting excellent disease resistance and outstanding flower power.
With its ability to handle varying weather conditions, Flying Saucers is a reliable performer.
Available from June, it’s a fantastic way to keep your outdoor space looking fresh well into autumn.
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