Gaps in your borders? It's not too late to plant some summer showstoppers

Garden centres are full of flowers that will require a lot of energy. Here's what you should plant instead ...

Gaps in your borders? It's not too late to plant some summer showstoppers

TL;DR

  • June is the last chance to plant for July garden gaps, but dry summers make planting difficult.
  • Avoid buying high-energy flowering plants from garden centers; focus on perennials instead.
  • Salvias are perennial, bloom until November (with deadheading), and can deter blackspot on roses.
  • Dahlias can provide show-stopping flowers until the first frost if potted ones are bought now.
  • Hylotelephium (sedums) are reliable perennials, tolerant of various conditions, and easy to divide.