Plants for June

In June, we recommend you plant:

This striking, tall growing plant from New Zealand creates a real focal point with its clumps of sword like foliage and impressive spike of red flowers
It is tolerant of most aspects and most soils and is reasonably hardy except during very harsh winters
It is an architectural plant and will create diversity in a border. It is also tolerant of seaside conditions and where atmospheric pollution is a problem
There are several good coloured and variegated foliage forms available that can make an attractive contrast when grouped together in a garden

Commonly referred to as the Mop Headed Hydrangea, this popular plant produces masses of large globular flower heads throughout summer
To maintain the colour of the blue flowered varieties these plants must be grown in acidic soils or the colour will revert to pink
Hydrangeas are gross feeders and will benefit from regular mulches of organic material and good watering through dry periods
These will happily grow to 2 metres or more in good soil conditions and in a favourable aspect but generally are around 1 to 1.5metres high
Unless you wish to keep the dead flower heads for arrangements, cut back all new growth to the old wood after flowering, except if located in very cold areas when it is better to do this in late spring

These popular deciduous plants produce masses of small flowers throughout the summer months from June to September
There are numerous different varieties with flower colours ranging from red, orange, pink, yellow and white
All are quite bushy and their twig like appearance during the winter often creates the impression they have succumbed to bad weather however these are generally quite hardy and tough and will withstand most winter conditions
They thrive in most soils and aspects and are tolerant of shade, however they give their best colour flowers in full sun
They are generally small to medium shrubs and rarely exceed 1.5metres in height, with many being compact dwarf forms of less than 1 metre

Hugely popular climbers seen and grown in many gardens and held in great affection by most gardeners
The large flowered hybrids come in a fantastic range of flower sizes and colours and, whilst selecting, ensure you give as much effort to the soil preparation and position
Large flowered varieties as a rule like their flowers in the sun (there are a few exceptions), and their roots in the cool, whilst all prefer to get established in a good loamy soil containing well-rotted manure and a sprinkling of lime mixed in
Large flowered varieties are gross feeders and will always benefit from annual mulches of manure and plenty of water during dry periods
Sometimes these large flowered varieties unfortunately succumb to a puzzling disease called ‘Clematis Wilt’ which tends to affect younger plants but it is worth persisting and trying different varieties until you achieve success

Not an individual plant but a whole host that fits under this umbrella term
No garden would be complete without a selection of perennials that produce wonderful flowers and often foliage throughout the summer months and then die back during the winter only to re-appear in the spring, year after year
Most are gross feeders and good preparation of a border or island bed with the inclusion of well rotted manure will benefit these plants for years to come
Many require lifting every so often and dividing and this will give you opportunities to plant favourites in other locations too
For some, slugs can be a problem in early spring but a liberal use of proprietary brands will normally suppress the visual damage caused by these pests
If starting a border from new, take time to research the many varieties, shapes and sizes available so you create the right arrangements of heights, forms and colours for your space