Plants For Cottage Gardens in Containers

In this article, we will be discussing what plants can go into containers to cohere to the cottage garden theme.

In the garden, many fads and fashions come and go, depending on people’s taste. One gardening theme that endures is cottage gardens and the theme remains popular today. It is popular because of the nostalgia it brings to people and the romantic planting that is involved.

Traditional cottage gardens include a mixture of herbs, vegetables and flowers plants amongst each other, but today the focus has changed to mainly ornamentals. To create a cottage design, you have to include wooden trellises and pergolas, laced with roses, vines and honeysuckles, and underplanted with lavender.

You need to pack your container garden with as many bulbs and perennials that you have room for, planting them in groups of 3 or more to give a bigger impact. You need to select a range of plants that flower from spring all the way to autumn. This includes the use of annuals to fill any gaps that appear and include a rose bush or two, along with compact shrubs, topiary plants to add structure to the scheme.

This is one scheme where you can let your imagination run wild.

The following plants will not go amiss in this scheme:

ACHILLEA PTARMICA (Sneezewort) ‘The Pearl Group’

This 60cm tall, upright, spreading perennial has stiff, dark green leaves. In summer, small white, pompon-like flowers appear that resembles little white pearls. Grow it in a moisture retentive, multipurpose compost in partial shade, Ideal by the sides of paths.

ALCHEMILLA MOLLIS (Lady’s Mantle)

This 50cm tall, clump-forming perennial that looks good in the front of container displays. The leaves are rounded and pale green. On top of these tiny, greenish-yellow flowers appear over several weeks in summer. In autumn, you will need to trim back any untidy leaves and spent blooms. Grow this perennial in a well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun or partial shade.

ANEMONE x HYBRIDA (Japanese Anemone)

This 1.2m tall, slow-spreading perennials that have divided, dark green leaves. In late summer to autumn, saucer-shaped, pink or white slower sapper on upright stems. Grow it in a well-drained, multipurpose compost in partial shade.

ANTHEMIS PUNCTATA SUBSPECIES CUPANTANA (Sicilian Chamomile)

Use this plant in front of container displays or by the side of paths. It is a 30cm tall, evergreen drought-tolerant perennial that has silvery-green, feathery leaves. In summer white daisy-like flows with yellow centres appear en masse. Grow it in a well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

AQUILEGIA VULGARIS (Granny’s Bonnet)

This 90cm tall, clump-forming perennial that has green, fern-like leaves and on top, nodding bell-shaped blooms, with spurred petals appear on upright stems. The flowers appear in late spring to early summer, when planted in a container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun or partial shade. Look out for ‘Nivea’ that produces white blooms or var. Stellate ‘Nora Barlow’ that produces greenish-pink pompon-like blooms that ages to be pinked tipped.

ARGRYANTHEMUM FRUTESCEN (Marguerite)

This 70cm tall, evergreen woody subshrub has divided, green or grey-green leaves. In late spring to autumn numerous, white, yellow, or pink, daisy-like blooms appear which colour of is so dependent on the variety grown. Grow this perennial in a container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

ASTER ERICOIDES

A 1m tall, clump-forming, bushy perennial that has small, lance-shaped, mid-green leaves. On top of long stems, clusters of daisy-like, yellow centred white flowers appear that can sometimes be blue or pink. If you are looking for a taller variety that comes in shades of purple-pink, red or white then grow Aster novae-angliae ‘New England Aster’. Grow them in well-drained multipurpose compost in full sun or partial shade.

ASTILBE x ARENDSII (False Goat’s Beard)

A short, 45cm tall, clump-forming perennial that has deeply divided, dark green, fern-like leaves. In summer dark pink, cone-shaped feathery flower heads appear on slim stems. Grow it in a moisture retentive, multipurpose compost in partial shade or full shade.

CEANOTHUS (Californian Lilac) ‘Dark Star’

A 2m tall shrub that has arching branches full of small, oval, evergreen leaves. In late spring clusters of dark blue-purple flowers appear. Looks great growing against walls in a large container full of well-drained multipurpose compost in full sun.

CENTAUREA PULCHERRIMA

A 75cm tall, upright, drought-resistant perennial that forms cluster of divided, grey-green, silvery leaves. In midsummer, large, cornflower-like, rose-pink blooms with pale yellow eyes appear. Grow it in a well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

CERINTHE MAJOR (Honeywort)

This is a 60cm tall, upright annual that produces oval, grey-green leaves. In summer, tubular, purple and yellow flowers are produced on erect stems. Grow it in containers full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

CHRYSANTHEMUM (Korean Group Chrysanthemum) ‘Grandchild’

This is a short perennial, only growing up to 45cm in height. It has lobed green leaves and above this sprays of fully double, mauve-pink flowers appear in early autumn. Grow it in a container full of moisture-retentive, multipurpose compost in full sun.

CLEMATIS

In the cottage garden, a large number of clematises can be used to not only give colour but height to the garden. Grow them all in a large container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost with their heads in the sun and their roots in the shade.

‘Jackmanii’ is a late flowering clematis that flowers from midsummer to early autumn. The flowers are velvety, violet-purple with green-white stamens. Looks great growing up a trellis or wall, where it can reach a height of 3m.

‘Madame Julia Correvon’ is a vigorous climber that has masses of red blooms with central tufts of cream stamens. The blooms appear from mid to late summer and can grow up to 3m in height.

Clematis montana is a vigorous, deciduous climber where masses of white or pink flowers appear from late spring to early summer. Grow it up a large wall or pergolas, where its 12m height can be appreciated,

COSMOS BIPINNATUS

A 1.2m tall, upright annual that has feathery, mid-green foliage and produces saucer-shaped blooms of many colours, It is best to grow from seeds where containers of this plant can mingle with other perennials. Look out for ‘Sensation Mixed’ that produces white, red, and pink flowers all summer long until early autumn. Grow it in a container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

CROCOSMIA x CROCOSMIFLORA (Montbretia)

This 1.2m tall bulbous, clump-forming perennial had long, narrow, green leaves. In mid to late summer, upright spikes of amber, yellow blooms appear. Best grown at the back of container displays, where it can be partnered with purple-coloured flowers. Grow it in a large container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun or partial shade.

DAHLIA

A wide range of Dahlias are suitable to be used in containers for cottage garden scheme, but two of the most striking is ‘Bishop of Auckland’ and ‘Franz Hefner’.

‘Bishop of Auckland’ has that purple-black flushed leaves, which are divided and toothed. In midsummer to early autumn, orange centred, red, single blooms appear above the attractive leaves, where it can reach a height of 1m.

‘Franz Hefner’ has green leaves instead and produces mauve-pink, pompon-like blooms, and can grow up to 80cm in height. Use Bishop of Auckland for hot hued schemes and Franz Hefner for pastel colour schemes.

Grow these tubers in a well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

DELPHINIUM ELATUM

This firm favourite perennial can grow up to 2m in height, It has dark green, deeply cut basal leaves. On top of these leaves, tall spikes of purple, white and blue flowers appear. Grow it at the back of container displays in a large container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

DIANTHUS (Garden Pinks) ‘Dad’s Favourite’

A short 45cm, evergreen perennial that has mounds of grey-green grass-like leaves. In summer, it bears clover-scented, semi-double, white flowers with maroon patterns on them. Grow it in front in a container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

ECHINOPS RITRO (Globe Thistle)

This familiar 1.2m tall, upright perennial has prickly, dark green, divided leaves. In late summer, spherical and spiky, steel-blue flower heads appear.

Look out for ‘Veitch’s Blue’ a popular variety, Grow it in a container positioned in the middle in a well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

ERIGERON ‘White Quakeress’

This short, 50cm tall, clump-forming perennial with it long, oval-shaped green leaves, where white, daisy-like flower with white centres appear over several weeks in summer. Plant it in a front container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

ERYNGIUM BOURGATII (Sea Holly)

A small, 45cm tall, drought-tolerant perennial that has divided silver veined leaves. In mid to late summer, dark, silvery blue, come-like flower heads appear. The flower heads are encircled with a spiky, tuft that appears on metallic blue stems.

Grow it with other perennials in a container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

FRITILLARIA IMPERIALIS (Crown Imperial)

This elegant 1.5m giant bulb has a crown of blue-green leaves. Above these leaves, large, pendant, orange or yellow bell-shaped flowers appear on a long, upright stem, where they can be enjoyed in late spring. Grow it at the back of container displays in well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

FUCHSIA MAGELLANICA VAR. MOLINAE

A cottage garden will not be a cottage garden without the reliable fuchsias. This 2m tall, upright deciduous shrub has small, green lance-shaped leaves. In summer to early autumn, pale pink, pendant flowers appear on arching stems.

An attractive alternative is ‘Mrs Popple’ that has red and purple flowers in summer. They prefer to be grown in a sheltered location in a large container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun or partial shade.

GALTONIA CANDICANS (Summer Hyacinth)

This large perennial bulb grows up to 1.5m in height. It forms a clump of long, lance-shaped green leaves and in late summer, fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems. It is an elegant bun that looks good at the back of container displays. Grow it in a container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

GERANIUMS

Geraniums are another go-to plant in cottage gardening. They tend to be hardy and bring welcome colour to the container garden. You can use:

Geranium pratense (Meadow Cranesbill), which is a 60cm tall perennial with lobed, green leaves and on top of these leaves sprays of pale vile-blue flowers with white veining appear in summer.

Geranium sylvaticum (Wood Cranesbill) is a 75cm tall perennial that produces white centred blue-purple flowers from late spring typo early summer.

Grow them in a container full of moisture-retentive, multipurpose compost in full sun or partial shade.

HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (Annual Sunflower)

This annual is to impress and is an iconic cottage plant. This 3m tall, annual has large, heart-shaped, green leaves and a very long erect stem that has a large yellow, orange, mahogany or cream flower heads. The flower has a large dark centre and does make a bold statement in the garden. Grow this annual from seeds in a large container full of well-drained, multipurpose composting full sun. Support the fragile stems very well.

HELLEBORUS ORIENTALIS (Lenten Rose)

This 60cm tall. Evergreen perennial has leathery, dark green leaves that are divided into slim leaflets. In mid-winter to spring, it produces, white or greenish, sauce-shaped flowers that age to dark pink. Grow it in a container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in partial shade.

HEMEROCALLIS (Day lily) ‘Beauty to Behold’

A 60cm tall, clump-forming perennial that has arching, green, strap-like leaves, In summer, multiple flower buds open in succession to reveal double, trumpet-shaped, yellow flowers, where each bloom lasts a day. Grow it in a container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS (Hyssop)

This 60cm tall, aromatic, semi-evergreen herb has narrow green leaves, where in summer to early autumn, spikes of small violet-blue blooms appear. Grow it in front of a container display in well-drained multipurpose compost in full sun.

KNIPHOFIA UVARIA (Red-Hot Poker)

Plant this perennial in the middle of container displays in swathes, where they can show their beauty. This 1.2m tall perennial has green strap-shaped, evergreen leaves and in summer, tall spikes of red and yellow cone-shaped flower head appear, which lights up the display with its vibrant colours.

Grow it in a container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

LATHYRUS ODORATUS (Sweet Pea)

Another firm favourite that not only adds height to gardens but welcome scent. This annual climber has divided mid-green leaves and scented, pink, blue, purple or white flowers that appear all summer long until early autumn.

Plant them in large pots full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun or partial shade, where the 3m tall plants are allowed to grow up tripods, or cover fences.

LAVANDULA AUGUSTIFOLIA (Lavender)

Another classic cottage plant that grows up to 60cm in height. It is an evergreen shrub with narrow, aromatic, silvery-grey leaves. On top of these in mid to late summer, fragrant, deep purple flowers appear on wiry stems. Grow it in a container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun,

LEUCANTHEMUM x SUPERBUM (Shanty Daisy)

This old favourite is an upright perennial that has lance-shaped green leaves. In midsummer to autumn, large, white flowers with yellow centres appear. Grow it in a container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun, where it will grow up to 1m high.

LILIUM (Lily)

Another cottage garden favourite, as they bring colour and scent to the garden.

Varieties to look out for:

Lilium longiflorum (Easter Lily), which is an upright, perennial bulb that has long, shiny, lance-shaped green leaves. On top of these leaves, sprays of fragrant, large, outward-facing, funnel-shaped, white flowers appear in summer. It can grow up to 1m in height.

Lilium regale (Regal Lily) which produces large, fragrant, white, trumpet-shaped flowers that are yellow at the throat and pink-purple on the outside.

Grow these bulbs amongst the delphiniums and bushy roses in large containers full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

LUPINUS (Lupin) ‘The Chatelaine’

A wonderful colourful, classic cottage plant. It is am upright perennial that grows up to 1.2m in height and has rounded leaves that are divided onto lance-shaped leaflets. In summer, tall spikes of dark pink and white flowers appear, where it is best to grow in the middle row of container displays. Grow them in a well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

MALOPE TRIFIDA (Annual Mallow)

This 90cm tall, fast-growing upright annual has lobed, green leaves. It partners soft fruit and vegetables very well, where the purple-pink, trumpet-shaped flowers can be admired. It will also attract bees to pollinate your soft fruit flowers. The flowers appear from summer to autumn, where you can grow it in a container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

NEMOPHILA MENZIESII (Baby Blue Eyes)

This 20cm tall, low growing, spreading annual has heavily divided green leaves. In summer, sky blue, saucer-shaped bloom with blue-white centres appear. Plant it as an edging plant in the front if containers in well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

NEPETA (Catmint) ‘Six Hills Giant’

This 1m tall, vigorous, clump-forming perennial with narrow, oval, toothed, aromatic, grey-green leaves. In summer, it is covered with spiky, tubular, lavender-blue flowers. Grow it in front containers in well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

NIGELLA DAMASCENA (Love in a Mist)

This 45cm tall annual that is a must for the cottage garden. You must sow the seeds in a well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun. Best to plant in gaps in containers, where it will produce light blue flowers with delicate leafy fluffs, which appear in summer.

PAEONIA LACTIFLORA (Peony)

This 1m tall, clump-forming perennial has divided, green leaves. In early summer, bowl-shaped, single or double, white, pink, or mauve bloom. Grow it in a well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun or partial shade.

A great alternative is P. mlokosewitschii (Caucasian Peony) ‘Molly the Witch’. This is a perennial that has pinkish shoots and bluish-green leaves. The flowers that are produced in late spring to early summer are yellow and bowl-shaped. Grow it in a large container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in partial shade or full sun.

PAPAVER

Poppies are such a classic cottage plant, as without it garden will look bare/

Papaver orientale (Oriental Poppy) which is a perennial poppy that has hairy, divided, green leaves. In early summer, red, orange, pink or white, bowl-shaped bloom with black centres appear. ‘Patty’s Pink’ is the main star.

Papaver rhoeas (Annual Poppy) which has been bred from field poppies. This easy to grow annual has bowl-shaped blooms, with paper-thin petals that come in shades of white, pink, and red with white centres. Grow them in containers in a well-drained, multipurpose in full sun, where the colours can be enjoyed.

PENSTEMON

This is another old-fashioned cottage garden plant, which will grace any garden. ‘Sour Grapes’ is a semi-evergreen, upright perennial variety that has lance-shaped, light green leaves. From midsummer to autumn, tubular or bell-shaped, purple-blue flowers suffused with violet and white insides.

‘Stapleford Gem’ is also a perennial that produces tubular, blue-flushed, light purple flowers with white throats that appear from late summer to autumn.

Grow these plants in a container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun or partial shade.

POTENTILLA FRUTICOSA (Cinquefoil)

This 1m tall, bushy shrub has divided green leaves and in summer to early autumn, circular flowers appear. These blooms come in colours of white, pink, yellow, orange, or red. Great as a foil to perennials. Grow this shrub in a large container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

PRIMULA JAPONICA

This perennial that grows up to 45cm in height, bears clusters of red, purple, orange, pink or yellow flowers, upright stems that appear in early summer, over oval green leaves. Grow this plant in front of container displays full of well-drained multipurpose compost in full sun or partial shade.

ROSA (Rose)

Roses are one of the most important plants in the cottage garden. Roses bring beauty to the garden, scent and height what more can you ask? You have plenty of choice to what rose you can use. This is what I recommend.

All roses prefer to be grown in large containers full of well-drained, enriched multipurpose compost in full sun. All roses will need to be deadheaded regularly and fed throughout the growing season.

‘Albertine’ is a vigorous rambler rose that has reddish stems and dark, glossy green leaves. In summer, it bears clusters of fully double, salmon-pink flowers in a single flush. Grows up to 5m in height.

‘Ballerina’ which bears clusters of small, white-centred, pale pink flowers in repeated flushes from midsummer to early autumn. Grows up to 1.5m in height.

‘Lutea’ is a vigorous, semi-evergreen rambling rose that bears a large number of unscented, double, soft yellow flowers in a single flush that appears in late spring. Grows up to 10m in height.

‘Buff Beauty’ is a mid-border shrub that produces large clusters of fragrant, double-blooms of apricot colour, from summer to autumn. Grows up to 1.2m in height.

‘Complicate’ is a shrub rose that produces mid-pink, white centred, single, mildly scented flower in mid-summer in a single flush. Grows up to 2.2m in height.

‘Gertrude Jekyll’ can be grown as a shrub or a small climber. It produces, large, richly-scented, fully double, pink flowers from summer to early autumn. Grows up to 2m in height.

‘Roseraie de L’Hay’ -This shrub produces fragrant, double, purple-orange flowers from summer to autumn. Grows up to 2.2m in height.

‘Summer Wine’ is climbing rose that produces small clusters of fragrant, flat-faced, semi-double, coral-pink flowers that appear from summer to autumn, Grows up to 3m in height.

‘Zephirine Drouhin’ which is another rose that can be either grown as a shrub or a small climber. It bears double, bright pink flowers and can grow up to 2.2m in height.

SALVIA

Salvias are another mainstay of the cottage garden as the blues and the vibrant reds do add colour to the garden.

Salvia officinalis (Sage) is a shrubby perennial that has oval, aromatic, grey-green leaves that are used in culinary dishes. In summer, spikes of lilac-pink appear, where it grows up to 30cm in height.

Salvia pratensis (Clary) is a perennial that is clump-forming and has large leathery, green leaves and in early summer, upright stems are produced that have purple, two-lipped flowers. Also, look out for annual salvias that tend to produce red flowers.

SANTOLINA PINNATA (Cotton Lavender)

This is a relatively short shrub, only growing up to 75cm in height. It is an attractive shrub that has finely toothed, silver foliage and in summer, yellow, pompon-like blooms appear. Grow this shrub in a large container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost.

SIDALCEA MALVIFLORA (Checkerbloom)

This 90cm tall, upright perennial has lobed, green leaves and in summer funnel-shaped, lilac or pale pink flowers appear on tall stems. Grow it in a well-drained, ericaceous compost in full sun.

SPIRAEA NIPPONICA (Tosa Spirea)

This shrub is ideal for the back of containers displays. This 2.5m tall shrub has small, oval green leaves that cover the wiry stems. On top of the leaves, rounded clusters of tiny, white bloom clothe the side-shoots in summer. Grow this shrub in a large container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

STOKESIA LAEVIS (Stokes Aster)

This short, 45cm tall perennial has narrow, mid-green leaves. From midsummer to mid-autumn, large cornflower-like, purple-blue flowers appear on short stems. Grow it in a container full of well-drained, ericaceous compost in full sun.

SYMPHORICARPOS x DOORENBOSII (Snowberry)

This 2m tall vigorous, deciduous shrub that has small, dark green, rounded leaves and in summer, tiny white flowers appear. These flowers are soon followed by clusters of round, white fruits that give winter interest. Grow it in a large container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun or partial shade.

TULIPA (Tulip)

Tulips are a great addition to a cottage garden and they will add interest in spring.

‘China Perk’ is a 50cm tall, late-flowering spring blub that has greyish-greed leaves, where slender rose-pink flowers with pointed, outward curved petals appear.

‘Spring Green’ has lance-shaped, dark green leaves and creamy white. Cup-shaped flowers with green markings and appear in late spring.

Grow tulips in containers full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

VERBASCUM CHAIXII (Mullein)

This perennial that grows up to 90cm in height, will make a great focal point in any cottage garden scheme. The plant makes a rosette of coarse leaves and throughout summer, upright stems are produced that are full of long clusters of pale yellow flowers. Grow it in a container full of well-drained, multipurpose compost in full sun.

CONCLUSIONS

In this article, we have discussed what container plants can be used to give you the desired cottage gardens theme. There are numerous plants both old favourites and new varieties, that can give you points of interest from colour, height, scent, being it from annuals, perennials and shrubs.

It may be an old-fashioned favourite but it has many miles left in the tank and I recommend them to be used in the container garden.

If you have any questions or comments that you wish to make, please do so in the comment box below.

Get container gardening today.