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From Peruvian lilies to phlox: 8 pretty perennials you can still plant in July for late-summer colour
Spring and autumn might be the ideal planting windows, but it's not too late to establish some perennials
In terms of perennials, July is typically a time of reaping rather than sowing. Beds and borders are now in full bloom, and gardening to-do lists focus on watering, weeding, feeding and deadheading.
Still, there are plenty of pretty perennials that can still be planted now – provided they can be established in warm weather and you can commit to a rigorous watering schedule.
"The main thing with July planting is to choose healthy plants with strong roots, then water them well after planting and keep an eye on them while they establish," says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres.
"A mulch around the base will help hold in moisture, which is especially useful if the weather turns hot and dry again."
Plant the perennials below now to enjoy garden colour well into late summer and beyond.
Peruvian Lily
Midsummer planting can work well for Alstromeria – also known as Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas – if you keep them well watered.
"They thrive in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil and in full sun or partial shade. These eye-catching plants also do well in large pots," says Chris Bonnet, founder of online garden centre Gardening Express.
Coneflowers
Coneflowers, or echinaceas, are lovely daisy-like blooms with a large, bulging cone in the middle. If you plant them now, give them plenty of water to establish.
"Pick a spot in full sun with well-draining soil and soak the rootball before planting," says Chris. "Make sure to water well and apply a layer of organic mulch to keep the moisture in."
Hardy geraniums
You can't beat hardy geraniums when it comes to creating a cottage garden feel – and these long-lasting perennials can still be planted now.
"They're useful for weaving through borders, softening edges and filling awkward gaps, and they tend to settle in well if planted in July with plenty of water," says Julian.
Phlox
The colourful clusters of phlox are great for creating a full border, particularly if you have plants that are slowly nearing the end of their flowering period.
Black-eyed Susan
This bright yellow flower, which is also known as Goldsturm or Rudbeckia fulgida, can still be grown in July, but it needs a little extra help to get established.
"Watering is critical," says Chris. "Soak deeply around the rootball three times a week so it stays consistently moist during the first few weeks. A generous layer of mulch will keep the roots cool."
Verbena bonariensis
If you're after a tall, dramatic plant to plant now, Verbena bonmariensis could be a good choice – but you'll need to opt for a potted one, says Chris.
"This stunning plant with its delicate purple blooms loves a sunny spot with well-draining soil," he adds. "Remember to water deeply for the first few weeks until its roots establish."
Sedum
Looking for a plant that doesn't need plenty of water? "Sedum is a smart pick for drier borders, especially if you want something low-maintenance," says Julian.
Catmint
![catmint nepeta racemosa 'walker's low'. nepeta is a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants in the family lamiaceae. the members of this group are known as catnip or catmint because of their famous effect on cats nepeta pleasantly stimulates cats' pheromonic receptors, typically resulting in temporary euphoria. it can also induce mild euphoria in humans. the genus is native to europe, asia and africa. it is now also common in north america. most of the species are herbaceous perennial plants, but some are annuals. they have sturdy stems with opposite heart shaped, green to grayish green leaves. the flowers are white, blue, pink or lilac and occur in several clusters toward the tip of the stems. the flowers are tubular and spotted with tiny purple dots. image is captured in 12 bit raw and processed in adobe rgb color space. [file:xxx; lot:39]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/f0492a92-03a3-4352-aefe-eec391f034b7.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.838xh;0,0.0428xh "Catmint / Catnip, Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' - IV")
Catmint, or nepeta, is another tough perennial you can plant now. With its soft grey-green foliage and long-lasting flowers, it's not just a boon to the border but also to bees and butterflies.
Wanda Sachs is the Multiplatform Writer for Country Living and House Beautiful, exploring the latest in gardening, wildlife and sustainable living alongside interiors and property. She is particularly interested in human-interest stories, the intersection of design and pop culture, and the evolving relationship between urban and rural life. Previously, she served as Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she reported on culture and fashion. Wanda studied English and German at the Goethe University Frankfurt and Exeter University.
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