These classic cottage garden flowers are the secret to bringing that cozy, rustic charm right to your backyard. Here’s a look at some of my favorite picks and why they deserve a spot in your flower beds.
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++Aster (Aster)
Asters are a member of the daisy family and bring a wonderful, natural vibe to any garden. They are an absolute staple for cottage-style landscaping. You can find them in gorgeous shades of purple, white, pink, and blue, with heights ranging anywhere from 8 inches to 5 feet tall. To get the best show, make sure to find a sunny spot for them. Plenty of light ensures those blooms really pop and keep you smiling all season long.
++Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
If you want that “wildflower meadow” look, you can’t go wrong with Hollyhocks. They harmonize beautifully with local wild plants and come in a huge variety of colors. These beauties can tower over 6 feet tall, making them the perfect choice for the back of a border or anywhere you need some vertical drama. Just remember to plant your Hollyhocks in a place where they can soak up plenty of sunshine.
++Delphinium (Delphinium)
Delphinium is one of the most iconic perennials out there. Gardeners everywhere rave about that intense, true-blue color that’s so hard to find in other plants. They’re pretty flexible and will grow in full sun or partial shade. The main Delphinium bloom time is usually June and July, but here’s a pro tip: if you deadhead the faded flowers, you might just get lucky with a second flush of blooms later in the summer!
++Peony (Paeonia)
Looking for something big, lush, and romantic? Peonies are the way to go. These showstoppers usually bloom around late spring or early summer (often right around Memorial Day here in the States). You’ll love the massive white or pink blossoms. While they enjoy the sun, they also do well in partial shade. Just be careful—too much intense afternoon sun can actually sunburn the leaves of some varieties.
++Korean Mint / Hummingbird Mint (Agastache rugosa)
Agastache is a fantastic addition to any country garden. It produces these cool, candle-like flower spikes in a lovely blue-violet hue. Growing about 28 inches tall, it gives off a wonderful scent and is a total magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. To keep those flower spikes coming, give your Agastache the sunniest spot you’ve got.
++Golden Marguerite / Dog Fennel (Anthemis)
For a splash of bright yellow, look no further than Anthemis. It has that classic “chamomile” look that everyone recognizes and loves. The best part? It’s incredibly low-maintenance. It’s not picky about fertilizer and doesn’t need a ton of water, making it a “set it and forget it” favorite for busy gardeners.
++Hydrangea (Hydrangea)
You can’t talk about cottage gardens without mentioning Hydrangeas. They offer a level of flower power that’s hard to beat! Depending on the variety, you can get all sorts of colors—and you can even change the color of your Hydrangeas by tweaking the soil’s pH level. Because they have big green leaves and a bushy growth habit, they even work great as a natural privacy screen.
++Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
If you want to add a touch of fairytale magic to a shady corner, Bleeding Heart is your best friend. The flowers look like tiny pink hearts with a little white “tear” dropping from the bottom. Since these originally come from woodland areas, they are perfectly happy in spots with very little direct sunlight.