Summer Bedding plants

During the Scottish summer, which typically spans from June to August, choosing the right bedding plants is crucial for creating a vibrant and thriving garden. Given Scotland's cooler and often wetter climate, it's important to select plants that can withstand these conditions. Here are a few bedding plant recommendations for Scottish summers in Perthshire:

Begonias: These versatile plants come in a variety of colours and thrive in partial shade, making them well-suited for Scotland's temperamental weather. They provide lush foliage and beautiful blooms throughout the summer months.

Geraniums: Hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbills, are reliable performers in Scottish gardens. They offer a profusion of colourful flowers and are tolerant of varying soil conditions. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Lobelia: Lobelias are ideal for adding vibrant splashes of colour to borders, hanging baskets, or containers. They prefer moist soil and can tolerate cooler temperatures, making them well-suited for Scottish summers.

Nasturtiums: These annual flowers not only provide bright blooms in shades of orange, red, and yellow but are also edible. Nasturtiums thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, making them an excellent choice for Scottish gardens.

Pansies: Pansies are cool-season favourites that can handle the Scottish summer climate. They offer a wide range of colours and provide continuous blooms throughout the season. Pansies prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.

Salvia: Salvia varieties, such as Salvia nemorosa or Salvia farinacea, are well-adapted to Scottish summers. They boast vibrant spikes of flowers in hues of blue, purple, or red and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.

Violas: Violas, often referred to as miniature pansies, are resilient and perfect for Scottish summers. They produce charming, small flowers in an array of colours and can tolerate cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall.

When planting bedding plants in Scotland, ensure they are well-watered, especially during drier periods. Additionally, adding organic matter to the soil and applying mulch can help retain moisture and maintain soil fertility. Regular deadheading and removing faded blooms will encourage continuous flowering throughout the summer. With careful selection and proper care, these bedding plants will add beauty and colour to your Scottish garden throughout the summer season.