Early summer perennials for vibrant colour and easy care

As winter begins to fade into a bad memory and spring gets into its stride, the plants that rise early in the growing season get to take centre stage for themslves for a while.

We are used to thinking about spring flowering bulbs, like daffodils and tulips in this context, but early perennials also have a big role to play, adding colour and structure just as the spring bulbs are fading.

These plants don’t just add early colour—they provide a vital food source for pollinators and help shape your borders before the summer bloomers take over. Many keep their foliage looking good long after flowering too, which adds texture and interest throughout the season.

Some of the best early-season stars include lupins, with their bold flower spikes and palmate leaves, and peonies, which offer big, blousy blooms in shades from white to deep red. Both make strong, long-lived additions to any garden.

In sunnier spots, coreopsis brings warm yellows and golds, while delphiniums give you those rich blues and purples that can be hard to find. Astrantia is a great choice if you’re after something a bit different—its pincushion flowers hover above neat clumps of foliage and work well in mixed borders. While, Aquilegia (or columbine) adds a bit of magic with its nodding, spurred flowers.

What all these perennials have in common is their resilience. They cope well with the unpredictable weather we often get in spring and help set the tone for the rest of the year. By planting a few of these reliable performers, you’ll enjoy colour early on and build a strong foundation for a garden that keeps on giving into summer and beyond.

We’ll look in detail into these plants and more below.

Peonies for Stunning Blooms

Peonies are among the most captivating perennials you can grow. Their bold, fragrant blooms bring elegance and classic beauty to your early summer garden.

Varieties to Consider

Choose ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ for large, fragrant pink flowers that make excellent cut blooms. Opt for ‘Karl Rosenfield’ if you prefer striking crimson petals that stand out in borders. For something unusual, try ‘Bowl of Beauty’, a Japanese peony with pale pink ruffled edges and a vivid yellow centre.

Tree peonies like ‘Yao’s Yellow’ offer impressive, long-lasting blooms and a woody structure, while herbaceous types die back in winter and return each spring. If you love doubles, go for ‘Shirley Temple’, a creamy white variety. Look for intersectional hybrids like ‘Bartzella’, which combine the best traits of herbaceous and tree peonies, boasting robust yellow flowers.

Tips for Growing Peonies

Plant peonies in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. They thrive in sunny spots but can tolerate dappled shade. Avoid deep planting—only cover the crown with 2–3cm of soil to encourage flowering.

Give young plants time to establish, as they may not bloom their first year. Mulch in autumn to protect the roots and provide nutrients. After blooms fade, deadhead spent flowers to maintain neatness, but don’t cut back foliage until late autumn.

Support your peonies with stakes or rings to prevent drooping stems in heavy rain. Keep an eye out for botrytis, a fungal disease, especially in damp conditions. Good airflow and proper spacing can help prevent problems.

Lupins

Lupins (or Lupines) offer dramatic vertical blooms in an array of striking colours. Their unique spires and soft green foliage bring texture and vibrancy to early summer displays.

Best Colours for Early Summer

Choose lupin varieties with vivid, eye-catching shades to brighten your garden. Rich purples, deep blues, and bold pinks create a classic yet dramatic look. For a softer feel, go with pastel tones like creamy yellows or pale lavender. Consider bi-coloured blooms, such as ‘The Governor’ with its blue and white petals, or ‘Gallery Red’, an option that adds depth with its fiery hues. These colours not only add variety but also attract pollinators, enhancing your garden’s vitality and biodiversity.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Plant lupins in well-drained, slightly acidic soil to ensure healthy growth. They flourish in areas with full sun, although partial shade is tolerated in hotter climates. Choose a location with ample air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Lupines also benefit from deep watering during dry spells but dislike waterlogged soil. Adding mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Deadhead spent flowers to prolong the blooming season and encourage fresh growth into early summer. With the right care, lupines reward you with a striking and enduring garden display.

Dianthus

Known for their sweet, clove-like scent, Dianthus flowers add a delightful aroma to your garden. These beauties, (often called Pinks) also captivate with their frilly petals and vibrant colours.

Popular Dianthus Varieties

Choose from classic varieties like Dianthus ‘Pink Kisses’, which boasts two-toned pink flowers and performs beautifully in containers. The charming ‘Doris’ produces pastel pink petals with a crimson centre, ideal for borders. For a more traditional look, the richly-scented ‘Gran’s Favourite’ offers crisp white flowers edged with raspberry.

If you prefer bold colour, the velvety ‘Crimson Velvet’ serves striking, deep red blooms, perfect for a vibrant summer display. Compact varieties like Dianthus deltoides are versatile for rockeries or edging paths.

With so many types available, Dianthus fits well in almost any garden setting.

How to Care for Dianthus

Plant Dianthus in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil to ensure healthy growth. Position them in full sun for vibrant blooms, though they tolerate light shade. Water moderately, avoiding waterlogged conditions, and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Deadhead faded flowers regularly to prolong their blooming period. Mulch around plants in colder climates to protect roots during winter.

Every three to four years, divide overcrowded Dianthus plants to maintain their vigour. These straightforward steps keep your Dianthus thriving year after year.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a cheerful perennial that’s perfect for bringing vibrant splashes of colour to early summer gardens. These daisy-like flowers are a favourite among gardeners for their charm and ease of care.

Benefits of Planting Coreopsis

Enjoy long-lasting blooms with Coreopsis, as they flower continuously from late spring to early autumn. Their bright yellow, red, or bi-coloured petals add warmth and vibrance to borders or containers. Attract essential pollinators like bees and butterflies, creating a bustling wildlife-friendly environment in your garden. Coreopsis thrives in full sun, making them ideal for sunny spaces and drought-prone areas, thanks to their hardy, drought-resistant nature. Choose from popular varieties like ‘Moonbeam’ for pale yellow tones or ‘Zagreb’ for an intense golden hue. Their compact growth habit suits smaller garden spaces, while taller species are perfect for adding height to mixed borders.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Plant Coreopsis in well-drained soil and a sunny location to ensure healthy growth. Water newly-planted Coreopsis regularly but reduce watering once they’re established to prevent over-saturation. Deadhead spent blooms frequently to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to support vigorous growth and vibrant blooms. Divide mature clumps every two to three years to prevent overcrowding and maintain plant vitality. Watch for pests like aphids or leafhoppers, and address issues quickly with organic pest control methods. Coreopsis is low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for beginners or gardeners looking for reliable, easy-to-grow plants.

Delphiniums

Delphiniums bring striking vertical interest and vibrant colours to your garden, making them perfect for enhancing borders or creating eye-catching focal points. Like Lupins, these perennials are known for their tall spires, adorned with densely-packed blooms in shades like blue, white, pink, or lavender.

Choosing the Right Delphinium Variety

Selecting the right delphinium variety is crucial for aesthetic and practical success. For reliable performance, consider Delphinium elata hybrids, such as the Pacific Giant series. These grow up to 1.8 metres tall and feature large blooms in vivid shades.

Smaller spaces benefit from compact varieties like Delphinium Belladonna, which typically reach around 1 metre in height. Their open, airy flower spikes add a delicate touch. If you prefer a cottage garden style, try varieties like ‘Blue Jay’ or ‘Pink Punch’, offering distinctive hues and textures.

Choose disease-resistant delphiniums, as they’re less prone to issues like powdery mildew. Look for sunny, sheltered spots to protect spindly varieties from strong winds, ensuring they thrive and enhance your garden’s appearance.

Planting and Care Guidelines

Plant delphiniums in late spring or early summer for optimal growth. Choose well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter to support their nutrient needs. Space plants 45–60 cm apart to encourage air circulation and prevent fungal issues.

Water deeply, especially during dry periods, to maintain consistent soil moisture without overwatering. Delphiniums are heavy feeders, so feed them monthly with a balanced fertiliser to fuel their vigorous growth and vibrant blooms.

Stake taller varieties early to prevent damage from wind or rain. Place supports close to the plant, tying stems loosely to avoid restricting growth. Deadhead spent flowers promptly to prolong the blooming period, and in autumn, cut back the stems to ground level. This prepares them for winter dormancy and robust spring growth.

Salvia

Salvia, with its vibrant colours and pollinator-friendly blooms, is a must-have addition to your early summer garden. These versatile plants are both striking and easy to care for.

Types of Salvia for Early Summer

Choose Salvia nemorosa or woodland sage for its bold, upright flower spikes in purples, blues, and whites. These stunning choices bloom from late spring to early summer. Look for varieties like ‘Caradonna’ (above) with its deep violet hues or ‘May Night’, a classic favourite.

Consider Salvia farinacea, also known as mealycup sage, for long-lasting blooms. Varieties like ‘Victoria Blue’ showcase dense clusters of vivid flowers that attract bees and butterflies. If you prefer a pop of red, Salvia coccinea varieties such as ‘Lady in Red’ or ‘Summer Jewel Red’ are excellent options.

For versatility, perennial Salvias pair beautifully with grasses and other cottage garden favourites. Their showy and fragrant flowers make them fabulous for borders and containers.

How to Maintain Healthy Plants

Plant salvia in a sunny spot with well-drained soil to prevent root rot. While they tolerate drought once established, water young plants regularly to encourage strong growth.

Prune salvia after the first flush of blooms to maintain their tidy shape and encourage reblooming. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong their flowering period through summer.

Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to boost their energy reserves. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Divide the plants every 3-4 years to keep them vigorous and prevent overcrowding.

Astrantia

Astrantia, also called masterwort, is perfect for adding charm and texture to your garden borders. Its intricate star-shaped flowers bloom beautifully from late spring into early summer.

Best Astrantia Varieties

Choose ‘Roma’ for its soft pink blooms and elegant look in mixed borders. ‘Ruby Wedding’ offers deep red flowers that make a bold statement. For a touch of subtle beauty, try ‘Major’, known for creamy-white flowers with green tips. ‘Hadspen Blood’, with its rich wine-red hues, works excellently in shaded spots. If you prefer a unique twist, ‘Star of Fire’ brings a striking bicolour effect with ruby-red and white tones.

Care Instructions for Astrantia

Plant Astrantia in moist, humus-rich soil to ensure healthy growth. Position it in partial shade, although it tolerates full sun with adequate watering. Water regularly in dry periods to maintain soil moisture. Apply mulch to retain water and suppress weeds around the base. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage further flowering. Divide clumps every three to four years in autumn to maintain vigour and prevent overcrowding. Prune back old foliage after flowering to keep plants tidy for the season ahead.

Aquilegia

Aquilegia, or columbine, is a charming early summer perennial that adds grace to your garden with its unique, delicate blooms. Its intricate flower shapes and vibrant colours make it a standout addition to any border or display.

Unique Aquilegia Colours

Aquilegia flowers come in an incredible range of hues, offering something for every aesthetic. Their bi-coloured petals, often in combinations like purple and white or pink and yellow, create striking contrasts. Varieties like ‘Blue Star’ with pale blue and white flowers, and ‘Nora Barlow’ featuring soft pink with green-tipped double blooms, are particularly popular. For a bold statement, choose ‘Crimson Star’ with deep red and white petals. These colour variations bring vibrancy and elegance, ensuring they catch the eye wherever they’re planted.

The attractive spurred form of Aquilegia flowers also draws pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding life to your outdoor space. Planted en masse or mixed with other early summer perennials, they create a delicate yet dramatic effect, perfect for cottage-style gardens or contemporary landscapes.

Growing and Nurturing Tips

Plant Aquilegia in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter for the best results. They thrive in partially shaded areas, though they also tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Ensure you space them 30–45cm apart to allow sufficient airflow and prevent crowding.

Water young plants regularly to establish a robust root system, but reduce watering once mature. Oversoaked soil can lead to root rot, so only provide water during dry periods. Deadhead flowers once they fade to prolong blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Mulching with compost or organic material keeps the roots cool and soil moist.

Divide clumps every three years to prevent overcrowding and encourage healthy growth. Aquilegia readily self-seeds, so you can allow seedlings to grow in new areas for a naturalised look or remove them if you prefer neatness.

Alliums

Alliums are an excellent choice for adding structure and unique shapes to your garden. These perennial favourites offer a variety of heights, colours, and textures for early summer interest.

Top Allium Varieties for Perennials

Choose from stunning Allium varieties to suit your garden. For striking purple spheres, pick Allium ‘Purple Sensation’. Its bold blooms stand tall on sturdy stems. Allium giganteum provides impressive height, producing massive violet flowers ideal for a focal point. If you prefer delicate options, Allium ‘Christophii’ features star-shaped, silver-lilac blooms perfect for softer effects. For compact gardens or container planting, Allium ‘Moly’ gives vibrant yellow flowers that thrive in small spaces.

Allium ‘Globemaster’ combines beauty and longevity with giant, lavender blooms that last longer than most. If you enjoy vibrant colour diversity, Allium schubertii offers fascinating, firework-like flowers in pale purple. Each variety brings architectural flair, making them perfect for borders, rock gardens, or mixed planting schemes.

Tips for Planting and Maintenance

Plant allium bulbs in autumn for early summer blooms. Use well-drained soil and place bulbs 10-15cm deep, ensuring the pointed end faces upwards. Space them 15-30cm apart for airflow to reduce disease risks. Choose sunny spots, as alliums prefer full sun exposure for optimal growth.

Avoid overwatering, as waterlogged soil can cause bulb rot. Once flowers fade, leave their foliage intact until it yellows to let the bulb store energy for the next season. Deadhead spent blooms to prevent self-seeding if you want to maintain tidy beds. Divide clumps of bulbs every few years to ensure healthy growth and avoid overcrowding.

Campanula

Campanula, commonly known as bellflowers, offers a cascade of delicate, bell-shaped blooms perfect for brightening borders or cascading over walls. Their versatility and charm make them a must-have for early summer gardens.

Varieties to Consider for Your Garden

Choose ‘Carpatica’ (Carpathian bellflower) for compact clumps suited to edging paths or framing rock gardens. Its lavender-blue or white blooms add vibrant touches.

‘Persicifolia’ (peach-leaved bellflower) has tall, graceful spires with pale blue or white flowers that complement cottage gardens.

Pick ‘Poscharskyana’ (Serbian bellflower) for vigorous ground cover, with lavender-blue star-shaped flowers that spill attractively over walls or containers.

‘Pyramidalis’ (chimney bellflower) has bold vertical blooms that create a dramatic focal point in a mixed border.

There are also dwarf options like ‘Garganica’, a low-growing variety with radiant star-like blue flowers, ideal for compact spaces or containers.

Care Tips for Growing Campanula

Plant Campanula in fertile, well-drained soil to ensure optimal growth and flowering. Add organic compost to enrich the soil before planting.

Position them in full sun or partial shade depending on the variety. Shade-loving types thrive under partial cover, while sun-preferring ones require bright spots.

Water regularly during dry periods, particularly in the first year, to help establish healthy root systems. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Mulch around plants in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, using organic materials like bark chips or compost.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooms and prevent self-seeding, keeping your plants tidy and thriving throughout summer.

Conclusion

Selecting the right early summer perennials ensures your garden bursts with colour, texture, and life during the season. By choosing plants like peonies, lupines, Dianthus, and Coreopsis, you’ll create stunning displays with minimal effort. Incorporating vertical interest from delphiniums or Alliums adds depth, while attracting pollinators with options like Salvia supports the ecosystem.

Focus on matching plant needs with your garden’s conditions. For example, peonies thrive in sunny, well-drained spots, whereas Astrantia prefers partial shade and moist soil. Remember to space plants adequately, ensure regular watering, and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.