How to grow a cottage garden
A cottage garden, known for its charming haphazard aesthetic, features a delightful mix of informally planted flowers, foliage, and climbers overflowing from beds and borders. If you’re seeking a natural and romantic garden without the need for meticulous plant selection, a cottage garden is your best option.
Originating in the early 18th century, traditional English cottage gardens arose from a need for self-sufficiency, incorporating vegetables, fruit trees, flowers, and medicinal herbs, often alongside livestock and a rose-bowered gateway. Today, vibrant self-sowing annuals and freely spreading perennials dominate modern cottage gardens.
Creating your informal flower garden isn’t complicated, but to achieve that “old world” charm reminiscent of traditional English gardens, select various colors, sizes, and shapes of plants that appear local and well-suited to your hardiness zone.
Essential traditional plants for an English cottage garden include shrub roses, peonies, lupins, delphiniums, lavender, poppy, iris, honeysuckle, and foxglove. These plants are vital for achieving the distinctive vibe of an “English country garden.” Instructions will guide you on how to grow and maximize their potential for a perfect cottage look.
Originating in the early 18th century, traditional English cottage gardens arose from a need for self-sufficiency, incorporating vegetables, fruit trees, flowers, and medicinal herbs, often alongside livestock and a rose-bowered gateway. Today, vibrant self-sowing annuals and freely spreading perennials dominate modern cottage gardens.
Creating your informal flower garden isn’t complicated, but to achieve that “old world” charm reminiscent of traditional English gardens, select various colors, sizes, and shapes of plants that appear local and well-suited to your hardiness zone.
Essential traditional plants for an English cottage garden include shrub roses, peonies, lupins, delphiniums, lavender, poppy, iris, honeysuckle, and foxglove. These plants are vital for achieving the distinctive vibe of an “English country garden.” Instructions will guide you on how to grow and maximize their potential for a perfect cottage look.
Although cottage gardens may seem random, there are rules worth following.
Cottage gardens began in Shakespearean England with rural origins, but Gertrude Jekyll formalized their design in the late 19th century. The ideal setting is an old, rural cottage rather than modern structures, which can be obscured using hedges or climbers.
Key principles include: • Natural planting over geometric shapes, resembling Mother Nature’s designs. • Grouping plants in clumps instead of isolating them. • Mixing various flower species to emulate natural diversity. • Embracing a variety of colors without a specific pattern to reflect nature’s randomness. • Prioritizing flowers as the centerpiece, supported by shrubs and trees. • Ensuring a long blooming season from spring through fall, ideally year-round. • Selecting temperate plants suited for regions like England, Canada, or the northern U.S. Exotic plants must appear temperate to fit in.
For a perfect cottage garden, consider scattering mixed wild prairie flower seeds for a fantastic backdrop alongside must-have cottage plants.
From the huge number of flowers you can grow in your cottage garden, here are some 'must-have' cottage garden plants that make perfect choices for a colourful and romantic English-style garden of your dreams.
- It looks natural
- It does not look manicured (but there is some tending and maintenance).
- It looks temperate (no exotic looking plants).
- It looks mild and meek, not wild in terms of savage, just in the sense of natural, not planted on purpose.
- It looks rural.
- It looks romantic.
- It looks old and established.
Cottage gardens began in Shakespearean England with rural origins, but Gertrude Jekyll formalized their design in the late 19th century. The ideal setting is an old, rural cottage rather than modern structures, which can be obscured using hedges or climbers.
Key principles include: • Natural planting over geometric shapes, resembling Mother Nature’s designs. • Grouping plants in clumps instead of isolating them. • Mixing various flower species to emulate natural diversity. • Embracing a variety of colors without a specific pattern to reflect nature’s randomness. • Prioritizing flowers as the centerpiece, supported by shrubs and trees. • Ensuring a long blooming season from spring through fall, ideally year-round. • Selecting temperate plants suited for regions like England, Canada, or the northern U.S. Exotic plants must appear temperate to fit in.
For a perfect cottage garden, consider scattering mixed wild prairie flower seeds for a fantastic backdrop alongside must-have cottage plants.
From the huge number of flowers you can grow in your cottage garden, here are some 'must-have' cottage garden plants that make perfect choices for a colourful and romantic English-style garden of your dreams.
ROSES
You cannot miss roses in a cottage garden. Roses are quintessentially English: natural and romantic, making them essential for a true cottage garden. Plant numerous varieties, particularly traditional ones like ‘America’, ‘Anne Boleyn’, ‘Ballerina’, and ‘Bishop’s Castle’. Look for English roses, climbers, shrub roses, and floribunda types. The ideal flower head is either single (like a dog rose) or flat, resembling a cup or damask rose. Old garden rose varieties work well, though modern roses can be used sparingly.
• Hardiness: Depends on variety, typically no lower than USDA zone 4; ideally above zone 5.
• Light exposure: Full sun.
• Blooming season: Varies by species, with common repeat bloomers.
• Size: From 6 inches (15 cm) to 10 feet (3 meters).
• Soil requirements: Best in loam but adaptable to well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. Avoid heavy clay or hard chalk. Aim for a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 with consistent humidity.
You cannot miss roses in a cottage garden. Roses are quintessentially English: natural and romantic, making them essential for a true cottage garden. Plant numerous varieties, particularly traditional ones like ‘America’, ‘Anne Boleyn’, ‘Ballerina’, and ‘Bishop’s Castle’. Look for English roses, climbers, shrub roses, and floribunda types. The ideal flower head is either single (like a dog rose) or flat, resembling a cup or damask rose. Old garden rose varieties work well, though modern roses can be used sparingly.
• Hardiness: Depends on variety, typically no lower than USDA zone 4; ideally above zone 5.
• Light exposure: Full sun.
• Blooming season: Varies by species, with common repeat bloomers.
• Size: From 6 inches (15 cm) to 10 feet (3 meters).
• Soil requirements: Best in loam but adaptable to well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. Avoid heavy clay or hard chalk. Aim for a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 with consistent humidity.
HOLLYHOCK
Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) are staples in cottage gardens, known for their tall, showy blooms that bring a classic English garden look.
• Plant Type: Often grown as annuals, these are drought-resistant short-lived perennials.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Their showy flowers appear natural and slightly unruly.
• Propagation: Easy to propagate from seeds.
• Color Variety: Available in colors from white to deep purple and in various sizes.
• Hardiness: Most varieties thrive in USDA zones 3 to 8, suitable for cold regions.
• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun.
• Blooming Season: Blooms in summer.
• Height and Spread: Grows 3 to 7 feet tall; spreads no more than 2 feet.
• Soil Adaptability: Thrives in well-drained soils (loam, chalk, clay, sand) with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0.
Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) are staples in cottage gardens, known for their tall, showy blooms that bring a classic English garden look.
• Plant Type: Often grown as annuals, these are drought-resistant short-lived perennials.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Their showy flowers appear natural and slightly unruly.
• Propagation: Easy to propagate from seeds.
• Color Variety: Available in colors from white to deep purple and in various sizes.
• Hardiness: Most varieties thrive in USDA zones 3 to 8, suitable for cold regions.
• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun.
• Blooming Season: Blooms in summer.
• Height and Spread: Grows 3 to 7 feet tall; spreads no more than 2 feet.
• Soil Adaptability: Thrives in well-drained soils (loam, chalk, clay, sand) with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0.
CONE FLOWERS
Echinaceas, or coneflowers, are popular North American perennials favored by pollinator gardeners and found in many English cottage gardens. Though not native to Europe, their daisy-like appearance allows them to thrive worldwide.
• Plant Characteristics:
• Herbaceous perennial known for profuse blossoms.
• Available in warm colors, especially pink, orange, and yellow.
• Growth and Hardiness:
• Hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
• Requires full sun or partial shade.
• Blooms in summer, with some varieties blooming in late spring or later.
• Height ranges from 1 to 2 feet; some varieties can reach up to 3 feet.
• Soil and Water Needs:
• Prefers well-drained loam, chalk, or sandy soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Echinaceas, or coneflowers, are popular North American perennials favored by pollinator gardeners and found in many English cottage gardens. Though not native to Europe, their daisy-like appearance allows them to thrive worldwide.
• Plant Characteristics:
• Herbaceous perennial known for profuse blossoms.
• Available in warm colors, especially pink, orange, and yellow.
• Growth and Hardiness:
• Hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
• Requires full sun or partial shade.
• Blooms in summer, with some varieties blooming in late spring or later.
• Height ranges from 1 to 2 feet; some varieties can reach up to 3 feet.
• Soil and Water Needs:
• Prefers well-drained loam, chalk, or sandy soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
SNAPDRAGON
Snapdragon is a flower found in temperate meadows, hills, and near oak or pine forests, making it ideal for English cottage gardens. Its spikes are adorned with brightly colored flowers resembling open mouths, with the labiate shape common in meadows and pastures. These blooms can last nearly all year and come in colors from white to violet, including pink and magenta, evoking a wild aesthetic. They thrive in clumps and small groups, blending well with other flowers in borders and beds, perfect for a rustic look.
• Hardiness: Generally hardy to USDA zones 10 to 11, but often grown as annuals.
• Light Exposure: Full sun.
• Blooming Season: Spring to fall.
• Size: 2 to 4 feet tall (60 to 120 cm) and 1 to 2 feet wide (30 to 60 cm).
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil of any type; slightly acidic pH (5.5 to 6.2) is ideal, though neutral is acceptable.
Snapdragon is a flower found in temperate meadows, hills, and near oak or pine forests, making it ideal for English cottage gardens. Its spikes are adorned with brightly colored flowers resembling open mouths, with the labiate shape common in meadows and pastures. These blooms can last nearly all year and come in colors from white to violet, including pink and magenta, evoking a wild aesthetic. They thrive in clumps and small groups, blending well with other flowers in borders and beds, perfect for a rustic look.
• Hardiness: Generally hardy to USDA zones 10 to 11, but often grown as annuals.
• Light Exposure: Full sun.
• Blooming Season: Spring to fall.
• Size: 2 to 4 feet tall (60 to 120 cm) and 1 to 2 feet wide (30 to 60 cm).
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil of any type; slightly acidic pH (5.5 to 6.2) is ideal, though neutral is acceptable.
DELPHINIUM
Delphinium, or Siberian larkspur, is a cottage garden classic that produces stunning cut flowers. This sun-loving winter annual showcases an impressive range of blue, from azure to violet, along with white and pink varieties. Single and double blooms are also available, and their long spikes bring vibrancy to any garden. Perfect for mixing colours in a cottage garden, delphiniums thrive in clumps and carry a herbaceous look typical of wild meadows. These cold hardy perennials can reach considerable heights, especially the award-winning ‘Jill Curley.’
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3 to 7
• Light Exposure: Full sun
• Blooming Season: Summer
• Size: 5 to 7 feet tall (150 to 210 cm), 1 to 2 feet wide (30 to 60 cm)
• Soil Requirements: Adaptable to loam, chalk, or sandy soils as long as they are well-drained and regularly watered; ideal pH is neutral to slightly alkaline (around 7.0) for best results.
Delphinium, or Siberian larkspur, is a cottage garden classic that produces stunning cut flowers. This sun-loving winter annual showcases an impressive range of blue, from azure to violet, along with white and pink varieties. Single and double blooms are also available, and their long spikes bring vibrancy to any garden. Perfect for mixing colours in a cottage garden, delphiniums thrive in clumps and carry a herbaceous look typical of wild meadows. These cold hardy perennials can reach considerable heights, especially the award-winning ‘Jill Curley.’
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3 to 7
• Light Exposure: Full sun
• Blooming Season: Summer
• Size: 5 to 7 feet tall (150 to 210 cm), 1 to 2 feet wide (30 to 60 cm)
• Soil Requirements: Adaptable to loam, chalk, or sandy soils as long as they are well-drained and regularly watered; ideal pH is neutral to slightly alkaline (around 7.0) for best results.
YARROW
Few flowers convey a natural garden look like yarrow. Its large umbels of myriad small flowers provide a distinct rural factor. It resembles the decorative version of chervil, synonymous with temperate wilderness. Yarrow adds different shapes to your inflorescences; while spikes are common in cottage gardens, contrasting shapes enhance variety. Available in various colors—yellow, pink, orange, and red—yarrow is strong and in some regions can even be evergreen. Its fern-like foliage offers wonderful texture for borders and beds.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3 to 8.
• Light exposure: Full sun.
• Blooming season: Summer.
• Size: 2 to 3 feet tall (60 to 90 cm) and 1 to 2 feet in spread (30 to 60 cm).
• Soil requirements: Adapts to well-drained, moderately humid loam, chalk, or sandy soil with a pH range of 4.0 to 8.0, making it suitable for acidic soil as well.
Few flowers convey a natural garden look like yarrow. Its large umbels of myriad small flowers provide a distinct rural factor. It resembles the decorative version of chervil, synonymous with temperate wilderness. Yarrow adds different shapes to your inflorescences; while spikes are common in cottage gardens, contrasting shapes enhance variety. Available in various colors—yellow, pink, orange, and red—yarrow is strong and in some regions can even be evergreen. Its fern-like foliage offers wonderful texture for borders and beds.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3 to 8.
• Light exposure: Full sun.
• Blooming season: Summer.
• Size: 2 to 3 feet tall (60 to 90 cm) and 1 to 2 feet in spread (30 to 60 cm).
• Soil requirements: Adapts to well-drained, moderately humid loam, chalk, or sandy soil with a pH range of 4.0 to 8.0, making it suitable for acidic soil as well.
FOXGLOVE
Another spike-shaped inflorescence in a cottage garden is foxglove. This biennial has showy, bell-shaped flowers that hang from long stalks. They look great in herbaceous borders and are essential in cottage gardens. This vibrant plant can enliven any space, but keep it away from children due to its toxicity. Its beautiful shades of white, pink, and magenta add vibrancy and old-world charm to your garden.
• Hardiness: Hardy to USDA 4 to 8.
• Light exposure: Full sun or partial shade.
• Blooming season: Late spring (in warm areas) to summer.
• Size: 2 to 5 feet tall (60 to 150 cm) and 1 to 2 feet wide (30 to 60 cm).
• Soil requirements: Prefers well-drained loam-based soil with pH 4.5 to 8.5.
Another spike-shaped inflorescence in a cottage garden is foxglove. This biennial has showy, bell-shaped flowers that hang from long stalks. They look great in herbaceous borders and are essential in cottage gardens. This vibrant plant can enliven any space, but keep it away from children due to its toxicity. Its beautiful shades of white, pink, and magenta add vibrancy and old-world charm to your garden.
• Hardiness: Hardy to USDA 4 to 8.
• Light exposure: Full sun or partial shade.
• Blooming season: Late spring (in warm areas) to summer.
• Size: 2 to 5 feet tall (60 to 150 cm) and 1 to 2 feet wide (30 to 60 cm).
• Soil requirements: Prefers well-drained loam-based soil with pH 4.5 to 8.5.
SWEET PEA
The success of your cottage garden may hinge on sweet peas. These climbing annuals or perennials add height to your blooms, along with a stunning range of colours. Fragrant sweet peas are beloved rural flowers, closely tied to cottage life. They are hardy annuals that can gracefully climb over gates, posts, or pergolas, showcasing essentially every color of the rainbow. With countless varieties, you could spend days exploring them. And guess how long those vibrant blooms will last? From spring until the first frost!
• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 2 to 11. This means you can start growing them early, even in colder regions (except Antarctica).
• Light Exposure: Full sun or partial shade.
• Blooming Season: Spring to fall.
• Size: Varieties range from 3 to 10 feet tall (90 cm to 3 meters).
• Soil Requirements: Prefer well-drained loam or sandy loam with pH between 5.1 and 7.8, ideally just above 7.0.
The success of your cottage garden may hinge on sweet peas. These climbing annuals or perennials add height to your blooms, along with a stunning range of colours. Fragrant sweet peas are beloved rural flowers, closely tied to cottage life. They are hardy annuals that can gracefully climb over gates, posts, or pergolas, showcasing essentially every color of the rainbow. With countless varieties, you could spend days exploring them. And guess how long those vibrant blooms will last? From spring until the first frost!
• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 2 to 11. This means you can start growing them early, even in colder regions (except Antarctica).
• Light Exposure: Full sun or partial shade.
• Blooming Season: Spring to fall.
• Size: Varieties range from 3 to 10 feet tall (90 cm to 3 meters).
• Soil Requirements: Prefer well-drained loam or sandy loam with pH between 5.1 and 7.8, ideally just above 7.0.
LOOSESTRIFE
Lysimachia punctata, commonly known as yellow loosestrife, is a vigorous, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in English-style perennial borders and cottage gardens. This herbaceous perennial forms natural clumps with upright stems and star-shaped flowers. These sturdy, leafy stems serve as perfect fillers for traditional cottage garden beds. The real highlight comes from the flowers, with bright yellow spikes emerging from late spring. This plant infuses vibrant energy into your garden throughout summer, creating the impression of a wildflower bloom.
• Hardiness: Hardy to USDA zones 4 to 8.
• Light exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
• Blooming season: Late spring to summer’s end.
• Size: 3 feet tall (90 cm) and 2 feet wide (60 cm).
• Soil requirements: Any well-drained loam, clay, chalk, or sand-based soil, with a pH ranging from 6.1 to 7.8, accommodating slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions.
Lysimachia punctata, commonly known as yellow loosestrife, is a vigorous, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in English-style perennial borders and cottage gardens. This herbaceous perennial forms natural clumps with upright stems and star-shaped flowers. These sturdy, leafy stems serve as perfect fillers for traditional cottage garden beds. The real highlight comes from the flowers, with bright yellow spikes emerging from late spring. This plant infuses vibrant energy into your garden throughout summer, creating the impression of a wildflower bloom.
• Hardiness: Hardy to USDA zones 4 to 8.
• Light exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
• Blooming season: Late spring to summer’s end.
• Size: 3 feet tall (90 cm) and 2 feet wide (60 cm).
• Soil requirements: Any well-drained loam, clay, chalk, or sand-based soil, with a pH ranging from 6.1 to 7.8, accommodating slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions.
BEE BALM
Bee balm is a wild, herbaceous perennial perfect for cottage gardens. It appears even more rebellious up close, with its flowers resembling a crown of “beaks” around a center. The long stems rise above the broad, pointed leaves, which feature deep grooves. The most common colors are purple, magenta, pink, and red, but you can also find bee balm in blue and white. Native to America, bee balm blends well with other herbaceous plants and attracts various pollinators and butterflies. Grow bee balm in your cottage garden for buzzing, colorful guests!
• Hardiness: Hardy to USDA zones 4 to 9.
• Light exposure: Full sun or partial shade.
• Blooming season: Late spring through summer.
• Size: Up to 3 feet tall and wide (90 cm), with many compact varieties available.
• Soil requirements: Adapts to well-drained loam, clay, chalk, or sandy soil, and tolerates heavy clay. Ideal pH is between 6.0 and 6.7, though it accepts neutral, slightly acidic, or alkaline soil.
Bee balm is a wild, herbaceous perennial perfect for cottage gardens. It appears even more rebellious up close, with its flowers resembling a crown of “beaks” around a center. The long stems rise above the broad, pointed leaves, which feature deep grooves. The most common colors are purple, magenta, pink, and red, but you can also find bee balm in blue and white. Native to America, bee balm blends well with other herbaceous plants and attracts various pollinators and butterflies. Grow bee balm in your cottage garden for buzzing, colorful guests!
• Hardiness: Hardy to USDA zones 4 to 9.
• Light exposure: Full sun or partial shade.
• Blooming season: Late spring through summer.
• Size: Up to 3 feet tall and wide (90 cm), with many compact varieties available.
• Soil requirements: Adapts to well-drained loam, clay, chalk, or sandy soil, and tolerates heavy clay. Ideal pH is between 6.0 and 6.7, though it accepts neutral, slightly acidic, or alkaline soil.
