If you’re looking for cottage garden flowers that are easy to care for and that fit into the English cottage garden aesthetic, you have come to the right place.
There is something dreamy about an old-fashioned English cottage garden. Whether you have a big or small garden space, it is possible to create this romantic and nostalgic garden style. I am in the process of designing my garden beds, and I wanted to share my favorite low-maintenance cottage garden flowers.
This blog post is all about the best cottage garden flowers to plant!
Best Spring-Flowering Bulbs for the Cottage Garden
Spring-Flowering bulbs are easy and low-maintenance because all you have to do is plant them in the fall before frost arrives, and then wait for them to bloom in the spring. Planting them in high-quality soil is important for the very best result. These flowers will come again year after year and add gorgeous colors to the spring garden.
1. Hyaciths
Hyacinths have vibrant clusters of fragrant blooms, and they add a burst of color to the garden. They come in beautiful shades of blue, pink, white and purple. Plant bulbs in fall, in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Plant at a depth of about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). Hyacinths thrive in fartial to full sunlight. Water bulbs when planting, and make sure they have moderate moisture throughout their growth. The flowers will bloom in spring. Once blooms fade, let the foliage wither into the ground. This will allow the bulbs to store energy for the next season. Hyacinths require minimal care, and they will reappear with their fragrance and beauty every year.
2. Crocus
Crocuses are known for their early bloom, and they come in colors such as purple, yellow and white. They can start to appear once the snow starts to melt in early spring. These beauties are resilient and easy to grow. Plant in well-draining soil, in the fall, placing them about 3-4 inches deep with the pointed end facing upward. Crocuses thrive in sunny to partially shaded areas. Make sure the soil is kept moderately moist throughout their growth period. Let foilage die back into the ground once the flowers are done blooming for the season.
3. Narcissus
Narcissus, or more commonly known as daffodills, are a staple in the spring cottage garden. There are lots of different varieties to choose from, and many of them have a sweet fragrance. Plant bulbs in the fall a couple of weeks before the ground freezes, with the pointed end facing upwards. Choose a location with partial to full sunlight, and wait for them to bloom in the spring. Let the foliage wither into the ground, allowing the bulb to store energy for the next growing season. These beauties will reappear year after year.
4. Muscari
Muscari, otherwise known as grape hyacinths, are easy to grow and they reappear every year. These flowers have grown on my parents’ property for over 100 years! They are an old-fashioned cottage garden favorite. As with other spring-flowering bulbs, these need to be planted in the fall. Place bulbs 2-4 inches deep in well-drained soil, water them after planting, and wait for them to bloom in spring!
5. Scilla
Growing scilla (or commonly known as bluebell) is a rewarding process. These beauties add gorgeous shades of blue and violet to the spring cottage garden. In well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, plant bulbs in fall. The bulbs should be planted 2-3 inches deep. Water after planting, and make sure to water them throughout their growing season. Allow foliage to naturally die back into the ground after the flowers are done blooming.
6. Tulips
Tulips come in hundreds of different varieries. They are an excellent cut flower that looks stunning in a cottage garden. They require minimal care. All you have to do is plant them in high-quality, well-draining soil in the fall. Plant bulbs with pointed side facing up, about 6-8 inches deep. Cover with soil, them water. You could also add a layer of mulch on top, such as dead leaves or grassclippings. Wait for the flowers to bloom in spring. Deadhead flowers once done blooming, and allow all the foliage to die back into the ground once their growing season is over.
Best Perennial Cottage Garden Flowers
Perennails are plants that come again year after year. Most of them bloom during summer, but some also arrive in late spring, like peonies. Here are some of the best low-maintenance perennials for the cottage garden:
7. Peonies
Growing peonies is a delightful endeavor that yields beautiful, lush blooms in late spring to early summer. Select healthy, firm peony roots from a good nursery, and plant them in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter in the fall. Choose a sunny location for optimal flowering, ensuring the peonies receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Plant the roots with the buds no more than 2 inches below the soil surface. Water the plants well after planting and maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Peonies are relatively low-maintenance; however, staking may be necessary to support heavy blooms. Once they flower, remove spent blooms and, in the fall, cut back the foliage to ground level. With patience, these long-lived perennial beauties will reward you with stunning, fragrant blossoms year after year.
8. Lavender
Lavender adds charm and fragrance to a cottage garden, and they are fairly easy to cultivate. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot. Lavender doesn’t like to get their roots too wet. Plant the lavender in clusters or rows, and you will have a gorgeous, lilac display of flowers. Water sparingly, and allow the soil to dry up between each time you water. They are quite hardy, so you don’t need to fuss too much.
9. Monkshood
Monkshood provides an enchanting show in the cottage garden, with its spiked blooms. These are toxic, so be careful around them. Begin by selecting a well-drained location with partial shade, as monkshood prefers cool, moist soil. Plant the seeds or young plants in the spring or fall, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for proper air circulation. Provide regular watering, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching can help retain moisture and control weeds. Monkshood usually doesn’t require heavy fertilization. Once established, the tall spikes of hooded flowers will grace your garden in late summer to early fall. Remember to wear gloves when handling monkshood, as all parts of the plant are toxic.
10. Phlox
Phlox come in vibrant colors and add a delightful fragrance to your garden space. Begin by selecting a sunny location with well-drained soilt. Plant the phlox in the spring or early fall, spacing them to allow good air circulation and prevent overcrowding. Ensure the soil is rich with organic matter, so the flowers can reach their full potential. Water them regularly, especially during dry times, but be mindful not to overwater to avoid root rot. Phlox appreciates a light dose of balanced fertilizer in early spring to boost their growth. Deadhead faded flowers to encourage prolonged blooming. These versatile perennials come in various colors, including shades of pink, purple, and white, and they look gorgeous in borders and cottage-style gardens. With minimal effort, you’ll enjoy a profusion of phlox blooms, adding a touch of natural beauty to your outdoor space.
11. Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia, or Black-Eyed Susan is a rewarding flower to grow. It is a cottage garden classic that adds a pop of color. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, plant the seeds or young plants in spring, and space them about 12-18 inches apart. Water them initially until established, and then let them thrive with minimal watering. Deadhead spent flowers for continuous blooming. These hardy perennials attract pollinators and add a cheerful splash of golden-yellow hues to your garden. With little fuss, rudbeckia brings lively charm to borders and gardens, making it an easy favorite for any landscape.
Best Annual Cottage Garden Flowers
Annuals are flowers that you sow in the spring, and that last for one season only. You can start them inside, in a greenhouse, or you could direct-sew them once the danger of frost has passed. In this blog post, I give directions for sowing directly in the ground. If you want to give your annuals a head-start by sowing them indoors, you can find some good videos on Youtube that show you how. Here are some of the best easy-to-grow annual cottage garden flowers:
12. Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are fragrant and elegant flowers that can climb on trellises or fences in the cottage garden. They come in a variety of colors. Start by soaking the seeds overnight. Plant them in well-draining soil enriched with compost in early spring, providing support structures like trellises or netting for climbing. Choose a sunny location, as sweet peas thrive in full sunlight. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart, then water them well. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry times. As the plants grow, encourage lateral shoots for more flowers by pinching off the tips. Regularly deadhead faded blooms to promote continuous flowering. Sweet peas appreciate cool conditions, so mulch around the base to keep the roots cool. With these simple steps, you’ll enjoy a fragrant and charming display of sweet peas in your garden, perfect for cutting and bringing indoors.
13. Cosmos
Growing cosmos is a breeze, making it a perfect choice for a burst of effortless beauty in your garden. They are one of my favorite flowers to grow because they are a “cut and come again” flower that keeps blooming throughout summer. Start by selecting a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Sow cosmos seeds directly in the garden after the last frost, covering them lightly with soil. Water the seeds regularly until the plants are established. Cosmos is relatively low-maintenance, thriving in average soil and even tolerating some drought. The more you cut the flowers, the more they bloom, making them ideal for bouquets. They can get quite tall, so staking is generally recommended.
14. Snapdragons
Snapdragons are a spiked flower that is easy to grow. They will reward you with gorgeous blooms throughout the season. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and sow snapdragon seeds directly into the garden after the last frost, pressing them lightly into the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not too wet, until the seeds germinate. Once established, snapdragons are very low maintenance and they can tolerate some cold weather and drought. These versatile flowers come in various colors and heights, and you can grow them in borders, containers, or cutting gardens. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Snapdragons add a playful and colorful touch to any garden, attracting pollinators and providing a delightful focal point throughout the growing season.
15. Zinnias
Zinnias are a heat-loving and vibrant flower that is sure to cheer you up. Growing them is fairly straight forward. Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and directly sow zinnia seeds in the spring after the last frost. Water the seeds regularly until they sprout, then let these resilient flowers do their thing! Staking is recommended for the taller varieties. Zinnias come in a kaleidoscope of colors, bringing a burst of cheer to your cottage garden. Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming, and their long stems make them perfect for bouquets.
That was it! This blog post was all about the best cottage garden flowers that are easy to grow. I hope you found some inspiration for your own garden.
If you’re into the cottage lifestyle, make sure to check out my other blog posts about cottage living and interior design here.