Garden Q&A: What flowers should we plant for colour at a July wedding?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

Marigolds planted with cornflowers. File pictures

Question

We have a wedding come up in July. What are the best flowers to plant now for colour in late July?

Answer

While you may think that preparing nearly two months in advance is time enough, in the garden that’s but the blink of an eye. Fast-growing annuals and reliable perennials that will provide a burst of colour are really what you need to focus on as the wedding is so soon.

Cosmos are fantastic and will flower in time if planted now. 

Cosmos. 

Salvias, pelargoniums, and marigolds are also excellent choices for containers or borders and need minimal maintenance. For something softer, plant gypsophila (baby’s breath) or white scabious for that romantic feel. 

Feed regularly, keep them well watered, and deadhead to prolong flowering. 

If you want instant impact, consider supplementing with ready-to-go potted summer bedding from your local garden centre closer to the day. The top tip that I can give you, is less is not more in this instance. 

If colour is what you are after, then when it comes to annuals and bedding plants, more is certainly better.

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