If you love the idea of having fresh flowers in your home all year round, a cutting garden is the perfect solution. With a variety of plants to choose from, you can have beautiful blooms from spring through fall. Whether you have a large garden or just a small space like an allotment or balcony, there are options for every space and conditions.
When choosing flowers for your cutting garden, think about what you want to use them for. Do you want show-stopping flowers for arrangements or more subtle blooms for creating a natural-looking bouquet? There are choices for every preference, from striking dahlias and zinnias in vibrant hues to delicate cosmos and roses in classic white.
When it comes to planting, consider the spot where you will plant your cutting garden. Most flowers will need a sunny location, but there are also options for shade. Make sure the soil is well-drained and fertile. Some plants, like grasses and sunflowers, can tolerate less than ideal soil conditions.
If you live in an area with late frosts, you may need to start your seeds indoors and then transplant them outside after the danger of frost has passed. Half-hardy annuals, like cosmos and zinnias, can be sown directly in the ground after all frosts have finished.
Once your cutting garden is established, you can have a constant supply of flowers to brighten up your home. Most flowers will need to be picked regularly to encourage more blooms. You can then arrange them in a vase for a stunning display. The silver-gray foliage of some plants, like dahlias and sunflowers, will add texture and interest to your arrangements.
Gardens Amazon has a wide range of seeds and plants for cutting gardens, plus all the information and tips you need to get started. Whether you have a green thumb or are just starting out, they have something for everyone. So go ahead and choose your favorites – brighten up your home with a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers picked from your very own cutting garden!
10 cutting garden flowers to add to your yard
If you love having fresh flowers in your home, consider adding a cutting garden to your yard. A cutting garden is a designated area where you can grow flowers specifically for cutting and using in arrangements. Here are 10 beautiful flowers that are perfect for a cutting garden:
- Zinnias: Zinnias are easy to grow and have a long vase life, making them a great choice for a cutting garden. They come in a wide range of colors, from bright oranges and reds to soft pinks and whites.
- Hellebores: Hellebores, also known as Lenten Roses, are a striking addition to any cutting garden. They have unique, nodding flowers and can tolerate both shade and full sun conditions.
- Cosmos: Cosmos are cheerful and wispy flowers that add a touch of whimsy to any bouquet. They come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, purple, and white.
- Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a classic choice for a cutting garden. Their tall, sturdy stems make them perfect for large flower arrangements. They also come in a variety of colors, including the traditional yellow and striking orange.
- Roses: While roses require a bit more care and attention, they offer stunning results in a cutting garden. There are many varieties to choose from, including tea roses, climbing roses, and shrub roses.
- Calendula: Calendulas, also known as pot marigolds, are easy to grow and offer a pop of bright, cheerful color to any bouquet. They are also edible and can be used to add color to salads or other dishes.
- Phlox: Phlox are beautiful, fragrant flowers that come in a variety of colors. They are easy to grow and are perfect for creating cottage-style flower arrangements.
- Campanula: Campanulas, also known as bellflowers, have delicate, bell-shaped flowers that add a touch of elegance to any bouquet. They are available in a range of colors and can be grown in sunny or partially shaded areas.
- Achillea: Achilleas, also known as yarrows, are low-maintenance plants that offer a great deal of variety. They come in a range of colors, from soft pinks and purples to bright yellows and oranges.
- Alchemilla Mollis: Alchemilla mollis, also known as Lady’s Mantle, is a perennial plant that is known for its striking, lime-green foliage. Its flowers, which are small and yellow, make a lovely addition to any bouquet.
When starting a cutting garden, it’s important to choose a space that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. Many cutting garden flowers, like zinnias and sunflowers, need full sun in order to thrive. However, there are also flowers, like hellebores and campanulas, that can tolerate partial shade.
For the best results, it’s important to pick flowers at the right stage of maturity. In general, flowers should be picked when they are just starting to open, rather than when they are fully open. This will ensure that they last longer in a vase. It’s also a good idea to pick flowers in the morning or late afternoon, when they are less likely to be stressed by the heat of the day.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful displays of fresh flowers in your home all season long.
1 Cosmos
Starting in the month of April, the cosmos flower can be grown from seeds, so it’s perfect for those who love to plant and watch their flowers grow. There are many varieties of cosmos to choose from, so it’s important to consider the information about each plant before making your selection.
Cosmos flowers come in a wide variety of colors, including shades of red, pink, white, and orange. They can grow quite tall, reaching up to 3-6 feet in height, depending on the variety. This makes them a great choice for creating a floral centerpiece or adding a pop of color to your garden.
When planting cosmos, it’s important to choose a location that gets plenty of sunshine. These flowers thrive in full sun and will produce the best results when they have direct sunlight for most of the day. They can also tolerate some shade, but they may not bloom as profusely.
Cosmos plants can be grown in a variety of soil conditions, but they prefer well-drained soil. They can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils, so you don’t have to worry too much about the pH level of your soil. Adding some organic matter, such as compost, to the soil before planting can help improve its drainage and nutrient content.
One of the great things about cosmos flowers is their long blooming period. They will continue to produce beautiful blooms from early summer until the first frost of fall. The flowers themselves are daisy-like, with delicate petals that come in various shapes and sizes. The foliage of the cosmos plant is also quite attractive, with feathery green leaves that add a touch of elegance to any bouquet.
Want to bring some cosmos flowers indoors? These flowers make a lovely addition to any vase or floral arrangement. The bright and cheerful colors, combined with their delicate fragrance, make them a popular choice for both casual and formal arrangements. The tall stems and feathery foliage also create a nice sense of height and movement in a bouquet.
So, if you’re looking for a beautiful, easy-to-grow flower to add some color to your garden, consider planting cosmos. They are a low-maintenance choice that will reward you with stunning blooms for years to come.
2 Dahlias
Dahlias are one of the best cutting garden flowers to grow. They come in a variety of colors, including white, and they bloom from late summer to fall. Louise planted dahlias in her garden and has been amazed by the results. The small white flowers with wispy petals create striking arrangements, especially when mixed with grasses, cosmos, and zinnias.
Dahlias prefer well-drained soil and full sun, although they can tolerate some shade. If you want to grow dahlias, choose a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. Plant the tubers in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed. Dahlias grow best in acidic soil, so if your garden’s pH level is too high, you may need to add sulfur or iron sulfate.
Dahlias are half-hardy plants, meaning they are not frost-tolerant. If you live in a colder climate, you will need to dig up the tubers in late fall and store them indoors for the winter. Dahlias are known for their vibrant colors, ranging from deep reds and purples to bright yellows and oranges. Their foliage is also quite attractive, with leaves that are often a rich, dark green or an eye-catching acid-green color.
Dahlias are excellent flowers for cutting and arranging. Their long stems and bold blooms make them perfect for creating show-stopping arrangements in vases. The flowers also have a lovely fragrance that adds an extra touch to any display. If you’re starting a cutting garden, be sure to include dahlias for the best results.
If you want to grow dahlias in your garden, you can find a wide variety of choices available. Many online retailers, such as Amazon, offer dahlias in different colors, sizes, and shapes. Before making a purchase, make sure to read the latest information about the variety you’re interested in, including its size, color, and growing conditions.
In summary, dahlias are a great choice for a cutting garden. Their vibrant colors and attractive foliage make them a beautiful addition to any garden. Whether you prefer the open-faced blooms of the classic dinnerplate dahlias or the rounded petals of the decorative dahlias, there’s a dahlia variety to suit your taste. So why not give dahlias a try and enjoy their beauty in your own garden?
3 Roses
Roses are classic and timeless flowers that are beloved by gardeners around the world. With their wide range of colors and varieties, roses are a versatile choice for any cutting garden.
1. Louise Odier
The Louise Odier rose is a beautiful choice for those who love pink hues. This tall, old-fashioned rose produces large, fragrant, double blooms in shades of pink. It is a repeat-flowering variety, which means that you’ll have plenty of roses to fill your vase all summer long.
2. Mollis
If you’re looking for a rose with striking foliage, the Mollis rose is a great choice. This rose variety has silver-gray leaves that provide a beautiful contrast to its bright orange petals. It’s a half-hardy rose that can be grown in both full sun and part shade.
3. Jane Eyre
The Jane Eyre rose is known for its stunning blooms that change color as they mature. When the flowers first open, they are a soft apricot shade, but as they age, they turn to a lovely shade of pink. This rose is a vigorous grower and will add a touch of elegance to any garden.
If you have a sunny spot in your garden, roses are a perfect choice. They prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine to thrive. When planting roses, it’s important to give them enough space to grow, as their foliage can be quite bushy.
Roses offer a variety of colors and shapes, making them a versatile addition to any bouquet. Whether you’re creating a floral arrangement for your home or starting a cutting garden, roses are always a good choice.
For more show-stopping flowers to grow in your garden, consider zinnias, dahlias, and sunflowers. These plants offer a wide range of colors and blooms that will brighten up any space.
Best of all, when you grow your own flowers, you can always have fresh blooms on hand to enjoy. So why not give roses a try in your garden this year?
4 Alchemilla mollis
If you love foliage, then Alchemilla mollis is the perfect plant for your cutting garden. Commonly known as Lady’s mantle, this beautiful plant has large, scalloped leaves that are a soft, silver-gray color. The leaves have a velvety texture that adds a touch of luxury to any bouquet.
Alchemilla mollis looks fantastic when planted in mass displays or as a border plant in gardens. It grows to a height of about 18 inches and prefers a well-drained spot in full sun or partial shade. It is also a great choice for creating a focal point in a garden bed or adding some texture to a mixed border.
When it comes to cutting, Alchemilla mollis is excellent for floral arrangements. The acid-green flowers have delicate petals and provide a beautiful contrast to other flowers, such as roses or dahlias. They also add a touch of freshness and vibrancy to fall bouquets.
This plant is easy to grow from seeds, and it can also be purchased as small plants from garden centers. It is a hardy perennial that will come back year after year, even in cold climates. It can be planted in the late spring or early fall, and it will tolerate frosts and a variety of soil conditions. Alchemilla mollis is a low-maintenance plant that will thrive in a range of conditions, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners.
5 Sweet peas
If you love sweet peas, then you’ll love these beautiful flowers that thrive in direct sunshine and add a pop of color to your cutting garden. Sweet peas are known for their fragrant blooms and are perfect for creating gorgeous floral arrangements.
- Jane’s Yellow: This sweet pea variety has stunning yellow flowers that bloom in the late summer and early fall. They make excellent additions to bouquets, with their wispy vines and vibrant yellow color.
- Cosmos: Cosmos flowers come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, orange, and purple. They have small, delicate blooms that are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your floral arrangements.
- Home Sweet Home: These sweet peas offer a beautiful blend of pink and purple hues. They have a lovely fragrance and are an excellent choice for adding a pop of color to your garden and vase.
- Silver-gray Mollis: With their silver-gray foliage, these sweet peas provide a unique contrast to your garden. They grow well in well-drained soils and offer a show-stopping display of blooms.
- Love in a Mist: Love in a Mist is a half-hardy annual that produces beautiful flowers in shades of blue, pink, and white. They have delicate foliage and look stunning in floral arrangements.
When planting sweet peas, choose a sunny spot in your garden where they can receive direct sunlight for most of the day. They thrive in well-drained soil, so make sure to prepare the soil before planting. Sweet peas are tall plants, so they will need support to grow properly. Consider using trellises or stakes to keep them upright.
For the best results, always cut sweet peas early in the morning when the temperature is cool. This will ensure that the blooms last longer in your vase. Sweet peas make excellent additions to mixed floral arrangements, and their fragrance adds an extra touch of charm to any bouquet.
So, if you’re looking to add a variety of color and fragrance to your garden and home, sweet peas are the perfect choice. Plant them in your cutting garden and enjoy their show-stopping blooms all season long.
6 Lagurus ovatus
Lagurus ovatus, commonly known as Bunny Tails, is a delightful grass that adds texture and charm to any cutting garden. With its fluffy, bunny-like seed heads and compact growth habit, it is a popular choice for floral arrangements.
This small grass grows to a height of about 30 cm and produces beautiful blooms in late summer. The seed heads start off green and gradually turn into soft, creamy-white tufts that resemble little bunnies’ tails, hence the name Bunny Tails.
Lagurus ovatus is a half-hardy annual that can be easily grown from seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but it can tolerate light shade as well. It is important to note that Lagurus ovatus is not frost-tolerant, so it should be planted after the danger of frost has passed.
For best results, sow the seeds directly into the ground in late spring or early summer, once the soil has warmed up. Lagurus ovatus is a fast-growing grass, and it will start to bloom within a few weeks of planting. The flowers can be picked in the fall, when the seed heads have fully matured and turned white.
The fluffy seed heads of Lagurus ovatus make it an excellent choice for creating dried flower arrangements. They can be used on their own or combined with other flowers and grasses to add texture and interest. Bunny Tails also look great when paired with vibrant colors, such as zinnias, sunflowers, and dahlias.
When arranging Lagurus ovatus, think about the height and color of the flowers you are using. The fluffy seed heads work well as a filler or accent in arrangements, while taller flowers can be the focal point. The delicate white tufts also provide a beautiful contrast against darker or brighter hues.
In addition to its ornamental value, Lagurus ovatus is also a great plant for attracting pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden. Bees and butterflies love the nectar-rich flowers, and the grass provides shelter and food sources for small insects.
If you are looking to add a touch of whimsy and texture to your garden or floral arrangements, Lagurus ovatus is a fantastic choice. Its fluffy, bunny-like seed heads and compact growth habit make it a charming addition to any cutting garden. Plus, it is easy to grow and requires minimal care.
7 Rudbeckia hirta
Rudbeckia hirta, also known as Black-eyed Susan, is a tall and striking flower that adds a beautiful pop of color to any garden. These plants are native to North America and thrive in a variety of soil conditions. They can grow up to 3 feet tall and love sunny spots in the garden.
If you want to add some late summer and fall color to your garden, Rudbeckia hirta is a great choice. These plants have a wide range of colors, from deep oranges and yellows to vibrant reds and browns. No matter what hues you choose, they always make a striking display in both the garden and in cutting arrangements.
Rudbeckia hirta prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate a range of conditions. They are low maintenance plants and don’t need much attention or special care. They are also drought-tolerant, which makes them a great choice for gardens with small water availability.
When starting Rudbeckia hirta from seeds, it’s best to sow them directly into the garden in early spring. This will give them plenty of time to grow and establish themselves before they bloom in late summer. You can also find young plants at garden centers if you prefer to skip the seed-starting process.
What to Consider when Growing Rudbeckia hirta:
1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden.
2. Make sure the soil is well-drained.
3. Consider adding compost or organic matter to improve soil fertility.
4. Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
5. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
If you’re looking to create a show-stopping bouquet, Rudbeckia hirta is a great choice. Their vibrant colors and wispy petals make them perfect for arranging with other flowers like zinnias, sunflowers, and even dahlias. They also make a beautiful addition to flower arrangements when combined with foliage plants like the Molinia caerulea ‘Transparent’ or the Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’.
When choosing Rudbeckia hirta for your garden, consider the different varieties available. Some popular choices include ‘Goldsturm’, ‘Cherry Brandy’, and ‘Irish Eyes’. Each variety has its own unique characteristics and color palette, so you can find the perfect one to fit your garden and home.
So if you want to add some color and life to your garden, consider planting Rudbeckia hirta. These beautiful flowers will brighten up any space and provide you with endless enjoyment throughout the season.
8 Achillea millefolium
Achillea millefolium, also known as yarrow, is a popular garden flower that comes in a variety of colors and displays show-stopping blooms. It is easy to grow at home in your garden or allotment, and here is some information to help you get started.
Plant Information
Achillea millefolium is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and can grow up to 3 feet tall. The flowers of this plant come in various shades of white, pink, yellow, and red, making it a versatile choice for any garden.
Planting Tips
If you want to grow Achillea millefolium in your garden, it is best to plant them in a sunny spot. They can tolerate some shade, but full sun will give you the best results. You can start the plants indoors from seeds or buy young plants from garden centers.
Achillea millefolium is a hardy plant that can survive in a wide range of soil conditions. However, it prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate dry spells once established. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, which makes it a low-maintenance option for your garden.
Creating a Bouquet
One of the main reasons why many people love to grow Achillea millefolium is for their beautiful blooms that are perfect for cutting. These flowers have wispy foliage and a striking appearance that can add color and texture to any bouquet.
When you cut the flowers, make sure to do it in the morning when the blooms are fully open. This will ensure that they last longer in a vase. You can mix Achillea millefolium with other flowers like sunflowers, zinnias, or roses to create a stunning arrangement.
Final Thoughts
Achillea millefolium is a versatile and easy-to-grow flower that will add beauty to your garden and provide you with stunning blooms for your home. No matter where you plant them, these show-stopping flowers will create a bouquet that you will love for years to come.
9 Zinnias
Zinnias are a popular choice for cutting gardens, as they produce abundant and vibrant flowers that are perfect for adding color to any garden, vase, or bouquet.
These easy-to-grow flowers are known for their long stems, making them ideal for cutting and arranging in floral displays.
Zinnias come in a wide variety of colors, including bright oranges, yellows, pinks, and reds, as well as more subtle hues like pastel shades and whites.
One excellent variety of zinnia is the ‘Louise’ zinnia, which has beautiful orange flowers that bloom above wispy foliage.
Zinnias can be grown in both sun and shade, but they need at least six hours of sunshine per day to thrive.
They are considered half-hardy, meaning they can be grown as annuals in most climates.
When growing zinnias, it is important to choose a well-drained spot in the garden and to water them regularly, especially during dry periods.
Zinnias are easy to grow from seeds, and there are many varieties available to choose from.
To create beautiful arrangements with zinnias, it’s best to pick them in the morning when their petals are fully open.
Zinnias can be arranged in a vase on their own, or they can be combined with other flowers, such as sunflowers, to create stunning bouquets.
If you’re looking for more information on how to grow zinnias or tips on arranging them in bouquets, there are plenty of resources available online or in gardening books.
One popular resource is the book “The Cut Flower Patch” by Louise Curley, which provides detailed information on growing a range of cut flowers, including zinnias.
Whether you have a small garden or an allotment, zinnias are a perfect addition to any cutting garden, giving you plenty of beautiful flowers to enjoy throughout the summer months.
10 Sea holly
Sea holly is a popular choice for cutting gardens due to its unique appearance and long-lasting blooms. Here are some reasons why you should consider adding sea holly to your garden:
- Beautiful hues: Sea holly comes in various shades of blue, purple, and silver-gray, making it a versatile choice for any floral arrangement.
- Long-lasting displays: Sea holly flowers have a wispy and delicate look, but they are surprisingly tough and can last for weeks when picked at the right time.
- Easy to grow: Sea holly is a low-maintenance plant that tolerates a wide range of conditions, including both sun and shade. It prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant.
- Perfect for bouquets: Sea holly’s unique structure and eye-catching blooms make it a perfect addition to any bouquet. Its fern-like leaves and tall, slender stems add texture and interest to floral arrangements.
If you are considering growing sea holly in your garden or allotment, here are some tips to get you started:
- Choose the right spot: Sea holly loves full sunshine, so make sure to plant it in a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Prepare the soil: Sea holly prefers well-drained soil, so make sure to amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.
- Start from seed: Sea holly can be grown from seed, which gives you plenty of choices when it comes to selecting the best varieties for your garden. Start the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring, and transplant them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
- Give them space: Sea holly plants can grow quite tall, so make sure to give them enough space to spread out. Space them about 18 to 24 inches apart to ensure good airflow and prevent overcrowding.
- Enjoy the results: Sea holly will reward you with beautiful flowers throughout the summer, attracting bees and butterflies to your garden. Harvest the flowers when they are fully open and enjoy them in bouquets or dried arrangements.
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What cutting garden flowers can you grow in a sunny space
Jane, an experienced gardener, says that when it comes to growing cutting garden flowers in a sunny space, there are plenty of excellent options to choose from. While some flowers prefer shade, many thrive in full sunshine.
Sunflowers
One of the best flowers to grow in a sunny space is sunflowers. They are known for their tall and vibrant blooms that can brighten up any garden. Sunflowers are easy to grow from seeds and they offer a cheerful and sunny addition to any floral arrangement.
Roses
Roses are another excellent choice for a sunny cutting garden. They come in many different shades and their fragrance can always make a bouquet more special. Make sure to choose rose varieties that are well-suited for sunny conditions and well-drained soils.
Grasses
Grasses can add a unique touch to a cutting garden. Consider adding ornamental grasses with their feathery or bold leaves to your sunny space. Grasses like acid-green Hakonechloa or the tall and elegant Miscanthus can create stunning displays.
Louise’s latest tips
If you are starting a cutting garden in a sunny space, Louise, a gardening expert, has some tips to share:
- Choose flowers that are known for their long vase life, such as zinnias, dahlias, and cosmos.
- Plant flowers that bloom at different times throughout the season, so you always have something in bloom.
- Consider growing some half-hardy annuals, which can be started indoors and then moved outdoors once the weather warms up.
- Don’t forget about foliage – green leaves can complement the floral arrangement and give it a more natural look.
So, if you have a sunny space in your garden or allotment, don’t hesitate to grow cutting garden flowers. With the right conditions and care, you can have beautiful blooms to enjoy and share.
What cutting garden flowers can you grow in a shady space
If you have a shady space in your garden, don’t worry – you can still grow a range of beautiful cutting garden flowers. While many flowers thrive in full sunshine, there are some that actually prefer the shade. Here are some suggestions for flowers that will feel right at home in a shady spot:
- Zinnias: These vibrant flowers come in a variety of colors and can be grown in both sun and shade. They have striking petals and make excellent additions to floral arrangements.
- Astilbes: These plants have feathery flowers in white, pink, or red and are perfect for shady spots. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and can add a touch of elegance to any arrangement.
- Hostas: These plants have been popular for many years, thanks to their large, textured leaves and show-stopping flowers. They thrive in shady areas and come in a wide range of colors and variegated patterns.
- Hellebores: These plants are known for their beautiful, nodding flowers that bloom late in the winter or early in the spring. They come in a variety of colors, including white, green, pink, and purple, and can brighten up any shady area.
- Begonias: These half-hardy plants love shady spots and come in a range of colors, including white, pink, orange, and red. They are perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden.
- Impatiens: These annual flowers are a popular choice for shady spots. They come in a variety of colors and have a long bloom period. They are easy to grow and make excellent additions to any bouquet or vase arrangement.
- Heucheras: These plants have attractive foliage in a range of colors, including silver-gray, purple, and green. They also produce small, bell-shaped flowers on tall stems. They thrive in well-drained soil and can add a touch of elegance to any shady space.
- Tiarella: Also known as foamflowers, tiarellas have delicate flowers in pink, white, or red. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil and can add a touch of elegance to any garden.
No matter which flowers you choose to grow in your shady space, make sure to provide them with the right conditions. Consider the amount of sunlight the area receives, the type of soil, and the watering needs of the plants. With proper care, you can have a beautiful cutting garden full of flowers that thrive in the shade.