A Quick Note on Shade
Most summer-flowering annuals thrive in sunny conditions, and it’s worth noting that very few truly flourish in deep shade. However, if your garden includes shadier spots, don’t despair—plants like bedding fuchsia, lobelia, nemesia, and Myosotis sylvatica can all help brighten darker corners with delicate blooms and soft texture.
A Note on Biennials
Some of the plants listed, like Myosotis sylvatica and Digitalis purpurea, are technically biennials but behave like reliable annuals in the right conditions—or can be grown as part of a mix for continuous blooming. Biennials are plants that flower in their second year before falling back. They’re fantastic for first year foliage though to add some extra greenery an almost always well worth the wait.
So, without further ado:
The Mediterranean
Sun:
- Centaurea cyanus (Cornflower): A true classic with vivid blue blooms that attract bees and butterflies. It thrives in sunny, dry spots and adds rustic charm to any Mediterranean-style bed.
Shade:
- Borago officinalis (Borage): Known for its edible blue flowers and cucumber-scented leaves. While it loves the sun, borage also tolerates partial shade.
- Myosotis sylvatica (Forget-Me-Not)*: A delicate filler that brings softness and texture. Technically a biennial, but well worth including for its reliability and low-maintenance charm.
- Lobelia (dwarf varieties): A small but vibrant option in blue and white—great for edging or adding pops of colour in partially shaded spots.
Borage
The Classic
Sun:
- Orlaya grandiflora (White Lace Flower): An elegant, lacy bloom that pairs beautifully with roses and other traditional favourites.
- Daucus carota (Wild Carrot): Airy, delicate, and great for pollinators—perfect for that classic English border.
- Cosmos bipinnatus: Tall, graceful, and endlessly cheerful, cosmos are cottage garden favourites that add height and movement to sunny classic-style beds.
Shade:
- Myosotis sylvatica (Forget-Me-Not)*: Ideal for filling in shaded corners and underplanting beneath shrubs.
- Lobelia and Nemesia: Both can handle light shade and provide low-growing colour in whites, blues, and pinks—perfect for softening borders or pots in shadier classic spaces.
Cosmos
The Jungle
Sun:
- Bupleurum rotundifolium: This unusual plant offers lime-green foliage and fine-textured flowers—a great contrast against bolder tropical plants.
- Papaver rhoeas (Field Poppy): Striking red petals bring a wild, exotic touch to sunny jungle-themed beds.
- Zinnia elegans: Bold, bright and architectural, zinnias are brilliant sun-lovers that bring vibrant, saturated colours to a jungle palette.
- Cosmos bipinnatus: Tall, graceful, and endlessly cheerful, cosmos add movement and vibrant blooms to jungle-themed gardens.
Shade:
- Myosotis sylvatica (Forget-Me-Not)*: Their soft blue hues cool down the boldness of jungle foliage in shadier spots.
- Bedding Fuchsia: A lush option with tropical appeal that thrives in shade—great for underplanting or containers in jungle schemes.
Zinnia
The Cottage
Sun:
- Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon): Cheerful, upright flowers in a rainbow of colours that bloom for months.
- Lunaria annua (Honesty): Loved for its lilac flowers and distinctive silvery seedheads, Lunaria brings both colour and structure.
- Cosmos bipinnatus: A quintessential cottage garden flower, perfect for filling gaps with soft, feathery foliage and long-lasting blooms.
- Lathyrus odoratus (Sweet Pea): Classic, fragrant climbers that add height and romantic charm. Just remember to stake or provide support for best results.
Shade:
- Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove)*: Towering spires in purples, whites, and pinks—perfect for shady corners of a romantic cottage garden.
- Lunaria annua: Happily grows in partial shade and keeps the magic going with its shimmering seedpods.
- Bedding Fuchsia: A charming fit for cottage gardens with partial shade—ideal for containers or tucked into corners.
- Lobelia and Nemesia: Compact, colourful, and shade-tolerant—ideal for edging paths or adding colour to pots.
Sweet pea
The Nordic
Full Sun & Partial Shade:
- Ammi majus (Bishop’s Flower): Adds airy, snowflake-like blooms and a light, Scandi touch to your beds. Versatile enough to handle a bit of shade, too.
Ammi majus
The Adventure
Full Sun:
- Echium vulgare (Viper’s Bugloss): A bold, spiky bloom beloved by bees. Perfect for a wild, untamed garden aesthetic.
- Lunaria annua: A standout in any adventurous planting scheme thanks to its unexpected, moon-like seedpods.
Shade:
- Lunaria annua: Yes, it’s here too! Lunaria’s ability to thrive in shade makes it a must-have for adventurous gardeners seeking surprises in every corner.
Honesty – which, in winter leaves behind beautiful papery seed heads.
Ready to Plant?
With Dig’s instant flower beds, adding beauty to your garden has never been easier. Choose your theme, get your plants, and enjoy a full year of colour and interest —all with zero guesswork. Visit digclub.co.uk to explore our full range of pre-designed beds, tailored to thrive in British gardens.
