Herbaceous Planting

The Secret to a Garden That Comes Back Year After Year

If you’re looking to create a garden that feels full, colourful and ever-changing throughout the seasons, herbaceous plants are the perfect place to start. Loved by gardeners for generations, these versatile plants form the backbone of beautiful borders and bring reliable interest year after year.

What Are Herbaceous Plants?

Commercial fruit is often harvested before it is fully ripe to ensure it survives the rigours of global shipping and weeks on a shelf. This means the complex

Herbaceous plants are non-woody perennials that die back to ground level in autumn and winter, before re-emerging in spring with fresh new growth. This natural cycle not only makes them easy to maintain, but also incredibly rewarding, as your garden evolves and improves with each passing year.

They’re ideal for borders, cottage-style planting, wildlife gardens and even containers, offering a wide variety of heights, colours, textures and flowering times.

Why Choose Herbaceous Planting?

Herbaceous plants are a favourite for both new and experienced gardeners – and for good reason:

• They return every year – a long-term investment in your garden
• They provide months of colour – with the right mix, you can enjoy blooms from early spring through to autumn
• They’re perfect for pollinators – bees and butterflies love them
• They create structure and flow – ideal for building depth and interest in borders
• They’re easy to mix and match – allowing you to create a style that’s completely your own

Popular Herbaceous Favourites

Here are some much-loved herbaceous plants you’ll often find in store:

Hollyhocks
Perfect for adding height and drama, Hollyhocks produce tall spires of large, colourful blooms. They’re ideal for the back of borders or against walls, creating that classic cottage garden feel.

Brunnera
A brilliant choice for shade, Brunnera combines delicate blue spring flowers with striking silver-patterned foliage that lasts well beyond the flowering season.

Geum
Bright, cheerful and long-flowering, Geums bring warm tones of orange, red and yellow to your garden, adding movement and softness to borders.

Scabious
Loved by pollinators, Scabious produces delicate, pincushion-like flowers on slender stems, perfect for a relaxed, natural look.

Digitalis (Foxgloves)
Tall and elegant, Foxgloves add height and structure with their tubular blooms, making them a standout feature in any border.

Lupins
With their bold, upright flower spikes and vibrant colours, Lupins are a real showstopper. They also enrich the soil, making them as practical as they are beautiful.

How to Plant Herbaceous Borders

Creating a successful herbaceous border is all about planning and layering. Here are a few simple steps to get you started:

1. Choose the Right Spot

Most herbaceous plants prefer a sunny position, although some (like Brunnera and Digitalis) thrive in partial shade. Always check plant labels for guidance.

2. Prepare Your Soil

Good soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. Dig in plenty of organic matter such as compost to improve structure and drainage.

3. Think About Height

Arrange your plants in layers:

• Taller plants (like Hollyhocks and Lupins) at the back
• Medium plants (like Geum and Digitalis) in the middle
• Lower-growing plants (like Scabious) at the front

This creates a natural, flowing look and ensures every plant gets its moment to shine.

4. Plant in Groups

Planting in small groups or drifts creates a more impactful, cohesive display than scattering individual plants.

5. Water and Mulch

Water well after planting and apply a mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Caring for Herbaceous Plants

One of the biggest advantages of herbaceous plants is how easy they are to look after:

• Water regularly while establishing
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
• Cut back in autumn or late winter once growth dies back
• Divide every few years to keep plants healthy and vigorous

Create Your Own Ever-Changing Garden

Herbaceous planting is all about creativity and enjoyment. With so many varieties to choose from, you can experiment with colour, texture and height to design a garden that reflects your personal style.

Whether you prefer a soft cottage garden look or something more structured and contemporary, herbaceous plants give you the flexibility to create a space that evolves beautifully year after year.

Visit us in store to explore our full range and get expert advice from our team – we’re always happy to help you get planting.