It’s June 2022 and this month marks a very special anniversary for the United Kingdom; a month in which we celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. So, here are some plants that will not only add beauty to your garden but also mark this unique event.
Rosa (rose) ‘Platinum Jubilee’
As the name suggests, this was launched to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. It’s a stunning, double bloom in a rich pink colour. The vibrant pink flowers not only look great but have a wonderful, sweet fragrance. It’s compact in its growth, making it great for beds and borders or in large planters.
- Flowers in summer
- Hardy
- Grows to 1.2m tall
- Moist but well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed
Cotinus coggygria (smoke bush) ‘Royal Purple’
Next is a hardy deciduous shrub producing deep, dark purple leaves and a mass of hazy pink flowers during the summer. Come autumn, its leaves turn the most beautiful shades of red before falling and is a great choice for a larger flower border.
- Flowers in summer
- Hardy
- Grows to 4m tall
- Moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed or sheltered
Convallaria majalis (lily-of-the-valley)
Without a doubt, this dainty, highly scented flower was featured in the Queen’s coronation bouquet and would make a fitting, long lasting tribute to the event. When planted in the right conditions, it will quickly form a spreading carpet. Alternatively grow it in a pot surrounded by moss to retain moisture.
- Flowers in spring
- Fully hardy
- Grows to 50cm tall
- Moist but well-drained or poorly drained soil
- Full shade or partial shade
- Sheltered
Or how about creating a red, white, and blue container or hanging basket using summer flowering tender perennial and annual plants?
Pelargonium (pelargonium) ‘Calliope Dark Red’
Another plant pick for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee are these brightly coloured, tender perennials, that are perfect for growing in containers or pots and will reward you with deep red colour velvety looking flowers. They flower well into early autumn if dead headed regularly and fed with a high potash fertiliser during the summer months.
- Flowers in spring
- Tender
- Grows to 45cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Sheltered
Sutera cordata (bacopa) ‘Snowtopia’
These pretty semi-trailing plants are covered in pure white flowers throughout the summer. What’s more, they can also be overwintered if potted up and brought into the house or greenhouse before the first frosts. Perfect for being planted around the edges of containers and hanging baskets.
- Flowers in spring
- Tender
- Grows to 15cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Sheltered
Nemophila menziesii (baby blue eyes)
Finally, the bright blue, bowl-shaped flowers that have a white centre will add to your Platinum Jubilee container. The beautiful annual has flowers through summer, making it the perfect addition to your red, white, and blue scheme.
- Flowers in summer
- Hardy through most of the UK
- Grows to 30cm tall
- Moist but well drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Sheltered
Alternatively, as a long lasting, permanent reminder of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, you could plant a tree. The Queen’s Green Canopy is a tree planting initiative launched specifically to mark the event.
Whatever you’re doing to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, these plants will add something special to mark the occasion.
Find out more about adding texture to your garden:
Or check out my Pinterest board for more ideas:
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
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