Summer plant combos
Create a showstopping display inspired by the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
The golden rules of combining plants using a palette of soft, pastel hues
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is famous for its gardens – particularly its eye-catching plant combinations – and 2016 was no exception. As is often the case with a flower show set in spring, soft pastel colours were everywhere. We’ve picked our favourite combos from last year’s gardens and added some tips to help you to get the Chelsea look at home. Follow our simple steps and planting plans to recreate them in your garden, and don’t forget to tune in to BBC TV at the end of the month for more fantastic show inspiration.
HIGH SOCIETY
A voluptuous combination with all the romance of a classic cottage garden. WHY IT WORKS The graceful spires of the foxgloves and eremurus add height and draw the eye, while roses give structure. SECRET TO SUCCESS Cut the main spike of the foxgloves and further spikes will give extra flowers. Choose a repeat flowering rose for constant colour through summer and let the hesperis and foxgloves self-seed for more plants in years to come. AT ITS PEAK May to July