Enhance Your Summer Garden with Stunning White Flowering Plants

As summer approaches, gardeners are looking for ways to enhance their outdoor spaces. According to Bernadette Vangool from the Saskatchewan Perennial Society, incorporating white flowering plants into your garden can create a striking visual effect. This article highlights several white accent plants that thrive in summer, offering both beauty and versatility.

Key White Flowering Plants for Summer Gardens

The choice of plants can significantly affect the aesthetic of a garden. For groundcover options, consider the silver-hued ‘Silvermound’ artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana). Although this plant typically lasts only one or two years, its cushion-like appearance adds a lovely texture. Another option, ‘Silver Brocade’ artemisia (Artemisia stelleriana), is known for its easy propagation and regal finish along borders, although it can be somewhat invasive.

Native sage also deserves attention for its white accents, but gardeners should be cautious as it tends to spread aggressively. It is often better suited for shaded areas, where its growth is more manageable. The pearl yarrow (Achillea ptarmica) is another excellent addition, standing at about 45 cm tall. This plant is drought tolerant and produces beautiful double white flowers, making it a suitable alternative to the now-banned baby’s breath. While some gardeners report it as invasive, others have not experienced such issues.

Flowering Shrubs and Other Tall Options

Mock orange (Philadelphus coronarius) brings a delightful fragrance to any garden. With various sizes available, it is essential to check plant tags for mature dimensions. For example, the variety Philadelphus x virginalis ‘Miniature Snowflake’ reaches a height of around 90 cm, while larger varieties can exceed 150 cm.

Another noteworthy plant is valerian (Valeriana), which can grow up to 2 meters tall in semi-shady conditions. It produces large, roundish white flower heads, although it may become invasive if not monitored closely. An alternative is the white fleece flower (Persicaria polymorpha), which takes longer to establish but remains contained while producing elegant, elongated flowers.

The meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is another option, boasting fluffy white flowers that bloom in mid-summer. Originally from Europe and Western Asia, it has naturalized in North America and grows to about 100 cm tall. Its historical use for sweetening mead dates back to the 16th century, adding a touch of historical significance to its aesthetic appeal.

Hydrangeas are another popular choice, blooming from late July onwards. Many varieties are bred for cold tolerance, ensuring a robust selection of white options. It is crucial to read plant labels for hardiness zones, especially as blues and pinks are less hardy in colder climates.

All of these plants thrive in full sun, with the exception of Filipendula, which tolerates partial shade. Gardeners should also consider potential pest issues, such as thrips, which can affect petaled flowers like mock orange, peonies, and roses.

When designing a white-themed garden, it is essential to pay attention to the foliage as well. Different shades of green can complement the white blooms, ensuring year-round interest.

This article is provided by the Saskatchewan Perennial Society. For more information about gardening events, visit their website at www.saskperennial.ca or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/saskperennial.