If you’re anything like me, there’s something about browsing plants online that’s both exciting and a bit dangerous for the wallet! Honestly, I could spend hours (and more money than I’d like to admit) just scrolling through endless plant varieties and dreaming up new additions to my garden.
And when it comes to buying plants online in the UK, Crocus.co.uk is one of those go-to places for me. They’ve got such a wide range of plants—from hardy perennials and shrubs to the most delicate annuals—that it’s pretty much a one-stop shop for all things garden-related. Plus, their plants have always arrived in good condition, which, let’s face it, isn’t always the case with some online garden retailers. I’ve had my fair share of sad, wilted deliveries from other sites—nothing worse than getting your plants only to find they’re looking worse for wear!
So, if you’re looking to spruce up your garden this year (and why wouldn’t you be?), here’s a list of the best plants to buy from Crocus.co.uk based on my own experience. Whether you’re aiming for a cottage garden vibe, a low-maintenance landscape, or just want to fill in some gaps, I’ve got you covered.
1. Lavender ‘Hidcote’
Let’s start with a classic—Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’, or just good old lavender. This is hands down one of my favorite plants. Not only does it smell divine, but it’s also super low-maintenance once established. Crocus.co.uk sells a variety of lavenders, but ‘Hidcote’ is my personal pick because it has compact, dense growth and the most gorgeous deep purple flowers.
I’ve got a row of lavender along my garden path, and every summer, it fills the air with that calming, fresh scent. Plus, the bees go absolutely wild for it. If you want to attract pollinators, this plant is a must. And, bonus, it’s drought-tolerant, so if you’re like me and sometimes forget to water (oops), it’ll be just fine!
Planting Tip: Lavender loves full sun and well-drained soil. I’ve planted mine in a south-facing spot that gets loads of sun, and it thrives. If your soil is heavy or clayey, like mine was, just mix in some grit or sand when planting to improve drainage.
2. Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’
If you want something that’ll give your garden a pop of color and a bit of drama, Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ is a brilliant choice. These coneflowers are not only striking, with their large pinkish-purple petals and orange cones, but they’re also super tough. They bloom from midsummer right through to early autumn, providing that long-lasting color we all crave in our gardens.
I first planted echinacea a couple of years ago because I was desperate to add some late-summer interest to my borders. Let me tell you—it’s one of those plants that looks after itself and just keeps coming back better and stronger each year. Plus, butterflies and bees absolutely love it. It’s become a real showstopper in my garden.
Planting Tip: Echinacea prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. I’ve planted mine in a sunny border alongside grasses and asters, and they look amazing together. Also, echinacea is pretty forgiving in terms of soil—just make sure it’s not waterlogged.
3. Allium ‘Purple Sensation’
If you’re after a bit of architectural flair, you can’t go wrong with Allium ‘Purple Sensation’. These bold, globe-shaped blooms are stunning when they appear in late spring to early summer. I love the way their tall stems rise above other plants in the border, adding height and structure without overwhelming everything around them.
I remember the first time I planted alliums—I wasn’t sure what to expect because, let’s be honest, they look a bit odd when you first put the bulbs in the ground. But when those purple globes appeared the following year, I was hooked. Now, I can’t get enough of them.
Planting Tip: Alliums like full sun and well-drained soil, and they do best in borders where they’re not competing with larger plants for nutrients. I tend to plant them in groups of five or more to really make a statement, and they look fab mixed in with perennials like geraniums and salvia.
4. Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’
What’s a British garden without roses, right? If you’re looking for a classic, fragrant rose that’ll bloom all summer long, you’ve got to try Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’. This English shrub rose is an absolute gem. The blooms are a beautiful deep pink, and the fragrance is strong and sweet—think old-fashioned rose gardens.
I planted a couple of ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ roses near my patio last year, and they’ve quickly become my favorite. There’s nothing better than sitting outside with a cup of tea, surrounded by the smell of roses on a warm summer evening. Honestly, it’s the stuff of garden dreams.
Planting Tip: Roses need a bit of TLC—make sure they’re in a spot with good air circulation and plenty of sunlight. I’ve planted mine in a spot that gets at least six hours of sun a day, and I mulch around the base with compost to keep the soil rich and moisture-retentive.
5. Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’
If you’re after something a bit more relaxed and cottage-garden inspired, Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ (or catmint) is a must-have. This plant has soft, grey-green foliage and long spikes of lavender-blue flowers that bloom from late spring to early autumn. It’s got that loose, informal look that’s perfect for spilling over the edges of paths or filling in gaps between taller plants.
I planted nepeta along the edge of my borders a few years ago, and it’s been a real workhorse ever since. It’s low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and the bees love it. Plus, if you give it a little trim after the first flush of flowers, it’ll often bloom again later in the season. And for those of you with cats… let’s just say it’ll be a popular spot!
Planting Tip: Nepeta thrives in full sun but will tolerate a bit of shade, and it’s happy in most soils as long as it’s well-drained. It looks particularly good planted alongside roses (like ‘Gertrude Jekyll’!) or mixed with grasses and other perennials for that soft, billowy look.
6. Verbena bonariensis (my personal favourite…)
Looking to add height without bulk? Verbena bonariensis is a fabulous option. With its tall, slender stems and clusters of tiny purple flowers, it adds vertical interest to your borders without taking up much space at the base. It’s a favorite among pollinators, too—I’ve never seen so many bees and butterflies in my garden since planting verbena.
I’ve got verbena scattered throughout my borders, and I love how it creates a bit of a haze above the other plants. It’s light and airy, which means it doesn’t block your view of the plants behind it, but it still adds that pop of color and movement.
Planting Tip: Verbena thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a bit tender, so if you’re in a colder part of the UK, it might die back over winter, but don’t worry—it usually self-seeds, so you’ll likely get new plants popping up in spring.
7. Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’
If you’re looking to add some foliage interest to your garden, Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’ is a fantastic choice. Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are known for their striking leaves, and ‘Plum Pudding’ has rich, deep purple foliage that really stands out in the garden.
I’ve planted mine in a shaded border under some taller shrubs, and the contrast between the dark leaves and the lighter greens around it is stunning. Plus, heucheras are evergreen, so they’ll keep your garden looking good even in the winter months.
Planting Tip: Heucheras prefer partial shade but will tolerate full sun as long as the soil is kept moist. I like to plant them alongside ferns or hostas for a bit of textural contrast in shady spots.
8. Salvia ‘Caradonna’
For a splash of intense color that lasts from late spring right through to autumn, Salvia ‘Caradonna’ is hard to beat. With its upright spikes of deep purple-blue flowers, it’s a real show-stopper, and the bees love it. I planted a couple of salvias in my garden a few years ago, and they’ve become the stars of the summer border.
The thing I love most about salvia is how long they bloom for—just when you think the garden is winding down, these plants are still going strong. And they’re pretty drought-tolerant too, which is always a bonus when you’ve had a dry summer.
Planting Tip: Salvia prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it looks great planted en masse or mixed in with grasses and other perennials. Give it a light trim after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second wave of blooms.
9. Agapanthus ‘Africanus’
If you’re looking to add a touch of the exotic to your garden, Agapanthus ‘Africanus’ (also known as the African lily) is a great choice. These plants produce tall stems topped with clusters of blue, trumpet-shaped flowers that look stunning in late summer. They’re perfect for adding a bit of drama to your borders or for growing in pots.
I planted agapanthus in large terracotta pots on my patio last year, and when they bloomed, they completely transformed the space. It was like having a little slice of the Mediterranean in my back garden!
Planting Tip: Agapanthus loves full sun and well-drained soil. If you’re growing them in pots, make sure they’re kept watered during the growing season, but let the soil dry out a bit between waterings in the winter.
10. Geranium ‘Rozanne’
Finally, if you want a plant that just keeps on giving, Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is the one for you. This hardy perennial is an absolute gem—it flowers non-stop from June until the first frosts, producing masses of violet-blue flowers that brighten up any border.
I planted ‘Rozanne’ in a semi-shaded spot, and it’s been a real star performer. It weaves its way through other plants, filling in gaps and adding a splash of color when many other plants are past their best. Plus, it’s low-maintenance and pretty much pest-free—what’s not to love?
Planting Tip: ‘Rozanne’ is happy in full sun or partial shade and will tolerate most soils. I’ve found it looks great spilling over the edges of borders or mixed in with taller plants like salvias or verbena.
Final Thoughts
Crocus.co.uk has become one of my favorite places to buy plants online because of the quality of the plants and the variety they offer. Whether you’re looking to create a lush, fragrant cottage garden or you just want to add a few colorful perennials to brighten up your space, you’re bound to find something that’ll fit the bill.
If you’re looking specifically for late-flowering perennials for your garden, check our this article on the RHS. I would highly recommend any advice given by the RHS and frequently visit their website for tips and tricks: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/articles/graham-rice/perennials-and-bulbs/top-10-late-flowering-perennials
The best part about gardening is that it’s always a learning process—trying new plants, discovering what works in your space, and enjoying the surprises along the way. So, go ahead and browse their selection. Trust me, once you get started, it’s hard to stop!
Fancy Something a Little More Unusual?
The Top 9 Unusual Perennials from Crocus for a Fabulous Garden
