Romantic, overflowing, and effortlessly beautiful—English cottage gardens are the epitome of natural charm. With their joyful mix of colors, heights, and textures, these gardens feel both wild and intentional, as if the flowers have chosen where to bloom on their own.
At the heart of every cottage garden is a carefully curated mix of old-fashioned flowers: fragrant, pollinator-friendly, and full of character.
Whether you’re designing a new border or adding charm to an existing bed, these 29 classic cottage garden flowers will help you create that lush, storybook look that never goes out of style.
1) Delphinium
Delphiniums are towering, elegant perennials that bring height and drama to cottage garden borders. Their tall spires of densely packed flowers come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white—often with striking contrasting centers.
They thrive in full sun with rich, well-drained soil and benefit from shelter from strong winds. Delphiniums bloom in early to midsummer and can often rebloom if cut back after the first flush.
These blooms attract pollinators and look stunning behind lower-growing plants or along fences for vertical interest.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Delphinium ‘Black Knight’ | 3–7 | June to July |
| Delphinium ‘Pacific Giant’ | 3–7 | Early Summer |
| Delphinium ‘Blue Lace’ | 3–7 | Summer to Early Fall |
2) Hollyhock
Hollyhocks are tall, stately biennials or short-lived perennials that bring nostalgic charm to cottage gardens. Their dramatic flower spikes can reach up to 8 feet, adorned with single or double blooms in nearly every color.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil and look best when planted against walls or fences. Hollyhocks bloom in midsummer and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Though they may need staking, their impact in the garden is undeniable—towering over borders with a bold vertical flourish.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Hollyhock ‘Nigra’ | 3–8 | July to August |
| Hollyhock ‘Chater’s Double’ | 3–9 | Midsummer to Fall |
| Hollyhock ‘Peaches ’n Dreams’ | 3–8 | Summer |
3) Foxglove
Foxgloves are iconic cottage garden plants, known for their tall spires of bell-shaped flowers that nod gracefully along the stem. Available in purples, pinks, whites, and yellows, these blooms create vertical rhythm in shady or part-sun borders.
They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and bloom in early summer. Foxgloves are biennials or short-lived perennials but often self-seed, creating a naturalized look year after year.
They’re bee magnets and look especially lovely alongside roses, peonies, or delphiniums.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Foxglove ‘Excelsior’ | 4–8 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Foxglove ‘Dalmatian Purple’ | 5–9 | Summer |
| Foxglove ‘Pam’s Choice’ | 4–9 | Early Summer |
4) Rose
No cottage garden is complete without the romantic beauty and fragrance of roses. From old English shrub roses to climbing varieties, they add layers of texture, scent, and timeless elegance.
They need full sun and well-drained soil, along with regular feeding and pruning for the best performance. Roses bloom from late spring to fall, depending on the type and variety, and pair beautifully with perennials and annuals alike.
Select disease-resistant varieties for easy maintenance in mixed borders.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| David Austin ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ | 5–9 | Late Spring to Fall |
| English Rose ‘The Generous Gardener’ | 5–9 | Summer to Fall |
| Climbing Rose ‘New Dawn’ | 5–9 | Early Summer |
5) Peony
Peonies are lush, long-lived perennials with massive, fragrant blooms that mark the height of late spring. Their flowers—ranging from blush pink to deep red—stand out in any border and complement both structured and wild cottage garden styles.
They prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil and benefit from support to hold up heavy blooms. Peonies can live for decades and require minimal care once established.
Their bold blooms contrast beautifully with airy filler flowers and vertical bloomers like delphinium.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Peony ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ | 3–8 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Peony ‘Bowl of Beauty’ | 3–8 | Late Spring |
| Peony ‘Karl Rosenfield’ | 3–8 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
6) Lavender
Lavender adds fragrance, soft color, and a touch of Mediterranean charm to the English cottage garden. Its silvery foliage and purple flower spikes attract bees and butterflies, while its scent deters deer and pests.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, preferring dry conditions over rich or soggy ground. Lavender blooms from late spring into summer and can be trimmed to encourage repeat flowering.
Plant it along borders, paths, or as a low hedge for a structured, yet soft, effect.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| English Lavender ‘Hidcote’ | 5–9 | June to July |
| Lavender ‘Munstead’ | 5–9 | Early to Mid Summer |
| Lavandin ‘Grosso’ | 5–9 | Mid to Late Summer |
7) Sweet Pea
Sweet peas are charming annual climbers known for their delicate, ruffled flowers and rich, sweet fragrance. They bloom in shades of pink, purple, white, and blue, adding vertical color to trellises, fences, or arches.
Sweet peas prefer cool temperatures, full sun, and fertile, moist soil. They bloom from late spring through summer if regularly deadheaded and are prized as cut flowers for their scent and soft texture.
Start from seed and support their delicate vines as they grow for best results.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Pea ‘Cupani’ | Annual | Spring to Summer |
| Sweet Pea ‘Spencer Mix’ | Annual | Late Spring to Mid Summer |
| Sweet Pea ‘Old Spice’ | Annual | Summer |
8) Dianthus
Dianthus, also known as pinks, brings soft color and sweet fragrance to cottage borders. These charming, low-growing plants have fringed petals in shades of pink, red, and white, often with a spicy clove scent.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming from late spring into summer. Dianthus makes a beautiful edging plant or filler for sunny garden beds and pairs well with lavender, lady’s mantle, and roses.
Cut back after blooming to encourage a second flush and keep plants tidy.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Dianthus ‘Firewitch’ | 3–9 | Late Spring to Summer |
| Dianthus ‘Bath’s Pink’ | 4–9 | Spring to Early Summer |
| Dianthus ‘Mrs. Sinkins’ | 4–8 | Late Spring |
9) Lupine
Lupines are bold and striking, with tall spires of pea-like flowers in rich blues, purples, yellows, and reds. Their architectural form and vibrant color make them a centerpiece in any cottage-style border.
They prefer full sun and slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Blooming in late spring to early summer, lupines attract bees and butterflies while adding height and drama to your planting scheme.
Deadhead to prolong blooming and encourage reseeding, though they may benefit from replanting every few years.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Lupine ‘Russell Mix’ | 4–8 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Lupine ‘Gallery Blue’ | 4–8 | Spring to Summer |
| Lupine ‘The Governor’ | 4–8 | May to June |
10) Phlox
Phlox is a cottage garden staple that comes in both tall and creeping forms, offering clusters of star-shaped flowers in pinks, purples, and whites. Tall garden phlox adds height and fragrance in summer, while creeping phlox carpets the ground in spring.
They thrive in full sun to part shade with moist, well-drained soil. Phlox is pollinator-friendly and brings a soft, romantic feel to borders and pathways.
Choose mildew-resistant varieties for best performance, and deadhead to extend bloom time.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Phlox paniculata ‘David’ | 4–8 | July to September |
| Phlox ‘Bright Eyes’ | 4–8 | Midsummer to Fall |
| Creeping Phlox ‘Emerald Pink’ | 3–9 | Spring |
11) Aquilegia (Columbine)
Columbine is a delicate, spring-blooming perennial with nodding, spurred flowers that come in shades of blue, purple, red, and white. Its lacy foliage and graceful form fit perfectly in informal, naturalistic plantings.
It thrives in partial shade or dappled sun and well-drained soil, often self-seeding to create natural drifts over time. Columbine bridges the gap between early bulbs and summer bloomers.
It’s a favorite of hummingbirds and makes a great companion to foxgloves and bleeding hearts.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Aquilegia ‘McKana Giants’ | 3–9 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Aquilegia ‘Songbird Mix’ | 3–8 | May to June |
| Aquilegia ‘Nora Barlow’ | 3–8 | Spring to Early Summer |
12) Poppy
Poppies bring a burst of bold color and whimsy to cottage gardens. With their papery petals and delicate stems, they add a light, airy feel to the border. Available in annual and perennial forms, poppies bloom in vibrant reds, oranges, pinks, and whites.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Oriental poppies bloom in late spring to early summer, while annual types like Shirley poppies offer color throughout the season.
Let them self-seed to ensure repeat performances year after year.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Oriental Poppy ‘Princess Victoria Louise’ | 3–7 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Iceland Poppy ‘Champagne Bubbles’ | 3–7 | Spring to Summer |
| Shirley Poppy ‘Mother of Pearl’ | Annual | Summer |
13) Daisy
Daisies are cheerful and classic, offering clean, white petals and sunny yellow centers that light up any garden. Their simple beauty makes them a favorite for borders, meadows, and cut flower arrangements.
They prefer full sun and average, well-drained soil and bloom in summer. Daisies attract pollinators and blend seamlessly with other cottage staples like coneflowers, phlox, and lavender.
Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and extend blooming.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Shasta Daisy ‘Becky’ | 5–9 | June to August |
| Shasta Daisy ‘Snowcap’ | 5–9 | Early to Mid Summer |
| Shasta Daisy ‘Crazy Daisy’ | 5–9 | Summer |
14) Iris
Irises offer elegant, sword-like foliage and showy, frilled blooms in a wide range of colors. They provide strong vertical accents in the garden and bloom from late spring into early summer, depending on the type.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and some varieties like Siberian and Louisiana iris tolerate moist conditions. Irises are low-maintenance once established and can be divided every few years to promote healthy growth.
Their architectural form balances well with softer, mounding plants.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Bearded Iris ‘Immortality’ | 3–10 | Late Spring |
| Siberian Iris ‘Caesar’s Brother’ | 3–9 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Dutch Iris ‘Blue Magic’ | 5–9 | Spring |
15) Allium
Alliums add a whimsical, architectural element to cottage gardens with their globe-shaped flower heads perched atop tall, slender stems. These ornamental onions bloom in late spring to early summer in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil and are perfect for tucking between perennials to add height and movement. Alliums are also deer- and rabbit-resistant and attract pollinators.
Their dried seed heads add structure and visual interest well into fall.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ | 4–9 | May to June |
| Allium ‘Globemaster’ | 4–9 | Late Spring |
| Allium ‘Millenium’ | 5–9 | Mid to Late Summer |
16) Geranium (Cranesbill)
Hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbills, are low-maintenance perennials with attractive lobed foliage and dainty flowers in shades of pink, purple, and blue. They create a lovely filler or ground cover in mixed cottage beds.
They bloom from late spring into summer and sometimes again in fall if cut back after flowering. Geraniums thrive in full sun to part shade and tolerate a range of soils.
These long-lived perennials pair beautifully with roses, lady’s mantle, and catmint for a soft, layered look.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Geranium ‘Rozanne’ | 4–8 | Late Spring to Frost |
| Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ | 4–8 | Late Spring to Mid Summer |
| Geranium macrorrhizum | 3–8 | Spring to Early Summer |
17) Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)
Scabiosa, or pincushion flower, is a delicate perennial that produces round, frilly blooms atop wiry stems. Available in pastel purples, pinks, and whites, it’s ideal for borders and cutting gardens.
Scabiosa blooms from late spring into fall and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its airy, cottagey look makes it perfect for informal beds and pollinator gardens.
Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ | 3–9 | May to Frost |
| Scabiosa ‘Pink Mist’ | 4–9 | Late Spring to Fall |
| Scabiosa ‘Fama Deep Blue’ | 4–9 | Early Summer to Fall |
18) Catmint
Catmint is a hardy, aromatic perennial with silvery foliage and soft lavender-blue flowers that bloom over a long season. It’s drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and highly attractive to bees and pollinators.
This mounding plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is perfect for edging borders, pathways, or softening the base of taller plants.
It blends well with roses, lady’s mantle, and lamb’s ear in cottage-style beds and benefits from shearing after the first flush for repeat blooms.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ | 4–9 | May to September |
| Nepeta ‘Junior Walker’ | 5–9 | Late Spring to Fall |
| Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ | 3–8 | Spring to Summer |
19) Alchemilla (Lady’s Mantle)
Lady’s mantle is a soft, mounding perennial with scalloped, chartreuse-green leaves that catch raindrops like jewels. In early summer, it produces frothy sprays of yellow-green flowers that add a light, airy texture to borders.
It thrives in part shade to sun and well-drained soil and is particularly good for edging paths, softening hard lines, or underplanting roses.
Lady’s mantle is drought-tolerant once established and blends beautifully with nearly all other cottage plants.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Alchemilla mollis | 3–8 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Alchemilla ‘Thriller’ | 3–7 | Early to Mid Summer |
| Alchemilla erythropoda | 4–8 | Spring to Early Summer |
20) Campanula (Bellflower)
Campanula brings bell-shaped or star-like flowers in shades of blue, violet, and white to the cottage garden. It comes in both upright and trailing varieties, perfect for borders or cascading over edges.
It prefers full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. Campanula blooms from early to late summer and benefits from regular deadheading to extend the season.
This charming perennial pairs well with foxgloves, delphiniums, and columbines.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Campanula persicifolia | 3–8 | June to July |
| Campanula ‘Blue Clips’ | 3–8 | Summer |
| Campanula carpatica | 3–9 | Summer |
21) Clematis
Clematis is a beloved flowering vine that brings vertical beauty to the cottage garden. With blooms ranging from large and showy to small and delicate, clematis comes in nearly every color and can climb fences, trellises, or obelisks.
It prefers full sun on its foliage and cool, shaded roots. Well-drained soil and consistent moisture help clematis thrive. Different groups bloom at different times, allowing for extended color throughout the season.
Pair with roses or train over arches for a romantic look.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ | 4–9 | Summer |
| Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ | 4–8 | Late Spring and Early Fall |
| Clematis ‘Princess Diana’ | 4–9 | Mid to Late Summer |
22) Verbena Bonariensis
Verbena bonariensis is a tall, airy perennial with clusters of small purple flowers held aloft on wiry, branching stems. It adds height without heaviness and brings a dreamy, see-through quality to borders.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it blooms from mid-summer to frost. Though technically tender in colder zones, it self-seeds freely, returning year after year.
Its long bloom time and pollinator appeal make it ideal for filling gaps between sturdier plants like roses, delphiniums, or phlox.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Verbena bonariensis | 7–11 (perennial), 3–6 (annual) | Summer to Fall |
| Verbena ‘Lollipop’ | 6–10 | Mid Summer to Frost |
| Verbena bonariensis ‘Meteor Shower’ | 6–10 | Late Summer to Fall |
23) Wallflower
Wallflowers are fragrant spring-blooming biennials or short-lived perennials that produce clusters of four-petaled flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and are perfect for filling in gaps at the front of borders or adding early-season color. Wallflowers look lovely with tulips, forget-me-nots, and honesty in a springtime cottage scheme.
Deadhead regularly to extend bloom time, or allow them to self-seed for natural drifts.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ | 6–9 | Spring to Early Summer |
| Erysimum ‘Apricot Twist’ | 6–9 | Mid Spring to Early Summer |
| Erysimum ‘Winter Orchid’ | 6–9 | Spring |
24) Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist)
Nigella, commonly known as love-in-a-mist, is an annual with finely divided, feathery foliage and papery, star-shaped flowers in blues, whites, and pinks. After flowering, it forms decorative seed pods that extend interest into late summer.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it self-seeds readily, making it a staple in natural cottage gardens.
Nigella is perfect for threading through the front of borders or filling out gaps in early summer displays. It also makes a beautiful and unique cut flower.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Nigella damascena ‘Miss Jekyll Blue’ | Annual | Early to Mid Summer |
| Nigella ‘Persian Jewels’ | Annual | Late Spring to Summer |
| Nigella ‘Albion Black Pod’ | Annual | Summer |
25) Coreopsis
Coreopsis is a cheerful, daisy-like perennial that brightens up borders with its yellow, orange, or bi-colored flowers. Its tidy, mounding form and long bloom time make it perfect for adding continuity throughout the season.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant once established. Coreopsis is great for cottage borders, wildflower areas, or cutting gardens and pairs well with salvia, daisies, and lavender.
Deadhead to prolong flowering and maintain a neat look.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’ | 4–9 | June to September |
| Coreopsis ‘Zagreb’ | 4–9 | Late Spring to Late Summer |
| Coreopsis ‘Early Sunrise’ | 4–9 | Summer |
26) Cosmos
Cosmos are tall, easy-to-grow annuals with delicate, feathery foliage and wide, daisy-like blooms in pink, white, and deep red. Their loose, airy structure makes them ideal for weaving into mixed borders.
They love full sun and poor, well-drained soil, thriving with minimal care and blooming continuously from summer to frost. Cosmos are excellent for cutting and attract bees and butterflies.
They add a breezy, informal touch to any cottage planting scheme.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Sensation Mix’ | Annual | Summer to Frost |
| Cosmos ‘Purity’ | Annual | Mid to Late Summer |
| Cosmos ‘Cupcake White’ | Annual | Summer |
27) Snapdragons
Snapdragons are upright, spiky annuals with brightly colored, dragon-shaped flowers that bloom in cool weather. They come in a wide palette, including bicolors, and add structure to early- and late-season borders.
Plant in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. In warmer zones, snapdragons may overwinter and return as short-lived perennials.
They pair well with wallflowers, sweet peas, and larkspur and are excellent for cutting gardens.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Antirrhinum ‘Rocket Mix’ | 7–10 (perennial), Annual elsewhere | Spring and Fall |
| Antirrhinum ‘Madame Butterfly’ | Annual | Late Spring to Early Fall |
| Antirrhinum ‘Twinny Appleblossom’ | Annual | Summer |
28) Bee Balm
Bee balm is a robust, upright perennial with vibrant, frilly blooms in shades of red, pink, and purple. Its flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a must for pollinator-friendly cottage gardens.
It thrives in full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. Bee balm adds height, scent, and vivid color to mid- and late-summer borders and pairs well with phlox, echinacea, and rudbeckia.
Newer mildew-resistant varieties ensure healthier foliage throughout the season.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Monarda ‘Jacob Cline’ | 4–9 | Mid to Late Summer |
| Monarda ‘Raspberry Wine’ | 4–9 | Summer |
| Monarda ‘Balmy Rose’ | 4–9 | Summer to Early Fall |
29) Salvia
Salvia is a sun-loving perennial with spires of tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and red. It adds vertical structure, fragrance, and pollinator power to cottage garden borders.
It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun and is both drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Deadhead to encourage reblooming throughout the summer and enjoy its constant hum of bees and butterflies.
Plant with roses, coreopsis, or nepeta for a long-lasting and colorful display.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Salvia ‘May Night’ | 4–9 | Late Spring to Summer |
| Salvia ‘Caradonna’ | 4–9 | May to July |
| Salvia ‘Amistad’ | 7–10 | Summer to Fall |