Top plants for a pretty, pastel garden

The frilly texture of the double lavender-pink flowers are a perfect pastel addition that will bloom from summer to autumn. The bushy deciduous shrub can grow up to 2.5m tall and are even suitable to create a show on a bank or slope.

• Flowers in summer
• Hardy
• Grows up to 2.5m tall
• Moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
• Full sun
• Sheltered

Gladioli can be found in pinks, purples, reds, and whites, but this specific variety is a soft pink with a really delicate appearance. Growing on tall spikes, they can reach up to 1m tall. When planting the corms, the bigger the corm the more likely it is to produce bigger plants with plenty of flowers.

• Flowers in summer
• Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK
• Grows up to 1m tall
• Well-drained soil
• Full sun
• Sheltered

Mixed in a border on their tall sturdy stems, the pale-yellow flowers will add some cheer. The spherical blooms will undoubtedly bring a new level of shape and interest to the mix. Once flowers bloom, give a feed with a high potash fertiliser to prolong flowering.

• Flowers in summer
• Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK
• Grow up to 1m tall
• Moist but well-drained soil
• Full sun
• Sheltered

Next is a plant which grows up to 70cm, topped with rounded heads of pale purple trumpet-like flowers in summer. They are well suited for many garden styles, from Mediterranean gardens, courtyard gardens or coastal gardens. Also, they grow well in containers if you are short on ground space.

• Flowers in summer
• Hardy through most of the UK
• Grows up to 70cm tall
• Moist but well-drained soil
• Full sun
• Sheltered

The foliage of this plant is fantastic, with large, silvery leaves that not only look great but also have a soft texture – making them a great addition to a sensory garden. Furthermore, the plant is tolerant of salty winds, so is well suited to coastal gardens too.

• Evergreen foliage
• Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK
• Grows up to 50cm tall
• Well-drained soil
• Full sun
• Exposed or sheltered

In late summer, the plumes of pale pink flowers for a cloud-like appearance that will add an enchanting and elegant touch to your border. Whether you want a pastel planting scheme in a contemporary or cottage style garden, these hardy plants will provide.

• Flowers in summer
• Fully hardy
• Grows up to 1m tall
• Moist but well-drained or poorly drained soil
• Full sun or partial shade
• Exposed or sheltered

Next is a perennial bulb that grows glossy foliage that is joined by pastel pink flowers that have a bright yellow centre that adds depth to the display. Plant the bulbs at a depth of 10-15cm for brilliant blooms in spring.

• Flowers in spring
• Fully hardy
• Grows up to 25cm tall
• Well-drained soil
• Full sun
• Sheltered

The long-lasting flowers bloom from summer to autumn on upright stems. The pastel salmon shades of this variety will complement the rest of your design. They can also be found in peach, coffee, and apricot tones for a muted effect.

• Flowers in summer and autumn
• Tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen
• Grows up to 1m tall
• Moist but well-drained soil
• Full sun
• Exposed or sheltered

Blooming in autumn, this is a lovely way to extend the flowering period of your pastel garden. The texture of these flowers is bound to bring something special to the space with the pale pink, double flowers.

• Flowers in autumn
• Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK
• Grows up to 1.5m tall
• Moist but well-drained soil
• Full sun
• Sheltered

This deciduous shrub is an all-round winner. With showy white-pink flowers that open from pink-lilac buds, you don’t just get beautiful appearance, but a strong fragrance too. The flowers are also attractive to butterflies too, so perfect for a sunny border where pollinators can enjoy them.

• Flowers in spring
• Fully hardy
• Grows up to 2.5m tall
• Moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
• Full sun
• Exposed or sheltered

Lastly is an easy to grow perennial that will bring you blooms through summer and autumn. The pale-yellow flowers sit prettily at the front of borders or as part of a potted-up container. The open flowers are attractive to pollinators too, making it a great addition to a pollinator garden or wildlife space.

• Flowers in summer and autumn
• Hardy through most of the UK
• Grows up to 50cm tall
• Moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
• Full sun
• Exposed or sheltered