In most regions of France and Europe, your July garden is in the heart of summer. Some gardens are beginning to show signs of fatigue (curled roses, wilting salvias, the last days of daylilies and late spring flowers), and you’re probably seeing your water bill rise as temperatures climb and days grow longer. Then, water-use restrictions are announced in your area — and you start wondering how to cope.
Either way, it can’t hurt to try something a little different this year!
What if you replaced some plants in your garden with graphic, drought-resistant perennials? Some that you can even plant in July, while the rest of the garden is starting to slow down?
Not only can you plant in July, but it’s also one of the best summer months to breathe new life into your garden. Most gardeners don’t sow seeds at this time of year. But nothing prevents you from buying a few of your favorite perennials as young plants from your local nursery to replace struggling plants that haven’t lived up to expectations — or that simply can’t cope with climate change anymore.
They may have survived in our regional climate ten years ago, but with temperature swings of more than 30 degrees in a single week, peaks of 40°C (104°F) in June, and very little rain forecast for summer… these plants may no longer have time to adapt.
Although autumn and spring are the ideal seasons for planting, some perennials can safely be added in July. Keep reading to discover summer planting tips and suggestions for perennials to add to your garden in July. Let’s get started!
NOTA BENE
Whatever you plant, it is generally recommended to do so in spring or autumn, when temperatures are cooler and water is more readily available in the soil.
BUT if you really want to plant in July, here are a few precautions to help your plants get off to a good start:
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Do your gardening and planting in the evening — temperatures will be cooler, and both you and your plants will be grateful.
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💧 Water the plant in its pot while you dig the hole.
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The hole should generally be 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball, and the base of the leaves should sit slightly below soil level — this helps water reach the roots. Think “bowl” rather than “pyramid.”
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💧 Water the plant after transplanting.
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Cover the planted area with dry grass and wood chips, then another layer of dry grass and chips.
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💧 Water again.
Because July is hot, your new perennials will need additional watering.
It may seem obvious, but planting during a heatwave is not recommended. Young plants won’t survive 40°C (104°F) in their first week.
The Nepetas
Highly appreciated by bees and gardeners alike, nepeta plants charm with their softly scented leaves and endless blooms — a must-have for any garden that values biodiversity! Their color range goes from pale blue to deep violet, with continuous flowering until late summer. This year, we were truly impressed by the number of butterflies and bees observed at the nursery.
💧 Drought-resistant
🌞 Loves full sun
❄️ Frost-hardy
🛡️ Resistant to diseases and slugs 🐌
The Achilleas or the Yarrows
These are remarkable perennials, known for their beautiful, colorful, and long-lasting flower clusters. Some change color as summer progresses: some darken, others lighten. Either way, yarrow always puts on a wonderful show.
Their finely cut, aromatic green foliage forms a compact clump with a light, feathery silhouette. They fit perfectly into rustic, meadow-style gardens as well as among stronger, more voluminous perennials in sunny borders.
💧 Drought-resistant
🌞 Loves full sun
❄️ Frost-hardy
🛡️ Resistant to diseases and slugs 🐌
The Sages
Salvias are a must-have for gardeners, cooks, and nostalgics alike. These bushy shrubs tolerate almost everything — except waterlogged roots — and bring joy to your garden in both summer and winter.
Planting them in patterns creates a really striking effect: purple and yellow were made for each other. Yellow and sage too… in fact, they all work beautifully together!
💧 Drought-resistant
🌞 Loves full sun
❄️ Frost-hardy
🛡️ Resistant to diseases and slugs 🐌
Ornamental Grasses
Grasses come in many colors, shapes, and sizes — here are a few ideas to bring movement, height, energy, and color to corners of your garden or balcony that seem a little frozen under the summer heat.
💧 Drought-resistant
🌞 Loves full sun
❄️ Frost-hardy — most require light pruning in spring
🛡️ Resistant to diseases and slugs 🐌
