Every spring, I’m filled with excitement to step outside, get my hands dirty, and breathe life into my garden. While pulling weeds comes naturally, this year I’m focusing on something more intentional: establishing a cutting garden. In our previous home, we built a stunning perennial garden that provided beautiful blooms from early spring to late fall. I cherished having fresh flowers around the house year-round, and I’m eager to recreate that magic in our new space.
Here are some of my favorite flowers for a cutting garden.
Why a Cutting Garden?
A cutting garden is a purposeful way to grow flowers specifically for creating fresh floral arrangements. Unlike traditional gardens designed solely for aesthetics, cutting gardens offer a practical approach to gardening, ensuring you always have blooms to brighten your home or give as thoughtful gifts. Whether you’re drawn to the romance of roses or the cheerfulness of zinnias, a cutting garden lets you cultivate your favorites in abundance.
Here are some of my favorite flowers that are perfect for a cutting garden:
Peony Rose
Peonies are my all-time favorite flowers. Their large, lush blooms in shades of pink, white, and red make them a standout in any arrangement. In my previous garden, peonies thrived, producing massive blossoms that were a delight to cut and bring indoors. Their unmistakable fragrance and longevity in vases make them an excellent choice for any cutting garden.
These peonies are from my garden at my last house.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are a show-stopper in both gardens and bouquets. Their large, clustered blooms in colors ranging from soft pastels to vibrant blues create a statement in any arrangement. I’ll never forget the spectacular hydrangeas I encountered at a vacation home on Cape Cod — they were unforgettable!
These hydrangeas were at a house we vacationed at on Cape Cod – they were spectacular!
Traditional Roses
Roses are a timeless classic for cutting gardens. With over 100 species, there’s a rose for every preference. Traditional roses, complete with their thorny stems, are perfect for creating elegant arrangements. Their rich fragrance and iconic beauty make them a must-have.
Coneflower
Coneflowers, or echinaceas, are hardy and vibrant. Their daisy-like appearance and ability to attract pollinators make them a favorite for gardeners. These flowers provide continuous blooms, ensuring your arrangements always have a touch of color.
Zinnia
Zinnias are easy to grow and incredibly versatile. Their bright, cheerful hues make them ideal for summer arrangements. Whether you prefer bold reds and yellows or soft pastels, zinnias deliver a burst of energy to your bouquets.
Snapdragon
Snapdragons add height and texture to floral arrangements. Their unique blooms and variety of colors make them a charming addition to any cutting garden. Snapdragons are also beloved for their long-lasting qualities in vases.
Foxglove
With their tall spires of bell-shaped flowers, foxgloves bring a touch of whimsy to arrangements. These elegant flowers are available in a range of pastel shades, making them a popular choice for romantic and cottage-style bouquets.
Columbine
Columbines are delicate and unique, with intricate petals that resemble origami. Their vibrant hues and distinctive shape make them a captivating addition to both gardens and vases.
Dianthus
Dianthus, commonly known as “pinks,” offer a spicy fragrance and cheerful blossoms. These flowers are perfect for smaller arrangements or as accents in larger bouquets.
Oriental Poppy
Oriental poppies are dramatic and bold. Their large, papery petals in fiery oranges, reds, and pinks add a striking element to any cutting garden. These flowers thrive in sunny spots and bring an artistic flair to arrangements.
Delphinium
Delphiniums are renowned for their tall spikes of blue, lavender, and white blossoms. Their elegant appearance adds height and sophistication to arrangements, making them a favorite among gardeners.
New England Aster
New England asters bloom later in the season, providing vibrant purple and pink hues when other flowers begin to fade. They’re perfect for extending the life of your cutting garden into the fall.
Russian Sage
Russian sage is a drought-tolerant plant with silvery foliage and delicate lavender-blue flowers. Its airy, wispy blooms make it an excellent filler for floral arrangements.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are the ultimate cheerful flower. Their large, sunny faces bring joy to any arrangement. Whether you grow traditional yellow varieties or experiment with reds and oranges, sunflowers are always a crowd-pleaser.
Black-Eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susans are hardy and long-blooming, making them an excellent choice for cutting gardens. Their bright yellow petals with dark centers create a cheerful contrast in bouquets.
Sunray
Sunray flowers, with their golden hues and delicate petals, add warmth to any arrangement. These blooms thrive in sunny gardens and bring a touch of sunshine indoors.
Feverfew
Feverfew resembles tiny daisies and is perfect for adding texture and charm to floral arrangements. These easy-to-grow plants are a lovely addition to any cutting garden.
Bishop’s Lace
Also known as false Queen Anne’s lace, Bishop’s lace offers delicate, lacy blooms that work beautifully as fillers. Their airy quality adds a soft, romantic touch to arrangements.
Resources for Starting Your Cutting Garden
If you’re ready to start a cutting garden, there are countless resources to guide you. Here are a few to help you begin:
- Feed Your Soul: Plant A Cutting Garden at Gardener’s Supply
- Grow A Colorful Cutting Garden at Hobby Farms
For those starting from scratch, bhg.com offers easy-care garden plans that you can download and follow.
If you’re working with limited space, check out Live On The Balcony: Container Garden Ideas & Inspiration.
What are your favorite flowers for cutting? Share your top picks and gardening tips to inspire others to create their own beautiful cutting gardens!
