Summer in the gardens at Mottistone

Throughout the summer, the gardens at Mottistone on the Isle of Wight provide a treat for the senses. From the heady scent of roses in the garden in June, to the eye-catching colours of the various plants and flowers that fill the borders by August, a visit in any month will reveal something new.

The start of summer

 As summer begins, the warm June sunshine fills the gardens with the beautiful aroma of lavender and roses. With its compact clusters of dainty shell pink flowers and glossy leaves, the Rosa 'Bonica' stands out within the garden.

Over on the wildflower banks, the ox eye daises cover the slopes in a carpet of white, whilst in the lower garden the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) produces brightly coloured flowers in abundance. Up on the steps, Mexican fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus) cascades down the stonework that leads to the rose garden. It is one of the most talked about plants at Mottistone and is popular with bees.

Flowers of the tulip tree in Mottistone Gardens
The flowers of the Tulip tree in Mottistone Gardens, Isle of Wight
Flowers of the tulip tree in Mottistone Gardens

Height of summer colour

By July, catmint and the delicate creamy flowers of Sisyrinchium edge the paths that pass through the double herbaceous border. The sun loving Osteospermum 'Tresco Purple' also begins to flower, and the many sunny and sheltered locations within the gardens mean that it will continue to produce colourful blooms through until September.

As summer reaches its peak in August, the flowers of the red, blue and orange border display their vibrant colours. Blue Agapanthus contrasts with lofty red Kniphofia, whilst the red bells of Penstemon ‘King George V’ blossom in the sunshine.

Kniphofia in the red, blue and orange border
A red Kniphofia in the red, blue and orange border in Mottistone Gardens, Isle of Wight
Kniphofia in the red, blue and orange border

Of course, these are just a few of the seasonal highlights and there are many other beautiful plants and flowers to discover around the garden. See what other interesting flora you can find on a visit to Mottistone this summer.