Are these plants difficult?

[AlmostCutMyHairToday]

I'm planning to add these plants to a border that gets good sun (SW facing), is sheltered (against a fence), and soil seems to be moist but well drained.

I'd rather go for plants that are relatively easy, so if you have bad experiences with the below, or growing tips, do let me know! I'm so excited to start growing : )

Dianthus carthusianorum
Cosmos atrosanguineus ‘Cherry Chocolate’
Pyrethrum Roseum 'Robinson's Red'
Coreopsis grandiflora
Hesperantha coccinea (think this is also known as Schizostylis)
Thalictrum 'Black Stockings'
Gertrude Jekyll Rose
Astrantia Major < particularly not sure if this would do ok in full sun

Also, the border is looking pretty bare at the moment and these plants will need time to grow and fill out the space, so I'd like to plant white clover to cover the bare patches in the meantime - is that a bad idea / would it inhibit the spread of these plants?

Forgot to add Peonies! - are these pretty easy to grow / are some varieties easier than others?

I wouldn't use white clover, maybe try some annual flowers instead and sow seed.

@theboffinsarecoming is there a reason to not use white clover, or is it aesthetic?

Clover is basically a prolific weed, the other plants are you putting them in groups of 3 or 5 and colour drifting, height arrangement,? You could sow some quick annuals in the bed while the plants are establishing.

Astrantia does prefer shade, I have them in a spot ne facing garden that never dries out.

You've got a mix of plants wanting different types of soil. Roses are quite accommodating but are hungry so best on clay. Astrantia and Thalictrum like a bit of moisture and shade. I have never managed to keep Pyrethrum alive on my clay soil. Dianthus want a poor free drain8ng soil. Wher3 have you sourced this list from?

Thanks @AlwaysGardening , interesting to hear your experience.

The list hasn’t come from anywhere, it’s just plants I like the look of.

When you say Dianthus prefers poor soil - would it be ok in John Innes compost plus some horticultural grit? Not sure what is poor soil, or how picky some of these plants are!

I don’t think the current soil has a huge amount of clay, seems to be moist but pretty well drained, a bit gravelly. Currently growing quite healthy are a bay tree, olive tree, hebe, and a climbing jasmine (variegated kind).

I’ve since revised my list as some of the plants seemed a bit iffy. New list below, chosen mostly from Beth Chatto’s ‘plants for general conditions’ so hopefully that means they’re relatively easy..!

• Anthemis Susanna Mitchell (camomile)
• Asclepias Tuberosa (swamp milkweed) - keen to attract butterflies!
• Echinacea Purpurea Sensation Pink
• Patrinia monandra
• Valeriana officinalis subsp. sambucifolia (elder leaved valerian)
• Seslaria grasses
• Pennisetum ‘Little Bunny’ grass
• Erigeron Dimity (this seems to be less invasive than the more ubiquitous variety)

Just coming to say that peonies are fussy IME - they do like sun, but can’t deal with too dry or too wet soil, and they don’t like competition

Thank you, this is very good to know! Definitely trying to avoid fussy.

It depends where you live too. I’m in wet Wales and have permanently damp fertile mostly shaded (because of the surrounding hills, I’m in a valley) it’s a challenging garden.

I’ve spent loads of money on plants and this 4th year Ive been in this house here, have finally realised what works and what to avoid. It is a trial and error game.

no way would I put lavender, or any dry sun loving plants in, cosmos I can only grow in the greenhouse.

But there’s loads of plants I can grow.

so have a go, and you’ll find out what works eventually .

A poor soil is one which isn't rich in nutrients like clay.

That sounds like a gorgeous mix you’ve chosen – lots of colour and variety through the seasons! 🌸

• Dianthus carthusianorum – Very easy, thrives in sun and well-drained soil. Just don’t let it get too wet in winter.
• Cosmos atrosanguineus ‘Cherry Chocolate’ – Beautiful but a bit fussy. It’s a tender perennial (likes warmth) so treat it almost like a dahlia – lift or protect tubers in winter.
• Pyrethrum ‘Robinson’s Red’ – Bright, cheerful, and pretty straightforward. Just deadhead for more flowers.
• Coreopsis grandiflora – One of the easiest on your list! Long flowering, sun-lover, no trouble at all.
• Hesperantha (Schizostylis) – Loves that moist but well-drained soil you described. Great for late-season colour.
• Thalictrum ‘Black Stockings’ – Airy and elegant. Will be happy in your conditions but prefers not to dry out.
• Gertrude Jekyll rose – Classic choice, just give it space and good air flow. Watch for blackspot.
• Astrantia – Normally likes part-shade, but in moist soil it can cope with sun – especially if the border’s not baking hot.

As for white clover – it’s not a bad idea for temporary groundcover, but it does spread enthusiastically. If you don’t mind pulling it back once your perennials bulk up, it’s fine. If you’d rather not deal with the extra work later, you could try quick annuals (like calendula, nigella, or even a short-lived groundcover like alyssum) instead.

Your plant list looks strong for your conditions:

• Easy and reliable: Dianthus, Coreopsis, Pyrethrum, Gertrude Jekyll rose.
• Moisture lovers: Hesperantha, Thalictrum – should thrive in your soil.
• Trickier: Cosmos ‘Cherry Chocolate’ (needs winter protection) and Astrantia (tolerates sun only if soil doesn’t dry out).

Clover will fill gaps, but it spreads and competes with young plants. If you want something temporary, annuals (cosmos, calendula, marigolds) or mulch are better options.

Spend some time visiting local open gardens and talking to your neighbours - she what thrives in their gardens. Is there a local gardening club? Enthusiastic gardeners will be delighted to help and you may well come away with cuttings and seeds