A Late-Summer Border with Tiger Lilies, Lobelia, and Astrantia

A Jewel-Toned Late-Summer Border with Tiger Lilies, Lobelia, and Astrantia

This striking late-summer border combines three very different flowers in a vivid but balanced palette. The tall stems of Lilium lancifolium ‘Splendens’ carry brilliant orange, black-spotted flowers above the planting, while Lobelia × speciosa ‘Vedrariensis’ sends up rich violet-purple spikes through the middle. Around them, Astrantia major ‘Penny’s Pink’ adds a lighter layer of rosy-pink, pincushion-like flowers.

The combination works because each plant plays a distinct role. The Tiger Lilies provide height and drama, the Lobelia supplies strong vertical color, and the Astrantia softens the planting with smaller, more delicate blooms. Repeating all three in loose groups gives the border rhythm without making it look stiff or overly planned.

Main plants used: Lilium lancifolium ‘Splendens’ (Tiger Lily), Lobelia × speciosa ‘Vedrariensis’ (Lobelia), and Astrantia major ‘Penny’s Pink’ (Great Masterwort)

Key Takeaways

Why This Border Works

The color contrast is vivid but well judged. The orange Tiger Lilies immediately catch the eye, while the violet Lobelia cools the composition and prevents the border from feeling too hot. Astrantia ‘Penny’s Pink’ introduces a softer rosy note that helps bridge the stronger orange and purple tones.

The flower shapes are equally important. Tiger Lilies have recurved, nodding blooms; Lobelia forms narrow upright spikes; and Astrantia carries small, intricate flowerheads above leafy clumps. Those differences keep the border visually interesting even where the colors overlap.

The planting also has a natural sense of depth. The lilies rise above everything else, the Lobelia forms much of the middle layer, and the Astrantia settles into the lower and middle parts of the border. Because the plants are repeated rather than lined up in blocks, the garden feels full and established.

Using the Three Main Plants

Lilium lancifolium ‘Splendens’ provides the height and strongest warm color. Its nodding orange flowers, marked with dark spots and strongly recurved tepals, should rise through the planting in small, irregular groups.

Lobelia × speciosa ‘Vedrariensis’ creates the main vertical layer beneath the lilies. Its violet-purple flower spikes work best when repeated in noticeable groups rather than used as isolated plants.

Astrantia major ‘Penny’s Pink’ softens the composition with rosy-pink flowers. Plant it toward the front and middle, allowing it to mingle with the Lobelia and fill the spaces around the lily stems.

Planting Recipe

Through the Season

Astrantia major ‘Penny’s Pink’ begins flowering earlier and helps start the display, while Lobelia gradually builds the cooler vertical structure of the border. As summer progresses, the Tiger Lilies open above them and bring the planting to its most dramatic point.

The border is at its best when all three overlap, with orange lilies floating above violet spikes and rosy Astrantia. Deadheading Astrantia can help encourage continued bloom or repeat flowering, which makes it especially useful in a border designed to look good well into late summer.

Care at a Glance

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

This is not a dry-garden combination. Lobelia and Astrantia both appreciate consistent moisture, while lilies also perform best when the root zone does not become excessively dry during active growth.

It is also better not to describe the planting as completely pest-free, disease-free, or deer-proof. Lilies in particular can suffer from pests and diseases, and browsing varies from garden to garden. The real strength of this combination is its layering: three plants with very different flower forms and colors, working together to create a memorable late-summer display.