Best Plants for a Cottage Garden

(Alcea rosea)

Butterflies and hummingbirds flock to this old-fashioned favorite, which is well suited for growing along walls and fences. Tall, sturdy stems support purple, pink, white, or yellow flowers. 'Chater's Double Hybrid' bears double flowers from early to midsummer, in shades of red, apricot, and yellow against rounded, light-green leaves.

Grows 6 to 8 feet tall and 18 to 24 inches wide in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9; full sun.