So, you want to add some color to your flower beds but you are not sure what types of flowers to choose. Where do you start? Do you plant perennials or annuals? Do you even know the difference? Let’s break it down for you.
Perennials are flowers that will come back year after year without having to be replanted. They usually cost a bit more, but not having to replant them makes the initial cost worth it. I had a small budget when I was starting out our flower beds, so I bought a few one year and then filled in the empty spot with cheaper annuals. Each year, I would put more perennials and less annuals until the flowers beds were mostly full of perennial plants.
Because they come back every year, perennials will get bigger and bigger each year. You will need to keep this in mind as you do your space planning. Don’t plant them too close together. Follow the instructions on the plant tag that come with the plant when you purchase it, even if it seems like it is too far apart. I made the mistake of thinking I knew better and planted some of mine too close together. Big mistake!
Eventually they will grow big enough that you will have to split them. You can dig up part of the plant and either transplant it to another location (which helps save money) or you can give them to a neighbor to use in their yard. Some areas have websites and Facebook groups where you can post what plants you have and you can trade with others for their plants. {Who knew!?}
Annuals are flowers that only live for one growing season. They are less expensive than perennials and usually have a lot more options. They are easy to grow from seed as well. The reason I like to add annuals in with my perennials is that annuals have more color options and can be more vivid. They work well in containers, too. You can collect the seeds at the end of the growing season and save them for the next year as well.
It is tempting to walk in a nursery and just buy the flowers that are pretty without any planning. I have been guilty of impulse buying many times – but it is better to plan ahead and do your homework!
10 Considerations:
- You will want to buy the plant with the most blooms, but don’t. Buy one that has buds and that looks healthy.
- Look for yellowing leaves, brown or curling leaves, spider mites or other pests, and wilting – those are plants you should avoid.
- Stay clear of tall, spindly plants. Shorter, bushier plants transplant better.
- If all the plants at the nursery look less than ideal, you may want to drive to another nursery that has a healthier selection. The cost of plants add up and you want to make sure your flowers are going to survive.
- You will want taller flowers in the back, medium height flowers in the middle, and shorter flowers in the front. Read the labels to see how high a plant will grow.
- Perhaps you want flowers along a walkway. Just make sure they don’t grow too wide and block the walkway.
- Is your flower bed on the north side of your house? If so, it will get shade almost the whole day. Make sure to buy plants that can handle the shade.
- The south side will be sunny almost the entire day, so it will need sun loving flowers.
- Do you live somewhere that may experience drought conditions? Be sure to buy plants that can handle less water.
- Are animals, such as deer, a problem? Some plants are deer-resistant!
All this information can be found on the tag that comes with your new flower. Take all these factors into consideration before bringing them home. With a little planning, your flower beds will be a huge, colorful success! For more gardening tips, take a look at this video for inspiration on transforming your yard into a blooming oasis.
