Have you ever wondered what brings butterflies to your garden?

It’s all about the plants — butterflies tend to hang out in places with plenty of nectar and shelter for their delicate wings.

By adding butterfly plants to your existing flowers and shrubs, you can create a safe space for these beautiful creatures to live. They are the most beautiful beneficial insects in the world.

Before you know it, your yard will be buzzing with color and life.

If you want to spruce up your garden, don’t miss these posts:

• 30 Amazing Perennials That Bloom All Summer
• 35+ Beautiful Sunflower Garden Ideas To Add Happy Vibes To Your Home
• 40 Amazing Rose Garden Ideas For Your Backyard

Tip: You can buy a beautiful collection of butterfly plants ( Milkweed ) blooming in different colors – HERE

Let’s dive into the gallery with all these flowering plants that attract butterfly species and we’ll help you create the most beautiful butterfly garden in the neighborhood.

1. Azaleas

If you live in a region with swallowtail butterflies, consider planting azaleas.

With its large, colorful flowers, this flowering shrub brings in a variety of fluttering creatures; it’s also a beautiful addition to your garden.

It can reach 5 feet tall, so it’s a great choice if you have lots of space.

2. Bee Balm ( Monarda Fistulosa )

You’ll know when you walk by a bee balm plant — it’s known for its distinct, sweet fragrance.

The butterflies love it, too. They’re not the only ones; you can also expect the pretty pink blooms to bring in bees, hummingbirds, and other types of small birds.

3. Black-eyed Susan ( Rudbeckia )

Are you looking to add a bold pop of color to your garden?

Try planting rudbeckia, which is better known as the black-eyed Susan. The brilliant yellow flowers are beautiful, but they’re also strong enough to support the weight of the butterfly while it feeds.

As a bonus for you, rudbeckia plants are a breeze to grow.

4. Blue Mist Flower ( Conoclinium Coelestinum )

Bring butterflies and long-lasting blooms to your yard with the blue mist flower.

The feathery, delicate petals emerge in the spring and last well into the fall.

They tend to attract the queen butterfly, which features large wings and bold orange coloring.

5. Blue Porterweed ( Stachytarpheta Jamaicensis )

The blue porterweed contains a nectar that brings in a wide variety of butterflies.

It’s also a food source for Tropical Buckeye caterpillars, so you can nurture the entire butterfly life cycle.

With its brilliant green stems and pretty purple blooms, the blue porterweed is a convenient option for ground cover.

6. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)

It’s easy to see why this gorgeous plant is called a butterfly bush — when it blooms, it creates large clusters of flowers.

Butterflies flock to the flowers to drink the nectar; they tend to prefer the varieties with light purple blooms.

This plant can spread quickly, so it’s important to deadhead it regularly.

7. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Home chefs know that chives are a must-have addition to an herb garden, but did you know that butterflies love them, too?

As chives grow, they form round, beautiful flowers that are a delicious food source for winged creatures.

If you live in a cold area, try the hardy garlic chive.

8. Pale Purple Coneflower ( Echinacea Pallida )

You’ll know the pale purple coneflower when you see it — true to its name, it features a cone-shaped center.

This sturdy structure is a perfect place for butterflies to rest while they eat the nectar which makes it a heaven on Earth for pollinator species.

Coneflowers are easy to grow and maintain, so you can keep your distance and watch the butterflies and hummingbirds at work.

9. Cosmos ( Cosmos Sulphureus )

Hoping to attract monarch butterflies? Try planting the cosmos flower.

These pretty, colorful blooms brighten your garden, and the tiny tubular structures in the center are filled with nourishing nectar.

Cosmos are easy-to-grow annuals that require little to no care. They are native plants that create a natural butterfly habitat especially for the Monarch butterfly.

10. Sapphire Flowers ( Duranta Erecta )

Sapphire flowers are another popular butterfly nectar plant. It’s known for its blooms, which cascade down vines in clusters.

This scrambling shrub is ideal for fences and pergolas.

Some varieties also produce yellow and orange berries, adding an extra burst of color to your outdoor space.

11. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

Feed the butterflies and your family with the elderberry plant.

This lovely shrub produces enormous clusters of tiny flowers — butterflies and bees can’t resist landing to drink the nectar. When the plant blooms, it produces berries that are perfect for making jelly and syrup.

As long as you cut back the plants in the winter, they’ll come back better than ever in the spring.

12. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

If you live in an area with native swallowtail caterpillars, consider planting fennel.

The leaves are a popular food source for the caterpillars, and the thick, bushy growth provides shelter and natural habitat. Before long, you’ll start seeing brand-new butterflies popping up in the garden.

While you wait, you can add fennel to your salads and Indian recipes.

13. Stiff Goldenrod ( Oligoneuron Rigidum )

Encourage monarch butterflies to flock to your yard by planting stiff goldenrod.

As the name suggests, these plants are strong and stable — a perfect landing zone.

The flowers have high levels of nectar, so you’re likely to see butterflies and bees coming in to eat.

These yellow blooms are a good option if you have challenging soil; they thrive in a variety of harsh conditions.

14. Lantana

Did you know that butterflies are attracted to the fragrance of nectar?

Take advantage of this trait by planting lantana. The orange and yellow flowers smell sweet, so butterflies know to come in for a meal.

Choose from annual and perennial versions, depending on where you live; the lantana is available as a trailing and standing plant.

15. Lilac (Syringa)

There’s no mistaking the fantastic fragrance of lilacs.

As soon as the pretty purple flowers start to bloom, you’ll see butterflies coming in for a landing.

Your butterfly garden will smell fantastic during the flowering period, and the bright green leaves will add color the rest of the year.

16. Marigold

Marigolds are a mainstay in butterfly gardens; they provide plenty of nectar and a solid support system for butterflies.

As you’re choosing plants, make sure to opt for the French marigold.

Stay away from hybrid varieties, which don’t produce enough nectar to nourish butterflies.

17. Mexican Sunflower Torch ( Tithonia Rotundifolia or Speciosa )

With its vibrant petals, long blooming season, and sturdy stem, the Mexican sunflower torch is a haven for butterflies. Monarch butterflies, in particular, love to perch on the large centers while they eat.

These flowers can grow up to 6 feet tall, so they’re a lovely way to add height to your space.

18. Milkweed (Asclepias)

In the world of butterfly gardening, milkweed is a hero.

That’s because it’s the only type of plant that monarch caterpillars can eat. This native plant takes some patience to grow; you’ll need to focus on germinating the seeds for at least a month.

When they take, however, the plants are ready for caterpillars in just two months.

19. Oregano (Oreganum vulgare)

Chef’s gardens are always stocked with oregano, an herb that adds a bold flavor to sauces and meats.

The plant also brings in butterflies, who come to eat from the flowers.

Talk to your local nursery about the right variety for your location; in some areas, decorative oregano is better for butterflies than edible oregano.

20. Garden Phlox

Add fragrance to your garden with the garden phlox, a sweet-smelling flower that blooms in the summer.

The tiny flowers also bring in butterflies and bees, ensuring that your butterfly garden will be a hive of activity throughout the warmer months.

21. Aster (Asteraceae)

The aster is another key part of a thriving garden; they provide food for caterpillars and butterflies.

The stems are strong, providing plenty of food and shelter for caterpillars and a solid landing zone for butterflies.

You’ll appreciate the lovely flowers, which come in a variety of colors.

22. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)

The vintage-style rose of Sharon adds a touch of charm to your cottage garden.

This perennial flower produces large blooms that make a big visual impact. Butterflies come for the nectar, and the large centers attract bees.

Plus, since the rose of Sharon is easy to grow, it’s perfect for beginning gardeners.

23. Mexican Bush Sage ( Salvia Leucantha )

In warm climates, the Mexican bush sage thrives.

With its long, spiky leaves and distinctive flowers that line tall stalks, this plant adds structure to a garden filled with soft shapes.

It also brings in butterflies and hummingbirds, so you’ll see plenty of action throughout the summer.

24. Spotted Joe Pye Weed ( Eutrochium Maculatum )

Don’t let the name fool you — the spotted Joe Pye weed is a beautiful addition to your garden.

The strong, sturdy plants can reach up to 10 feet, but they usually stay between 6-8 feet.

The flowers bring in a wide range of butterflies, including monarchs.

25. Stonecrop (Sedum)

Do you see many different types of butterflies in your area?

The stonecrop plant is a fantastic way to entice all of them to visit your garden.

This plant produces strong clusters of blooms with plenty of nectar for butterflies including skippers, monarchs, painted ladies, pearl crescents, and more.

26. Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)

With the summersweet flower, everything you need to know is in the name — butterflies can’t resist the sweet nectar of the summer blooms.

This adorable plant features tiny, feathery spikes that add an interesting touch of texture to your garden plot.

27. Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)

If you’re hoping to encourage caterpillars to make a home in your garden, plant the pearly everlasting flower.

This vintage plant grows strong, plentiful leaves that are a favorite food source of painted lady and American lady caterpillars as they transform into butterflies.

28. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

As butterflies move from place to place, they seek plants that offer shelter from the elements.

Help them by planting yarrow; the lush foliage offers plenty of protection. Since yarrow is a perennial, it’s an easy way to keep your garden in good shape.

All these butterfly plants will help you be a one-of-a-kind butterfly gardener and enjoy all the colors in your garden together with the pride you’ve created a butterfly habitat and helped nature do its work.

When the weather becomes more favorable, you’re bound to spend plenty of time outdoors, and what better way to enjoy these periods than with the delightful color, scent, and beauty of patio plants?!

It’s best to consider the amount your patio receives before deciding what flower to adorn it with. Plants may prefer full or partial sun; the same applies to shade. The time of day your patio receives sunlight will also be essential. Also, ensure you check your USDA Hardiness zones for the correct climate for your plants.

For season-long color, combine annuals and perennials and swap them season to season, year to year, for a fresh, new look. With that said, here’s a list of some of the best flowers that will bring a satisfying presence to your patio.

Take a look!

1. Ivy Geraniums

@beautyandlifestyle_by_luz

Just as their name suggests, ivy geraniums use their smooth, ivy-shaped foliage and vine-like growth habit to create a cascading effect. These prolific bloomers grow fast in warm weather and come in a variety of colors, including white, salmon, red, and pink. 

Ivy geraniums grow best as annuals in USDA Cold Hardiness zones 10 – 12 and look especially great in hanging baskets. Depending on the variety, when planted in the ground, they can grow dense and shrubbier or spread as ground cover. Ivy geraniums thrive in full sun and should be planted in well-drained, moist soil.

2. Agapanthus

@sunsetplants

Agapanthus, commonly referred to as the African lily, can be evergreen or deciduous, depending on the cultivar. The plant’s flowers bloom for at least six months, from early summer until fall, and, as its name suggests, are somewhat lily-like. 

Flowers in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white bloom on tall stalks, with strap-like leaves spreading out wide and long from the base to provide texture and volume. The tender perennial is hardy, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 8 – 11. It thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained, fertile, light, sandy loam.

3. Pair it Up

@burpeegardening

One way to curate a beautiful composition is to pair two bold flower cultivars for a creative palette. This container garden utilizes planters filled with geraniums and petunias in a range of delightful colors, such as pink, red, purple, violet, and orange, brightening the patio with bold colors and soft blooms.

Grouping them creates even more interest, so feel free to use as many containers as you’d like.

4. Zonal Geraniums

@gabrielegoldstone

Zonal geraniums are easily recognizable by their distinctive features, such as flower clusters that resemble spheres standing atop sturdy stems and kidney-shaped leaves. These clusters form upright bushes that provide a burst of color, from salmon, pink, red, rose, white, cherry-red, and bicolor. 

Zonal geraniums are timeless in containers, whether by themselves or mixed with other flowers, blooming through winter in sunny windows. They thrive in full sun and well-drained, moderate to rich, moist soil. The plants will also appreciate a slow-release fertilizer during planting time.

5. Petunias

@bennysbuddie

Petunias come in dozens of colors and varieties, and they’re sure to brighten your patio no matter where you place them. The beautiful plants bloom continuously throughout the summer season, featuring trumpet-shaped, medium-sized flowers in white, orange, green, red, purple, yellow, pink, and bicolor. 

Petunias thrive in well-draining, fertile soil and are annuals in most USDA zones. Maintain a regular watering regimen to keep the plants moderately moist as a substitute for annual rainfall.

6. Wax Begonias

@gardenamitapics

Wax begonias are easily identifiable by their bronze or dark green leaves, loose clusters of flowers, and a compact, bushy shape with fleshy stems. They bloom continuously without deadheading until a hard frost and come in various saturated shades of red, pink, white, or bicolor. 

Wax begonias are usually planted in masses, used as bedding plants, or as edging. They are versatile plants that thrive in full sun or part shade and can even be grown as indoor plants—they’ll need more light indoors than outdoors. 

They prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil and are usually grown as annuals in USDA Hardiness zones 10 – 11. You need not worry much about care and maintenance—the hardy plants are almost impossible to kill!

7. Marigolds

@gardenersdreamuk

Tagetes spp., commonly known as marigolds, are annuals that thrive on neglect and come in warm shades of red, orange, yellow, and bicolor. They bloom from late spring until the first frost and have a warm, green, bright, and somewhat spicy fragrance. 

The one featured here is the Janie Spry, a dwarf French marigold with double carnation-like florals boasting red and deep yellow-orange at the center. It thrives in full sun, prefers moist to slightly dry soil that’s neutral or acidic, and only grows eight inches tall.

8. Impatiens

@painteddoor

With four vibrant petals on billowy blooms, impatiens are cheerful flowers that have been popular in the United States for years. The classic warm-weather flowers are available in a broad spectrum of pink, yellow, purple, orange, red, and white. 

They bloom from spring through summer and fall and are often found in containers and flower beds. They prefer partial to full shade since too much sun will burn their leaves. They grow best in well-draining, moist, nutrient-rich soil. 

Even though impatiens are grown as annuals almost everywhere (mostly USDA Hardiness zones 10 – 11), they can also be grown as perennials in warmer climates.

9. Spanish Lavender

@tonealexander

Lavandula stoechas, commonly known as Spanish lavender, has tiny flowers that are outshined by its tall, pinkish-purple bracts, just like French lavender. The plant has upright petals that appear atop the flower heads, giving it a rabbit-like appearance. 

This compact, low-growing plant tolerates heat better than other lavenders and thus requires warm temperatures and lots of sun to flourish. Grow your plants in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil, preferably in USDA Hardiness zones 8 – 9. Oh, not to forget, the leaves and flowers of Spanish lavender are edible!

10. Roses

@noriko.rose.garden

Roses (Rosa spp.) are well known for their fragrant blooms of pink, yellow, red, white, apricot, and variations. There are trailing roses, ones that stand erect, and others that even climb. They have woody stems that are studded with sharp thorns, and they deliver flowers with a perfect form for cutting. 

They love plenty of sun and well-draining, loamy soil. If you plan to grow roses in pots, ensure your planters can withstand freezing temperatures over the winter. Go for wood and plastic pots, and avoid materials such as ceramic and terracotta.

11. Fuchsia

@mr_plantgeek

Fuchsia is famed for its dozens of teardrop-shaped, brightly-colored, dangling flowers that bloom from spring through fall. The plant thrives in USDA Hardiness zones 10 – 11 and is often grown in hanging baskets. 

The plant needs only partial sunlight and regular watering to flourish, making it an easy-to-care flower during the warm season. 

Fuchsia is a tropical plant, so grow it in a spot with mild temperatures (between 60 – 70℉) and low-level humidity. Indirect sunlight is also essential to prevent the tender leaves of the plant from burning.

12. Fuchsia ‘Rapunzel’

@tudorrosecottage

Fuschia ‘Rapunzel’ gets its name from the vibrant purple and pink-white hues it displays, and you get to experience these beautiful blooms from when spring starts until the end of fall. The plant thrives in humid environments and prefers partial shade. 

Still, Fuchsia ‘Rapunzel’ can flourish even in full shade. They bloom from virtually all seasons (spring, summer, fall), and their trailing habits make them perfect for mixed containers and hanging baskets—their stems can trail as much as two feet. 

If you live in a cold climate, bring your plant indoors to overwinter, or it will not survive the winter.

13. Hydrangeas

@antiques.vintage_in.maleny

Hydrangeas are characterized by massive, fluffy clusters of blooms that command attention all summer long. The abundant blooms come in pretty pastels like blue, purple, white, red, pink, and green. Blooming starts in early spring, and the plants keep producing new flowers until fall. 

Hydrangeas thrive in well-drained and moist soil and prefer full or partial sun. Even though they grow well in various climates, just as their name suggests, they need consistent moisture. 

The fast-growing plants do well in USDA hardiness zones 5 – 9, increasing in size by at least two feet each year. This means your patio will be engulfed in color within a few short seasons!

14. Pansies

@flowerlovers2022

Typically blooming from April to June, pansies are adored for their bright and cheerful colors. They come in a wide array of hues, including yellow, white, red, purple, pink, blue, orange, maroon, apricot, solid, and bicolor. These fast-growing flowers are seasonal perennials but normally grown as annuals. 

They can handle chilly winds and light frosts in spring and fall. You might notice older varieties fading away in the summer heat, but they tend to perk up once again during fall. Also, modern cultivars tend to handle heat much better.

Pansies do well in USDA growing zones 6 – 10, thrive in full sun or partial shade, and prefer well-draining, moist, humus soil. Water your plants regularly to extend the blooming period and give them some fertilizer; avoid overfertilization, or else they’ll become leggy.

15. Zinnias

@polkadottyplace

Zinnia elegans are fast-growing annuals that will fill your garden with hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Their beautiful, vibrant, and cheerful flowers come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and hues, including purple, orange, green, red, pink, white, and yellow, adding bursts of color to any space. 

Their double-layered petals are simply breathtaking! The numerous petals will keep the glorious colors going strong from summer to the first frost. Zinnias thrive in hot weather, so if you plan on using them on your patio, it would be best to grow them in a spot that gets full sun. 

They also aren’t picky about your planting medium. All it needs to have is proper drainage, and you’re good to go.

16. Mix it Up

@hylandgardendesign

A container garden with different types of flowers is an excellent way to add color and depth to your patio. This container planter has a diverse and somewhat inspired blend of shapes and textures, with some plants that are vibrant and eye-grabbing, like the Petunia ‘Supertunia Honey’ and the airy and delicate Calibrachoa ‘Superbells Dreamsicle’, among the grass-like Astelia banksii.

17. Snapdragons

@laurashomeandgarden

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are usually regarded as annuals, with some varieties reseeding and becoming perennials, while others grow a woody root that returns in the following years. 

Nonetheless, these bright, cool-season flowers will give you continuous blooms, so long as you provide the plants with adequate water and light afternoon shade during the heat of summer. Purple, orange, red, pink, yellow, and white blooms cover their tall stems, opening slowly from bottom to top. 

They thrive in moist but well-drained soil and are usually grown in USDA Hardiness zones 7 – 11. To encourage the side stems to bring forth buds and flowers, cut the central flower stalk back once it starts to fade, and watch as your plants offer autumnal color that lasts well into the frost season.

18. Ornamental Peppers

@juniper.botanical

The name for these colorful peppers says it all. These spicy plants are usually grown for their beauty rather than their taste. Nonetheless, they still offer gorgeous summer colors to a space using their colored peppers. 

The annuals are available in a range of seasonally appropriate colors, including burgundy, purple, red, orange, and yellow. Ornamental peppers undergo several color changes as they ripen, just like peppers grown in vegetable gardens, with some having multiple colors at once. They thrive in full sun and prefer well-draining, loamy, fertile, and slightly acidic soil.

19. Coleus

@anachristinachristina

Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) are shade-growing plants that can be found on almost every Victorian bed. However, when sun-loving coleus cultivars came into the picture, they captured the hearts of gardeners. 

They’re famed for their interesting and unique leaf colors rather than their blooms, with new leaf forms and colors being constantly available for cultivation. The multicolored foliage has variegated, intense, and patterned colors. 

They prefer full shade, but as mentioned earlier, some new varieties flourish in partial shade and even in full sun. Pinch the plants to make them fuller and bushier, with more wonderful colorful foliage to enjoy. 

20. Sweet Alyssum

@marta_plantinlove

Not only does sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) provide clusters of flowers that form a beautiful carpet, but the diminutive plant also has a unique honey-like fragrance that will stimulate your sensory nerves. 

The cool-season annual flowers bloom from spring to fall, gracing gardens with tiny purple, pink, and white four-petal flowers and gray-green leaves. Sometimes, they bloom during winter since they do well in cool temperatures. 

Sweet alyssum does well in USDA Hardiness zones 5 – 9, flourishing in full sun or partial shade and in well-drained, moist, neutral to acidic soil. 

21. Gerbera Daisy

@lemonlanefreshrestyled

So pleasant was the shape and luminous color of this flower that the National Garden Bureau announced 2013 as the Year of the Gerbera. Gerbera jamesonii, also known as Gerbera daisies or Veldt Daisies, are tender perennials native to South Africa and, unlike some daisies, only hardy in warm climates. 

Still, the plant produces phenomenal cut flowers in shades of violet, orange, red, pink, white, yellow, lavender, violet, salmon, and bicolor that thrive in container gardens. They prefer full sun and should be watered at soil level to keep leaves dry and prevent fungal diseases.

22. Verbena

@kamila.hakl

There are numerous verbena cultivars (Verbena peruviana), but the perennials have more striking blooms. They are trailing plants with colorful flowers and dark green elongated foliage. They prefer well-drained, moderately moist soil, eight to ten hours of full sun, and will do well in USDA Hardiness zones 8 – 11. 

Since they expend so much energy on flowering, verbenas tend to be short-lived. On the plus side, they bloom quite profusely, with blooming begging in their first year!

23. Sweet Potato Vine

@ahappyretiree

Sharing the same family as edible sweet potatoes (Convolvulaceae), the sweet potato vine (Ipomoea x batatas) is grown for its ornamental value rather than the harvesting of the tuber. 

The plant features long tendrils that droop down the side of container planters, creep across the ground, or wind around structures. 

The plant thrives in full sun and well-drained, moist soil, especially in USDA Hardiness zones 9 – 11. Light prune the plant frequently to help keep the medium green foliage looking tidy and healthy.

24. Lantana

@plantasyplantass

Lantana camara is an excellent nectar source for butterflies. The fast-growing plant features tiny, rounded blooms consisting of multiple small flowers in solid or two-tone hues of pink, white, yellow, blue, orange, and red. 

They thrive in warm temperatures and full sun, acting as annuals in most USDA zones and hardy, perennial vining shrubs in zones 7 – 11. They flourish in well-draining, moist soil and look beautiful in containers or hanging baskets. Lantanas can also be grown as ground covers.

Plants can spruce up any outdoor space, and in the case of pools, they prevent them from looking bland, boring, and uninviting.

Whether it’s lofty trees, colorful flowers, or architectural foliage, a container garden can instantly transform your poolside from dull to fabulous. 

On top of the aesthetic appeal that plants provide, they also present other advantages, such as creating some shade for relaxation and natural privacy screens for more defined spaces.

We’ve gathered some of the best container plants that are perfect for your poolside planting scheme.

Take a look!

1. Join the Lines

@modsceneoutdoors

This large planter is a perfect way to decorate a bare space at your poolside. The showy Cycas revoluta (sago palm) is a focal point of thrillers with its mix of brown and green leaves. This slow-growing, long-lived small tree native to Asia isn’t necessarily a palm but is more accurately described as a conifer. 

Nonetheless, it will still give you the appearance of a palm tree. Here, it looks exceptionally beautiful when set against a wooden fence or wall. The container garden makes every minute spent in this pool even more attractive.

2. Provide a Backdrop

@twin_art_inc

A planter in a granite finish is a timeless choice, but the cylindrical shape and small cutouts on the brim of this container give it a distinctly clean, geometric, and modern feel. 

The Yucca elephantipes (yucca palm) provides plenty of architectural drama through its tough, strappy green leaves that emerge from an alluring, textured trunk. The planter’s neutral tone and texture help bring out the unique natural beauty of the plant’s foliage.

3. Consider a Textural Look

@elegantearthinc

You only need a simple-to-follow formula to replicate the drama in this poolside container garden. The key to pulling off this design is to place a vining plant that you can train upwards in the middle, which, in this case, is the Mandevilla with its trumpet-shaped white flowers. 

Fill the empty spaces with clusters of caladium and a modicum of petunias. For the final attention grabber, include some ornamental grasses and let them spill over the sides to help conceal the container.

4. Border the Pool Steps

@parkerkennedyliving

This container garden idea is a beautiful way to add subtle style to your contemporary poolside landscape. The design features a pair of low-grown evergreen shrubs that evoke a continuous look and an element of symmetry. 

The hedges are planted in relatively long wooden boxes, whose design adds intrigue and creates a quintessential feature to the otherwise formal look.

5. Keep it Constrained

@accentsoffrance

This sleek, geometric design does most of the heavy lifting and puts the foliage in the spotlight. The black planter, adorned with treillage detailing, hosts the ever-creeping Hedera helix (English ivy). 

The design focuses entirely on containing the trailing nature of the plant for a more divergent look. Notice how the planter frames the obelisk and trellis wall in the background, giving the garden even more emphasis.

6. Complement the Landscape

@whatacactus

Using black planters for your poolside container garden is a great way to let your plants be the foundation of your design. This poolside container garden begins with the silvery foliage of an olive tree and bush. The foliage complements the gravel and pavers, as well as the lush lawn, for a cohesive look.

Another planter with Yucca gloriosa on the other side of the pool complements the olive tree and bush, providing a different kind of texture that adds visual interest. Grouping some of your container planters and leaving others on their own can help create a homey, mini-garden vibe at the poolside.

7. Match the Plants

@osterbergergroup

Create a fantastic summer container garden with pops of color using sun-loving perennials. Pink petunias stand tall in the trio of planters, combining with the yellow impatiens and red begonias to brighten this somewhat shady corner with hundreds of blooms. 

Purple vining plants spill on the front of the planters for a balanced look, helping tie the outdoor space together. The chic water fountains bring a sense of harmony to this poolside container garden.

8. Embrace Simple Things

@windowboxca

Add charm to your poolside container garden with a neutral wooden box planter. Here, a simple promenade square planter showcases a classic arrangement of spiky red-purple cordyline and green hostas. 

The gray planter nicely complements the foliage’s soft and muted green colors, giving it a modern and fresh feel.

9. Take Your Surroundings into Account

@twin_art_inc

Nothing beats container planters in the full glory of the sun. Here, low-maintenance, high-drama containers spotlight Bougainvillea glabra in the bright sun. 

The red flowers are set in polished ceramic containers, whose bright white finish contrasts with the flowers while complementing the paver pool deck. This idea is an excellent example of how to achieve a simple container garden aesthetic.

10. Take it Up

@green_world.landscape asad.ch

Are you dreaming of a prominent container garden but want to maintain a simple look? This container garden idea skips the vibrant flowers but still carries abundant charm and lots of tropical flair.

The matching containers and plants create a cohesive look, with the varied heights for each adding depth. You’ll love this Ficus benjamina towering next to the walls by your poolside. Add a few palms to protrude from the sides for an assorted look.

11. Inspire with a Jungle Look

@thebalconygarden

Add a touch of tropical greenery and refinement to your poolside corner container garden with the popular tropical plant Strelitzia reginae (bird of paradise). Here, the large leaves of the majestic plant pair with other plants, such as philodendrons, pothos, and dracaenas, to complete this tropical-inspired corner garden.

Additional hanging planters with staghorn ferns complement the lush green leaves of the potted plants, creating a great harmony of color. The woven planters combine with the paneled wood fence to further enhance the tropical ambiance.

12. Go for One Color

@lechuza.world

Planting in clusters is an essential part of putting together this incredible poolside container garden. The square and rectangular planters in the container garden are beautifully layered with similar plant species, evoking a modern vibe. 

The containers provide enough room to accommodate many plants and flowers at once, such as the oleanders in the above example, whose impact is an intriguing and elegant display. Consider matching your planters with the outdoor color scheme for a congruent look.

13. Find Amicable Solutions

@ocoutdoorscapes

Bowl planters work nicely in limited spaces and help increase the allure of your area in effortless yet unexpected ways. So, rather than overwhelming your poolside with numerous plantings, here is an excellent example of how to use containers to fill those bare-looking spots at your poolside.

Here, a collection of structural succulents such as echeveria, sedum, sempervivum, and aeonium take center stage in the simple bowl planters, giving the unique arrangement a fanciful internal architecture. A purple salvia plant punctuates the silvery gray foliage.

14. Beautify with Accents

@kbkopija

With such a beautiful and simple design, you’ll want to have similar planters almost everywhere in your home, not just by the poolside. The Dracaena trifasciata (snake plant) provides a simple palette of green and yellow with its foliage, creating a melody of color and shape.

Blue marble rocks at the base of the plant create a contemplative moment of pause and intimacy, pulling you in for a closer look.

15. Consider Timeless Designs

@ifoundheressencerare

If you’ve ever been in doubt that a plain and straightforward container garden can brighten up a poolside, then here’s your proof! These ceramic china planters complement the privet plants without going over the top. 

The container planter’s intricate designs help create unexpected yet robust focal points and a beautiful feeling of flow throughout the poolside container garden. Striped white and blue fabrics on the sun loungers unify the space for a clean look.

16. Let It Spill

@lisaelliott9331

A container garden is a straightforward yet sophisticated way to soften a hardscape. Here, the container garden creates visual consistency throughout its arrangement, with a sago palm at the center, proving purpose and elegance exist in simplicity.

Delosperma cooperi ‘Variegata’ highlights and reinforces the color of the sago palm while illuminating the container garden with bright foliage and flowers. The planter bowl complements the paved pool deck, tying the entire look together.

17. Keep it Simple

@lushcontainerdesigns

This small concrete planter looks great when placed by the poolside, but it’s the floral arrangement that takes it to the next level. The key to achieving this look is combining contrasting textures. Here, the selection involves a showy celebration of Prince Tut grass, fiery scarlet red coleus, and puffy purple alyssum. 

Asparagus densiflorus’ Sprengeri’ (common asparagus fern) acts as the filler and helps conceal the hard surface. Set against the concrete pool deck, the planter’s simple monochrome tone creates a sensational container garden for your poolside.

18. Make a Statement

@vickieleadesigns

Make tropical foliage the focal point for your planter for a poolside container garden that steals the show. This easy-care, bold planter uses vibrant red begonias to enhance its gleaming look and command attention from afar. 

Purple Scaevola aemula and trailing sweet potato vine have been used as fillers in the space-saving planter, and they combine with the begonias for a dazzling color palette. Finally, Phoenix roebelenii (pygmy date palm) stands atop the arrangement, adding lush greenery while offering wonderful texture and movement.

19. Showcase Foliage

@thebalconygarden

Stick with a simple planting scheme for a beautiful container garden that eliminates the hassle of gardening—your container garden doesn’t need to have every species or cultivar of plant imaginable. 

Here, the Strelitzia reginae’s oversized leaves work magnificently by creating drama through scale. The white planter pots create a clean look, while the bird of paradise takes center stage in the bigger pot. 

20. Offer the Plants Support

@grandideasoz

If you like architectural elements in your container garden, consider adding a trellis to elevate it for more of an impact. These lovely box planters are studded with purple alyssum and profusely blooming Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine). 

A trellis has been added to help train the star jasmine, which prevents overcrowding and ensures that each plant receives adequate light.

21. Impress with Your Planter

@petalsbranches

The ingenious arrangement of this container garden complements the sisal-like detailing of the planter. The handsome planter blends various florals, such as angelonia, scaevola, cascade geranium, and verbena, in hues from pink to deep purple, creating a lush look. 

The mandevilla in the middle has been grown on a teepee to create a whimsical sense of height, giving the container garden a one-of-a-kind look. The rich blue tone of the planter complements the outdoor oasis.

22. Contrast with Foliage

@mero.living

Finding the right combination of beauty and durability using plants in your container garden can be challenging. Here, the bird of paradise and Cryptanthus bromeliad in bright green and pale brown shout a welcome in a calming way. 

Contrasting black and white using the planters creates an elegant duo, with another pair of black planters with Dypsis lutescens (areca palm) in the distance, making the design distinctive yet harmonious. All these plants are tropical plants, making them perfect for grouping together.

23. Be Bold with Your Design

@exteriorsoutdoorstyling

These romantic planters capture the feelings of mystery and magic through their bright colors and beautiful texture. The most prominent pot is the main focal point with its towering palm plant. The reddish-purple cordyline in the midsize container contributes more height, while pink petunias unify the garden for a powerful, single-note punch. 

Pentas lanceolata and Portulaca grandiflora add more color for variety and depth, while strings of hearts dangle over the sides, producing a wildly untamed look that brings a sense of beauty.

24. Space It Out

@sam.greeson

Salvia forms the centerpiece of these containers, filled with bright colors and subtle greenery. The purple flowers sit at the center, adding height to the arrangement. 

Plenty of green foliage provides a backdrop for the bold calibrachoa and petunias, allowing them to stand out. The off-white planters give a sense of cohesion against the concrete design elements of the pool deck.

25. Match the Look

@soulgarden_by_alexandra_lehne

This poolside container garden is an excellent example of how to achieve subtle variation, proving how simply repeating a color or shape can go a long way in creating a beautiful and relaxing outdoor space.

Here, three ceramic planters in a bold shade of black hold a variety of textural plants.

26. Green for the Win

@cori_arthurs_designs

These sisal-like planters are flea market gems. They’re filled with an assortment of plants that provide different shades of green, anchoring the poolside area while adding depth to the space. 

Brugmansia spp. (Angel’s trumpet) offer a pop of color among the textural leaves while the bird of paradise acts as the focal point of this incredible container garden wonder.

27. Utilize the Landscape

@troyrhone

These terracotta planters sit in an evergreen-laden landscape, an excellent way to frame a tonal container garden. Consider adding interest to your terracotta-toned planters with evergreens. Here, the planters are old and weathered, but lively green boxwoods turn them into instant statement pieces. 

Other small planters in between the tall ones fill the space with red, yellow, and purple florals to prevent the container garden from falling flat.

28. Play with a Fun Design

@outpost.homes

Go for evergreen topiaries for a low-effort, high-impact poolside container garden. Here, topiaries sit at each corner of the pool deck, adding just the right amount of height and depth to the space. 

The best thing about these evergreen planters is that they’re inexpensive, so you can get plenty of bang for your buck when you opt for this design!

A container garden is a straightforward way to bring a fresh look to your backyard, patio, or front porch, adding greenery and color to liven up drab spaces. Container gardening also helps mitigate issues such as insufficient sunlight and poor drainage, reducing some of the scares that come with gardening.

Ensure your pots are always watered, especially during the summer season, to prevent them from drying. Pots made from porous materials such as terracotta also need to be watered more since water evaporates from them more quickly.

Ready to start your container gardening journey? Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Take a look!

1. Place It Near Steps

@abandonedpinesflowerfarm

This colorful entrance planter has been placed at the front of an apartment, making it always on view for tenants and passers-by. 

Different shades of greenery, along with the white, purple, and pink flowers of beardtongue, ageratum, Sutera, and black-eyed Susan, give the container garden a lot of interest. Mixing tall and petite plants gives the planter plenty of dimension that will last all season long.

2. Uplift Weathered Elements

@whitehallgardencentres

Showcase your container garden in style by using an aged stone flower pot. Fill your container with vibrant flowers to create a dynamic contrast that will pass the test of time.

Here, low trailers like lobelia, verbena, alyssum, geraniums, and petunias offer a unique texture, color, and composition approach, creating visual variety. The flower bowl feels incredibly expansive without taking up too much space.

3. Keep it Compact

@lifegardenstyle

Ferns make great additions to container garden ideas. Here, ferns find their way among a mix of lush plants, including begonias, Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant), and Hypoestes phyllostachya (polka dot plant). 

The showy collection adds height, bold color, and rich texture to the container planter. Place your container anywhere on the porch for a lush touch.

4. Use Minimal Effort

@paintedlady83

Your container garden doesn’t have to be filled with different types of plants and flowers for it to be stunning. Even planting one or two plants can give you a display worthy of all high praises. 

Here, dahlias add a fun color to the garden, with the black container helping accentuate the vibrant hue. Dry ornamental grass adds a textural feel to the container garden.

5. Liven Up a Corner

@lifegardenstylecreative

This container garden is bound to fill your space with color and texture. Sweet potato vines and lush green foliage make the trio of colorful flowers pop. Petunias, impatiens, and lantanas bring an array of colors that combine for a chic, monochromatic scheme.

Cordyline Australis’ Red Star’ in the middle adds height and makes the display visually enticing. As in the above example, ensure you balance color, texture, and height with your arrangement, and then place your planter in a corner for a striking display.

6. Ring the Bell

@thehappygardens

Make a statement with your container gardening idea using whimsical garden ornaments. A small bell and water can ornament piece add an artistic allure to this pot planter. Here, Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria Blue’ offers height and a striking focal point, while geraniums add vivid color to the mix. 

Lobelias at the bottom complement the whole arrangement for an established arrangement that can change from season to season. Place your planter on wheels to move it to a new place whenever you feel like it!

7. Utilize a Tall Planter

@windowboxca

Consider tall planters to display your plants and flowers, and then place them strategically for even more of an eye-catching statement. 

Here, straight lines and recessed panels give this planter a modern look, while red chrysanthemums on top beckon interest.

8. Take a Bold Route

@lifegardenstylecreative

Impress your neighbors and visitors with a collection of container planters in your front yard. Here, the container garden combines a burst of perennials with bold hues and lush tropical plants for elegant containers that keep on giving. Petunias, coleus, impatiens, and lantanas add deep purple, orange, pink, and yellow hues. 

Taller plants such as Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ (red banana tree) and cordyline draw the eye and command attention from afar. The arrangement has been placed next to an outdoor fireplace, creating a unique space to spend time in as you enjoy your cookouts.

9. Go for a Dynamic Duo

@esbenshadesgardencenters

This summer arrangement of greenery and flowers proves that container garden ideas can create beautiful centerpieces, no matter the season.

Pink impatiens immediately inject a vibrant color, while the trailing Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ (Golden Creeping Jenny) provides a cheerful touch. Together, the combination creates an exhilarating interplay, but even separately, each of these plants would be a visual delight!

10. Charm with a Window Box

@erhouse_home

Window boxes make excellent DIY container garden ideas, incorporating lots of texture and color into your home’s facade. They can quickly spruce up your home, such as how the above black window box matches the window shutters for a coordinated look.

The window box shows off white, purple, and red hues from dipladenia, Angelonia angustifolia, and Cordyline australis’ Red Star’ for a flowing composition that adds color to the façade. Some trailing calibrachoa add a green backdrop and are punctuated by the vivid bursts of colors from the flowers.

11. Unify the Display

@the_practical_woman

This container garden is a delightful choice for late-season container garden ideas, filling your space with a dreamy monochromatic palette and bright beauty. Petunias lead the eye with their understated beauty, while plenty of calibrachoa tie the grouping together. 

The spiky Dracaena indivisa adds texture and movement above, while the trailing string of hearts adds interest below. The simple black urn contrasts nicely with the boldness of the plants. 

12. Start Small

@planting_designer

Depending on the plant and flower types you choose, a container garden can serve you most of the year. 

These draping calibrachoa and clovers, alongside prominent pale pink ceria, fill the pot beautifully and naturally, keeping the container garden vibrant throughout the year. Even though the arrangement is compact, each plant is able to reflect its unique leaf shape, form, and color.

13. Go for a Monochrome Palette

@raicon.ca

Another easy container garden idea is to plant one species of a plant, starting with a small cluster as you wait for them to form a large colony through self-seeding. 

The process itself is easy, and with a bit of patience, you’ll have a beautiful container garden full of pretty plants. Here, hellebores inspire a minimal aesthetic with bright white flowers and evergreen foliage.

14. Create a Balanced Look

@19thavenuefarmersmarket

A clever hack for container garden ideas is to pick a color combination whereby the colors can play off each other. Here, a gorgeous black planter features beautiful colors from geraniums, petunias, and calibrachoa.

The silvery-gray leaves of Dichondra’ Silver Falls’ create a beautiful contrast with the colorful flowers. At the same time, Spike Dracaena in the center adds texture and height.

15. Consider an Upcycled Planter

@fruitachamber

There are various large vessels that you can upcycle and transform into container gardens, forming an almost DIY raised bed. 

Here, a rustic, red barrel planter is used to grow herbs, with pansies and zinnias adding subtle pops of color. The grouping makes a conventional centerpiece, creating a slight mixture of textures, shapes, and tones.

16. Go for a Rustic Planter

@mrscottage

A galvanized bucket greets guests with romantic pink hues from tulips. The tulips have been grown in such a way that they can thrive closely together while still leaving room for some foxgloves, making a lush garden. 

Once the weather gets cold, just take the planter inside and let the tulips work their magic!

17. Let them Spill

@heidisgrowhausandlg

A practical and affordable way to grow a container garden is starting by seed. It gives you the opportunity to witness your garden growing from almost nothing into something magical, which can be highly satisfying.

Here, mandevilla, alyssum, and verbena create amazing sights and add a sense of character to the outdoor space. When curating such a display, pay close attention to how the distinctive visual features work together.

18. Use a Colorful Planter

@visitcorofininclare

Sometimes, a container garden layout is all about form rather than function. Here, various red and pink tones pull everything together in this container garden. 

The container garden features snapdragons that create visual interest all around. The fern at the center constructs a beautiful sense of high drama, while the container complements the flowers with its gleaming red sheen for an unexpected pop of color.

19. Make it Petite

@irishcreamsicle

Bigger doesn’t always translate to better; this small container garden idea is a case in point. Rather than stressing yourself with extensive plantings, here is an ideal option for container planters that significantly reduces the hassle of gardening.

This container garden embraces warm and bright colors like orange, yellow, purple, pink, and red from celosia, zinnia, lobelia, caladium and ageratum flowers. The showy flowers come together to create a striking combination that plays off slight color differences. Place this planter at the front door so every person who visits has the joy of seeing it!

20. Create a Cute Display

@bloomandwiltgardens

This cute ceramic planter contains different plants, such as gerbera daisies, petunias, and calibrachoa, with their colorful pink, purple, and yellow flowers playing off each other while also contrasting and complementing each other in different ways. 

Some ornamental grass has also been placed at the center to provide height and more visual interest.

21. Use a Floral-Themed Container

@specialbranchcollective

If you’re looking to create a rustic yet elegant look with your container garden, consider painting an old, aged stone planter a coat of white paint. 

Here, Marguerite Daisy contrasts with the white planter for a cute, romantic feel, making this container garden a lovely addition to the yard. The floral motifs carved onto the container jazz up the potted plantings and add a personal touch.

22. Utilize a Box Planter

@secretly.garden

A raised garden bed is a popular type of container garden. They are usually elevated off the ground, and you can surround them with an enclosure made of plastic, rocks, wood, or any other suitable material.

Here, the raised garden bed holds a wide variety of flowers and foliage, including sweet alyssum and salvia, keeping taller plants in one corner for a vibrant backdrop. Ensure the structure you choose has proper drainage and is of appropriate size.

23. Personalize Your Planter

@alisonalta

Enliven your vegetable garden with a standalone container garden idea. This gorgeous container planter starts off the floral theme with cute flowery art. 

Plenty of greenery takes center stage and spreads out in all directions while a few purple petunias and white snapdragons peek out from the green to add a bit of color.

24. Evoke a Romantic Feel

@alteredpine

One look at this window box, and summer vibes begin to hit! This beautiful window box celebrates summer with pretty purple and cream petunias. 

One thing about container gardens is that they can be grown year-round, depending on what you plant. For example, swap out the summer florals during fall to give way to the warm fall hues.

25. Bring Timeless Elegance

@alwaysonliberty

There are numerous ways to display container gardens, whether big or small. Using unique, vintage containers like a classic, freestanding bathtub is an excellent way to bring symmetry and harmony to any container garden.

Here, an old bathtub is filled with white, purple, and pink petunias, creating a collection of small flowers that’s not only stunning but practical.

26. Enjoy the View

@lifegardenstylecreative

The dramatic foliage of cordylines is becoming a common sight in container gardens of most homes. These reddish-purple leaves can add height to low-growing flowers, making a statement with their beautiful earthy color.

Here, calibrachoa, marigolds, and petunias surround the cordyline plant in the middle, bringing a lovely flair to the whole design.

27. Play with Symmetry

@thewayiseeit_oklahoma

Use vintage urns or galvanized planters to give your container garden an interesting twist. 

Here, the rustic planter is filled with impatiens, marigolds, begonias, and petunias for a cheery statement. Some boxwood shrubs have been placed at the center for an added personal touch.

28. Make a Statement

@aistebyaiste

This tiny planter is embedded with colorful shells for an elegant and whimsical touch. Purple, red, and green hues from the plants add charm to this already quintessential container garden.

Consider making a DIY seashell planter yourself for a personalized touch.

Summer is a season when most gardeners are looking to reap what they sow, but as the weather gets warmer, you’ll find out that not all plants are suited to withstand the challenges that come with the heat.

Many plants suffer from heat stress, which increases the evaporation rates and can also interfere with moisture. This may lead to some of your plants wilting, shading leaves, or completely drying up, which may leave your once beautiful garden a shadow of its former self. 

Choosing the right blooming perennials is crucial to ensuring that your garden has a steady supply of vibrant blooms during the summer and fall seasons. 

Here are 12 perennials that you can grow this August for a vibrant fall garden. 

Take a look!

1. Oriental Lily 

Known for their baby pink color and exotic fragrance, oriental lilies will bring beauty and charm to any space, whether it’s summer or fall.

This charming perennial grows to about 4 to 6 feet and produces beautiful tall stalks of star-shaped blooms. Other than pink, the oriental lily also comes in colors such as red, cream, white, yellow, and orange. 

To add to their beauty, the flowers are splashed with spots or dark stripes. The plant will thrive in a sunny or partially shaded area with well-drained soil. Ideal growth zones are between zones 5 – 9. 

2. Chrysanthemum

If you’re looking for a flowering plant with the ideal fall color, then Chrysanthemum will do the trick. While they come in a variety of colors, sizes, and flower forms, one of the best chrysanthemum colors and by far the most grown during fall is orange.

These flowers will elevate the look of your space, whether grown alone or mixed with other flowering plants. You can either grow them directly in the soil or use planters and containers.

Chrysanthemums thrive in a sunny area; however, they’ll need to be watered as soon as the soil dries up. In colder regions, it’s advisable to cover the ground with mulch for newly planted chrysanthemums to protect them from the cold. 

3. Phlox Paniculata

Also known as the peppermint twist, the phlox paniculata is one of the most grown perennials in American gardens. The plant is known for its hardy flowers, nice fragrance, and stout structure. 

This hardy plant is mainly grown for its cloud of blooms that can change or transform the look of any space. The plant will thrive in full or partial sun and prefers well-drained soil. As for the ideal growth zones, phlox paniculata thrives in zones 4 – 8. 

4. Japanese Anemone

With tall, elegant stalks and beautiful pink or white flowers, the Japanese Anemone is a must-have perennial in your fall or summer garden.

This eye candy grows to about 2 to 4 feet and combines well with other fall bloomers, such as Chrysanthemums and asters. Even though they prefer a sunny spot, Japanese Anemones will also thrive in partial shade. 

As for the soil, these plants will do well in rich organic soils, so add some compost or mulch with leaves every once in a while. Japanese anemones are fast groundcovers, so always keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t become invasive to other species. 

5. Balloon Flower

The Platycodon grandiflorus, commonly known as the balloon plant, is an eye-catching perennial whose blooms give a cheerful, lively color in the summer or fall.

The plant is named after the fact that the young blooms swell like balloons before blossoming into bell-shaped flowers. Flower colors include blue, pale pink, and white. 

Flowering time is from June to late August. The balloon flower is easy to care for, and other than well-draining soil, a sunny post, and medium moisture, it’s quite self-sufficient. The ideal hardiness zone for the plant is between zone 3 – 8. 

6. Sedum 

If you have a busy schedule or rarely have time to check on your plants, then sedum is one of the most beautiful plants that you can grow. This hardy plant is virtually indestructible and will survive in almost all kinds of weather. 

The plant has fleshy foliage that helps it retain water and makes it largely drought-tolerant. Other than that, it also comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that suits your tastes. Grow the plant in a sunny spot, water it, and watch it flourish. 

Sedum grows to about 24 to 36 feet, and other than its attractive foliage, it also produces beautiful pink or red flowers. Its ideal hardiness zones range from zone 3 – 8. 

7. Helenium

If you’re looking to really transform your space with gorgeous fall color, the helenium is a plant you can’t afford to miss out on. Not only is it super easy to grow, but these perennials also produce flowers in deep shades of orange, red, and blue color, making it the perfect addition for the fall season. 

The plant grows to about 3 to 4 feet and will do well even with minimal watering.

Some gardeners shy away from growing this plant for fear that it may attract ragweed; however, this is a common misconception. Helenium blooms at the same time as ragweed, and in many cases, it ends up taking the blame even though the growth of the two plants is mutually exclusive. 

Besides its beauty, helenium will also attract pollinators, from which other plants can benefit.

8. Nippon Daisy

Also known as the Montauk Daisy, this plant will make a good addition to your fall garden since it blooms late in the season, adorning your space with peaky white flowers. It grows to about 24 to 36 inches and thrives in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. 

Other than being a décor solution for fall, Nippon Daisy can also tolerate cold weather and will retain its flowers and leaves unless the weather gets to a hard freeze. Additionally, its nectar-rich flowers will attract butterflies and other pollinators to your garden. 

9. Dahlia

Native to Mexico and Central America, Dahlias are tuberous-rooted plants that come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes.

The plant grows to about 6 feet tall and blossoms to produce pinwheel-shaped flowers. The flowers are categorized into about 10 different groups, including decorative, cacti, pompon, and waterlily. 

There are different cultivars, so plant and flower sizes may vary, ranging from compact ones to large plate-sized blooms.

Dahlias thrive in full sun to partial shade and bloom from July to September. Their ideal plant hardiness zones are between zones 8 and 11 and may require some shading during the cold winter weather. 

10. Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea, also known as the coneflower, is a clump-forming plant with daisy-like flowers that are mainly pink. The plant blooms from June to September, providing your space with a lush color. Its mature growth size is between 2 to 5 feet, and the plant will readily rebloom. 

Native to North America, this plant thrives in hardiness zones 3 – 9 and in well-draining soil with average fertility. One of the things that makes coneflower a good addition to your fall garden is its ability to adapt to harsh conditions, including heat, poor humidity, and drought. 

11. Joe Pye Weed

Talking of hardy plants, perennials don’t get tougher than the Joe Pye weed! This plant can withstand almost anything from tough weather conditions to animal attacks; even a little trampling on will not phase it. 

While its main variety grows to 6 to 7 feet, there are shorter variants available that grow to about 3 feet. The pye weed loves nutrient-rich, well-draining soils and plenty of sunlight. Its most unique feature is its large, showy heads of flowers that come in whitish-purple. 

Sometimes, this plant can be invasive, so allow space to ensure it doesn’t encroach on other plants.

12. Red Valerian

Red valerian is a perennial native to the Mediterranean region that blooms to produce beautiful clusters of tiny trumpet-shaped flowers that come in shades of pink to carmine. The fleshy blue-green leaves of the plant also add to its beauty. 

A mature plant grows to about 18 inches 3 feet, and blooming starts from May to September. While it requires moist, well-drained soil, the Red Valerian performs well even in dry soils; however, it may be impacted by high heat and humidity. 

Grow the plant in a sunny area with well-draining soil. This flower makes a good addition to cottage gardens and naturalized areas even though it can be grown as a ground cover. 

Extend your garden’s beauty into fall with these stunning perennials.

Chrysanthemums and Nippon daisies bring classic autumn charm, while dahlias and oriental lilies add bold color.

Japanese anemones and coneflowers attract pollinators, and sedum provides late-season texture.

Phlox paniculata and red valerian ensure a vibrant, flourishing landscape well into the cooler months!

Plants in the Magnolia genus are usually considered classic shrubs and trees symbolizing the South. They are incredibly diverse, including numerous species ideal for colder climates.

Some species are classic upright trees that are pretty huge, while others are multi-stemmed shrubby plants. Their variety and beauty are among the things that make these trees unique and adored by most people.

Magnolia trees are well-known for their incredible pink or white flowers that appear early in spring – mainly before the leaves emerge – and large, leathery foliage. Flowering magnolias are usually fragrant.

Depending on where they’re growing, magnolia trees can be deciduous or evergreen. Some species can even change their growth habits depending on the environment and climate. Even though magnolia isn’t a fast-growing plant, you’ll be rewarded for your patience.

Plant Care for Magnolia Trees

Magnolias are easy to grow, and their tolerance for shady conditions makes them unique among flowering shrubs and trees; there isn’t a single reason to stop you from growing these trees!

However, if you plan to plant magnolia trees in your landscape, they grow best in soil with proper drainage. Generally, magnolias don’t do well with wet feet in boggy soil.

To help your magnolia trees thrive, feed them with a slow-release fertilizer during spring.

Pro Tip: Magnolias usually flourish in acidic soil, but if you have alkaline or neutral soil, you can lower the pH by amending your soil with peat moss before planting. Still, you must occasionally adjust the pH by feeding the plant with an acid fertilizer or mulching around it with pine needles or another acidic mulch to keep it healthy.

Magnolia Trees and Shrubs

Below are the 12 most common species of magnolia trees, together with essential tips on how to grow and care for them.

Take a look!

1. Bigleaf Magnolia

As their name suggests, bigleaf magnolias have huge leaves that can grow up to 32 inches long. Like most magnolias, this plant is usually a deciduous tree, although it can be evergreen in warmer zones.

Bigleaf magnolias are slow to bloom, taking up to 15 years before they flower. The blooms are white with purple petal bases, typically appearing in May, and are as much as 10 inches wide.

2. Cucumber Tree 

Cucumber tree magnolia gets its name from its fruits that somehow resemble the vegetable. Yellowish, tulip-shaped flowers adorn the branch tips of this magnolia in spring.

Cucumber tree magnolia is the most cold-hardy among the magnolias. While it has the growth habit of classic southern magnolias and large glossy leaves, its blooms are much less showy – up to 2 inches across.

It makes for an excellent residential shade tree, casting a dense shade, and requires little pruning. The fruits that follow the blooms turn from green to red as they age. Some popular varieties are ‘Gold Star,’ ‘Butterflies,’ and ‘Yellow Bird.’

3. Lily Magnolia

The lily magnolia is a parent of the saucer magnolia and is one of the smaller species, usually grown as a shrub or a small tree. This shrub boasts a significant flush of lightly perfumed pink or reddish-purple flowers shaped like lilies in early spring before the leaves open.

Dark green elliptical foliage appears after flowering. One cultivar that is popular for its deeply colored blooms is the ‘Nigra’.

4. Kobus Magnolia

Also known as northern Japanese magnolia or Japanese magnolia, Magnolia kubos is a slow-growing species that exhibits most of the classic magnolia traits – prominent, dark green leaves and fragrant 4-inch-wide white flowers tinctured with pink that appear before the leaves emerge.

The Kobus magnolia tends to form multiple trunks, but you can prune it back to a central leader to give it a more traditional tree-like shape. It’s usually planted as a specimen tree where early-season blooms are desired. Magnolia kubos is a parent species used to produce Loebner magnolia (Star magnolia is the other one).

5. Saucer Magnolia

The saucer magnolia is the most commonly grown magnolia in the United States. This hybrid can be a small tree or a large shrub with multiple stems. It is created by crossing the Yulan magnolia and the lily magnolia. It has large, cup-shaped white flowers with pink interiors that appear in late winter or early spring before the leaves emerge.

Numerous cultivars are available, each offering a unique flower color in the purple range. Pair it with other small spring flowering trees such as redbud, crabapple, and serviceberry to create a living screen in your landscape.

6. Southern Magnolia

Native to the southeastern part of the United States, southern magnolia is a large evergreen with 10-to 12-inch-wide white flowers that bloom in summer. It has elliptical, shiny, dark green leaves with hazy, rusty-brown undersides; the leaves are usually used for swags, wreaths, and interior decor.

The southern magnolia flower is the state flower of Mississippi and Louisiana. This magnolia tree requires a lot of space to help it expand. However, smaller varieties like ‘Teddy Bear,’ Little Gem,’ and ‘Kay Parris’ reach a mature size of 30 feet tall.

While most magnolias prefer full sun to part shade, the southern magnolia thrives in part shade. Yellow leaves might appear on your magnolia tree, indicating a natural phase in the plant’s growth cycle or a problem with the tree or its medium, so keep a close watch.

7. Loebner Magnolia

Magnolia x loebneri is a hybrid produced by crossing star magnolia and Kobus magnolia. Loebner magnolia has multiple stems, but you can create a central leader by pruning. Similar to the star magnolia, it has many-petalled flowers 4 to 6 inches wide and a more robust, tree-like habit.

Its dark green oval leaves are smaller than other magnolias. The fragrant star-shaped white and pink flowers emerge in spring before the leaves appear. You can grow this magnolia species as a medium-sized tree in your yard. 

8. Star Magnolia

Star magnolia is a multi-stemmed tree or slow-growing deciduous shrub that works best in small landscapes. It produces star-shaped white flowers in late winter or early spring before the plant’s leaves emerge. Star magnolia rarely needs pruning.

Plant it in a sheltered location when possible to help it flower in the spring since frost can easily damage the buds; this could cause the magnolia buds not to open. Add it near a patio or use it as a mixed shrub border.

9. Umbrella Magnolia

The Magnolia tripetela gets its name from the enormous shiny 10-to-24-inch-long and 6-to-10-inch broad leaves that droop down around the ends of its branches. The umbrella magnolia is native to the understory forests of Appalachia, so it does best in shady locations.

This multi-stemmed small tree has creamy white flowers that appear after the leaves emerge around late spring to early summer. Even though they’re fragrant, umbrella magnolia’s flowers aren’t really sweet-smelling.

10. Sweetbay Magnolia

If Magnolia grandiflora is too large for your landscape, sweetbay magnolia might be just what you need. This North American native is a small, slow-growing tree with dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers.

Sweetbay magnolia tends to be an upright tree that remains evergreen in warmer zones, while in cold climates, it’s normally a deciduous shrubby plant with multiple stems. Unlike other magnolias, it flourishes in boggy and moist soil.

11. Yulan Magnolia

Yulan magnolia has striking dark green leaves and a fast growth rate, making it an excellent landscape tree. This multi-trunk tree has a rounded outline with pendulous branches and smooth bark.

In spring, lemon-scented, 6-inch-wide blooms adorn the plant’s bare branches. Plant it near a walkway or patio to enjoy its glory all year round.

12. Ashe’s Magnolia

Ashe’s magnolia got its name from William Willard Ashe of the United States Forest Service. Depending on how it’s pruned, Magnolia ashei can be a small tree or a large shrub. Sometimes, Ashe’s magnolia is treated as a subspecies of the bigleaf magnolia.

The white flowers, with petals up to 1 to 2 feet long, appear after the light-green foliage has emerged in the spring.

Evergreens are an instrumental component of landscaping. They fill up empty spaces easily, and their greenery lasts all year round, so they are a permanent addition to the visual interest of the area. 

Evergreens can be used to create screens and borders or to secure privacy on a large property. Moreover, these trees serve as shelter and food for birds and wildlife. From cones and berries to flowers and nectar, evergreens can make a complete ecosystem for birds and small animals. 

The fastest-growing evergreens will often reach the highest heights. These large trees improve the aesthetics of a home, and can also increase the property’s value. Shorter species can be grown as shrubs and used as edges.

It’s important to note that evergreen species also include slow-growing dwarf cultivars, so before choosing the ideal tree to plant, ensure you have a clear plan on how to landscape it.

Rapid-growing varieties are generally preferred for their ability to change a space’s outlook in little time. Trees with a growth rate of 25 or more inches per year can be considered fast-growing. 

Here are 12 fast-growing evergreens that you can add to your property.

Take a look!

1. Nellie Stevens Holly

Even though it’s often grown as a shrub edge, the Nellie Stevens Holly can work well when used as a small tree. It’s one of the few broadleaf evergreens with a rapid growth rate averaging about 3 feet per year. 

The tree features broad, dark green, glossy leaves and produces red berries that add to its beauty. Since it’s salt tolerant, the Nellie Stevens Holly can thrive in coastal areas. However, it’s essential to be cautious when growing the plant, as its berries can be toxic to animals and people.

2. Italian Cypress

The Italian cypress is a sight to behold. Its tall, narrow, cylindrical shape brings a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outdoor space. For this reason, the tree has been widely used in many landscaping designs and gardens worldwide. 

The tree, which is native to the Mediterranean region, features upright branches that are adorned by sprays of dark gray-green needles. Mature trees produce cones ranging from brown to copper in color. 

Its growth rate is relatively fast, growing 35 to 40 feet in 10 years. However, the plant can be pruned and shaped appropriately to maintain less height. 

3. Japanese Black Pine 

One of the unique evergreens in this list, the Japanese black pine is valued for its unique twisting trunk and dark green foliage that can instantly increase the visual interest of space. Another unique aspect of this tree is its foliage, which emerges as white but gradually turns green. 

Unlike other evergreens with tapering points, this tree has branches that droop slightly and a flat crown that’s slightly rounded. There are many cultivar varieties of this tree; for those who prefer indoor plants, you can even grow it as bonsai. 

4. Thuja Green Giant 

@tedcarterlandscape

As one of the fastest-growing trees, it’s no surprise that this evergreen goes by the name of Thuja green giant! A mature tree can grow to about 50 feet with a 5-foot spread in 10 years. Its dense, narrow growth habit makes it easy to use as a screen or barrier. 

The Thuja green giant features brown shaggy barks with fan-like spreads of rich green foliage that get darker in winter.

Even though it can add immense beauty to your landscape, exercising caution when growing this plant is essential, especially if you have livestock or pets around, as it can be toxic.

5. Western Red Cedar 

While its name can be misleading, Western Red Cedar is a perfect conifer to grow if you have limited space. The tree has fragrant green foliage that develops distinct white butterfly markings on the undersides of the leaves. 

Its narrow to broad pyramidal shape gives a beautiful, graceful appearance and makes it ideal for small spaces. The tree blooms in the autumn, producing brown to copper-colored cones.

The Western Red Cedar is fairly short, growing to about 12 feet in 10 years. 

6. Leyland Cypress

This coniferous evergreen native to North America and the United Kingdom is a versatile option that can fit many landscape designs. This tree will add enough visual interest to your outdoor area with its evergreen foliage, reddish-brown bark, and brown cones. 

The Leyland Cypress is broadly rounded with a pyramidal shape tapering to a point at the crown. The plant can be grown to full height or pruned and shaped as a smaller specimen tree or used as a hedge. Leyland Cypress has a slow growth rate of 20 to 30 feet in the first ten years.

7. Norway Spruce

One of the most iconic coniferous evergreens often used as a Christmas tree, the Norway Spruce produces large cones of about 4 to 6 inches that dangle from its unique weeping horizontal branches. 

This tree features a brown-gray scaly bark. However, what makes it ideal for the festive season is its stiff, dense, dark green needles that can easily hold lights and ornaments. Norway spruce can grow to about 10 feet in its first five years.

8. Monterey Pine

If you are looking for a tree that will dwarf other elements in the surroundings with height while adding beauty to your landscape, then the Monterey pine is the choice for you. With a narrow trunk and pyramidal shape, this plant is perfect for landscaping.

Monterey pine thrives in dry conditions; hence, it won’t need frequent watering, especially when it matures. 

The tree features dark green needles and brown seed cones and grows to about 53 feet in 15 years. The tree is primarily cultivated for lumber in many areas around the world. In some native environments, such as Mexico and parts of central California, the tree is considered an endangered species. 

9. Wax Myrtle 

Commonly known as the southern bayberry tree, the wax myrtle is a fast-growing evergreen that can reach 40 feet in height. Its dense, fragrant olive-green foliage makes it well-suited for use as a border or screening hedge. 

This plant blooms in the spring to produce catkins, which are followed by pale blue fruits in the winter. However, two plants, a male and a female, are required for the plant to produce berries. The bark color may vary from light gray to nearly white. 

10. Rocky Mountain Juniper Skyrocket

A cultivar of the Rocky Mountain juniper, the skyrocket is one of the fastest-growing cultivars of the species. This evergreen adds beauty to your landscape and is versatile so you can use it in plenty of settings. 

The tree has a rounded conical shape and moderate height, hence its versatility. A silvery-blue to dark green foliage and a reddish-brown bark add to this plant’s visual interest and beauty. 

One of its most notable features is the waxy, blue, berry-like cones that make this evergreen even more beautiful. The skyrocket grows to about 15 feet tall, spreading about 3 feet in 10 years. 

11. Grand Fir 

One of the most famous evergreens, the Grand fir, lives up to its size and appearance. This tree is an excellent focal point for any landscape, featuring smooth gray bark and shiny dark green needle-like leaves. 

The Grand fir produces reddish brown cones that are about 3 inches in size. The common cultivar of this plant is the giant variety; however, there are dwarf species of the same, but they won’t grow as quickly.

12. Cherry Laurel 

Another evergreen with about the same characteristics as the wax myrtle, the cherry laurel is a broadleaf evergreen tree with glossy green foliage that may be fragrant and white flower spikes that bloom in spring.

The cherry laurel is easy to care for since it survives in various soil types and responds well to pruning, making it ideal for a screening hedge. 

The plant’s combination of flowers and berries attracts birds and pollinators in autumn. With the proper care requirements, the Cheryl Laurel can grow to about 10 feet tall in four to five years. However, this plant can be toxic to people and pets, so take the necessary precautions when growing it. 

A garden can brighten up any outdoor space, especially if you add some flowering plants. However, most gardeners complain about the lack of plants that can spruce up a shaded area in a garden. 

By definition, shade-loving plants are plants that can survive with less than four hours of direct sunlight per day. While several plants fall into this category, most are foliage plants, not flowering ones. 

Several flowering perennials can thrive in shady areas. These plants can adapt to a wide range of sunlight exposure, from partial shade to full shade. Even though some of the plants in this category can tolerate full sun, they’ll thrive better in partial shade, especially in hot climates. 

Here are ten flowering perennials that you can use to brighten up any shaded spot in your garden.

Take a look!

1. Columbine 

@decorhomeideas

Columbine is a flowering shrub with beautiful blue bell-shaped blossoms that are a major attraction for butterflies and hummingbirds. This plant will not only spruce up your garden but also attract pollinators that can be useful for other plants. 

While there are various native species, most of the common commercially available plants are cultivars of the Aquilegia vulgaris. Even though blue is the most common color, there are a variety of flower color combinations. 

Columbines are easy to grow and propagate since they often spread by self-seeding. Blooming time is usually in late spring and early summer, and the plant grows to about two feet tall. Leaf miners are one pest that columbines are susceptible to, but you can cut the foliage to control them. 

2. False Spirea 

@decorhomeideas

Astilbe, also known as false spirea, has flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, and white that bloom in late spring and early summer. Just like the colors, this plant has several varieties, some growing as small as six inches high and others as high as five feet. 

False spirea thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full shade or full sun exposure. They require frequent fertilization since they’re heavy feeders and do best in moist conditions. Other than dividing the plants after every three years, these plants require little maintenance effort. 

3. Woodland Phlox 

@decorhomeideas

Woodland phlox is a flowering ground cover that thrives in dappled shade.

Although many varieties of phlox can tolerate shade, the woodland phlox native to North America is one of the most common varieties that you can easily grow.

The plant has rounded medium green leaves with tall stalks that produce blue or white flowers with five petals. 

4. Barrenwort

@decorhomeideas

Most gardeners dismiss this ground cover for fear of it being slow-growing. However, the color and visual interest that the plant adds to your space make it a great addition to any outdoor garden. 

It produces bright blue flowers that bloom in early spring. Its foliage also emerges in spring in shades of gold and red and matures to a deep green. Although this plant tolerates full shade, it thrives best in partial shade. 

5. Primrose

@decorhomeideas

Primroses are one of the earliest blooming flowers in spring and one of the brightest shade-loving flowers to grow. The name primrose comes from the term primula, which means “little first one” in Latin. This is in reference to its blooming season. 

Besides being shade-loving, these plants can also survive in full sun in early spring. However, as the temperature rises, you need to move the plants to partial shade.

Various cultivars are available, many of which are grown as annuals since they are adversely affected and may succumb to warm weather.

6. Siberian Bugloss

@decorhomeideas

This clump-forming perennial flower will brighten the outlook of your shaded space with its beautiful blue color. It grows to a maximum of 18 inches and blooms from April to May.

In addition to the flowers, the plant also has interesting heart-shaped dark green leaves that will add visual interest to your space throughout the growing season. 

Grow the Siberian bugloss in a dappled shade since its foliage can easily get scorched in the sun. The flower makes an excellent option for mass plantings. 

7. Virginia Bluebells

@decorhomeideas

Native to the Eastern part of the United States, Virginia bluebells are low-maintenance perennials with flowers ranging from pink to clear blue.

Active growth begins in later winter with the appearance of pale green, oval-shaped leaves. Blooming follows shortly after with blue tubular flowers.

This blooming period lasts several weeks before the plant goes completely dormant.

8. Spotted Dead Nettle

@decorhomeideas

The spotted dead nettle boasts beautiful pink flowers and spotted silvery leaves that can be the highlight of your garden. This plant is commonly used as a ground cover in areas where other ground covers find it difficult to grow. 

Blooming starts in late spring when small pink bell-shaped flowers with spotted lips appear. During fall, the flowers may bloom on and off.

Depending on the growing zones, the leaves can either be evergreen or semi-evergreen, with the latter being for warmer areas. In some states, this plant is considered an invasive species, so ensure you confirm with the relevant office before growing it.

9. Goatsbeard

@decorhomeideas

Looking for a perennial that can add height and lighten up those dark-shaded areas in your garden? Then the goatsbeard is the perfect choice. This plant has a shrublike habit and grows to about four feet wide and six feet tall. 

When blooming, the plant produces creamy white flowers, which occur from late spring to early summer.

While this plant may adapt to different soil types and can survive in a shaded area, it may require filtered early morning and late afternoon sun for best flowering results.

10. Hellebore

@decorhomeideas

Adding visual interest to your garden may be challenging, especially during winter, but Hellebore may just do the trick. In the southern zones, flowers may appear as early as Christmas. This is why the plant is sometimes referred to as Lenten or Christmas rose. 

The Hellebore has dark green foliage with palm-shaped leaves. Its evergreen foliage and clumping habit will add year-round visual interest to your garden.

The Hellebore has a unique sun exposure pattern, preferring shade in summer and sun in winter. As such, it’s an ideal choice to grow under shade. However, be cautious when growing this plant, as it’s wholly toxic to people, pets, and even herbivores. 

If you want to enjoy a front yard garden full of texture and color every year, go for perennial plants. Once planted, they will also require less maintenance.

You can choose from various perennials to design a unique front yard garden.

There are evergreen varieties that keep their foliage throughout winter. Some bloom in spring, others in summer, and after their flowers fade away, they preserve their roots for next year.

If you have been convinced to make a perennial garden bed in the front yard, check out these 17 Stunning Perennial Garden Layout Ideas for Transforming Your Front Yard Into a Blooming Paradise.

1. Beginner-friendly Perennial Garden

@t.p_gardens

This is an easy garden plan for beginners or people who don’t have much time. It features a mix of heat-resistant perennials.

Some of them grow in tufts, and others reach heights, and these features make the garden interesting and beautiful.

This reliable combination of Ornamental Onions, Daisies, Boxwood, shrubs, and trees creates a colorful and welcoming front yard garden.

2. Mimic Nature Garden Layout

@thegardenatbroughtonhall

Include blooming groundcovers that will fill the empty spaces between shrubs and flowers.

Some groundcovers bloom in autumn and spring, and others in summer, so you can easily match them with the already-planted perennials and create a wonderful flower carpet in the front yard.

3. Front Yard Landscape With Flower Tufts

@gardendesignmag

Perennials entirely cover this small front yard. Tufts from Japanese maples, Lavender and Cotoneaster decorate the tile walkway leading to the front door.

On the porch, climbing roses and green vines unfold to welcome with texture, beauty and fragrance.

4. Lilac Perennials

@garden.dose.ig

The perennial garden of this front yard has a color pattern. The blooming perennials are purple and dark blue. They are combined with evergreen shrubs and trees, ensuring a great contrast for the flowers.

The garden is divided into garden beds among a well-maintained lawn surrounding the walkway through the yard.

5. Symmetrical Garden Beds

@Designscapes Colorado Inc.

This front yard garden covers part of the free yard space on both sides of a flagstone walkway. The perennials are cultivated field flowers that are very resistant to any environment.

This flower’s mix of heights, colors, and textures creates an authentic natural landscape that makes this yard cheerful and beautiful.

6. Front Yard Garden With Shrubs

@Coastal Garden Design

If you prefer a front yard garden that requires little maintenance and makes a statement, go for blooming shrubs.

They will form significant shrubs, and when the flowers fade away, their leafy mass will still make an impact.

7. Edged Garden Bed

@Traditional Landscape

Garden edges can give a front yard a more sophisticated and finished look.

They can also blend the garden with the patio. In this front yard design, the patio’s white stone tiles are complemented by small white stone tiles stacked to form a garden bed for lavender.

8. A Perennial Border

@nickmccland

This garden with perennials surrounds a gravel patio. The mix of thick boxwood shrubs at the back and purple flowers at the front creates a lush border between the house and the entertainment area.

The flower varieties chosen for this garden are Ornamental Onion and Salvia, which are planted in sections that visually create an ombre effect with the shades of their flowers.

9. White Flower Varieties In One Garden Bed

@gardendesignmag

The design of this small side garden aimed to reflect the warmth and friendliness of the family that owns the house. Therefore, the flower combination combines delicate white, blue, and yellow flowers and ornamental greenery.

Each flower kind is planted independently to form an impacting tuft among the greenery.

10. Perennial Rock Garden

@deannacat3

There are perennial varieties that can thrive in poor soils and rock gardens. Despite the conditions, the combination of leafy succulents and blooming varieties can create the desired beautiful front yard garden.

Creeping Phlox, Deadnettle, and Candytuft are among the blooming plants suitable for rock gardens that will create a colorful character.

11. Cottage Garden

@the_little_end_cottage

The cottage style of front yard garden creates a beautiful natural landscape that is casual and inspiring. Although cottage gardens look like they just kind of happen, they do require planning and designing regarding varieties, sun exposure, and soil properties.

Dahlias, lavender, hydrangeas, columbines, and campanulas are the best perennial flowers for a cottage garden.

12. Bushes In A Desert

@creations landscape designs

This front yard garden design creates the impression of flowers in the desert.

This impression is imposed by the pea gravel cover of the soil and the relatively big distances between the tufts and the shrubs, as if wildings.

13. Water-wise Plants

@Jean Marsh Design

This front yard garden is divided into sections. Some flower beds are covered with mulch, others with stones to create the final look of a rock garden.

The plants are water-wise varieties, and the soil coverage helps with drainage.

14. Fairy Scene

@Designscapes Colorado Inc.

The front yard of this home has been transformed into a fairy tale landscape by creating striking perennial garden beds on both sides of a flagstone walkway.

As you pass the gate, the garden beds at the beginning of the yard are planted with short flowers. As you go up, the walkway ascends thanks to steps.

The adjacent flower beds are filled with perennials that grow in tufts, creating interest with their heights.

15. Drought-tolerant Garden Layout

@creations landscape designs

This front yard features gravel garden beds interrupted by a curved stone walkway. You may think that drought-tolerant plants are boring and poor, but this garden landscape idea proves the contrary.

You can find varieties that form blooming tufts and combine them with green groundcovers.

16. Farm Front Yard Garden Design

@River Valley Landscapes

The restoration of this old farm also included redesigning and updating the front garden bed. The aim was to keep the layout and design as authentic as possible.

The arrangement of the flower beds puts the blooming varieties in the front and next to the walkway. The greenery creates a lush backdrop, and I am also interested in the variety of shrubs and trees included in the garden.

17. Purple Flowers In Mulch Garden

@Dorthy Pautz Landscape Architect

The bright yellow color of the house creates a lovely bright contrast with the green leafy mass and striking purple flowers.  

One way to add visual interest and spruce up your outdoors when landscaping is using shrubs. You can grow shrubs with or without full sun exposure, making them the perfect choice for landscaping.

Even though it may seem challenging to find, there are a variety of shrubs that can thrive in shaded areas.

From tall to short edges, getting the right shrub changes your outdoor space. Deciduous or evergreen shrubs can bring beauty to your outdoor space, either through their beautiful blooms or their attractive foliage.

Since many of these plants have year-round appeal and are low maintenance, they are perfect for shady areas where many full-sun exposure plants won’t survive. 

Here are 20 shrubs that will survive and thrive in shady areas while contributing to the beauty of the garden and lawn. 

Take a look!

1. California Sweetshrub 

One of the low-maintenance shade-loving shrubs you can grow in your compound is the California sweetshrub. This deciduous plant produces a sweet fragrance. In addition to landscaping, this shrub is also used to control erosion along riverbanks and creeks.

It’s a good ground cover and resistant to deer, who tend to avoid it. Prune the plant by removing old, overgrown stems from the top down rather than nipping the tips of the branches.

2. Hetz Japanese Holly 

Another popular shade-tolerant holly is the Japanese holly. This shrub has smaller leaves compared to the English and American hollies. The unique shape of the leaves has been nicknamed “box-leaved.”

Another significant difference is in the color of the black berries, unlike the red color common in other hollies. It would help if you regularly pruned or shear this plant to shape its hedges.

3. Carol Mackie Daphne 

The Carol Mackie Daphne is a climbing plant that will survive under shade but blooms more prolifically if exposed to sufficient direct sunlight. However, the plant is worth growing for its beautiful variegated leaves.

In addition to the beautiful foliage, it also produces colorful pink and white flowers, which can help add beauty to your landscape. Daphnes will not survive in acidic soil; add some lime to neutralize the pH of the soil if it’s too acidic.

NOTE: The berries and leaves of this plant are toxic and should not be consumed; they may also cause skin irritation. Keep them away from the reach of pets and children.

4. Camellia 

Camellia sinensis is a plant that has more than one use. In addition to being beautiful and fragrant, it can also be used to make fragrant tea; due to this unique use, it’s even referred to as the tea plant.

The plant’s glossy foliage and fragrant flowers make it an excellent addition to any outdoor space. This fantastic shrub will serve you for years since it’s easy to maintain and has a reasonably long life. 

5. Common Boxwood 

As the name suggests, the common boxwood is an evergreen shrub often used for hedges and topiaries. This plant makes a great addition, especially in formal landscape design.

Its dense light green foliage and compact shape make it a good choice for those looking for a colorful, low-maintenance plant.

Since it can adapt to partial shade, the English boxwood can be used in various landscape settings. Although it grows to about three feet, this plant has a slow growth rate, giving you enough time to prune it and enjoy its beauty. 

6. Canadian Bunchberry 

Other than shrubs, subshrubs can also do wonders for your landscape, and the Canadian Bunchberry is one subshrub you can use to spruce up your outdoors. Moreover, the plant can also be used as a ground cover for damp and shady areas.

Being a close relative of the dogwood, this plant produces similar blossoms and has been nicknamed “bunchberry dogwood” or “creeping dogwood.”

It’s uniquely suitable for cold, damp areas where most plants and shrubs may struggle to survive. Mulch the plant with peat moss to increase the soil acidity.

7. Japanese Rose 

The Japanese rose is one of the most shade-tolerant shrubs. This deciduous shrub will do more than survive in a shaded area; it’ll thrive. This shrub’s Blooming time is in spring; when grown in partial shade, it may bloom multiple times.

The bark has a kelly green to greenish-yellow color during the winter season. Being a fast grower, this shrub can easily reach 7 feet. Overgrown shrubs can be revived during fall by cutting them back.

8. Japanese Skimmia 

This slow-growing shrub produces white flowers that then yield red fruit. Unlike other shrubs, it’s essential to have male and female plants to create the perfect balance and ensure fruit production. It has broad green leaves with a leathery texture and a greenish bark.

Even though pruning isn’t an essential care routine for this plant, it’s recommended to prune it at least once in the dormant season to keep the plant neat.

NOTE: All parts of the skimmia plant are toxic, so keep them away from pets and children. 

9. Emerald ‘n’ Gold Euonymus 

Emerald ‘n’ gold Eounymus is a beautiful shrub mainly grown for its foliage. It has bi-colored gold and green leaves that’ll brighten any spot. With more sun exposure, the golden color of the leaves gets brighter. However, this shrub will also thrive in partial shade.

There are several varieties of the euonymus. One of the subspecies of this plant, called the winged spindle tree, can be invasive. You should note that even with the non-invasive species, Euonymus is fast-growing and needs regular pruning. 

10. Mountain Laurel 

Native to eastern North America, mountain laurels thrive in shady woodland areas. Several cultivars of this plant have been specifically developed for landscaping, such as the dwarf “Minuet” laurel, which has vibrant flowers compared to the native mountain laurels.

The plant will thrive in well-fertilized acidic soils. Fertilize with an acid-enhancing fertilizer like that used for Rhododendrons and azaleas. 

11. African Scurf Pea 

The African scurf pea is a fragrant plant that produces beautiful lilac flowers with a grape soda fragrance that may remind you of the sweet pea. The foliage, which resembles the rosemary shrub, has a smooth, fine texture.

This shrub is short-lived but can also self-seed, so you don’t have to worry about it going extinct in your garden. Prune the plant regularly to maintain its attractive shape.

12. Azalea and Rhododendron

Known as woody evergreen shrubs, azaleas and rhododendrons are some of the best shrubs to grow under shade. These shrubs, especially rhododendrons, produce beautiful blooms during spring. They can survive in different climates and will thrive in full or partial shade.

Even though they’re easy to take care of, they prefer well-fertilized soils. When fertilizing, use an acid-enhancing fertilizer and fertilize in late winter or early spring. 

13. Sky Pencil Holly 

@pikenurseries

The sky pencil holly is a shrub that has various landscaping and architectural uses. The shrub is a variety of Japanese holly with a unique tall columnar shape. Its distinctive shape makes it an essential plant in exterior design, especially in corners and tight spaces.

Other than adding beauty to your garden, the berries of the sky pencil holly also attract a wide range of birds. Unlike other hollies, you don’t need to prune the sky pencil frequently; however, if you choose to prune it, do so in winter when the plant is dormant. 

14. Canadian Hemlock 

When trimmed right, this needled evergreen hemlock can create dense foliage and be used to make privacy fences or screens for your garden. Smaller cultivars of the Canadian Hemlock are especially good at making edges.

These plants are native to the northern hardiness region and will appreciate a thick layer of mulch over their roots in winter. 

15. Alpine Currant 

Native to Europe, the Alpine currant is a shrub with bright green foliage. Its thick foliage makes it a good border or hedge plant. While the plant needs both male and female varieties to produce its colorful red berries, it’s important to note that they are ornamental rather than edible.

Maintenance of the plant is easy, and you’ll only need to prune it occasionally to keep it neat. 

16. Andromeda 

A fragrant shade-tolerant shrub that is evergreen, the Andromeda produces small, colorful flowers. Different cultivars produce either white or pale pink flowers.

In addition to its beautiful blooms, this plant continuously produces colorful new growth. Fertilizing should be done with an acidic fertilizer like that used for plants like azaleas. 

17. Climbing Hydrangea 

These deciduous climbing vines are the perfect climbers for a shaded area. Climbing hydrangeas can also be grown as shrubs when trimmed and maintained as such. The plant’s natural peeling bark will add visual interest to your space in winter.

While they can tolerate shaded areas, hydrangeas will yield more colorful blooms when exposed to a reasonable amount of sunlight. 

18. California Holly 

Also known as the Christmas berry or the toyon, the California holly is one of the plants credited with giving Hollywood its name. As the name suggests, the plant is indigenous to California. The shrub is drought-resistant, and the flowers yield small red berries.

The combination of the foliage and berry color has made the California holly an essential plant in xeriscaping in the region. 

19. Yews 

A plant commonly used in Christmas traditions, yews can make an excellent under-the-shade shrub. The showy red and berry-like cones add beauty to any exterior scape. Since they survive in the shade, they make the perfect outdoor decor.

There are many cultivars of this plant, and their hardiness and versatility make them a popular choice in landscaping. Trim the plant in early summer to keep its shape attractive and accelerate its growth. 

NOTE: Yews contain an alkaloid taxane that makes them toxic, so keep them out of the reach of pets and children. 

20. Chinese Fringe Flower 

Also known as the Chinese Witch hazel, this shrub has colorful pink flowers that will change the outlook of your outdoors. Similar to the witch hazel, the Chinese fringe flower has fringe-like flowers that bloom in early spring.

The plant can grow to about 12 feet in height and has an aggressive spreading characteristic. It has primarily green foliage, although some cultivars may feature purple leaves. 

Create a lush, thriving garden with these stunning shade-loving shrubs. Azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias add vibrant blooms, while climbing hydrangeas bring elegance to shaded spaces.

Boxwood and Hetz Japanese holly provide year-round greenery, and mountain laurel offers delicate flowers.

With alpine currant and Carol Mackie daphne, your yard will stay colorful and lively, even in low-light areas!

Transform your patio into a vibrant and serene paradise with these 22 beautiful potted flowers.

Whether you want to add a splash of color, fragrant blooms, or unique foliage, these plants are perfect for creating an inviting and picturesque outdoor space.

From the bold and bright geraniums to the elegant and aromatic lavender, discover the best-potted flowers to enhance your patio and make it a delightful retreat.

Get ready to be inspired and bring your patio to life with these stunning floral choices!

1. Geraniums

@decorhomeideas

Geraniums are an excellent choice for patio containers due to their vibrant colors and long blooming period.

These hardy flowers thrive in various climates and are relatively low-maintenance, making them ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners. Geraniums are available in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, white, and purple, allowing you to create a colorful and inviting patio space.

Simple facts about geraniums include their preference for well-drained soil and sunny locations, although they can tolerate partial shade.

They require regular watering, especially during hot, dry periods, but it’s essential to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season.

An interesting fact about geraniums is their use as natural insect repellents.

The essential oils in geraniums have properties that can deter pests like mosquitoes, making them a practical and aesthetic addition to your patio.

Moreover, some varieties of geraniums, such as scented geraniums, can fill your patio with pleasant fragrances, enhancing your outdoor experience.

Best USDA Zones: 9-12 (can be grown as annuals in cooler zones)

2. Petunias

@decorhomeideas

Petunias are popular patio flowers due to their versatility and prolific blooming. These plants are available in a wide array of colors and patterns, allowing for creative and dynamic floral displays.

Petunias can be grown in hanging baskets, containers, or garden beds, making them a flexible choice for any patio design.

Petunias thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They require regular watering and benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer to promote continuous blooms.

One of the appealing aspects of petunias is their ability to self-clean, meaning the spent flowers naturally drop off, reducing the need for deadheading.

An interesting fact about petunias is their night fragrance. While many flowers release their scent during the day, some petunias, particularly the grandiflora varieties, emit a sweet fragrance in the evening.

This makes them an excellent choice for patios where you might enjoy relaxing in the evenings, adding a sensory delight to the ambiance.

Best USDA Zones: 9-11 (can be grown as annuals in cooler zones)

3. Begonias

@decorhomeideas

Begonias are a great choice for shaded patios due to their ability to thrive in low-light conditions. These flowers are known for their striking foliage and vibrant blooms, which can add a splash of color to any shady spot.

Begonias are available in various types, including wax begonias, tuberous begonias, and rex begonias, each offering unique foliage and flowers.

Begonias prefer well-drained soil and regular watering but are susceptible to overwatering. They thrive in partial to full shade and can tolerate indirect sunlight. These plants are relatively low maintenance, making them suitable for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.

An interesting aspect of begonias is their use in medicinal practices. Some cultures have used begonia extracts for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Additionally, begonias are known to improve air quality by filtering toxins from the air, making them not only a beautiful but also a beneficial addition to your patio.

Best USDA Zones: 10-11 (can be grown as annuals in cooler zones)

4. Marigolds

@decorhomeideas

Marigolds are a wonderful choice for patio containers due to their bright, cheerful colors and ease of growth. These flowers are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, making them perfect for adding a vibrant touch to your outdoor space.

Marigolds come in shades of yellow, orange, and red, and can bloom continuously from spring until the first frost.

Marigolds prefer full sun and well-drained soil, although they can tolerate poor soil conditions.

They are relatively low maintenance, requiring regular watering but not overly fussy about fertilization. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms, keeping your patio looking lively throughout the growing season.

An interesting fact about marigolds is their pest-repellent properties. Marigolds emit a scent that can deter many garden pests, including nematodes, aphids, and even mosquitoes.

This makes them a practical choice for patios, helping to protect other plants and reduce the presence of annoying insects.

Best USDA Zones: 2-11 (grown as annuals)

5. Impatiens

@decorhomeideas

Impatiens are ideal for shady patios, providing a burst of color in areas where other plants might struggle. These flowers are known for their ability to thrive in low-light conditions and their wide range of colors, including pink, red, white, and purple.

Impatiens are particularly well-suited for container gardening, hanging baskets, and garden beds in shaded areas.

Impatiens prefer moist, well-drained soil and should be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. They thrive in partial to full shade, making them perfect for patios with limited sunlight.

These flowers are relatively low maintenance and do not require frequent fertilization to flourish.

An interesting fact about impatiens is their use in traditional medicine. In some cultures, impatiens have been used to treat minor skin ailments and inflammations.

Additionally, impatiens are known for their rapid growth and prolific blooming, making them a favorite among gardeners looking to quickly add color and vibrancy to their outdoor spaces.

Best USDA Zones: 10-11 (can be grown as annuals in cooler zones)

6. Lavender

@decorhomeideas

Lavender is a fantastic choice for patio containers due to its aromatic properties and attractive appearance.

This perennial herb is known for its fragrant, purple blooms and silvery-green foliage, which can add a touch of elegance to any patio. Lavender is also drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of climates, making it a versatile and hardy choice.

Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it requires minimal watering once established. This plant is relatively low maintenance, needing only occasional pruning to remove spent blooms and maintain its shape.

Lavender’s fragrant flowers can be harvested and used for various purposes, including sachets, oils, and culinary dishes.

An interesting fact about lavender is its use in aromatherapy. The scent of lavender is known to promote relaxation and reduce stress, making it a perfect addition to a patio where you might unwind and relax.

Additionally, lavender attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.

Best USDA Zones: 5-9

7. Roses

@decorhomeideas

Miniature or patio roses are an excellent choice for adding elegance and fragrance to your patio. These compact roses are bred to thrive in containers, making them perfect for small spaces. They offer the same beauty and variety of colors as larger rose bushes, including red, pink, yellow, and white blooms.

Roses prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They require regular watering and benefit from fertilization during the growing season. Pruning is essential to maintain their shape and encourage new growth. Despite their slightly higher maintenance compared to some other patio plants, the stunning blooms and delightful fragrance make them well worth the effort.

An interesting fact about roses is their symbolic meaning. Roses have been associated with love and beauty for centuries and are often used in celebrations and special occasions. Additionally, rose petals can be used to make rose water or added to dishes for a touch of floral flavor, adding a practical element to their ornamental value.

Best USDA Zones: 5-9 (varies with specific rose varieties)

8. Dahlias

@decorhomeideas

Dahlias are known for their large, dramatic flowers and are a striking choice for patio containers. These flowers come in a wide range of colors and shapes, from small pom-poms to large, dinner-plate-sized blooms, making them a versatile and eye-catching addition to any patio. Dahlias can provide continuous color from mid-summer to the first frost.

Dahlias prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil. They require regular watering and benefit from a balanced fertilizer to support their vigorous growth and abundant blooms. While dahlias may require staking to support their tall, heavy flowers, their stunning display makes them a rewarding choice for patio gardeners.

An interesting fact about dahlias is their origin. Native to Mexico, dahlias were once cultivated by the Aztecs for their edible tubers and medicinal properties. Today, they are primarily grown for their ornamental beauty, and their diverse forms and colors make them a favorite among gardeners and floral designers alike.

Best USDA Zones: 8-11 (can be grown as annuals or lifted and stored in cooler zones)

9. Fuchsias

@decorhomeideas

Fuchsias are perfect for adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to shaded patios. Known for their distinctive, drooping flowers that resemble ballerinas, fuchsias come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white. These flowers thrive in hanging baskets, making them ideal for creating vertical interest in your patio garden.

Fuchsias prefer partial to full shade and well-drained soil. They require regular watering and benefit from a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. To encourage continuous blooms, it’s important to remove spent flowers regularly. Fuchsias are relatively easy to care for and can add a unique charm to your patio.

An interesting fact about fuchsias is their namesake. Named after the German botanist Leonhart Fuchs, these flowers have been cultivated since the late 17th century. Their unique flower shape and vibrant colors have made them a favorite in gardens around the world, and they continue to be popular for their beauty and versatility.

Best USDA Zones: 9-11 (can be grown as annuals in cooler zones)

10. Hydrangeas

@decorhomeideas

Hydrangeas are a beautiful choice for patio containers, offering large, showy blooms that can add a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. These flowers come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, white, and purple, and their color can often be influenced by the soil pH, allowing for some customization of your patio display.

Hydrangeas prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. They require regular watering, especially during hot weather, and benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for and can provide stunning blooms from late spring to early autumn.

An interesting fact about hydrangeas is their ability to change color based on soil pH. For example, blue hydrangeas can turn pink if the soil becomes less acidic, while pink hydrangeas can turn blue if the soil becomes more acidic. This unique characteristic adds an extra layer of interest to growing hydrangeas, allowing gardeners to experiment with different soil treatments.

Best USDA Zones: 3-9 (varies with specific hydrangea varieties)

11. Pansies

@decorhomeideas

Pansies are a delightful choice for patio containers due to their cheerful, bright blooms and ability to thrive in cooler temperatures. These flowers are known for their distinctive “faces,” with dark central markings contrasting with the petals’ vibrant colors, including purple, yellow, blue, and red. Pansies can add a touch of whimsy and charm to any patio, making them a favorite among gardeners.

Pansies thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained soil. They are relatively low maintenance and can tolerate cooler weather, making them perfect for spring and fall plantings. Regular watering and deadheading spent blooms can help extend their blooming period and keep your patio looking vibrant.

An interesting fact about pansies is their edibility. Pansy flowers can be used to garnish salads, desserts, and drinks, adding a colorful and decorative touch. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and can also be candied for a unique treat. This versatility makes pansies not only a beautiful but also a practical addition to your patio garden.

Best USDA Zones: 6-10 (grown as annuals or biennials)

12. Zinnias

@decorhomeideas

Zinnias are known for their vibrant, bold colors and long blooming season, making them an excellent choice for patio containers. These flowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small, single blooms to large, double blooms, providing endless possibilities for creating eye-catching displays. Zinnias can add a burst of color to any patio, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere.

Zinnias thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are relatively easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners. Regular watering and deadheading can help promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season.

An interesting fact about zinnias is their history. Native to Mexico, zinnias were first discovered by European explorers in the 16th century. They were initially considered unattractive, but selective breeding over the years has transformed them into the beautiful, colorful flowers we know today. Zinnias are also known for attracting pollinators like butterflies, adding to the ecological value of your patio garden.

Best USDA Zones: 3-10 (grown as annuals)

13. Calibrachoa

@decorhomeideas

Calibrachoa, also known as million bells, is a fantastic choice for patio containers due to its abundant, small, petunia-like flowers. These flowers come in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, yellow, and white, and are perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and containers. Calibrachoa can create a lush, cascading effect, adding depth and dimension to your patio garden.

Calibrachoa thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. They are relatively low maintenance and require regular watering and occasional feeding to promote continuous blooms. Their self-cleaning nature means they don’t require deadheading, making them an easy-care option for busy gardeners.

An interesting fact about calibrachoa is its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. These resilient flowers can tolerate heat, drought, and even some frost, making them suitable for various climates. Additionally, calibrachoa is known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity and beauty of your patio garden.

Best USDA Zones: 9-11 (can be grown as annuals in cooler zones)

14. Snapdragons

@decorhomeideas

Snapdragons are an excellent choice for patio containers due to their unique, dragon-shaped blooms and vibrant colors. These flowers come in various shades, including red, pink, yellow, and white, and can add vertical interest to your patio garden. Snapdragons are known for their long blooming period and ability to thrive in cooler temperatures.

Snapdragons prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are relatively easy to grow and require regular watering and deadheading to promote continuous blooming. Snapdragons can also tolerate light frost, making them ideal for extending the flowering season into late fall or early spring.

An interesting fact about snapdragons is their botanical name, Antirrhinum, which means “like a snout” in Greek. This name refers to the flower’s resemblance to a dragon’s snout, which can be “snapped” open when squeezed. Snapdragons have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties and are also known to attract pollinators, adding ecological value to your patio garden.

Best USDA Zones: 7-11 (grown as annuals in cooler zones)

15. Ornamental Peppers

@decorhomeideas

Ornamental peppers are a vibrant and unique choice for patio containers, known for their colorful, edible peppers that come in shades of red, yellow, orange, and purple. These plants can add a festive touch to any patio, creating a lively and playful atmosphere. Ornamental peppers are also compact and well-suited for container gardening.

Ornamental peppers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They require regular watering and benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer to support their growth and fruit production. These plants are relatively low maintenance and can provide continuous color throughout the growing season.

An interesting fact about ornamental peppers is their versatility. While primarily grown for their decorative appeal, the peppers are also edible and can be used in cooking, although they can be quite hot. Ornamental peppers can also help deter pests, as their capsaicin content makes them less appealing to insects, adding a practical benefit to their ornamental value.

Best USDA Zones: 9-11 (grown as annuals in cooler zones)

16. Coleus

@decorhomeideas

Coleus is a fantastic choice for shaded patios, known for its vibrant and colorful foliage. These plants come in a variety of colors, including shades of green, red, pink, and yellow, and can add a splash of color to areas where flowering plants might struggle. Coleus can create a lush, tropical feel, making your patio a more inviting space.

Coleus prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil. They require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Coleus is relatively easy to care for and can be pinched back to encourage bushier growth and maintain their shape.

An interesting fact about coleus is their use in traditional medicine. Some cultures have used coleus extracts for their potential health benefits, including treating heart conditions and digestive issues. Additionally, coleus plants can be easily propagated from cuttings, making it simple to expand your patio garden or share plants with friends and family.

Best USDA Zones: 10-11 (can be grown as annuals in cooler zones)

17. Lantana

@decorhomeideas

Lantana is an excellent choice for patio containers, known for its vibrant clusters of small flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. These flowers come in a variety of colors, including orange, pink, yellow, and red, and can provide continuous color from spring through fall. Lantana is also drought-tolerant and can thrive in hot, sunny conditions.

Lantana prefers full sun and well-drained soil. They require minimal maintenance, with occasional watering and feeding to promote healthy growth and blooming. Lantana is also known for its resilience, being able to tolerate heat and drought conditions, making it a perfect choice for busy gardeners or those in warmer climates.

An interesting fact about lantana is its ability to change flower colors as they age. This characteristic creates a multicolored effect on a single plant, adding to its visual appeal. Additionally, lantana has been used in traditional medicine for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it both a beautiful and beneficial addition to your patio garden.

Best USDA Zones: 8-11

18. Alyssum

@decorhomeideas

Alyssum is a charming choice for patio containers, known for its small, fragrant flowers that create a carpet-like effect. These flowers come in shades of white, pink, and purple and can add a delicate touch to any patio. Alyssum is often used as a ground cover or border plant but can also thrive in containers and hanging baskets.

Alyssum prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather. Alyssum is relatively low maintenance and can bloom continuously from spring to fall with proper care, adding long-lasting beauty to your patio.

An interesting fact about alyssum is its ability to attract beneficial insects, such as bees and ladybugs, which can help pollinate other plants and control garden pests. Alyssum’s sweet fragrance can also enhance the sensory experience of your patio, making it a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Best USDA Zones: 7-11 (grown as annuals in cooler zones)

19. Sweet Potato Vine

@decorhomeideas

Sweet potato vine is a versatile and visually striking choice for patio containers, known for its lush, trailing foliage in shades of green, purple, and burgundy. These plants can add a dramatic effect to your patio, with their vines cascading over the sides of containers or hanging baskets. Sweet potato vine can complement other flowering plants, creating a lush, tropical feel.

Sweet potato vine prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Sweet potato vine is relatively easy to care for and can be trimmed back to control its growth and maintain its shape.

An interesting fact about sweet potato vine is that it is related to the edible sweet potato, and while the ornamental varieties are not typically grown for their tubers, they can produce small, edible roots. Additionally, sweet potato vine can be easily propagated from cuttings, making it simple to expand your patio garden or share plants with friends and family.

Best USDA Zones: 8-11 (can be grown as annuals in cooler zones)

20. Salvia

@decorhomeideas

Salvia is a beautiful and hardy choice for patio containers, known for its tall spikes of flowers in shades of blue, red, and purple. These flowers can add vertical interest and vibrant color to your patio garden. Salvia is also a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing the ecological value of your outdoor space.

Salvia prefers full sun and well-drained soil. They require minimal maintenance, with occasional watering and feeding to promote healthy growth and blooming. Salvia is also known for its drought tolerance, making it a great choice for gardeners in warmer climates or those looking for low-maintenance plants.

An interesting fact about salvia is its use in traditional medicine and culinary practices. Some species of salvia, such as sage, are used for their medicinal properties and as culinary herbs. Additionally, salvia flowers can be used to make tea, adding a unique and flavorful element to your patio garden.

Best USDA Zones: 4-10 (varies with specific salvia varieties)

21. Gerbera Daisies

@decorhomeideas

Gerbera daisies are a vibrant choice for patio containers, known for their large, colorful blooms that can brighten any outdoor space. These flowers come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, pink, and orange, making them perfect for creating a lively and inviting patio. Gerbera daisies are also known for their long-lasting blooms, which can provide continuous color throughout the growing season.

Gerbera daisies prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They require regular watering and occasional feeding to support their vigorous growth and blooming. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage new blooms, keeping your patio looking fresh and vibrant.

An interesting fact about gerbera daisies is their use in air purification. These flowers are known to filter toxins from the air, improving the air quality of your patio. Additionally, gerbera daisies are a popular choice for cut flowers, allowing you to bring their beauty indoors and enjoy their vibrant colors and cheerful appearance in floral arrangements.

Best USDA Zones: 8-10 (can be grown as annuals in cooler zones)

22. Verbena

@decorhomeideas

Verbena is an excellent choice for patio containers, known for its clusters of small, colorful flowers that can provide continuous blooms from spring through fall. These flowers come in shades of purple, pink, white, and red, and can add a pop of color to any patio. Verbena is also known for its heat tolerance and ability to thrive in sunny conditions.

Verbena prefers full sun and well-drained soil. They require regular watering and occasional feeding to promote healthy growth and blooming. Verbena is relatively low maintenance and can tolerate heat and drought conditions, making it a perfect choice for busy gardeners or those in warmer climates.

An interesting fact about verbena is its use in traditional medicine. Verbena has been used for its potential health benefits, including treating anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues. Additionally, verbena flowers are known to attract butterflies and other pollinators, adding ecological value to your patio garden and enhancing its natural beauty.

Best USDA Zones: 7-11 (can be grown as annuals in cooler zones)

Transform your patio into a floral oasis with these stunning potted flowers. Petunias, pansies, and geraniums provide vibrant color, while lavender and fuchsia add elegance and fragrance.

Marigolds and zinnias bring cheerful blooms, and hydrangeas create a lush display.

With roses, snapdragons, and impatiens, your patio will be a breathtaking retreat filled with beauty and charm!

Sometimes, gardening can be very consuming, so having a few low-maintenance shrubs and trees in your landscape is always nice. These plants look healthy and beautiful even when you neglect them or when there are poor weather conditions.

Shrubs are excellent foundational plants that pave the way for your garden’s more showy, smaller, high-maintenance plants.

Since they can take up a significant amount of space, it’s best to find a variety that doesn’t need much tending.

Create a private outdoor living space, buffer noise, or block wind with the following 19 low-maintenance shrubs. Whether deciduous or evergreen with loose or dense growth, these shrubs offer a range of textures, and some even have showy flowers or berries.

Take a look!

1. Arborvitae

Whenever you hear “arborvitae,” you probably picture huge, immense greenery gracing the edge of a driveway. Arborvitae has scale-like, flat sprays and aromatic, yellow-green to green foliage.

While some varieties of arborvitae can make for an excellent privacy screen, others are more shrublike and rounded in form; ultimately, it’s your choice on the look you want your hedge to have.

2. Boxwood

Setting the standard for formal clipped hedge plants, these versatile evergreen shrubs have small, dense leaves that can endure frequent shearing and shaping into sculptural or geometric forms.

Boxwoods are also popular border plants, making for excellent classic formal gardens with low parterres that separate plant beds and create pathways.

Taller varieties can create a dense living wall, which you can use to hide unsightly spots. You can also leave it unpruned to take its natural shape.

3. Abelia

Depending on where you live, Abelia shrubs can be evergreen or semi-evergreen. Abelias have dark green leaves and sweetly scented flowers that bloom from spring through fall.

They do well in most soil types but can lose their leaves in colder climates during winter.

Even though Abelias are drought tolerant, you need to water them during extended periods of high temperatures.

4. Inkberry Holly

Inkberry holly is a broad-leaf evergreen that boasts whitish-green flowers in spring before the dark berries that are responsible for its name appear during late summer and early fall.

This smooth-leaved cousin of the Christmas-style holly can grow up to 10 feet high, making it excellent for a privacy screen.

Very little pruning is required, and you should maintain its lush appearance by watering it regularly during droughts.

5. Juniper

Junipers are small conifers famous for their lovely evergreen leaves and berries.

They are some of the most versatile evergreens, ranging from creeping plants to mounded shrubs and upright trees.

So, whether you want a fast-growing tall tree for your garden privacy screen or a steely blue groundcover, junipers won’t disappoint. They respond well to pruning and are, hence, beneficial hedge plants.

6. Privet

Ligustrums are very low-maintenance plants mainly grown as hedges but can be pruned into any desired form.

They do well in almost any soil type and can be grown as foundation plants or in containers. Clusters of sweet-smelling white flowers bloom in spring or summer before blue-black berries emerge.

Since their seedlings grow easily, you may need to control their spread. Plant your privets in a sunny spot for the brightest leaf color.

Although they’re evergreen, ligustrums can lose their leaves in colder climates.

7. Hybrid Yews

Hybrid yews are known for their upright growth and possess the winter hardiness of Japanese yews and the ornamental excellence of English yews (pictured).

These versatile evergreen shrubs are less prone to pests and diseases, making them excellent hedge plants as long as the soil has proper drainage.

Regular shearing isn’t an issue for hybrid yews, making them popular for topiaries and formal hedges. You need to protect your plant from deer, particularly in winter.

8. Viburnum

Viburnums are popular landscaping shrubs, mainly coveted for their slender, glossy foliage and white flower clusters.

Some types, like Viburnum macrocephalum (Chinese Snowball Viburnum), are semi-evergreen, while others, such as Viburnum japonicum and Viburnum davidii, are evergreen.

You can notice butterflies flying around their fragrant spring flowers while their fruit attracts birds. They adapt to most soil types; some can be trained as small trees.

9. Hydrangea

Once established, hydrangeas require only a little pruning in spring. They are usually easy-to-grow, deciduous, flowering shrubs with a massive bouquet of flowers varying from lacecap to mophead types.

Their stunning blooms attract butterflies and will adorn your garden from summer to fall, and these creamy white flowers will look good even after they’ve faded.

Some recommended varieties include the prominent ‘Snow Queen’ hydrangea or ‘Munchkin’ hydrangea. Knowing the perfect time to prune your preferred variety’s stems would be best to ensure the most beautiful-looking summer blooms.

10. Camellia

The large, showy flowers of camellias will be most welcome in your garden, whether you grow C. japonica, which blooms in late winter or early spring, or C. sasanqua, which blooms in late fall.

Sasanqua camellias do well in most soil types and are more tolerant of full sun, while Japanese camellia prefers rich, acidic soil and partial sun.

You can shape your camellia by pruning; alternatively, leave it to grow to the size of a small tree.

11. Azalea

When azaleas burst into flower, it’s an indication that spring is around the corner. Evergreen hybrids are the most commonly grown azaleas, with white or pink trumpet-shaped flowers.

There are varieties that can bloom in three seasons, such as Encore azaleas. Once established, which happens very fast, azaleas require very little care.

Although most azaleas can be grown in hardiness zones 6 – 8, numerous new cultivars will also thrive in zones 9 and 10.

12. Chinese Fringe Flower

Loropetalum chinense is adored for its attractive foliage and fluttery, early spring blooms. The leaves can be variegated and often in lime or plum shades.

Most cultivars of these arching, multi-stemmed shrubs grow to about 6 feet tall and wide. They thrive in full sun but will appreciate some shade in the afternoon.

13. Distylium

@horttube

Distylium is a very versatile plant that can serve as an alluring screen, filler, backdrop, or border.

It is disease-resistant, compact, heat—and drought-tolerant—everything you could ask for in an evergreen shrub!

Most varieties need little pruning, but tip pruning is ideal for making them lovely and bushy.

14. Korean Lilac

Also known as the Meyer lilac, Syringa meyeri is one of the easiest lilacs to grow. This deciduous shrub’s fragrant purple blooms cover it in May. The Korean lilac resists the common plant disease known as powdery mildew and is one of the few lilacs that remains under 10 feet. It would help to prune it immediately after it flowers since the shrub blooms on the previous year’s stems; this will ensure an excellent floral hedge plant the following year.

15. Spirea

Spirea are deciduous shrubs that grow densely, making them perfect privacy hedge plants. They are characterized by pink or white spring blooms and fine-textured foliage.

Bridal wreath spirea (Spirea prunifolia) is a popular variety used in landscaping. During spring, its long, trailing branches arch toward the ground and are covered in tiny, delicate blooms before the leaves sprout.

The leaves change color in autumn, mostly turning purple and golden-orange.

16. Hinoki Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa is a Japanese variety with long, drooping branches that give it a weeping quality.

It’s technically a tree (just like most cypresses), but you can trim it to keep it lower to the ground and grow it as a shrub.

The full-sized plant is mainly used as a privacy screen, while its dwarf form is ideal as a bonsai. Hinoki cypress has excellent drought tolerance once established and gorgeous foliage.

17. Tea Olive

As classic as a camellia, the tea olive’s small white blooms and glossy leaves make it very alluring; however, its strong apricot fragrance is what this plant is well-known for.

The tea olive blooms in spring, summer, and periodically throughout the year and can be grown as a shrub or a small tree. If you live in the southern part of America, this vast shrub is a must-have in your garden!

18. Scarlet Firethorn

The scarlet firethorn is deciduous in colder climates but evergreen in mild regions. It’s characterized by bright white flowers in spring and red-orange berries in summer.

The plant has stiff, thorny branches that adapt nicely to being trained as an informal hedging plant or an espalier.

19. Indian Hawthorn

Indian hawthorn is a low-maintenance Asian native that grows slowly, reaching a height of 3 – 6 feet tall.

The plant has oblong leaves with serrated edges and glossy, leathery texture, which are bronze when young but turn dark green as they age.

Rhapiolepsis indica has clusters of small, star-shaped pink or white fragrant flowers that bloom at the ends of branches during spring.

Create a beautiful, low-effort garden with these easy-care shrubs. Boxwood and arborvitae provide year-round greenery, while hydrangeas and camellias add vibrant blooms.

Juniper and hinoki cypress offer a structured, evergreen appeal, and Korean lilac fills the air with fragrance.

Spirea and azaleas bring seasonal color, making them perfect for a stress-free, thriving landscape!

Clay soil is dense and wet, making it one of the most challenging soil types for most gardeners. It can solidify like a brick in full sun and leaves minimal room for water and air movement for plants.

It would be best if you were well-informed before you start growing plants in clay soil. Some plants tolerate clay soil, helping to improve drainage and break up its texture. 

Even though other factors, such as USDA hardiness zones and sun exposure, come into play when deciding which plants to grow in clay soil, the following 25 plants are best for this soil type.

Take a look!

1. Aster 

These late-flowering perennials will last until frost. Asters flourish in clay soil but require proper drainage. If your soil is heavy clay, consider double-digging it or planting it in a raised bed.

2. Switch Grass

These tall, upright grasses form clumps and have feathery flowers that appear late in the season. Switch grasses practically take care of themselves, except for dividing and cutting back.

The plants prefer moist, clay, or sandy soil but can tolerate dry conditions.

3. Eulalia Grass

The Miscanthus species are well-known for their ornamental purposes. These varieties form clumps and have a tendency of self-seeding, which can become a headache.

The plants grow in many soils, including light and sandy to heavy clay.

4. Tickseed

Tickseed is a North American native plant that is extremely hardy. It repeatedly blooms throughout the season, is low-maintenance, and is drought-resistant.

It isn’t very picky about where it grows but prefers a medium with proper drainage.

5. Coneflower 

Coneflowers are dependable and tough prairie plants. The most common variety is purple, but new hybrids come in different colors.

They can tolerate rocky and clay soil, as well as humidity, heat, and drought.

6. Sweet Flag

This short ornamental grass can thrive in damp areas; it flourishes even when submerged in water! Sweet flag spreads by underground rhizomes but isn’t invasive.

If you have a wet area prone to erosion, Sweet Flag is the plant for you.

7. Fountain Grass

Fountain grass has fluffy, feathery panicles that make it so adorable. Fountain grasses prefer loamy soil but can grow well in clay as well.

The plants come in various colors and heights but tend to be perennial, specifically in warmer zones.

8. Wild Bee Balm

Wild bee balm isn’t very particular about where it grows but prefers dry conditions. The plant’s showy flower heads spread out like sparklers.

To achieve bushier plants, pinch them back early in the season.

9. Arkansas Blue Star

Arkansas blue star has fragile, willow-like foliage that makes it a lovely leafy plant for borders. The plant has pale blue star-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring before beautiful seed pods start coming out.

The growing season is rounded out by golden fall foliage. Arkansas blue star grows in most soils but doesn’t like prolonged drought.

10. Daylily 

A daylily flower blooms for only a day, but there are numerous of them. It isn’t easy to find a similar flower that can tolerate many growing conditions than the daylily.

The plant flourishes in moist soil, preferably fertile, loamy soil. Nonetheless, it also does well in clay soil.

11. New York Ironweed

This 5—to 7-foot vigorous wildflower produces clusters of small violet flowers atop itself.

The New York ironweed likes damp growing conditions and is, hence, very suitable for clay soil.

12. Perennial Sunflower 

Perennial flowers aren’t as significant and showy as annual sunflowers, but they are still a sight to behold in the garden.

Three favorable species to grow are ox eye (Heliopsis helianthoides), false sunflower (Helianthus x laetiflorus), and swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius).

13. Prairie Blazing Star

The prairie blazing star can tolerate all sorts of harsh conditions, including wet clay. However, the plant doesn’t like to be stuck in damp soil over the winter; ensure your plant has good drainage.

Prairie blazing star begins to bloom at the top of its bottle-brush flowers and slowly works its way down, a common habit for the Liatris.

14. Big Bluestem

This warm-season grass adores arid growing conditions. Big bluestem is well-known for erosion control, and it’s also an ornamental plant.

The plant tolerates most soil types and experiences lots of growth in moist, fertile conditions; it’s less likely to flop in dry, fertile soil.

15. Butterfly Weed 

The butterfly weed is a North American native perennial that produces flocks of flowers in exciting color combinations. The flowers are popular with butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.

The plant does well in poor soil and has a long taproot that makes it very drought-tolerant.

16. Cup Plant 

This plant forms “cups” where the stems and leaves meet, with water usually accumulating in them, hence the name cup plant. This Silphium variety is very popular with butterflies and birds.

Once established, the plant can withstand some drought and is very tolerant of wet and clay soil.

17. Goldenrod

Most people confuse goldenrod with the allergy-producing ragweed, which kinda gives the plant a bad reputation; you shouldn’t worry about your sinuses getting aggravated with goldenrod.

The plant tolerates poor soil types and will handle clay as long as the drainage is good.

18. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans are low maintenance and adaptable, making them a staple in most gardens. These plants live for years and bloom for months.

A Black-eyed Susan will tolerate various soils as long as the drainage is good; the plant grows best in moist, rich soil.

19. Autumn Joy Sedum

Hylotelphium’ Autumn Joy’ is a reliable and easy-to-grow plant. It flourishes in poor, gravelly, or sandy soil.

However, it tolerates loam or clay provided that the drainage is good so it doesn’t stay constantly damp.

20. Compass Plant

These distinctive prairie plants love clay soil’s rich quality. Silphium plants hold their sunny golden flowers high above the leaves.

Rosinweed (Silphium integrifolium) is also an excellent choice for clay soil instead of the compass plant.

21. Canadian Wild Rye

This cool-season, clump-forming grass can adapt to various soils and conditions. Canadian wild rye has a gentle arching habit, and it can easily be grown from seed.

The plant is also tolerant of air pollution and drought, making it even more outstanding.

22. Blazing Star

Blazing star plants possess spiky, bottle-brush flowers that bloom over long periods and grassy foliage.

Since monarch butterflies love these plants so much, you’re most likely to see one flying around to feed on their nectar. The blazing star prefers fertile, moist soil, although the plant does not cope well with wet soil over the winter.

23. Drooping Coneflower 

Unlike the Mexican hat flower (Ratibida columnifera), the drooping coneflower doesn’t quite possess a refined look. However, it sports similar cheery, swept-back petals and is much hardier.

The plant prefers good drainage and medium moisture but can tolerate some drought.

24. Indian Grass

This plant begins the season as a low-growing clump before starting to send up tall flower stalks by mid-summer. Indian grass remains attractive through winter.

The plant tolerates dry, infertile soil and heavy clay.

25. Sea Holly

Sea holly has thistle-like flowers that give it an uncommon appearance in a flower garden. It prefers dry, sandy soil but can grow in well-draining clay.

The plant’s blooms can last for days as cut flowers.

Transform challenging clay soil into a thriving garden with these resilient plants.

Coneflowers, asters, and black-eyed Susans bring vibrant blooms, while goldenrod and daylilies add warmth and texture.

Bee balm and New York ironweed attract pollinators, and sea holly thrives in tough conditions.

Perfect for creating a colorful, low-maintenance landscape that flourishes in clay soil!

Vegetable gardens don’t explicitly mean that you should only grow vegetables on them. Sometimes, adding some flowers will elevate the look of your garden. 

They can also act as good companion plants, helping deter pests and attracting pollinators. Interplanting can also help you save time and space as you grow various plants in one place. 

Besides companion benefits, a vegetable garden is also the perfect place to grow flowers you intend to cut and use for your vases indoors or for other decorative purposes. You can snip them as you harvest your vegetables. 

Here are 17 flowers you can add to your garden to give it a new look and dimension. 

Take a look!

Why Add Flowers to Your Vegetable Garden?

Planting flowers in your vegetable garden isn’t a strategy to add an aesthetic component to the space; it can also help your plants increase produce and help your vegetables thrive.

The only tricky part about combining these crops is that you may have to experiment with various plants to see which works better with your vegetables. Here are some of the symbiotic relationships that could be beneficial to your garden:

Attracting beneficial insects: Insects like ladybugs are natural predators of many pests that attack crops, and growing flowers like zinnias is one way to attract them.  

Improving soil: Drainage and nutrient supply are crucial components of soil, and growing flowers such as lupine may increase nitrogen supply and improve drainage.

Attracting pollinators: Attracting pollinators may encourage your vegetables to grow and promote fruit formation. Flowers like alyssum, zinnias, and cosmos attract pollinators such as bees, which help spread pollen and encourage vegetable growth. 

Preventing predators: Flowers can discourage predators, not just pests. Growing flowers like lavenders along garden borders can discourage pests like mosquitos and predators like mice. You can also plant sunflowers to deter raccoons. 

Repelling and trapping pests: Keeping pests away is crucial to a healthy garden. Flowers like marigolds and petunias can help keep pests at bay. Nasturtiums and marigolds may lure in harmful pests like aphids, keeping them away from your vegetables. 

Improving the aesthetics: Of course, elevating the appearance of your garden is one of the main reasons you should plant flowers. Flowers make everything beautiful, colorful, and generally more attractive.

Flowers to Complement a Vegetable Garden

1. Zinnia

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) is a nectar-rich plant that’s a natural magnet for bees and other pollinators. They can also attract birds such as hummingbirds, adding more beauty to your garden.

Paler pastel varieties attract insects such as Japanese beetles and can be used as a trap crop. However, growing a plant that attracts pests like Japanese beetles may pose a risk to the rest of your plants. So, grow this plant when necessary or when solving a particular problem. 

Zinnias flowers make great décor for any space, so growing them in your vegetable garden is a great way to have readily available beautiful natural décor. You don’t need to worry about the gaps left behind from the cuttings as the plant regenerates quickly. Besides, gaps are expected in any vegetable garden during harvesting time. 

2. Daylily

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) are one of the most popular pollinator-attracting perennials. If they bloom well enough, they also attract hummingbirds to their large open petals. Daylily is a hardy plant that’s easy to maintain and thrives in different conditions.

When added to your vegetable garden, it helps choke out weeds. Since this plant can grow to over 5 feet tall, keep it away from smaller plants, as it can cast shadows over them. 

Blooming time is from spring through late summer. The best part about Daylily is that it thrives in full sun and can tolerate slightly dry conditions. Moreover, the plant is relatively pest-free and will be avoided even by rabbits, but it’s a delicacy for deer. 

3. Cornflower

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), commonly called the bachelor button, is a beautiful annual that mainly grows as a wildflower, but adding it to your vegetable garden can also help attract various pollinators. The carnation-like flowers of the plant have a deep blue color.

The cornflower makes an attractive choice for your vegetable garden because it’s disease and pest-free. Cornflowers are weeds in grain fields such as barley, rye, wheat, and oats. Even though they are native to Europe, they can be found in many other parts of the world. 

Cornflowers bloom for about ten weeks (from May to mid-July). Deadhead spent flowers to increase the plant’s blooming time. This plant’s versatility allows it to tolerate hot summers and light frost. 

4. Petunia

Petunias (Petunia spp.) are trumpet-shaped flowers that are popular not only for their unique shape but also because they repel common garden bugs and pests.

Some of the bugs that are repelled by petunias include asparagus, leafhoppers, Mexican bean beetles, and tomato worms. Petunias are fast-growing annual plants that are especially effective when planted around the perimeter of a vegetable garden. 

One of the benefits of growing petunias is that they are easy to care for. As such, you won’t have to worry about their condition constantly. Prune dead flowers to encourage blooming and water the plants continually. Since they can withstand wet conditions, overwatering won’t be a significant issue. 

5. Lavender

Growing lavender (Lavandula sp.) in your vegetable garden or any garden is always a welcome idea due to the benefits you can get from this plant. In addition to its beautiful flowers and lovely fragrance, this plant helps repel several garden pests and predators.

Animals like deer tend to avoid lavender, which can also deter ticks. Ticks don’t attack plants but can be menacing to you and your pets, and lavender can significantly reduce the number of ticks in your garden space.

Other pests that can be deterred by lavender include moths such as green cabbage moths and sometimes even mice. 

6. Sweet Alyssum

The tiny, colorful flowers of the sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) can create the perfect cover for your garden. This cool perennial makes an excellent addition to any vegetable garden since it attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and ladybugs that can feed on pests and protect your plants. It also attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees. It’s an excellent two-in-one plant. 

It’s easy to care for and can survive in various conditions, including cold temperatures, where it can even bloom. Sweet alyssum spreads provide ground cover and natural mulch for your vegetables.

Other than temperature, this plant can survive in a variety of climatic conditions, including coastal areas and boggy areas with less-than-ideal drainage.

7. Nasturtium

Cheerful nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) thrive in cool temperatures and may continue blooming into the fall. Nasturtiums act as natural pest deterrents to squash bugs and beetles.

This plant is also an excellent attraction for aphids; hence, they could trap them and keep your vegetables pest-free. However, they’re also edible, so keep some disease- and pest-free to enjoy later. 

The flowers mature and produce large seeds, which are easy to collect and store for the next growing season—some varieties of this plant self-seed. When growing the flower from seeds, first, you need to scarify them by running them with sandpaper or nicking, which will speed up the germination process.

8. Cosmos

Few flowers have as beautiful blooms as the cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus). These blooms aren’t only attractive to the eyes and attract a variety of helpful insects and pollinators.

The flower color will vary based on the variety, so you can choose the color that best complements your vegetable garden. For example, if you want to attract lacewings, you can use bright orange or white varieties. 

Green lacewings are among the most efficient predators of harmful pests that you can introduce to your vegetable garden. These insects consume all kinds of pests, including scales, thrips, and even aphids. They are considered some of the most beneficial insects, so introducing them to your garden is always a good idea since it could prevent pest infestation.

9. Lupine

Lupines (Lupinus x hybrida) produce showy flowers with striking colors. While they’re mainly used in landscaping, they may be an invaluable addition to your vegetable garden. Lupines add to your garden’s aesthetics, and since they are legumes, they can also help with nitrogen fixation in the soil. 

While lupine thrives in full sun, it can also tolerate a little shade, primarily when grown in hot climates. Grow this plant in nutrient-rich soil with good drainage; the pH should range from neutral to acidic.

However, ensure the plant isn’t grown in soggy or extremely wet soil, as this could promote root rot. Lupines will do well in cool summers but not in high humidity.

10. Marigold

Marigolds (Tagetes sp.) are among the most underestimated plants in any garden. This is because many people don’t understand the full spectrum of benefits that they can get by growing this flower.

Marigolds head off pests from below and above the ground. The scent of marigolds will put off predators such as rabbits. You can also use marigolds to deter Mexican bean beetles by interplanting them with your bean plants. 

Common pests repelled by this flower include thrips, tomato hornworms, squash bugs, and whiteflies. The French marigold (Tagetes patula) variety is also known to secrete a chemical that eliminates root nematodes in the soil.

If your garden has a root nematode problem, leaving the marigold roots in the soil at the end of the growing season is advisable.

11. Sunflower

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are among the most vibrant and colorful flowers to add to your vegetable garden. Their height makes them the perfect natural trellis for your vegetables and other climbing plants. The plant’s abundance of nectar also makes it a natural magnet for pollinators. 

However, despite their usefulness as a support structure for climbers, sunflowers also tend to attract squirrels. This can be a significant challenge, especially if you’re growing them for the seeds. However, pairing them with coarse-leaved plants like squash can deter predators like squirrels from getting into your garden. 

12. Pansy

The beautiful and adorable pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) that add visual interest and character to your outdoor space can also make an excellent addition to a vegetable garden. In most gardens, pansies are used as cover crops since they grow quickly and retain moisture well.

What’s more, they’re edible. Since using these flowers in the hot season is challenging, you’ll be better suited to growing them as fall-to-spring vegetables. Some variants of pansies can withstand light snow and frost; however, the flowers will die off in winter. 

Pansies prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.2. They should be well watered but not let the soil get soggy or exposed to high humidity.

13. Borage

Borage, known by the scientific name Borago officinalis, is a wide gangly plant that’ll make the perfect addition to a cottage garden. While it can be a bit much to handle when grown in a formal setting, it’s a herb that’ll thrive well in a traditional home vegetable garden.

The plant’s flowers attract bees, so you’ll have a good supply of pollinators. One key advantage of growing this flower is that it makes a great companion plant for tomatoes and squash, so you can grow it as a part of a three-part trio.

Borages are fast-growing, and you can directly grow them on the ground. Even better news is that the leaves and flowers of the plant are edible and have a subtle cucumber flavor. Once it’s grown, this plant will reseed itself. 

Flowers from the plant can either be blue or pink. The color variation depends on light, temperature, and other external factors. One of the theories propagated by many gardeners is that the flowers change from pink to blue with age and a decline in pollen production.

It’s presumed that this change of color often indicates that the plant has outlived its usefulness. Plants such as pulmonaria follow a similar concept when aging.

14. Dahlia 

Dahlias (Dahlia spp.) is a late-blooming plant but compensates for this by having a long-lasting flowering period that may last for as long as three months. It’s a great addition to a vegetable garden since it attracts pollinators, such as butterflies, to help pollinate your vegetables.

However, on the downside, the flowers may also attract pests, so you’ll have to pair it with a bug-repelling plant or flower. Dahlias may grow up to 6 feet, so don’t plant them near smaller plants that may be shaded, which may stunt their growth. 

This perennial tuber should be planted in a sunny spot in early spring once the soil has warmed a bit. Ensure the soil around the plant isn’t completely dry, especially on hot summer days.

Dahlia is a heavy feeder that requires frequent fertilization with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer (10-30-20 ratio) to encourage blooming. 

15. Pot Marigold

Pot marigolds, or Calendula officinalis, are members of the extensive daisy family. While it may not seem like it, pot marigolds aren’t related to the marigolds from the Tagetes genus.

Despite their predominantly bitter flavor, pot marigolds are considered edible flowers. Their brilliant, bright orange color will liven up your space and your plate. 

Calendula has mixed benefits when planted in a garden. On one hand, it repels pests such as asparagus beetles and tomato hornworms. On the other hand, it may attract pests such as aphids.

However, don’t let this little mishap deter you from growing this beautiful flower in your garden since you can use it as a trap plant. To minimize the risk to your vegetables, you can grow the plant away from plants that are susceptible to attacks from aphids, such as peas. 

16. Sweet Pea

Even though sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) aren’t edible to humans due to their toxic seeds, they’re a delicacy for many other creatures. Growing them in your vegetable garden could help attract beneficial insects that’ll aid pollination. 

The best way to maximize sweet peas’ ability to attract pollinators is to grow them with edible peas and pole beans. This way, they will attract pollinators that can fertilize your plants and significantly improve your yield.

Since sweet peas belong to a different genus, they won’t cross-pollinate with your edible variety, so you don’t need to worry about cross-pollination risk. 

17. Mums

Hardy mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) are one of the transformative flowers that adorn most porches during the autumn season. If you’re growing a fall vegetable garden, this is just the flower to pair your plants with. Mums primarily help keep pests away.

Pair them with marigolds and petunias to add more protection for your vegetables. They are easy to care for and maintain and will thrive around tomatoes, but like many other vegetables, they thrive under full sun, so there might be some competition.

What Flowers Should Not Be Planted Near Vegetables?

While flowers may add a bit of character and visual appeal to your vegetable garden, ensuring they are compatible with your plants is essential. One of the primary mistakes people make is planting flowers that need compatibility.

Such flowers compete with the vegetables for resources and may sometimes overtake the vegetables. In some cases, they may also attract pests and insects that aren’t beneficial to the plants. Here are some plants to avoid:

• Clover 
• Moneywort 
• Golden creeping jenny 
• Creeping thyme
• Fennel
• Mazus reptans 
• Phlox

Commonly Asked Questions

Should I plant perennial or annual flowers in my vegetable garden?

Perennials are the better choice if you plan on planting similar plants each year. If you’re rotating crops, go for annuals.

What plants keep bugs out of vegetable gardens?

Plants like petunias will stamp out bugs like squash, while marigolds may repel cabbage worms. On the other hand, mums will help repel roaches, spider mites, and Japanese beetles.

Enhance your vegetable garden with these beautiful flowers that attract pollinators and deter pests.

Marigolds and nasturtiums protect crops from harmful insects, while lavender and sweet alyssum invite beneficial pollinators.

Sunflowers and zinnias add vibrant color, and borage improves soil health.

With cosmos, petunias, and dahlias, your garden will be both productive and visually stunning!

While some plants prefer the safety of the shade, some plants will only thrive when they receive full sunlight. This means the plant must receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight for most of its life.

However, some perennials will need slight shading during the hottest part of the day. You should note that the moisture needs of sunny perennials will vary; some plants prefer dry conditions, while others thrive in moist soil.

The importance of sun and moisture will also vary based on the plant; for some plants, moisture is just as essential as sunlight. Here are some perennials that thrive in full light.

Pro Tip: Research your plants’ bloom period before growing them. Knowing their flowering time will enable you to arrange your garden with a good pattern from spring to fall. 

1. Threadleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’)

Commonly known as the tickseed, the Threadleaf coreopsis has a long blooming period that may last from June through August. The spread size for this plant is about two feet tall and wide, although the spread can sometimes be aggressive, primarily via underground rhizomes and self-seeding.

Remove any dead blooms to prevent the plant from being invasive and ensure no self-seeding. Pruning should be done in summer to allow the plant to regrow during the fall.

2. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

This species makes an excellent complementary plant to colorful flowers. The yarrow species produces white blooms, while other cultivar varieties may produce pink, red, cream, yellow, and other bicolor pastels. Achillea millefolium attracts butterflies and other pollinators, so it benefits your garden. 

This plant needs room when growing as it may have a large spread. Leave about two to three feet of width and height for each plant. If your plant grows beyond this size and becomes invasive, you should pull it out. 

The yarrow is an aggressive spreader, primarily if it’s provided with the right conditions. After the plant blooms in the first season, you should cut it back to encourage blooming in subsequent seasons. This will also help the plant’s shape remain in check.

3. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

English Lavender is a multifunctional plant serving more than one garden purpose. First, the purple blooms and greenish-gray foliage add beauty to any space. Second, it fantastic fragrance will not only be a natural air freshener in your outdoor space but can also keep pests away. You can even harvest some of the herbs to take the fragrance indoors. 

Once dried, the blooms can be used to make sachets, which can be added to drawers or closets to freshen up such spaces. Pruning should be done in spring once new leaves appear. To prolong the flowering period, remove any faded flowers. The English lavender thrives in dry conditions; overly wet soil can kill the plant.

4. ‘Autumn Joy’ Stonecrop (Hylotelephium ‘Herbstsfreude’)

The Autumn Joy Stonecrop has a unique flowering cycle from September through October, producing pale pink flattened blooms long after most perennials have bloomed, hence the name Autumn Joy. When planting a garden that needs to bloom all year round, this perennial will have you sorted through the fall. The plant also serves as a good food source for pollinators such as bees. 

Ensure that it’s grown in well-draining soil and avoid a substrate that’s too rich. The plant will need some pruning during spring and mid-summer to prevent flopping and promote sturdy plants. It’s also better to delay the flowering until fall.

5. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

A common perennial that is readily available and can quickly become invasive if not controlled. The black-eyed Susan self-sows; a single plant can turn into hundreds in no time.

While it may not be a problem in expansive gardens, it’s important to note that overcrowding plants will often impact the nutrients available and reduce air circulation. This can increase the chances of your plants getting attacked by diseases and pests.

Remove extra plants to ensure enough airflow to limit the risk of this occurring. While they are a good food source for birds in the fall, it’s essential to deadhead faded blooms to prevent self-sowing.

6. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)

If you like succulents, then Hens and chicks will likely wow your garden. The plant consists of parent rosettes (the hens) and offspring (the chicks). While it may look vulnerable, this hardy perennial can thrive in dry, rocky, and sandy soil.

As do most succulents, the plant requires minimal watering. Grow the Hens and chicks in well-draining soil, and don’t overwater them. After blooming, the rosettes die, so you’ll have to remove them to allow the offspring to thrive.

7. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)

Another silvery full-sun perennial that can adorn your garden. The Lamb’s ear is a low-maintenance perennial that thrives in full sun and dry soil conditions. It’s the perfect addition for busy people who want to grow flowering plants. The plant has soft, velvety leaves with a silverish color.

Blooming time for this hardy perennial is during the spring when it produces purplish pink blooms, so it’ll surely add to the beauty of your garden. While the blooms may seem inconspicuous, they attract pollinators such as bees. Besides tolerating full sun and dry climates, the Lamb’s ear is also resistant to deer, so it’s the perfect low-maintenance plant. 

Ensure you don’t expose the plant to overly humid areas, which could lead to root rot. Grow the plant in well-draining soil and minimize watering except during hot summers or after a prolonged period; the plant can do with just rainfall.

8. Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)

One of the most beautiful flowers especially in rock gardens. As the name suggests, this plant mimics the look of snow in the summer with its white flowers that appear bright against the silver background of its foliage.

This low-growing perennial spreads and blooms when grown under full sun, providing good ground cover. Pair it with colorful blooms such as coneflowers (Echinacea) or roses (Rosa spp.) to bring out its beauty and color. Once the blooms have faded, prune them out to prevent the risk of self-seeding.

When pruning the flowers, ensure you tidy up the plant by removing any dead or diseased leaves or flowers. You can also shape out the plant. 

9. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

This is one of the most common and popular perennials to grow in full sun. While the most common variety is the red annual, there are several other kinds of salvia, most of which are blue-violet. However, you can also find some cultivars in pink.

Some cultivars that may thrive in full sun and dry climatic conditions are Blue Hill, Caradonna, and May Night. As with several plants in this category, removing faded flowers is vital to rejuvenate blooming. 

10. Yellow Alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis)

Also known as the Basket-of-gold, this low-growing perennial produces bright yellow flowers and is the perfect ground cover. If you have unsightly bare patches, the yellow alyssum can cover and brighten the spot.

While they may resemble each other, don’t confuse the yellow alyssum with the Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima). Basket-of-gold can be differentiated by its bright yellow flowers, which bloom in spring. Cut the plant by about half once the blooming period is over to ensure it maintains its shape.

Grow the plant in well-draining soil and ensure it isn’t waterlogged, which could damage the plant. 

11. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Nothing beats an edible, hardy, flowering perennial in your garden, and Catnip is just the plant. The name of this perennial comes from the fact that it contains essential oils that many cats love. The plant is also easy to maintain since it can tolerate drought and survive under the shade.

Ensure the plant isn’t overwatered, as wet soil can kill it. You can move the plant under the shade during hot summer days. To encourage further blooming, remove faded flower spikes and divide established plants to prevent crowding. 

12. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Becky’)

The Shasta daisy is like a ray of sunshine in your garden with its ray-like petals that radiate from its yellow disk. It’s a statement maker, mainly when grown with other bright colors.

The good thing about this flower is that it thrives in dry and sunny areas and can also tolerate cold temperatures. However, beware of wet soil, which can cause tremendous damage to your plants or even kill them.

Good draining soil is a crucial requirement for this soil. You should also remove any dead flowers to encourage reblooming.

Fill your garden with these resilient perennials that thrive under full sun.

Black-eyed Susans and threadleaf coreopsis bring vibrant yellow blooms, while yarrow and salvia add texture and height.

English lavender and catnip offer fragrance and attract pollinators, while snow-in-summer provides a delicate white contrast.

Perfect for a bright, low-maintenance, sun-soaked landscape!

The creeping thyme is a perennial plant that most gardeners use as ground cover for sunny regions in their gardens. The plant’s striking purple color lights up any garden that you plant it in.

The creeping thyme was named due to its movement characteristics. This is one of the main things that makes gardeners suspect creeping thyme as an invasive plant that will smother other plants.

Even though creeping thyme has peculiar growth habits, this doesn’t mean they are invasive plants.

Let’s dive into more details regarding the creeping thyme!

Is Creeping Thyme Invasive?

We must first study creeping thyme’s growth habits to answer this question. Creeping thyme is a fast grower and will spread throughout the garden once you plant it. Creeping thyme spreads by extending runners along the ground or through roots under the ground.

The creeping thyme only grows up to 2 inches tall, so you won’t necessarily need to mow it. However, you have to prune it from time to time for it to maintain its shape.

One thing that makes creeping thyme favorable is its tolerance to foot traffic. As such, it’s an excellent choice for folks with pets and kids. Furthermore, the plant has a fantastic scent that’s sure to please your nose.

Now, let’s answer the question: is creeping thyme invasive? 

The answer is no. Creeping thyme will fastly spread throughout your garden but won’t interfere with other plants. It serves as a beautiful ground cover as well as a garden perfume with its lovely scent!

All the Relevant Information About Creeping Thyme

Known by its scientific name Thymus serpyllum, creeping thyme is a perennial plant member of the mint family Lamiaceae. A perennial plant means a plant that grows back every year.

Creeping thyme has a similar fragrance to the thyme, and people actually use it for cooking! This is another benefit you get from the plant, on top of it being an excellent ground cover.

Creeping thyme produces flowers of different colors. Most species have purple or pink flowers, but you may find other species with white flowers. These serve as a significant contrasting element in your garden.

The plant usually grows in USDA zones 4 – 9. However, this may vary depending on the species.

The plant’s flowers are also popular with butterflies, especially the giant blue butterfly and the small blue butterfly, which lay eggs in their flowers. They act as breeding grounds for more butterflies.

Creeping thyme will alleviate the look of your stepping stones, walkways, and rock garden. You can also use it as a garden border since they act as rabbit and deer deterrents.

Planting Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme prefers loamy, nutrient-rich, and well-draining soil to thrive. Nonetheless, the plant can still grow in different soil types, including rocky and sandy soil. Creeping thyme loves alkaline soil, so ensure you review the pH levels of your medium before planting.

You can use either cuttings or seeds to grow your creeping thyme.

The best time to take cuttings for planting is during early summer. On the other hand, seeds would be best grown indoors first during early spring.

Wait for the seeds to sprout, then transplant your creeping thyme to your garden. Do this when the last frost date has passed.

Growing Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme is a low-maintenance, hardy plant that doesn’t need much of your care, especially when grown in a suitable climate.

Have a look at the general information below, and continue reading to acquire more knowledge on how to take care of the creeping thyme!

Light Requirements

Creeping thyme native habitat lies in the Mediterranean regions, where they are exposed to sunlight the whole day. That’s why many people like to use them as ground covers.

If you want to plant this plant, you should definitely choose a part of your garden that receives a lot of sunlight. However, the plant will still grow well if your garden isn’t fully exposed to the sun but has some partial shade.

Soil Requirements

As we discussed earlier, creeping thyme requires a loose, well-draining medium. You can plant them in sand, loam, or rocky soil.

These plants flourish best in dry soil. They do not at all like wet soil! They can also grow in poor soil, but it goes without saying they would be better off in nutrient-rich soil.

Water Requirements

Creeping thyme, when new and young, will need constant watering. You have to wait until the plants are mature before you start enjoying their drought tolerance.

It would be best to water your plants once every ten days as they grow. This lets the soil completely dry before your next watering, promoting growth.

Overwatering these plants on a continuous basis will lead to soggy soil and eventually cause root rot. This fungal disease is dangerous and can completely destroy your progress.

Fertilizer Requirements

Creeping thyme doesn’t necessarily need feeding when grown in well-prepared soil. Still, consider giving your plants a slow-release fertilizer as they begin to grow. 

This will enable the nutrients to be constantly released throughout the growing season while encouraging flowering and lush foliage.

Always follow the package’s instructions on the amount of fertilizer needed. Too much fertilizer is harmful to your plant since it will burn the plant’s roots.

Temperature Requirements

As mentioned earlier, the best time to transplant these plants is after the last frost date, in early summer or late spring. This is because they are not frost-hardy. But after successfully transferring them outside, they will grow and spread relatively fast.

Temperatures during this time typically range from 68-86℉, which is very favorable for creeping thyme.

In case the temperature falls down, don’t worry! Just add some mulch to shield your plant from the temperature change.

Humidity

Although creeping thyme originates from humid regions, they actually don’t like humidity much.

The flowers and leaves of creeping thyme can easily be harmed in a humid environment. One way to prevent your plant from coming into contact with wet soil is by adding gravel or sand at the base of your plant. Any affected plants will recover once the weather returns to normal.

Pruning Creeping Thyme

You will have to prune this plant; there’s no way around it! But, at least you won’t have to mow it. That’s some good news, right?

Creeping thyme needs frequent pruning to maintain its nice and tidy look.

During early in the spring, prepare creeping thyme for the upcoming growing season by trimming back the plant’s stems. During the end of summer, prune once again after its flowers have died down.

In the late fall, after the first frost, cut the lengthy, woody stems in half. Pruning is an excellent way to promote plant growth, especially during spring.

9 Different Varieties of Creeping Thyme

The different species of creeping thyme are more or less the same. The only thing that differs is their foliage and flowers.

The following section will feature 9 different varieties of creeping thyme you can delight your garden with!

1. Red Creeping Thyme

Scientifically known as Thymus serpyllum’ Coccineus,’ the red creeping thyme boasts magenta blooms that make a focal statement. This variety grows relatively flat and spreads quickly.

The red creeping thyme can reach a diameter of 18 inches and does well in rocky soil.

2. “Spicy Orange” Creeping Thyme

The “Spicy Orange” has pink flowers and resembles carpet flowers. This variety doesn’t offer a better groundcover effect compared to other types of creeping thyme.

It scarcely spreads to a diameter of 10-12 inches and is one of the smallest cultivars.

3. White Creeping Thyme

White creeping thyme, also called Thymus paocos “Albiflorus,” has a carpet-like structure and white-scented blooms. They are tougher than other creeping thyme varieties and can grow in USDA hardiness zone 2. They grow between 1-2 inches above the surface.

4. Pink Chintz

Pink Chintz belongs to the genus Thymus Serpyllum and features salmon-pink flowers and wooly green foliage. It is a compact plant with thick stems and blooms every year during the middle of spring. The plant spreads swiftly and can reach a diameter of 24 inches.

5. Wooly Thyme

Also called Thymus pseudolanuginosus, the Wooly thyme features light pink blooms and spiral-shaped silver-green leaves. This variety is drought-resistant and flourishes in 5-9 USDA hardiness zones. That means it is best suited for hot climates.

6. Purple Carpet

The Purple Carpet creeping thyme features spherical, dark green, scented leaves. The plant grows at a considerably low height, and people can walk on the purple flowers without causing harm to the plant.

These beautiful purple flowers bloom throughout early to mid-summer. The Purple Carpet creeping thyme can reach up to a diameter of 18 inches.

7. English Thyme

English thyme, also known by its scientific name Thymus vulgaris, is a low-growing creeping shrub with angular, flat, green foliage. This variety also has a sweet aroma and beautiful purple flowers! It also has other names, including common thyme and garden thyme. English thyme thrives in USDA zones 5-9.

8. Doone Valley

Doone Valley is also known as Lemon thyme, but its scientific name is Thymus citriodorus. This plant is a carpet-like, aromatic, evergreen subshrub with a lovely lemon scent. It features petite, dark green leaves that are spherical and edible. During fall and winter, the leaves display gorgeous golden tips.

Several other types of Doone Valley include creeping golden lemon, lime thyme, and silver-edged lemons. They are usually used as seasonings for salads, teas, and spicy foods.

9. “Archer’s Gold” Thyme

This is a low-growing, carpet-like thyme with golden-yellow-green leaves and pink flowers blooming in the summer. It has a lemon aroma and is commonly used in recipes for fish and chicken.

‘Archers Gold’ thyme is a tall cultivar whose leaves can reach a height of 6-12 inches.

Getting Rid of Creeping Thyme

We all reach a point where we want a new look in our gardens; or a fresh start! Obviously, your renovation process will begin with ground cover.

If you were using creeping thyme as ground cover in your garden, removing it would be troublesome.

Since the plant is not a weed, you can’t employ weed control methods to try and halt its growth.

The best way to go about it is completely removing the plant from the ground. Don’t leave anything behind, even the roots!

FAQ

1. Will other plants be affected by creeping thyme?

Creeping thyme spreads by propagating and sending runners underground. However, it will bypass other plants in the garden and won’t choke them. So the answer is no.

2. Which is the best way to get rid of creeping thyme?

Creeping thyme won’t go away by using weed killers. You’ll just be wasting your time and money.

The best way to kill this plant is to completely dig it from the ground. Remove all the flowers, leaves, stems, shoots, and roots!

Ensure you remove all the roots since there is a high possibility they will grow back again.

3. What are the advantages of creeping thyme?

You can benefit a lot from growing creeping thyme. It can be used as ground cover, which also raises the aesthetics of your home due to the beautiful flowers it blooms.

Creeping thyme also has a pleasant scent, allowing it to be used as a spice in various recipes. Also, its lovely fragrance serves as a garden perfume. So yeah, it’s a win-win situation with this plant!

Winding Up

We started this journey to find out if creeping thyme was invasive, and as we have highlighted, the answer is no. Creeping thyme won’t interfere with other plants in your garden, and it will make an excellent ground cover.

Its colorful and scented flowers turn a garden into an aromatic oasis! There are also many different varieties, each with unique flowers that you can choose from to decorate your garden.

Moreover, you can spice up your food with this plant, making it a great addition to your recipes.

Creeping thyme is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that can survive in various conditions. The only thing you have to check on is pruning and watering.

Well, that’s all we have for creeping thyme today. We hope you found it helpful!

Seeing little berries on the side of the road can be tempting, especially if the berries seem juicy and tasty enough. But wait, avoid this temptation; berries may be pokeweed berries, especially those resembling blueberries. 

The color and juiciness of these berries make them very tempting. Before you do something rash that you may regret in the future, it’s important to understand whether pokeweed is toxic. 

In this article, we’ll explore all you need to know about the toxicity of pokeweed.

Let’s get started!

Is Pokeweed Poisonous To Touch? 

Pokeweed is one of the native herbaceous plants found all over the United States, and yes, it’s actually poisonous. Also known as the Phytolacca americana, this weed can survive in various soil types and is considered invasive. This is because a single plant can produce up to 50,000 seeds. 

Pokeweed exists abundantly and probably wouldn’t be such a menace if it weren’t toxic. Animals and birds can also easily distribute them by eating or dropping them off. 

So don’t let these berries’ juicy and beguiling color fool you. Eating them is a very big mistake. 

You may wonder whether touching other parts of this plant is toxic, too, and the answer is yes. Other features of this plant are also poisonous, especially the leaves and the roots. To err on the side of caution, you should also stay away from ripe or unripe berries, old leaves, stems, and even the seeds of this plant. 

Touching the plant with broken skin is even worse since the toxins from the plant can enter the bloodstream, and it could affect your respiratory and digestive systems. This could then escalate to affect other body parts that we’ll examine in detail later on.

Exposing any part of this plant to your skin could cause pokeweed rash, which has similar effects to poison ivy or oak rash. Other common effects include redness, blisters, itching, and inflammation. You can treat small cases of pokeweed poisoning at home, but you’ll have to seek medical attention in severe cases. 

Pokeweed Toxicity 

So, what exactly is in this plant that makes it so toxic?

This native North American plant is filled with toxins such as Phytolaccigenin, Triterpene saponins, and Phytolaccatoxin. 

The saponin glycosides in the plant cause a GI injury. These two glycosides (phytolaccatoxin and Phytolacca) cause fulminant gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and vomiting within 2 to 4 hours after ingesting the plant. Due to the loss of gastrointestinal fluids, one may also experience hypotension. Consequently, you may experience signs like weakness, seizures, unconsciousness, respiratory depression, and other side effects, especially if the poisoning is severe. 

Species such as the P. americana that have mitogenic, antiviral, and hemagglutinating compounds may cause even more damage. Plasma cells and lymphocytes may undergo some morphological alterations due to the mitogen present in the pokeweed. Touching or ingesting the P. americana pokeweed with broken skin may cause the formation of proplasmacytes and plasmablasts, thrombocytopenia, and eosinophilia. 

Even though some people may say that pokeweed isn’t toxic, it’s important to remember that all this has been scientifically proven. In the past, native Americans used pokeweed as food and even in making medicine. But without the wisdom of the old, it isn’t easy to use this plant this way. Today, the weed may have some uses in medicine, which rely on the effectiveness of the substances that it contains.

Many invasive plants are usually toxic as a defense mechanism to prevent them from being eaten by animals. The only upside to all of this is that these plants aren’t deadly to animals; they are simply unsettling. Still, it would be best to avoid them.

Symptoms of Pokeweed Poisoning

Pokeweed also has other common names such as American Nightshade, Cancer root, Inkberry Coakun, Virginia poke poisoning, pokeroot, and Pookan Bush, but it’s collectively referred to as pokeweed.

Other than skin irritation, some of the toxins in the plant can cause low blood pressure, nausea, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, convulsion, diarrhea, incontinence (loss of urinary control), heavy breathing, seizures, muscle spasms, and irregular heart rate; in some cases it may also lead to an allergic reaction.

These symptoms will manifest within 2 – 6 hours after ingesting the pokeberry or pokeweed.

Other than the toxins present in the plant, it also has some elements that will be impaired with medication, such as anticoagulants (prevent blood clotting), for example, Coumadin, and antihypertensives (lowering blood pressure), such as ACE inhibitors. 

Let’s examine these symptoms to see exactly how they occur.

Seizures 

The American Nightshade plant produces the phytolacca protein, which instantly lowers blood pressure. This is, in turn, followed by difficulty in breathing and cardiac distress. 

Since the brain is deprived of oxygen due to respiratory problems, seizures become a potential side effect of ingesting or consuming pokeweed.

Irregular Heart Rate 

As we previously stated, pokeweed can cause potential side effects of medication that facilitate normal blood flow through the veins, vessels, and heart. When the normal blood flow in the body is altered, it can cause an irregular heart rate. 

One of the ways that pokeweed can induce this is through toxin-induced blood artery constriction. This causes the body’s blood pressure to drop, slowing the heart rate.  As such, the heart has to work extra hard to compensate for the low blood pressure. The heart rate will also increase when the exposed individual is subjected to physical activity.

Muscle Spasms 

Low blood pressure may also result in muscle spasms. By lowering the blood pressure and closing blood vessels, the toxins prevent the muscles from getting enough oxygen, which they need to operate efficiently, which then causes muscle spasms. 

If you are wondering what muscle spasms are, they are the involuntary contraction of muscles. This makes it very challenging to relax the affected muscles. 

Steps To Take After Pokeweed Poisoning

Before taking any other steps, you should first determine the severity of the poisoning. Accidentally touching the plant will cause a mild rash, and you can easily treat it at home. If the poisoning is more serious, say you have eaten the pokeberry fruits or the plant has been all over your skin and eyes, you must visit the emergency room immediately and seek help from a professional.

If your pets or animals have ingested or come into contact with this toxic plant, you must contact animal control immediately.

Inducing vomiting is one of the first aid protocols that people tend to take, but you should avoid it if you have pokeberry poisoning. Remembering the parts of the plant you have touched or ingested is also important. Different parts of the plant have different toxicity rates, so your doctor may want to know exactly which part of the plant you have consumed.

Generally, pokeweed may harm you severely, but it won’t kill you. There has been one reported fatality where a small child succumbed to the poisoning after drinking juice made from crushed pokeweed seeds.

What to Do About Pokeweed Rash 

The best home remedy for pokeweed rash is washing the affected area with lukewarm water and soap immediately after you have come into contact with the plant. You should also immediately change your clothes and wash them.

Your skin may get a bit itchy, but scratching it will lead to a much bigger issue. For example, your skin could tear, and this could lead to secondary infections, which will make the conditions much worse. 

To ease the tingling feeling on your skin, use anti-itching ointments that prevent you from scratching yourself. You should also apply something like ice to help reduce the inflammation. 

With time, the itching may get intense and spread, which may become unbearable, in which case you’ll need to visit the emergency room. Other critical symptoms that may require immediate medical attention are chest pains and difficulties in swallowing and breathing.

What You Should Know About Pokeweed

The first and probably most important thing to know about pokeweed is that it’s an invasive plant, and even without being planted, it can easily start growing in your garden. As such, you should learn to identify and get rid of it as soon as possible to prevent the risk of possible poisoning for you and your loved ones. 

In this section, we’ll examine how to identify this weed and its traditional and modern uses in medicine, which is the only time it’s acceptable to eat pokeberry.

Let’s get into it!

Pokeweed Identification 

Since pokeweed is such a toxic plant and consuming it can be harmful, it’s important to learn how to identify it and ensure you get rid of the right plant. 

For example, imagine grapes or blueberries growing in your garden and pokeberry weeds invade the garden. It may not be easy to distinguish the plants from each other at first glance. 

The easiest way to identify pokeweed plants is to examine the leaves. The leaves are oval-shaped, ranging from 5 to 10 inches, with a very smooth texture. Another clear distinction of pokeweed leaves is that they are dark green on the outside and have a pinkish tint on the inside. 

At the blooming time, these fruits produce green-white flowers, which turn into pokeberries. 

Pokeberry plants grow to about 10 feet tall. This feature should make it easy to identify if you are growing your plant among ground covers. Blood-red stems are also another distinct feature that you can use to identify pokeberries. 

Regarding roots, this plant has an extra long, white taproot system that has a fleshy appearance. This should make it easy to identify once you have dug out any weeds you suspect are pokeberries.

To be absolutely sure, you should also examine the pokeweed berries. The fruits of this plant resemble grapes. As with all plants from this genus, they develop in groups and hang from red stems.

How to Get Rid Of Pokeweed

There are a variety of techniques you can use to get rid of pokeweed. This includes digging up the plants, repeatedly cutting the plant, or applying weed killer. Choose the option that’s acceptable to you.

1. Use your Hands

If you prefer organic farming, then this is the method to use. You don’t need any specialized equipment or chemicals in this method. Just use some protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, to protect you from the plant’s sap in case the pokeweed bursts and causes skin or eye irritation. 

This will be a piece of cake for gardeners with experience in digging out plants such as carrots. Simply grip the plant by the base and pull it up. You’ll notice taproots with thin roots if you have done it right.

For people with dense clay soils, you may want to try an alternative method since clay soil is thick, making removing the plant harder. This manual method works best with light soils.

2. Dig Out The Pokeweed Plant

Pulling larger plants straight out of the ground may be difficult, so you may opt for more sophisticated methods like digging out the plant, especially if the soil is compact.

Before you start gardening, you’ll need a few tools, such as a rake, safety gloves, a gardening fork, a cart or a wheelbarrow, a tarp sheet, and a gardening hoe. 

First, remove the soil around the plant, then remove the small shoots around it and start digging around it. Once you have dug out the whole plant, place it on a tarp sheet and let it dry out, then remove any berries or seeds around the soil so they don’t regrow.

3. Cutting Down the Pokeweed plant

With this method, you must exercise much caution since the pokeweed must be trimmed continuously. You must also check the stump frequently to determine whether it has started growing again. In most cases, once you have completely trimmed the plant, the taproots energy will deplete, and the plant will stop expanding. 

You’ll need some shears and proper protective gear to prevent your skin from coming into contact with any part of the plant.

First, remove all the berries or seeds on the plant and place them in a plastic bag to prevent them from spreading. Then, use gardening shears to cut the plant down at the base or simply use a lawnmower to mow over the plants if several plants are clustered.

4. Apply a Weed Killer 

Applying a weed killer is your answer if you want a fast and effective method to eliminate pokeweeds. This method takes a short time to be effective and is a good solution for compact soils. 

Depending on the plant’s development stage, there are different ways to apply a weed killer. This method will be utterly effective for young plants in completely eliminating the plants from your garden. Larger plants with well-developed and deeply ingrained roots may need more than just herbicides to remove. 

Weed killers should be applied once the plant has been effectively dug out from the ground to prevent regrowth. Ensure that you wear protective gear when using this method to avoid the pokeberry from harming you and protect yourself from possible side effects of the chemicals. 

One common herbicide is a glyphosate herbicide known as Roundup Max Control. For this weed killer, you have to dilute it with at least two liters of water. Your pokeweed plants should be ready for disposal ten days after you have applied the chemical to the plant leaves. 

Distilled vinegar is another simple home remedy that can act as a herbicide. Since it’s a strong natural acid, vinegar can burn the roots and stop the pokeweed menace. 

Traditional Medicine Use

As we previously mentioned, pokeweed has been used as medicine by Native Americans. The first use of this plant has been as an emetic (to encourage vomiting). Secondly, pokeberry has been used as a laxative (to encourage or stimulate bowel movement). People also believe species such as P. Americana can naturally clean the body. 

Other common uses of pokeweed have been in treating syphilis, skin diseases, scabies, painful menstruations, treating diphtheria, etc. Since this plant has high toxicity levels, medical use requires specialized training. 

Some common parts of the plants that have been used for medicine are:

• Leaves – Cathartic and purgative 

• Root wash – This has been used for swelling and sprains 

• Tincture of the root – One of the most useful parts of the plant in terms of medicine. It’s good for skin conditions, tonsillitis, arthritis, edema, lymphatic disorders, and cancer. 

Surprisingly, people have consumed these berries as an arthritis remedy without chewing the poisonous seeds. A person takes one for the first day and an additional one for each subsequent day for up to seven days.

• Ash from the plant – The high potassium content of this plant makes it useful in treating cancer.

• Root poultice – Poultice made from the roots of this plant has been used to treat breast abscesses. Roasted root ashes can also be used. Poultice can also be used in treating rheumatic pain and swelling. 

Modern Medical Use 

Despite its toxicity, it has been scientifically proven that pokeweed has several health benefits. It was declared that this plant has similar toxicity levels to other pharmaceutical drugs that are already in supply. 

One of the most important compounds in the plant is the PAP (pokeweed antiviral protein). This compound can be extracted from the leaves and has shown significant benefits in improving the skin and treating viral infections such as HIV and herpes. 

Cancer Treatments 

Pokeweed has compounds with anti-tumor, immunostimulant, and anti-inflammatory properties, which is the primary reason this plant has anti-cancer effects. The phytolacca toxin’s antiplasmodial or cytotoxic components are also useful in fighting cancer. 

Other compounds suspected but not yet proven to have anti-cancer effects are the pokeweed plant’s antibacterial, anthelmintic, and antiviral characteristics. 

However, the main anti-cancer property of the plant mainly comes down to the PAP protein. This compound can inhibit ribosomes; a crucial organelle for protein synthesis in the body. Cancers such as leukemia, melanoma, and breast cancer are thought to be caused by ribosome mutation.

Since PAP inhibits ribosomes, they cannot mutate, hence the anti-cancer ability. 

In a study done in 1993, it was seen that the PAP protein was designed such that it binds to the CD4+ immune cells. Since this is the cell that HIV primarily attacks, PAP may also help fight this virus. 

You should note that all this evidence is from case studies made throughout the years, so there isn’t concrete evidence that consuming pokeweed will have a similar effect. However, this plant shows promising results for new drug results and further drug improvement.

Tonsillitis

Natural components such as lignum vitae, capsaicin, and pokeweed are present in homeopathic remedies used to treat tonsillitis. 

These components can soothe inflammation, pain, and scratchiness without interfering with the mucous membrane of the throat.

Anti-inflammatory for Skin Conditions

As discussed in previous sections, pokeweed has plenty of anti-inflammatory properties. The plant’s taproot has several compounds, such as saponins and triterpenes, that help with this.

While it may seem a bit paradoxical since one of the main toxic effects of this plant is causing a rash, it has applications in treating eczema, scrofula, and psoriasis. 

In some cases, this plant has also shown anti-inflammatory effects that help relieve pain and reduce swelling. 

Food Uses

Surprising right? You are probably wondering: I thought this plant was toxic!

Well, it’s still toxic. However, with a skilled chef, the right amounts, and proper cooking, pokeberries can be used in making delicious salads and pies. 

You can harvest young leaves as a spring green herb. It would be best if you blanched them before consumption repeatedly. Shoots can also be harvested and eaten as an asparagus replacement after being blanched with multiple water changes. 

I wouldn’t recommend consuming this plant with the stakes being so high. But, if you have to, consume it once in a while. 

Another good use of pokeberries is in making dyes. You can make beautiful magenta dye, though it washes off easily. It’s rumored that the ink people used to sign the Declaration of Independence was made using pokeberries. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should you do if you touch pokeweed?

If you have accidentally touched pokeweed, take first aid measures such as washing the affected areas with lukewarm water and soap as soon as possible. Waiting for longer allows more toxins to absorb into your skin and reach the bloodstream, which may cause even more serious poisoning.  

Apply some calamine lotion to the area if you have access to some. In severe cases, you have to seek medical attention. 

2. Is pokeweed toxic to humans?

Yes, this plant is toxic to humans and animals, especially if consumed in large amounts.

Some of the common effects of ingesting this plant in humans include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, loss of urinary control, heavy breathing, seizures, muscle spasms, and irregular heart rate. 

Lethal dosage may differ between adults and young children. While it takes up to 17 berries to kill an adult person, it’ll only take two berries to kill a child. 

So, take caution, keep this plant away from your garden, and warn your kids to keep away from the plant should they stumble upon it. 

3. What is pokeweed good for?

Despite its toxicity, it has been scientifically proven that pokeweed is beneficial to our health. Some of the compounds contained in this plant, such as PAP protein and saponins, have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.

It may seem archaic and strange indeed. But, in some folk medicine, pokeweed treats different skin conditions. 

It has also shown medicinal properties in treating tonsillitis, painful menstruation, and swelling of the nose and throat. When using it for medicinal purposes, stay on high alert since there is a thin line between beneficial and harmful. 

Summing Up 

We should have provided exhaustive information on the toxicity of pokeweed.

It’s best to avoid touching or ingesting this plant at all costs. Even though the plant has irrefutable health benefits, only consume or use it for medical purposes after talking to a herbalist or a doctor. This will also ensure that you take the plant in the right dosage to reduce the chances of poisoning. 

Some people may say it’s okay to eat this plant, but our bodies all react differently to different elements. Who knows how yours will respond to the toxins in pokeweed? It would be ill-advised to consume the plant until you know better.

When it comes to garlic, it’s either you love it or hate it. It’s one of those veggies with a truly distinctive taste, but most people detest it due to its smell.

Still, one fact remains: this Allium species is one of the most popular veggies grown in home gardens.

If you’re a gardener and you dream of growing garlic in your garden, you’re in luck! Today, we will examine the seven garlic growing stages, explaining what to expect from each step.

We’ll also cover the duration it takes to grow garlic, provide useful tips you might need when growing it, examine the best cultivars you can grow, and discuss problems you might face in your garlic-growing journey.

Let’s get right into it!

The 7 Garlic Growing Stages

Here’s a list of the stages the Allium sativum goes through before harvest:

• Germination
• Spring or green garlic
• Scapes
• Young bulb formation
• Mature bulb
• Flowering
• Harvest

Let’s take a look at each one of them!

1. Germination 

The garlic’s life cycle starts with germination. However, garlic germination is unique and differs from other plants or veggies; each can produce 6 – 15 cloves.

These cloves actually act as seeds, each developing into a bulb with 6 – 15 cloves. I guess now you have a rough idea of why their germination is regarded as remarkable.

The main reason we don’t grow garlic from seeds is that there aren’t any to plant!

I know, weird, right? Garlic is one of the earliest veggies to be cultivated; cultivation began around four thousand years ago. As time passed, the veggie lost its ability to produce seeds.

However, some varieties generate flowers in their lifetime, but they won’t develop seeds since they’ll die before that happens.

Deciding on the cultivar before you plant your garlic would be best. The reason is that some cultivars are suitable for fall planting, while you can start some in spring.

When you plant the garlic cloves in the fall, they’ll hibernate for 2 – 3 months, that is, before the shoot forms. The cloves put most of their energy into developing a robust root system to help them survive the harsh winters.

Hardneck vs Softneck Cultivars

Hardneck and softneck garlic cultivars have different times of planting. If you’re familiar with garlic cultivation or looked it up online, you’ve probably come across the term “vernalization.”

Vernalization is a process that growers typically use for hardneck garlic varieties. It’s what enables a garlic clove to divide into more cloves.

You don’t need to assist with the vernalization process if you plant your garlic in the fall since the natural environment will take care of everything.

On the other hand, if you plant your sativum plant in spring, you’ll need to enhance cold vernalization.

There are some softneck garlic varieties you can plant in the fall, but they’ll begin developing shoots at the end of winter.

2. Spring or Green Garlic

You can pick spring or green garlic once the plant develops new shoots. Keep in mind the bulbs below the soil line haven’t yet fully developed.

If you’re a fan of green onions, you ought to try spring garlic. It’s a spice used in numerous dishes, including green garlic toast, spring garlic risotto, or spring garlic pesto, and it tastes like mature garlic.

The critical thing about green garlic you need to remember is that you can’t store it like you do with mature bulbs. You can use it fresh or put it in your refrigerator and eat it within a week.

3. Scapes

When browsing through products in the supermarket in your grocery run, you might come across some scapes on the supermarket’s shelves. These are actually flower stalks of the Allium sativum plant.

These scapes have long flower buds at the end and are sturdy. At this stage, the bud is still closed, and you need to pick your scape, or the bud will open and turn into flowers.

Is there any reason for removing the scapes? Yes, a couple, actually. The first one is the scapes’ taste. Most growers grill them or prepare some tasty soup!

The second reason leans more towards garlic cultivation; it encourages the bulbs to grow bigger.

Once you notice the stalk has developed its first loop, you can harvest garlic scapes. When your garlic starts producing scapes, it generally means the plant will be ready for picking in about a month.

4. Young Bulb

With garlic, you can harvest the bulbs even if they aren’t fully developed, which is a pretty cool thing. The bulbs have a similar taste to mature bulbs (only not that profound), but their storage capacity is different.

You can store the bulbs in the refrigerator for up to one week or, even better, consume them fresh.

It goes without saying that the bulbs won’t be as prominent as mature ones. Also, the young bulbs possess a different outer covering; it’s moist and leathery as opposed to mature bulbs’ skins, which are dry and papery.

5. Mature Bulb

This stage is the most critical part of garlic cultivation. So, how will you know your bulbs are mature?

Garlic plants have meaty leaves, their stems stay upright and robust, and the heads’ skins differ when bulbs mature.

The garlic leaves begin turning yellow and eventually brown when your plant is ready for harvest.

Mature bulbs’ storage capacity and taste differ from young bulbs and scapes. At this stage, your garlic’s flavor is strong and recognizable, and you can store it for a long period.

6. Flowering Stage

During the flowering stage, you’ll notice some blossoms appearing on your garlic plant, and the scapes straighten up. You can also see small bulbils that you can store and plant next season.

The good thing about these bulbils is that they develop disease resistance, and you can adjust them based on your region’s conditions. However, developing these bulbils into mature bulbs can be quite challenging.

The Allium sativum plant may develop seeds at this stage, but as mentioned earlier, the seeds won’t germinate.

We highly recommend growing garlic cultivars from cloves rather than seeds or bulbils.

7. Harvest

Preventing the rotting of bulbs when you store them is very essential, so you need to pick your garlic when less than half of the foliage turns yellow.

The bulbs can open if you wait too long before harvesting, and they can rot if you leave them in moist soil. When gathering your sativum plant, you must be cautious and pay close attention to avoid damaging the plant’s base.

Do away with the excess soil around the bulbs to prepare your Allium sativum plant for storage. Don’t remove stems or leaves from your garlic now, and find a cool and well-aerated space for it.

Once all the garlic parts are fully dry, you can eliminate the stems and outer layers with soil attached to them.

If you plan on growing garlic in your home garden next year, pick the healthiest and biggest bulbs after harvesting and place them in a cool and dry place.

How Long Will It Take To Grow Garlic?

The time your garlic needs to develop fully depends on two variables: climate and variety. Normally, these remarkable veggies need at least nine months to mature.

If you live in the South, we recommend California White Late for summer harvest and California White Early for spring harvest.

We recommend growing cultivars like Spanish Roja, Chesnok Red, and German Red if you reside in the North.

The following section will highlight some useful tips to grow your garlic and keep it healthy and happy!

Tips for Planting Garlic

Here are the steps for planting your garlic:

1. Separate the garlic cloves from the bulb a few days prior to planting before sowing it. Don’t remove the clove’s outer layer.

2. Work in bonemeal or fishmeal to prepare the site.

3. Take the cloves you bought in a nursery or ones you saved and place each approximately 2 inches deep. Separate each planted clove with a space of at least 4 – 8 inches. Ensure the wider part faces down when planting the garlic clove.

4. We recommend at least 10 inches for the spacing between the rows.

Tips for Growing Garlic

The following are five tips for growing garlic plants:

1. Mulching: Consider adding a layer of mulch if you reside in an area with hard frost to protect fall-sown cloves. When the danger of frost passes or at the beginning of spring, remove the layer of mulch.

2. Feeding: Give your plant blood meal at the beginning of spring and early May.

3. De-weeding: Carefully observe the emergence of weeds because they can hinder your garlic’s growth.

4. Watering: Water your Allium sativum plant twice weekly when it develops young bulbs, and keep watering in line with that schedule until mid-June.

5. Companion planting: Tomatoes are great companion plants for garlic, so you should consider planting them together. You’ll have a pest-free garden as well as many tasty crops for your delicious recipes.

Common Garlic Issues

Even though garlic is a hardy plant, it’s still susceptible to some pests and diseases. Maggots are one of the pests that can affect your garlic plant, and your plant starts yellowing or displaying poor growth once infested. Use the crop rotation technique to protect your Allium sativum plant and put it on row covers.

Thrips can also infest your plant. Brown leaf tips, deformed bulbs, and white scars are some of the common signs of a thrip infestation in your garlic plant. Prior to planting, consider picking resistant varieties and introducing beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs.

The most common disease that affects garlic is white rot disease. You can control white rot disease through biological means, so we highly recommend seeking a professional since trying to cure it on your own is very challenging.

Summing Up

Knowing the garlic growing stages is essential to produce this delicious veggie in your garden.

We’ve provided the necessary information you need to know about various garlic growing stages and to have a successful garlic harvest, so you need only follow our advice; you’ll have a healthy and flavorsome crop in no time.

See you next time, bye!

I love Greek mythology, especially its immaculate characters and unending drama. However, I was shocked to find out that there’s a whole section dedicated to flowers!

Well, today, we’re going to focus on these flowers that you would find in ancient Greece. This article will discuss 15 different varieties of beautiful flowers, their significance in Greek mythology and history, and some basic requirements.

Let’s get started!

15 Greek Flowers Varieties

Even though the flowers we’re going to look into may not be native to Greece, they were still quite popular back then (and they still are!). You’ve probably come across the Greek myth about the Narcissus flower, which is one of the numerous stories in this peculiar universe of Greek heroes and anti-heroes, gods and goddesses. 

Now, let’s take a quick break from our present world and immerse ourselves in this world of myths and gods as we learn about the remarkable flowers of that time!

1. Carnation

You can keep carnations in your flower vases for as long as you like, which is one of the main reasons the Greeks (and probably everyone else worldwide) adore them!

Here’s some general information regarding this flower:

Scientific name: Dianthus caryophyllus

Native habitat: The Mediterranean

Growth rate: Slow grower

Size: 30 – 75 cm (12 – 30 in) tall

Toxicity: Toxic

This plant’s scarlet, red, yellow, pink, or white flowers will elevate your space in ways you couldn’t imagine! Moreover, some species have combined colors, making the flower even more exceptional!

Plant your carnations in well-draining and fertile soil and place them in a sunny spot outside. Wait for the topsoil to dry before irrigating your flowers (at least once weekly), and by late spring, you’ll have a garden filled with beautiful carnation flowers.

The origin of carnations has numerous contrasting theories; we couldn’t focus on only one. Surprisingly, the first story doesn’t involve heartbreaking, horrid, or bloody scenarios, which is quite unique in regard to these myths, but it does focus on a significant feeling: jealousy.

Hera, the goddess of marriage and childbirth, had a lily as her flower. Zeus was jealous of Hera since he didn’t have his flower and, as a result, threw a lightning bolt at the lily. Carnations and thessaly, flowers as gorgeous and exquisite as lilies, began to appear.

The second myth we’ll discuss focuses on Artemis, the hunting goddess, and a failed hunt. Artemis blamed the shepherd for playing the wrong music on his flute as she conducted her hunt and went ahead to pop out his eyes. However, cold-heartedness wasn’t really in the goddess’s nature. She soon came to regret her actions, and some red carnations began to grow where the shepherd’s eyes had fallen.

2. Peony

Peonies are popular worldwide, not just in Greece, and you can find them growing among numerous Italian flowers.

Here are some general details about this flower:

Scientific name: Peaonia

Native habitat: Asia, Europe, and the western part of North America

Growth rate: Slow grower

Size: Reaches a height and width of about 90 cm (3 ft)

Toxicity: Toxic

Peonies have remarkably beautiful red, pink, cream, or white flowers that will adorn your garden in spring and summer, giving it a Greek or Victorian ambiance that takes your garden back in time when Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens used to shape history with literature!

Peonies require a lot of sunlight to thrive, and you need to plant them in a fertile, well-draining medium. The soil must also be moist, which you can achieve by irrigating with 2.5 cm (an inch) of water weekly. Your peony needs these conditions to make it through the growth stages successfully.

Peonies have two Greek myths explaining their origin. The first one involves Asclepius, the healing god, and his student, Paeon. One day, the hero Hercules injured Hades, the god of the Underworld, using his arrow, and since gods aren’t used to being hurt or feeling pain, Hades decided to go to Mount Olympus to look for Asclepius.

Unfortunately, Hades couldn’t locate Asclepius, so he was forced to look for the next best alternative, Paeon. Paeon managed to extract a liquid from peonies’ roots and healed Hades. Just like any other god, Asclepius was infuriated by this and sought to kill Paeon, but Zeus intervened and turned Paeon into a flower.

The second myth about peonies talks about the detriments of love and beauty. Apollo was deeply amazed by the beauty, charm, and elegance of a nymph called Paeonia. However, Apollo had another partner at the time, Aphrodite (Hephaestus’ wife), who was enraged when she found out and turned Paeonia into a flower.

Quite ironic that the goddess did that, don’t you think?

3. Hyacinth

Hyacinth is a flower that you may find while walking in the streets of Athens, and it makes the list of popular star-shaped flower varieties. The flower is popular in many cultures worldwide.

Here are the general details:

Scientific name: Hyacinthus

Native habitat: The Eastern Mediterranean

Growth rate: Fast growing

Size: 25 cm (10 in) tall and 10 – 15 cm (4 – 6 in) wide.

Toxicity: Toxic

Hyacinth is a toxic flower, but its star-like flower cluster makes it popular among many gardeners worldwide. These flowers come in shades of yellow, red, white, blue, pink, lavender, and purple.

During spring, these beautiful flower heads will beautify your garden as long as you plant them in a place that receives 6 hours of sunlight daily. Also, you need to grow the flowers in well-draining soil, water them when the topsoil is dry, and amend the soil with compost to improve drainage and introduce some organic material.

In Greek mythology, Hyacinthus was a Spartan prince adored by many but a lover of the sun god Apollo. Others who admired him include a mortal named Thamyris, the god of the North wind, Boreas, and the god of the West wind, Zephyrus, but the prince chose Apollo.

Apollo taught Hyacinthus numerous things. One day, they were having a discus throwing competition to see who could throw it the furthest. When Apollo’s turn came, he threw the discus far away, and as Hyacinthus tried to catch it, it bounced off the ground and hit him in the head. According to a different myth, it states that Zephyrus intentionally blew the discus because he was jealous, ultimately leading to the demise of the young prince.

Hyacinthus died in the sun god’s arms, and, in remembrance, Apollo created a flower using his blood known as Hyacinth. 

4. Daffodil

Daffodils, also known as Narcissus, have a very popular myth, which I’m sure we’re all familiar with. However, let’s look at some general information about this flower:

Scientific name: Narcissus

Native habitat: North Europe

Growth rate: Fat grower

Size: 5 cm (2 in) or 60 cm (2 ft); it varies with the species

Toxicity: Toxic

Daffodils can be white or yellow with pink, orange, yellow, or white trumpets, and you can find them in numerous lists concerning popular French flowers. Daffodils thrive in full sun exposure and well-draining soil. You need to frequently water them during the growing season and stop watering during their dormancy period, and you’ll be good to go! Before you know it, you’ll be having flowers all over.

Narcissus was a mortal in Greek mythology who had looks that even made the gods envious. According to the legend, a nymph named Echo fell in love with him, and one day, she decided to confess her undying love to him. Sadly, she was rudely rejected by the disgruntled Narcissus and ran to the forest, where she slowly withered away. Eventually, Echo turned into stones, repeating the passers-by’s words.

Nemesis, the revenge god, didn’t let this go unnoticed. The goddess made the mortal fall in love with his reflection in the pond, and Narcissus, deeply admiring his looks in trance, lost balance, fell into the water and drowned. A flower grew in the spot where Narcissus looked at his reflection, signifying stony-heartedness and self-centeredness.  

5. Red Anemone

Get ready for another heartbreaking story as we learn about this red flower. But first, let’s have a look at its general information:

Scientific name: Anemone

Native habitat: Native to all subtropical and temperate regions, except Australia and Antarctica

Growth rate: Slow to moderate

Size: Can be 15 cm (6 in) or 120 cm (4 ft) tall and 60 – 90 cm (2 – 3 ft) wide, depending on the species

Toxicity: Toxic

You can find the red anemone in the list of poisonous plants, but our endearment to ancient Greek mythology and flowers transcends any venom out there!

This flower loves partial shade, so don’t expose it to too much sunlight. Plant it in a well-draining and fertile substrate and irrigate it deeply with 2.5 cm (an inch) of water weekly if there isn’t any rainfall.

In Greek, anemone is a word for windflower, a plant that narrates the story about Adonis’ death. Persephone, the queen of the Underworld, and Aphrodite, the goddess of love, loved Adonis. One fateful day, a wild boar attacked Adonis, making him cry out in agonizing pain. Aphrodite heard his cry for help, but when she found him, he was on the verge of death.

According to the myth, red anemones grew from where Adonis’ blood was stained. Another version says that white anemones were already growing in the area, but once the young man’s blood droplets touched their tender, pale petals, they turned red.

6. Orchid

Orchids are remarkable and charming flowers that will uplift any space you place them in, but according to Greek history, there’s much more to them.

But before we delve into the myths about these flowers, here’s some general info about them:

Scientific name: Orchidaceae

Native habitat: Tropics of Asia and Australia

Growth rate: Slow grower

Size: 20 – 90 cm (8 in – 3 ft) tall and 30 cm (1 ft) wide

Toxicity: Non-toxic

These white, pink, purple, green, blue, yellow, orange, or red flowers will decorate your home from spring to fall.

It would be best to water your orchids twice weekly when the weather is warm and weekly during winter. Plant them in an orchid mix, which you need to change yearly to ensure the right nutrition for your plants; this will also save you a lot of trouble with fertilization. Finally, don’t place your plants in direct sunlight since orchids are susceptible to sunburn, and you’ll end up harming your flowers.

Orchids are delicate flowers, and there’s a high likelihood you might encounter a situation where your orchids seem to be dying. This is usually a result of improper fertilization, temperature, lighting, or watering.

As much as we label these flowers as delicate, they are far from that in Greek mythology. The Greek myth talks about Orchis, a demi-god, who tried to rape a priestess during the Dionysia, a celebration that honors pleasure, wine, and the god of fertility, Dionysus.

Due to this despicable act, wild beasts mutilated Orchis, and orchids began growing where his dismembered body fell. The two tubers on an orchid plant symbolize the sin Orchis committed, while the plant’s luxurious flower heads represent Orchis’ beauty.

According to the Greeks, the tubers contained aphrodisiac properties that could determine an unborn baby’s sex (the child would be a girl or boy, depending on whether the mother ate small tubers or the father ate large ones).

7. Larkspur

The Larkspur is a blue flower that you might mistake for a creeping bougainvillea, such as Crete or Santorini while touring the Greek islands. Still, it has many charms.

Here is some general info regarding this plant:

Scientific name: Delphinium

Native habitat:  Native all over the Northern Hemisphere

Growth rate:  Moderate growth rate

Size: 90 – 120 cm (3 – 4 ft) tall and 30 cm (1 ft)

Toxicity: Toxic

Larkspur may be toxic, but that doesn’t stop it from adorning your garden with its beautiful indigo, purple, and pink blossoms.

The plant thrives in full sun, but you should provide it some shade if the temperatures are extremely high. Plant it in loose, light, and well-draining soil and water it once or twice weekly. Irrigate it with 2.5 cm (an inch) of water, but adjust the amount depending on the rainfall.

Larkspur has a pretty dark myth compared to the other ones. Achilles had lost in the Battle of Troy, and his mother requested that the bravest warrior be granted his armor. There were two men who fit this requirement: Ulysses and Ajax.

In the end, the Greeks chose Ulysses as the rightful inheritor of Achilles’ armor, which made Ajax boil with rage; his fury became more apparent when he committed suicide by throwing himself on his sword, and dainty larkspur flowers began growing where his blood had spilled.

8. Saffron Crocus

The saffron crocus has a lovely lavender-colored crown that exemplifies universal beauty, and its myth is all about faithful love.

Here are some general details regarding this plant:

Scientific name: Crocus sativus

Native habitat: The Middle East and Greece

Growth rate: Fast grower

Size: 10 cm (4 in) tall

Toxicity: Toxic

The only thing you need to do with the crocus is to plant it in well-draining soil like sandy loam and fertilize it once yearly. You need only water the plant if there hasn’t been rainfall for 3 – 5 days during its growing season and let it enjoy full sun conditions.

The first myth about Crocus is similar to that of Hyacinthus. However, this one involves the lovers Crocus and Hermes instead of Hyacinthus and Apollo, as depicted in the Hyacinthus myth. Hermes threw a discus that killed Crocus, making the herald of gods turn Crocus into a flower. The three droplets of his blood became the crocus flower’s stains.

The other myth tells a story of love between a nymph, Smilax, and the mortal, Crocus. The gods didn’t approve of this relationship at all, and they turned Smilax into bindweed and Crocus into a flower.

9. Iris

Iris has a pretty lovely story in Greek mythology, and it’s not gory or bloody at all!

Let’s take a look at some general specifics about this flower at first:

Scientific name: Iris

Native habitat: Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa

Growth rate: Moderate

Size: Approximately 90 cm (3 ft) tall

Toxicity: Toxic

Irises have many beautiful colors, and the best thing about them is you have a choice of which color you want to adorn your garden with, be it blue, yellow, orange, red, pink, white, or even black!

Plant your irises in well-draining and fertile mediums and irrigate your flowers at least once weekly; ensure you water your plants once the topsoil is dry. Place them in a spot where they can receive about six hours of sunlight daily, but provide some shade to protect them if the temperatures rise significantly.

Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and acted as a messenger for Hera and Zeus whenever they wanted to communicate with mortals. Iris used the rainbow as a bridge between the heavens and Earth, while some myths refer to the rainbow as her cloak.

The Greeks incorporated the myth into their tradition, and most people would plant irises on graves to entice the rainbow goddess to help their loved one’s souls to cross over to the heavens.

10. Gladiolus

Gladiolus is a beautiful flower that’ll make a great companion plant for hyacinths, but they have different origin stories. Gladiolus’ myth is all about greed and not the common love stories.

Here is some general information about gladiolus:

Scientific name: Gladiolus

Native habitat: The Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula, Africa

Growth rate:  Slow-growing

Size: 0.6 – 1.5 m (2 – 5 ft) tall

Toxicity: Toxic

Gladiolus flowers will turn your garden into a flower haven, and there are many colors you can choose from, including white, red, pink, yellow, or green.

Grow your flowers in a well-draining and fertile substrate, water them with 2.5 cm (1 in) of water weekly, and expose them to full sun.

The Greek myth about gladiolus involves the goddess of harvest, Demeter, and a greedy and godless man, Erysichthon. Demeter loved the woods of Thessaly, but this didn’t stop Erysichthon from cutting the trees in the sacred place. When a few god-fearing men tried to stop him, Erysichthon beheaded one of them, making Demeter create small, sword-shaped gladiolus flowers where the blood spilled.

The story isn’t over yet! Demeter didn’t just let Erysichthon get away with this heinous act. The goddess inflicted the man with famine to the point that he had to sell his daughter to buy more food for his unsatisfied hunger. No one could do anything to help him, and he eventually ended up devouring himself.

11. Rose

Rose is another flower you’ll find at events or even in the streets as they are sold. It’s always lovely to have a rose bouquet around, so knowing how to extend their shelf life and how long roses can last without water is critical; you need only change the water regularly, feed them with flower food or sugar, and don’t expose them to too much sunlight.

Let’s take a look at the general specifics about roses:

Scientific name:  Rosa

Native habitat: Northwest regions of Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia

Growth rate: Fast growing

Size: The smallest rose grows up to 15 – 30 cm (6 – 12 in), and the largest one up to 6 m (20 ft)

Toxicity: Non-toxic  

Plant your roses in a well-draining, humus-amended, and nutrient-rich substrate, provide them with 6 hours of sunlight daily (preferably during morning hours), and give them 15 – 19 l (4 – 5 gallons) of water weekly.

Roses have two narratives in Greek mythology. The first story involves the goddess Aphrodite and her lover, Adonis. One day, a wild boar mortally wounded Adonis, and when Aphrodite found him, she shed tears that mixed with his blood, making a red rose bush spring from the soil.

The second story involves Chloris, the goddess of flowers, and it claims that roses would fall from the mouth of the goddess whenever she spoke.

There’s also another myth about the origin of roses that involves Chloris. In this version, the goddess came across the lifeless body of a hypnotically beautiful nymph, whom she transformed into a flower after being amazed by her incredible beauty.

Other gods also chipped in and helped in different ways: Apollo allowed the sun to shine and help the flower bloom, Zephyrus blew the wind and made the sky clear, Dionysus provided nectar, which made the rose have a sweet fragrance, and Aphrodite embellished the flower with beauty.

12. Bay Laurel

Laurel is a flower that you might have seen in movies about gladiators and Romans or maybe even used in your cooking, but it holds a special place in Greek history.

However, let’s first review some general info about this flower before traveling back in time:

Scientific name: Laurus nobilis

Native habitat: The Mediterranean

Growth rate: Slow growing

Size: It can grow up to 6 m (20 ft)

Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets

Most growers usually cultivate bay laurel for its leaves, but you can see pale yellow blooms of this plant in late spring or early summer. Bay laurel isn’t demanding at all; you need only plant in any soil so long as it’s well-draining. The plant thrives in full sun, but you should provide it with some shade when the temperatures significantly rise.

Lastly, laurels don’t do well in wet soil, so you must irrigate the plant when the soil’s top 5 cm (2 in) is dry.

Laurel’s origin story in Greek mythology is quite popular, and it revolves around Daphne, a Niad nymph, and Apollo, the sun god. According to the myth, Apollo mocked the god of love’s (Eros) archery abilities, who, in turn, shot the sun god with an arrow that made him fall deeply in love with Daphne. Conversely, Eros shot Daphne with an arrow that made her loathe any romantic desires or gestures towards her.

Apollo kept chasing Daphne to the point that she had to tell her father, Peneus, the river god, to intervene since she was always tired of running away. Peneus then decided to transform his daughter into a laurel.

Apollo treasured the tree and wore a laurel crown. The story also mentions that the sun god made the tree evergreen, which granted the nymph immortality.

13. Poppy

This is another flower whose myth involves the goddess of harvest, Demeter. 

However, let’s first look at general information about this plant:

Scientific name: Papaver

Native habitat: North Africa, Euroasia

Growth rate: Fast grower

Size: 30 – 35 cm (1 – 1.2 ft)

Toxicity: Toxic

Poppies flower in mid-to-late spring, from April to June. Although most pictures of poppies we often see tend to have red flowers, this flower has other various shades such as purple, white, and pink.

Poppies have easy care requirements. Plant your flowers in a well-draining substrate, provide them with at least 6 – 8 hours of sunlight daily, and irrigate them occasionally if you live in an area that doesn’t receive a lot of rainfall.

People have been associating poppies with sleep since time immemorial, and this is one of the main reasons it revolves around the Greek gods Thanatos, the god of death, Morpheus, the god of dreams, and Hypnos, the god of sleep.

However, it’s believed that the goddess Demeter is the one who actually created the flower (or was created for her) to help her fall asleep after Persephone, her daughter, got abducted. According to the story, poppies used to spring from below Demeter’s feet whenever she took a step.

14. Lily

Lilies aren’t found in Greece only; they are also among the most popular flowers in Spain. Their story in Greek mythology is quite interesting, and we’ll learn all about it in a minute.

But first, let’s look at some general information about lilies:

Scientific name: Lilium

Native habitat: Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere

Growth rate: Slow to moderate growth rate

Size: 60 – 180 cm (2 – 6 ft), depending on the variety

Toxicity: Toxic

You’ll enjoy the various colors of lilies from summer to fall, but it depends on the type. Plant your flowers in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil and irrigate them with 2.5 cm (1 in) of water weekly whenever there’s no rain. Lilies thrive in the sun, and you need to provide them with at least six hours of sunlight daily, or else you won’t have any beautiful flowers to admire.

The myth about lilies is quite profound and involves Zeus’ infidelity. Zeus seduced Alcmene, a mortal princess, who bore him a son, Hercules. Zeus wanted to bring Hercules closer to divinity, so he devised a plan to make Hera nurse his son.

Zeus put Hera to sleep and brought his son to feed on her milk. However, the plan didn’t go as planned, and Hera woke up, shoving the baby away with so much force that the milk continued to come out. According to legend, the spilled milk formed the Milky Way, and drops that landed on Earth transformed into lilies.

15. Sunflower

Most people don’t know sunflowers have a connection with Greece, but their place in Greek history is quite interesting.

Here is the general info:

Scientific name: Helianthus annuus

Native habitat: The southern and Central USA, Mexico

Growth rate: Fast growing

Size: It can grow up to 0.9 – 4.5 m (3 – 15 feet)

Toxicity: Non-toxic

Sunflowers blossom in spring and fall, and you can grow them with sunflower companion plants such as lavender, basil, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc., so there’s no need to worry about space.

Plant the flower in a nutrient-rich, well-draining substrate with organic material and provide it with plenty of sunlight, just as its name suggests. Irrigate the plant once a week with 2.5 cm (1 in) of water if rainfall is limited in your region, and ensure the soil is fertile; you can always add a diluted fertilizer or some compost occasionally.

The Greek myth about sunflowers involves Helios, a god who drew the sun with his chariot, and Clytie, a water nymph deeply in love with the god. However, Helios didn’t have the same feelings for her. Instead, he was in love with Leucothoe, a mortal Persian princess.

Driven with jealousy, Clytie reported the relationship of the two lovers to Leucothoe’s father, King Orchamus, who was deeply disappointed in his daughter due to the circumstances that surrounded their love for each other (Helios had apparently deceived and seduced Leucothoe and claims about attempted rape were issued against him). Orchamus couldn’t bear the shame his daughter brought to the family and buried her alive in the sand.

Clytie thought Leucothoe’s death would now give her a chance with Helios, but he despised her more and became more distant. Clytie was driven mad by this rejection, and she sat naked on the ground, refusing any food or water and only looking up to the sun as Helios dragged it with his solar chariot (who never looked back at her).

For nine days, she stared at the sun, and after the days had passed, she turned into a sunflower, which turned its head following the sun, still showing her undying love for Helios.

Commonly Asked Questions

We’ve covered numerous things about popular Greek flowers and their myths, but there’s still more to learn.

This section will answer common questions that most people have about Greek flowers.

Which flower represents Greece?

Laurel is the flower that people use to represent Greece. As mentioned earlier, it’s the flower that the sun god, Apollo, made a crown out of and always wore to be close to the nymph he loved, Daphne.

The crown was also presented to the Pythian Games’ winners, which were held to honor Apollo.

Which popular flower can I gift on Mother’s Day in Greece?

Normally, chrysanthemums are flowers that most people give on a traditional Mother’s Day in Greece. The Greeks never celebrated Mother’s Day; instead, they held celebrations to honor Rhea, who has been referenced as the mother of numerous gods in Greek mythology.

Still, you can give carnations, roses, and other popular flowers like those we’ve discussed as gifts; I’m pretty sure any flower you choose will fit the occasion!

Final Remarks

We’ve covered some of the most popular Greek flowers in this article and their myths. The mythological narratives offer insights into the causes that led to the origin of these flowers, including protection, honor, grief, and love.

We’ve also provided some helpful tips on how to care for these flowers to assist in growing them without any fuss. The good thing about these flowers is they aren’t demanding, and you can mystify your garden with them any time you want!

I hope you’ll achieve the mythological garden you desire; happy planting!

Greece is home to stunning flowers, many of which are tied to rich mythology.

The red anemone is linked to Aphrodite’s sorrow, while the iris symbolizes the messenger goddess Iris.

Saffron crocus, revered since ancient times, was associated with Zeus. Orchids, daffodils, and peonies were sacred to Greek deities, adding both beauty and legend to the landscape. A truly mythical floral paradise!

Spring is one of my favorite seasons, especially when redbud trees’ tiny, white, or rosy pink flowers adorn North American landscapes. The heart-shaped leaves add to the marvel of this beautiful tree.

Most people choose to grow redbud trees because they are easy to maintain, but that shouldn’t be the only reason that you should decide to have these trees in your garden.

While they aren’t perfect, there are several reasons for you to plant these trees in your yard. In this article, we’ve outlined all the pros and cons of growing redbud trees to help you figure out if you should grow one or several. 

But first, here is some basic information about redbud trees to familiarize yourself with:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Redbud Trees: The Pros

Let’s start with the positives.

Growing redbud trees has many advantages, including attracting pollinators, drought tolerance, their stunning appearance, size, different varieties, and their long blooming period.

Redbud Trees Attract Pollinators 

Redbud flowers are not only visually appealing, but they are also a key attraction for pollinators such as honey bees, carpenter bees, and butterflies, which are attracted by the scent and nectar of the flowers. Growing them in your garden will attract these pollinators, which can benefit other plants.

While these trees may survive in partial shade, growing them in direct sunlight will encourage the production of more flowers. Consequently, this will attract more pollinators, which will contribute to your garden’s ecosystem.

They’re Drought-Tolerant

One of the best qualities of redbud trees is their hardiness. These plants are fairly drought tolerant; once the tree has established a root system, it can go for a long period without water. 

This makes redbuds ideal for people living in arid or semi-arid areas. Since this tree doesn’t need much watering, it’ll endure these conditions and won’t dry up or unexpectedly shade leaves.

The dormancy period that the tree goes through each year increases its hardiness and drought tolerance. This dormancy period is during the colder months, while in the warm seasons, such as spring through summer, the tree is in its active growing season.

They’re Aesthetically Appealing 

Redbud trees are native to North America. However, the tree has relatives in Asia and Europe. These trees were first discovered in 1571 by Spaniards when they were classified as New World plants and distinguished from their relatives in the Mediterranean area.

One of the most famous people to grow this tree was George Washington, who marveled at the beauty of redbuds and spent considerable time cultivating seedlings he had taken from a neighboring forest.

The flowers of the trees may vary depending on the variety you have grown. If you want to grow purple flowers to adorn your garden, the Forest pansy variety should be the type to go for. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a white flowering tree, try the White Eastern Redbud.

The beauty of these trees doesn’t end at the flowers. The tree also produces unique and captivating heart-shaped leaves in different colors, such as orange, golden, lime, and green.

They’re Easy to Maintain

One of the qualities that makes redbuds desirable is that they are low-maintenance. You can grow these trees in almost any climate, and they’ll thrive fairly well. The only thing that redbuds won’t tolerate is extremely low temperatures. 

When we are growing a new plant, we often factor in conditions such as the soil type, nutrients in the soil, and the pH level.

With redbud trees, you won’t have to worry about any of these conditions since they can survive in literally any situation. You can even grow the plant in a shady spot, and it’ll survive.

They’re Small

Size is a huge determining factor for many gardeners when growing trees, and even though some gardeners may prefer huge trees, in some cases, the smaller, the better, especially when you are restricted by space.

The redbud tree is the perfect choice for the latter.

If you want a tree to add beauty and interest to your garden and still remain under the power lines, then Redbud will do the trick.

Long Blooming Season

If you meet all the growing requirements of this plant, then you can expect your Redbud to produce its first flowers in early spring.

Flowering typically occurs in April and May, but this period may extend throughout the summer for people living in warmer climates.

Many Cultivars to Choose From

One of the best qualities of these trees is that you can choose different varieties of trees to grow based on your tastes.

One of the most common varieties to grow is the Eastern redbud tree, which is famous, especially in South Carolina. The Cercis canadensis, as it’s known scientifically, has breathtaking pink flowers. The tree may grow up to 30 feet tall and thrives in hardiness zones 5 to 9.

The white eastern Redbud produces unique pea-like white flowers, and it’s quite remarkable, so you don’t see it as much.

Another variety with beautiful flowers is the Cercis siliquastrum, aka the Judas tree. This variety may grow to 25 feet tall and produce breathtaking purplish-pink flowers. 

If you want an even rare flower, try the Western Redbud or Cercis occidentalis, which produces magenta flowers in spring. The tree is common to many homeowners on the West Coast.

The Oklahoma redbud, also known as the Cercis canadensis var. texensis ‘Oklahoma,’ is an amazing variety that produces colorful purple-red blossoms. The tree is prized for its unique flowers that cover its barren branches. 

Once the blossom fades, the tree produces heart-shaped leaves, which initially have a slight pink tint and mature to a deep green. 

Disadvantages of Redbud Trees

While the advantages are convincing enough to start growing redbuds, before you start growing these trees, it’s important to understand all the downsides, too, so you can make an informed choice.

Some main cons of growing redbud trees include susceptibility to pests and diseases, short lifespan, and high demand for water at a young age.

Let’s examine these cons in detail.

Short Lifespan

If you want a tree that’ll survive for generations, steer away from redbuds.

Redbud trees have a lifespan of 20-30 years, which is quite short for a tree. You may even outlive the redbuds that you grow.

These trees have a medium growth rate, and their main cause of death is pests and diseases. 

Susceptibility to Pests 

Pests are a common hindrance to gardening, and redbuds may also suffer from small critters attacking them. The most common pests that attack these trees are aphids. They feed on the leaves and may cause extensive damage to the plant.

Caterpillars are another nuisance that may hinder you from enjoying the beauty and shade of redbuds.

Susceptibility to Diseases 

The susceptibility of redbuds to diseases, especially fungal infections, is one of the main downsides of growing these trees. Redbuds may be attacked by diseases such as Verticillium Wilt, Leaf Anthracnose, and Botryosphaeria Canker. 

The worst thing about fungal diseases is that it may be impossible to save the plant with fungicides once the disease has advanced. The only thing that may save your plants is early detection.

Young Redbuds Need a Lot of Water

We may have just mentioned that redbuds are drought-tolerant, so you may wonder, why do they need a lot of water?

The point to remember here is that only established redbuds are drought-tolerant. This isn’t the case for young, unestablished trees.

Redbuds won’t display any new development in their first year of growth. At this point, the plants will need a lot of water to form extensive roots.

Over time, redbud trees form extensive, strong taproots; missing a few watering sessions won’t destroy them. Young trees, on the other hand, absorb water at a fast rate and will need frequent watering.

This shouldn’t be a big concern if you have plenty of water in your garden, but if you don’t, you may want to prepare accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are redbuds messy trees?

The answer is yes and no, depending on the variety you grow. Varieties like the Eastern Redbud will produce seed pods after the blooming period, making your yard messy. You can try varieties such as the Don Egolf redbud or Traveller redbud to avoid this predicament.

Are redbud tree roots invasive?

It may come as a surprise, but redbud leaves are, in fact, edible. You can eat the leaves of young redbud trees either raw or processed. Native Americans consumed the seeds, leaves, and petals of redbuds. The flowers of this tree are full of Vitamin C, and you can add them to your salads. Since the flowers and seeds also contain antioxidants, they can be great for your body. 

When is the best time to plant Redbud?

The best time to plant your redbud tree is in early fall. At this time, the temperatures in the soil are warm enough so your tree will generate new growth and form a root system before going dormant. Once the dormancy period passes, your plants will be less susceptible to transplant shock.

Wrapping Up

Redbud can be an exciting addition to your garden or yard. Before growing these plants, it’s important to consider all the positive and negative factors.

Now that you have seen all the pros and cons of growing these trees, I’m sure you’ll make an informed decision.

Until next time!