When it comes to creating the best flower bed, there are many varieties to choose from. You will find out about plants such as Yarrow, Daylilies, Clematis and SunPatiens. You may also want to try out a variety of bushes, trees and perennials. You will also learn about the benefits of growing certain plants in your flower bed. Read on to discover some of the best plants for flower beds that are sure to delight your garden.
SunPatiens
One of the benefits of planting SunPatiens in your flower bed is their low maintenance. They don’t need any trimming or pruning, as they do not like to overgrow. You should, however, trim them occasionally to remove dead or damaged branches, and to get rid of any infections that might have plagued the plant. Pruning the top third of the plant should do the trick. This will ensure that your flowers are always a sight to behold!
These perennials do best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade as long as it gets at least four hours of direct sunlight daily. The best way to water SunPatiens is with drip watering. They also like a well-drained soil with some organic material. They grow best in containers or raised beds. They are tolerant of partial shade, although they will not bloom as well in full shade.
Although SunPatiens are disease-resistant, they can still attract pests that will harm your flowers. Aphids, which will eat the leaves and stunt flower growth, can infest SunPatiens. To prevent this, carefully pick them off by hand. Insects, including caterpillars, can also attack and kill SunPatiens. To combat these problems, you should keep them in pots indoors during the winter.
Daylilies
The most popular types of daylilies for flower beds are hybrids of three non-native species: Hemerocallis fulva, which has flowers that open in the evening, and Hemerocallis citrina, which has pale yellow flowers. Daylilies also do well in areas where weeds are an issue. Plant them at least a foot apart to create a dense, weed-free border.
Daylilies are drought-tolerant and easy to grow. They prefer an inch of water per week. However, they can tolerate a bit more or less water depending on the variety. Make sure to water them often, especially while their buds and scapes are developing. You can add mulch to your flower bed to help keep the soil moist. Mulch also helps keep daylilies from weeding.
The best way to plant daylilies in flower beds is to select a variety with a long bloom period. Daylilies are the perfect choice for gardens with warm climates as they bloom throughout the year. Their bud count is very important if you live in areas with cold winters. Besides their beauty, they make a great cut flower, too. Luckily, daylilies make nice cut flowers. The flowers on individual stems only last a day or two, but the buds continue to open up for as long as they are kept indoors.
You can divide daylilies by dividing them. You can either use gloves and a shovel or separate them by hand. Either way, it’s important to give them plenty of room to grow. To avoid a heavy flower, divide them into several fans. After dividing, cut the foliage to the ground. Dead foliage can be removed in early spring. They are cold hardy, so winter mulch is only a nice touch.
Clematis
Clematis are perennial vines that grow up to seven feet tall. They grow freely and produce flowers that can last up to four weeks. Some varieties of Clematis are fragrant, while others are not. Some varieties bloom all summer long, and others are only bloomed for a few days or weeks. Regardless of the color you’re looking for, clematis will add a stunning splash of color to your flower bed.
Clematis are a versatile plant, able to adapt to a variety of environments. Some varieties will climb a white picket fence, scramble up a trellis, or even adorn mailboxes. Their beautiful, colorful flowers can be used in flower beds, fences, and other parts of the garden. Many varieties will bloom at different times of year and complement other plants in the flower bed.
Clematis need ample moisture to grow well. Adding mulch to the flower bed will help retain moisture. For best results, water clematis frequently throughout the growing season. If you plan to fertilize your clematis, make sure to test the soil and follow the instructions provided on the package. It is a good idea to water them daily during their first growing season to prevent fungal infections.
The most important thing to remember when caring for your clematis is to water them regularly. They need at least one inch of water every day, otherwise their leaves will turn yellow or brown and fall off. Make sure you do not overwater them as their roots will not get enough moisture. Watering clematis is not a big issue if it receives regular rainfall. You can also choose to place pots or containers in your flower bed.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a perennial herb with basal leaves that stay green year-round in temperate climates and turn yellow in colder regions. It sends up flower stalks that grow one to three feet tall, creating a dense mound of basal leaves. To maintain a lush flower bed, yarrow needs minimal maintenance. During midsummer, deadhead faded flowers to promote new growth. Fertilizing yarrow is not necessary, but it will help your plant survive drought and increase its chances of blooming.
Yarrow can be grown in any soil type. It can be planted in fall, just before the average frost date, or in early spring, after all danger of frost has passed. Planting yarrow from seed can be tricky, but once it’s established, it’s hardy and drought resistant. After it’s established, you can divide it in the fall or spring to keep it vigorous. Divide the plant in the spring and share with a neighbor for a fresh batch.
When planting yarrow, be sure to plant the seeds at least six to eight weeks before the last frost date. As yarrow requires light to germinate, make sure to plant them in a sunny, warm window. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly the seeds germinate. The process can be expedited by using plastic wrap, which traps moisture in the soil. Heat also helps them germinate.
Michaelmas daisies
A perennial of the same name, the Michaelmas daisy grows best in full sun. However, they can tolerate partial shade and prefer well-drained soil. These flowers form attractive clumps and are easily propagated by division. The best time to divide them is in early summer before the foliage starts to die off at night. They can be divided every two years to ensure they continue to bloom.
There are several species of Michaelmas daisies, but a few are particularly beautiful and suited for flower beds. The ‘Starshine’ variety has hundreds of star-like white flowers in August, while the ‘Asran’ variety produces purple flowers until October. There are also low-growing varieties of this species that form a bright violet-blue cushion. Michaelmas daisies are also included in the list of the best plants for butterfly gardens. They are excellent plants to grow because they attract both butterflies and bees to your flower beds.
The flowering period of the Michaelmas daisy is from August until the first ground frost, so they keep your borders looking pretty longer. Plant them next to other perennials like Crane’s bill, Fairy Candle, and Aconitum carmichaelii. Or, make a full border with asters. There are several varieties of asters, from large-flowered ones to small-flowered ones.
Coneflower
The flower coneflower is an excellent choice for the flower bed. Not only do these plants bloom from early summer to fall, but they are also great cut flowers. Although the flowers of coneflowers grow to be tall, there are dwarf varieties available that grow shorter. While they can tolerate some drought, they do need regular watering to bloom. Once established, they make excellent cut flowers and attract butterflies and birds to the garden.
It is not uncommon to see a variety of colors in a coneflower, but the most popular hue is deep red or orange. This perennial blooms from June to August. In addition to its bright colors, coneflowers also tolerate deer, drought, and poor soil. And because their flowers are so big, they can be grown in a container or in a flower bed without worrying about deer browsing through them.
One of the most popular varieties is the Marmalade coneflower, which grows to two feet tall and can be grown in part shade. Its vibrant, large flowers are scented and attract deer and friendly garden visitors. Another popular variety is Echinacea ‘Leilani,’ which grows 42 inches tall. This plant is hardy in zones four to eight and requires only a moderate amount of water.