The side of your house is one of the best places to grow a small garden. This area can also have a nice path to stroll along, as well as a small table and chairs for relaxing. You can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings while enjoying the company of your friends and family. Here are some ideas to help you choose the best plants for side of house. You can also consider planting Azaleas and Hydrangeas, if you would like a more tropical look.
Perennial plants
Choosing the right plant for your side of house is crucial. Perennials are plants that grow back every year after their roots go dormant over the winter. They are great for gardens and are hardy in zones four through 10.
One perennial with beautiful blue blooms is catmint. This perennial forms a perfectly dome-shaped mound, and reaches a height of 10 to 12 inches. Catmint thrives in full sunlight and does not need extra fertilizer. In fact, it can thrive in poor soil near the foundation because of the reflected heat from siding and brick. It rewards homeowners with more flowers throughout the summer. There are two different varieties of catmint, but the primary difference is the size of the flowers.
If you have a sunny side, consider planting perennial pinks. This flower is widely available, and requires little care. It blooms in a variety of colors, including white, purple, red, and black. They also look great in cut flower arrangements. If you want a vibrant flower display, consider buying multi-color perennial pinks. The flowers will look great and will keep your side yard looking beautiful all year round.
Salvia x novi-belgii ‘Alert’ is a dwarf version that grows four to five feet tall. Its blooms last from May to September and are aromatic. This perennial is easy to care for and is heat-tolerant. It tolerates partial shade and full sun, and it has no problem with deer or rabbits. It’s also drought-tolerant and requires little water.
Hostas are among the easiest plants to grow. They grow in several different sizes and colors, from tiny clumps to massive 4-foot clumps. Hosta leaves are wavy-edged and puckered. Hosta flowers have white or purplish lavender funnel-shaped blossoms. Hostas are popular for their fragrant blooms, and they thrive in rich soil. The average size is two feet across and three feet wide.
The periwinkle is another perennial that can tolerate shade. This plant is often referred to as creeping myrtle and is a viney groundcover. It grows up to six inches tall and flowers in May. It is a beautiful ground cover around other plants and shrubs. Unfortunately, this plant is considered invasive in some regions. Fortunately, it can tolerate partial shade without harming them. They’re excellent options for side-of-house gardens.
Groundcover plants
The best groundcover plants for the side of your house should be tolerant of the soil’s moisture and drought conditions. They are drought-tolerant, but they do require occasional watering during periods of prolonged dryness. To minimize the amount of soil disturbance, hand weed only when necessary. After planting, apply a layer of mulch of organic materials between the plants. Fertilizers should be applied annually in the spring, at a rate of three pounds per 100 square feet.
Groundcovers are great for sprucing up bare patches in the landscape. They cover bald spots under trees and provide a lush backdrop. They can also suppress weeds and add pops of color. Some of the best groundcovers are also low-growing and require little maintenance. Aside from being drought-tolerant, groundcovers can also help prevent erosion and control water runoff. While grass is typically the best choice for an empty space, low-growing plants can look attractive and add a little beauty to the side of your house.
Evergreen groundcovers have bloom power. While not all types produce flowers, many do. Low-growing varieties attract pollinators to your yard. And they are great for sloped areas. However, they may be only semi-evergreen if you live in a very cold climate. But if you’re not in a very cold climate, consider growing an evergreen groundcover. You’ll be glad you did.
Hydrangeas
There are many ways to propagate hydrangeas, including dividing and layering. Another popular method is the Dirr method, which produces new plants within four weeks. To propagate hydrangeas from softwood cuttings, locate a branch that has several leaves and a stem about 4 to 5 inches long. Cut the stem into four to five-inch pieces, leaving about three pairs of leaves on each end.
When planting hydrangeas on the side of your house, you should place them at least half their height away from the fence. The best place for a five-foot-tall hydrangea is about 2.5 feet from the house. Keep in mind that hydrangeas like morning sun, so it’s best to place them on the southern side. If you don’t plant them near the house, they might shade the wall and produce moisture in the summer.
When choosing the type of hydrangeas to plant on the side of your house, consider their blooming time. Depending on the type of hydrangea, they may flower on the same stem twice. If you choose a variety that blooms on both old and new wood, it may take a few years before the flowers begin. If you choose an early bloomer, make sure to pick one that has blooms in mid-summer.
You can also plant hydrangeas in pots. It’s easy to grow hydrangeas in containers as long as they’re large enough. You’ll need a large pot for a mature hydrangea, which can reach 18 inches in diameter. Choose a pot that is non-porous so that water doesn’t build up. Also, make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent excess water from pooling.
Hydrangeas have huge flower heads and a large range of colors. In the spring and summer, these plants will produce beautiful blooms. Whether you’re looking for a blue, pink, or white hydrangea, there’s a species out there for you. And if you’re unsure of what to plant on the side of your house, you can consult a hydrangea growing guide to learn all about it.
Azaleas
When choosing the right plant for your garden, azaleas are the perfect choice for side of house planting. They need partial shade and a rich, acidic soil. Azaleas also need good drainage. Despite their attractive bloom, they require regular deep watering. Planting in dappled shade is best. In areas with shade, azaleas may not bloom at all.
In Florida, the most common azalea disease is petal blight, which appears as small white spots on the petals of colored azaleas. White flowered varieties may have irregular blotches or rust-colored spots. The fungus survives in the dried blossoms. Fungicides are available to help control the fungus. Azaleas should be protected against bacterial, fungal disease, as well as other pests and diseases.
In addition to regular fertilization, azaleas require a solid layer of mulch. In full sun, the roots of azaleas absorb one inch of water every week. Ideally, they should receive 1 inch of rainwater every week. It is advisable to water the azaleas in the early morning to allow sunlight to dry the leaves before they are exposed to the afternoon sun. If possible, water Azaleas early in the morning when the sun is shining, as watering them at noon could lead to fungal diseases and mold growth. Sprinklers and drip irrigation can help you manage watering.
Although they are suitable for side of house planting, Azaleas are generally best for planting on the east side of a house. In cities, however, azaleas should be kept at least three feet from the house’s foundation. This is because their roots need enough moisture to grow properly. A few varieties tolerate more sunlight than others, such as rhododendrons.
While planting Azaleas in the side of a house can be done anytime of the year, the best time to plant them is late spring or early fall. Azaleas grow well in a sunny spot. For best results, plant azaleas in autumn and early fall, as these times will give the shrub enough time to establish roots and settle. They need plenty of space for them to grow and bloom. Aside from sun and shade, Azaleas grow best in a sunny spot.