Petunias are one of the most popular and beloved flowering plants in the garden, known for their vibrant colors, abundant blooms, and versatility. These annual plants bloom profusely from spring until frost, offering a long-lasting display of flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, white, and yellow, as well as many striking patterns and bicolors. Petunias come in several varieties, including grandiflora with large blooms, multiflora with smaller but more abundant flowers, and the trailing or spreading types like wave or surfinia petunias, which are perfect for hanging baskets and ground covers.
Thriving in full sun, petunias require well-draining soil and regular watering to keep their showy flowers coming. They are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for both experienced gardeners and beginners. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage more flowers to form, ensuring a vibrant display throughout the growing season. With their wide range of colors and forms, petunias are ideal for adding a burst of color to gardens, patios, and balconies, creating eye-catching landscapes and container arrangements.
Geraniums, known for their vibrant blooms and aromatic foliage, are a classic favorite among gardeners worldwide. Belonging to the genus Pelargonium, these resilient plants offer a wide variety of colors, including shades of pink, red, purple, and white. Geraniums can bloom beautifully from spring through fall, adding continuous color to gardens, balconies, and window boxes. Their foliage is equally attractive, with some varieties featuring scented leaves that can smell of lemon, rose, mint, or pine when brushed or touched.
Adaptable and relatively easy to care for, geraniums thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained soil. They are suitable for both container gardening and outdoor beds, where they can be used as bedding plants, borders, or accent plants. Regular watering and occasional fertilization will keep them flourishing, although they are drought-tolerant once established. Deadheading spent blooms encourages further flowering. With their bright colors, ease of care, and long blooming period, geraniums are a versatile choice for adding lively accents and fragrance to outdoor living spaces.
Calibrachoa, often referred to as million bells or mini petunias, are enchanting, small-flowered plants known for their cascading branches and prolific blooming from spring until frost. These annuals closely resemble petunias but are distinguished by their smaller, bell-shaped flowers and a vast array of vibrant colors and patterns, including pinks, purples, reds, yellows, and bicolored varieties. Calibrachoa plants are perfect for hanging baskets, containers, and window boxes, where their trailing stems can beautifully spill over the edges, creating a stunning floral display.
Thriving in full sun, Calibrachoas are relatively low-maintenance, requiring well-draining soil and regular watering to keep the blooms coming. They benefit from occasional fertilization to support their vigorous flowering. These plants are especially beloved for their ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding not only color but also lively activity to gardens and outdoor spaces. With their ease of care and continuous, colorful blooms, Calibrachoa are a superb choice for gardeners looking to add long-lasting vibrancy to their summer landscapes.
New Guinea Impatiens are a stunning and robust variety of impatiens, highly prized for their vibrant flowers and glossy, attractive foliage. These plants stand out with their large, colorful blooms that come in shades of pink, red, lavender, coral, and white, often showcasing a striking, star-shaped pattern at the center. New Guinea Impatiens thrive in both partial shade and full sun, making them versatile for a variety of garden settings and container arrangements.
They are known for their tolerance to heat and humidity and boast continuous blooming from spring through fall. Their foliage can be just as captivating as the flowers, with leaves that range in color from deep green to bronze and purple, sometimes featuring variegated patterns. These characteristics make them excellent for adding bold and continuous color to borders, beds, and outdoor living spaces.
Requiring minimal maintenance, New Guinea Impatiens prefer well-draining soil and regular watering to keep their soil consistently moist. Their brilliant blooms and lush leaves add a tropical feel to any setting, effectively brightening up shady spots or adding depth to sun-drenched gardens.
Poinsettias, scientifically known as Euphorbia pulcherrima, are synonymous with the holiday season, famed for their vibrant red and green foliage that perfectly complements festive decor. Originating from Mexico, these perennial plants are celebrated for their striking bracts, which are often mistaken for flowers but are actually leaves that change color in response to shorter daylight hours. Beyond the traditional red, poinsettias come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, orange, and marbled patterns, offering a range of options for holiday decorating.
Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a charming flowering plant known for its petite blooms and sweet fragrance. These delicate flowers emerge on long stems, gracefully rising above the heart-shaped leaves. Cyclamen comes in various colors, including pink, purple, red, and white. As a popular houseplant, it brightens up homes during the winter season. Remember to provide bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and maintain proper humidity levels. However, be cautious, as cyclamen is toxic to both humans and pets.
