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Bedding Plants

Summer Bedding Plants for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Growing and Caring for Beautiful Blooms

by Gregory July 10, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Summer Bedding Plants: A Guide for Beginners

Introduction

Summer bedding plants are a great way to add color and life to your garden all season long. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to care for, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Choosing the Right Bedding Plants

There are many different types of bedding plants to choose from, so it’s important to do your research before you buy. Some of the most popular varieties include:

Annuals: These plants live for only one growing season, but they’re typically very easy to grow and produce a lot of flowers.
Perennials: These plants live for more than two years, and they’ll come back year after year.
Tender plants: These plants are not cold-hardy, so they need to be brought indoors during the winter.
Half-hardy plants: These plants can tolerate some cold weather, but they may need to be protected from frost.

Planting and Caring for Bedding Plants

Once you’ve chosen your bedding plants, it’s time to plant them. Here are a few tips:

Plant them in well-drained soil. Bedding plants don’t like to sit in wet soil, so make sure the soil is well-drained before you plant them.
Space them properly. The spacing between plants will vary depending on the variety, but a good rule of thumb is to space them about 6 inches apart.
Water them regularly. Bedding plants need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather.
Fertilize them every few weeks. Fertilizing your bedding plants will help them to produce more flowers and stay healthy.
Deadhead them regularly. Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers. This will help to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.

Tips for Making Your Bedding Plants Last Longer

With a little care, your bedding plants can last all summer long. Here are a few tips:

Choose plants that are resistant to pests and diseases. This will help to keep your plants healthy and looking their best.
Water them deeply and regularly. Don’t just water the surface of the soil; make sure the water reaches the roots.
Fertilize them regularly. Fertilizing your plants will help them to stay healthy and produce more flowers.
Deadhead them regularly. Deadheading will help to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Protect them from the elements. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you may need to protect your bedding plants from the sun, wind, or rain.

Sustainable Ways to Use Bedding Plants

Bedding plants can be a great way to add color to your garden, but they can also be harmful to the environment. Here are a few tips for using bedding plants more sustainably:

Grow them from seed. This is a great way to reduce the environmental impact of bedding plants.
Use organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are less harmful to the environment than synthetic fertilizers.
Choose plants that are native to your area. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and require less water and fertilizer.
Avoid using peat moss. Peat moss is a non-renewable resource that is harmful to the environment.

Conclusion

Summer bedding plants are a great way to add color and life to your garden all season long. By following the tips in this article, you can choose the right plants, plant them properly, and care for them so that they thrive.

Flower Gardening

Angelonia: The Easy-to-Grow Summer Snapdragon | Growing Guide and Care Tips

by Donna May 19, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

All About Angelonia: The Easy-to-Grow Summer Snapdragon

Introduction

Angelonia, also known as summer snapdragons, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that adds a splash of color to your garden all summer long. With its delicate flowers and fragrant foliage, Angelonia is a popular choice for borders, bedding plants, and containers.

About Angelonia Flowers

Angelonia plants typically grow to about 18 inches tall and produce a profusion of flowers that resemble small snapdragons. The flowers bloom on upright spikes at the tips of the main stems and come in a variety of colors, including bluish-purple, white, blue, light pink, and bicolor. Angelonia flowers are not only attractive, but they also have a pleasant fragrance that some people find reminiscent of apples.

Care and Growing Conditions

Angelonia prefers to grow in full sun or light shade and well-drained soil. It is important to choose a planting site that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Angelonia plants are relatively drought-tolerant, but they will produce more flowers if the soil is kept moist.

To grow Angelonia from seed, sow the seeds directly outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. In cooler zones, start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Angelonia seeds usually take about 20 days to germinate, but they can take up to two months.

Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out to 12 inches apart in cool climates and 18 to 24 inches apart in warm regions. When the young plants are 6 inches tall, pinch out the tips of the main stems to encourage branching and bushiness.

Fertilizing and Watering

Angelonia plants benefit from light monthly fertilization with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-5-10. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.

Water Angelonia plants regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but do not let the plants wilt.

Pruning and Maintenance

Angelonia plants require minimal pruning. To encourage a bushier plant, pinch out the tips of the main stems when the plants are young. You can also deadhead spent flowers to promote new growth and flowering.

If Angelonia plants begin to sprawl in midsummer, cut them back by about half their height. They will soon regrow and produce a fresh flush of flowers.

Pests and Diseases

Angelonia plants are relatively pest- and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. To control these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Angelonia plants can also be affected by powdery mildew and botrytis blight. To prevent these diseases, water the plants at the base and avoid overhead watering.

Companion Planting

Angelonia plants make good companion plants for other summer-blooming flowers, such as zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers. They also attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden.

Conclusion

Angelonia is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that adds color and fragrance to your garden all summer long. With its low-maintenance care requirements, Angelonia is a great choice for gardeners of all levels.

Gardening

Late Summer Color: Plants to Brighten Your Garden

by Gregory April 26, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Late Summer Color: Plants to Brighten Your Garden

Introduction

Looking to add some vibrant color to your garden in late summer and autumn? Check out these fabulous plants that will keep your borders blooming all season long. There are options for every color scheme and growing condition, whether you have pots or borders.

Flowering Plants for Late Summer

Tulbaghia violacea: This South African perennial blooms from mid-summer to autumn, with pale pink clusters of bell-shaped flowers.
Single dahlias: These dahlias come in a wide range of colors and shapes, and they’re a great source of nectar for pollinators.
Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Atrosanguinea’: This vigorous and reliable plant forms a large clump with pointed leaves and produces breezy spikes of crimson flowers from midsummer to autumn.
Rudbeckia ‘Cherry Brandy’: Known for its deep rich crimson flowers, this plant blooms in late summer and lasts well as a cut flower.
Salvia x jamensis Raspberry Royale: These short, shrubby salvias have vibrant flowers that attract bees and smell heavenly.
Penstemon ‘Raven’: With dark burgundy-purple flowers held on long stems, this perennial is a favorite for late summer color.
Calibrachoa: These trailing plants look like mini petunias and come in an array of colors, perfect for baskets and containers.
Tithonia ‘Torch’: These annuals have huge, rich-orange flowers held high on delicate stems, making them a standout in late summer borders.
Anemone hupehensis ‘Splendens’: Japanese anemones bring a welcome splash of color in late summer and early autumn, with bold pink petals surrounding a vibrant yellow center.
Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’: Hydrangeas are a classic choice for late summer, with their large, calming white flower heads.

Tips for Choosing Plants

Consider your color scheme and the growing conditions in your garden.
Choose plants that will bloom at different times to extend your season of color.
Don’t forget to include plants that attract pollinators.
If you have limited space, consider growing plants in pots or containers.

With these fabulous plants, you can enjoy a beautiful and colorful garden all through late summer and autumn.

Garden Design

Add Color to Your Garden: 9 Easy and Affordable Ideas

by Donna March 13, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

How to Add Color to Your Garden

Brighten up your garden with these easy and affordable ideas

Even the smallest garden can be transformed with a splash of color. Here are nine ways to add more color to your outdoor space:

1. Brighten Boundaries

Paint your fence, wall, or shed a bold color to create a backdrop for your plants. This will make them stand out more and create a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

2. Be Selective with Plant Color

Choose a few colors for your planting scheme and stick with them. Contrasting colors like purples and greens will create harmony, while lighter pastel hues and silver foliage will create a calming effect.

3. Add Colorful Accessories

A few colorful cushions, tablecloths, or throws can add life and character to your garden. Choose colors that complement your flowers or create a specific mood.

4. Go Bold with Furniture

Outdoor furniture can be more than just functional. Choose bright colors or contrasting shades to make your outdoor living space more inviting and special.

5. Paint Your Patio

A fresh coat of paint can instantly lift the atmosphere of your patio. Paint wooden decking or concrete patios in eye-catching colors to enhance your plants and pots.

6. Add Cheerful Bedding Plants

Colorful bedding plants are a quick and affordable way to add instant color to your garden. Plant them in pots or use them to fill gaps in borders.

7. Create Drama with Pots

Pots are a great way to add color to small spaces. Use colored pots to make a statement or to liven up a group of ordinary terracotta pots.

8. Don’t Forget the Foliage

The color of leaves can be just as beautiful as flowers. Heucheras and heucherellas come in a wide range of colors that can add interest to borders and containers.

9. Use Color for Calm

Natural and lighter tones can create a calming and restful atmosphere in your garden. Use materials like wood and stone, and choose soft hues and cool-colored flowers.

Gardening

New Guinea Impatiens: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing and Care

by Gregory June 26, 2022

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

New Guinea Impatiens: A Guide for Beginners

New Guinea impatiens are a popular choice for gardeners of all levels. They are easy to grow, come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, and can tolerate a range of growing conditions.

What are New Guinea Impatiens?

New Guinea impatiens are a type of flowering plant that is native to New Guinea. They are closely related to the common impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), but they are larger and have more showy flowers. New Guinea impatiens are typically grown as annuals, but they can be grown as perennials in warmer climates.

How to Grow New Guinea Impatiens

New Guinea impatiens are easy to grow from seed or cuttings. They can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. The seeds should be sown on the surface of the soil and kept moist. The seedlings will emerge in 10-14 days.

Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or cells. The plants should be grown in a well-drained potting mix and placed in a location that receives bright indirect light.

New Guinea impatiens can also be grown from cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and placed in a rooting medium such as perlite or vermiculite. The cuttings will root in 2-3 weeks.

Planting New Guinea Impatiens

New Guinea impatiens can be planted outdoors after the last frost. The plants should be spaced 12-18 inches apart. They prefer to grow in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.

New Guinea impatiens can be grown in full sun, partial shade, or full shade. However, they will bloom the best in partial shade.

Care for New Guinea Impatiens

New Guinea impatiens are relatively low-maintenance plants. They require regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. The plants should also be fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

New Guinea impatiens are susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including aphids, mealybugs, and impatiens downy mildew. These problems can be prevented by keeping the plants healthy and free of weeds.

Uses for New Guinea Impatiens

New Guinea impatiens are a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways. They can be grown in beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets. They are also a popular choice for mass plantings.

New Guinea impatiens are a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that can add color and interest to any garden. With a little care, they will thrive for many seasons to come.

Additional Tips for Growing New Guinea Impatiens

Pinch out the tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth.
Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.
New Guinea impatiens can be overwintered indoors in a cool, dark location.
New Guinea impatiens are not poisonous to pets.
New Guinea impatiens are a good companion plant for other shade-loving plants such as begonias, coleus, and ferns.