When it comes to flower beds, the options available can be overwhelming. Different climates and situations require different plants to thrive, but some of the best plants for flower beds are perennial varieties. Perennials are known for their shorter bloom times but return yearly, resulting in a low-maintenance design that will last through the seasons.
On the other hand, annuals will only bloom during peak summer months and need more care. When selecting flowering plant species for your flower bed, it’s important to consider the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones and how annual rainfall can affect their growth. Dig into learning more about it.
Table of Contents
Here are 10 Best Plants for Flower Beds
1. Calendula
Calendula plants, also known as pot marigolds, are a cheerful addition to any garden. These annuals flourish in sun-soaked areas and grassy spaces, preferring partial to full sun exposure and average soil that can provide adequate drainage.
Early spring is the best time to plant calendula, pinching back the long stems on younger plants to have them grow sturdily and produce more bright blossoms.
It is suggested for vegetable gardens for some of its pest-repelling effects; it has been known to act as a natural repellent against aphids when planted amongst tomatoes or spinach. Before its use as a pest control measure, calendula was also used medicinally over the centuries due to its antiseptic properties; it’s still commonly used in topical ointments today.
In some parts of Europe, calendula leaves are served cooked like spinach – talk about versatility. Calendulaflorum is hardy enough to thrive across USDA Growing Zones 2 through 11; its blooms will last from summer through fall, creating a vibrant atmosphere that invites pollinators into your garden space.
2. Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisies, also known as Leucanthemum x superbum, are fragrant perennials that can bring a cheerful atmosphere to any flower bed. These white flowers can reach up to 3 feet in height and prefer moist soil and partial sun exposure; they’re most likely to bloom from late spring through early summer.
Plant your Shasta daisies towards the back of your flower bed to provide a stunning backdrop, and enjoy their bright yellow centers and long-lasting blooms.
Shasta daisies are native to Northern Europe and require minimal care, making them a perfect choice for beginner gardeners. Like calendula, these flowers are also used in herbal medicines due to its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. Shasta daisies are hardy enough to grow in USDA Growing Zones 5 through 9.
3. Geranium
Geraniums (Pelargonium) is a classic and romantic flower with soft petals adorning many gardens worldwide. The beauty of geraniums is that they can endure hot weather yet still look delicate. Most varieties will thrive when grown as an annual in the full sun, providing an all-season summer bloom, though perennial species also boast cooler shade tolerance.
In terms of soil requirements for geraniums, ensure that it is well-drained in order to prevent root rot and other problems associated with standing water.
Those who want to plant these plants should be mindful that since most species don’t winter over in any climate but tropical/subtropical zones (10 or 11) if you live in colder climates you need to treat your geraniums as annuals or bring them indoors to overwinter if possible. With some care and attention, the beautiful blooms of this beloved flower can grace your garden each year.
4. Marigold
Marigolds are vibrant and cheerful flowers that can add a fun pop of color to any garden. These annuals come in many shades, from bright yellow to deep orange, and some varieties even boast two-tone petals. Marigolds prefer full sun exposure and well-drained soil; however, they’re also known for their drought tolerance, making them an ideal choice for busy gardeners.
These flowers are also known for their pest-repelling properties; they’re often planted amongst vegetables to ward off unwanted insects and other pests.
Marigolds are a favorite of many pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your flower bed. Plant marigolds in early spring with other flowers and enjoy their blooms from early summer until late fall.
5. Snapdragon
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are beautiful and versatile flowers that can thrive in many climates. This perennial is known for its spikes of bright blooms, which come in various colors including white, yellow, pink, purple, and red. Snapdragons prefer full sun exposure and moist soil; however, they’re drought-tolerant enough to survive in partial shade and dry conditions.
Snapdragons can be grown from seed, and once planted, they’ll bloom from early spring until late summer if given the proper care. These flowers are also known for their medicinal properties; snapdragons treat inflammation and skin conditions such as eczema. Snapdragons will thrive in USDA Growing Zones 3 through 11.
6. Coneflower
Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are a beautiful and easy-to-care-for perennial that can add color and interest to any flower bed. These plants have daisy-like blooms with large, cone-shaped centers, giving them their name.
They come in various vibrant colors such as pink, purple, yellow, and orange. Coneflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil; however, they’re drought-tolerant enough to survive in partial shade.
These flowers are known for their medicinal properties; cone flowers have been used for centuries to treat various ailments such as colds and flu, inflammation, skin conditions, and even cancer. Coneflowers will thrive in USDA Growing Zones 3 through 9.
7. Bee Balm
Bee balm, scientifically known as Monarda, is a beautiful and unique addition to any flower bed. The open-shaped flowers have tubular petals in red, pink, purple, and white. Bee balm serves an important purpose in your garden since they are a favorite among bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; it’s also incredibly easy to start growing and maintaining. They can be grown in USDA Growing Zones 3 to 9 with full sun exposure.
Bee balm is also quite hardy and can be expected to return every year from July until the end of summer. With its vibrant colors that fit well in any style flower bed or garden setup, bee balm is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a flourishing addition to their outdoor landscape.
This perennial plant can bring life and beauty to any yard while promoting sustainability by encouraging activity from various pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
8. Black-Eyed Susan
Black-Eyed Susan is a incredibly beautiful wildflower native to many parts of the world. It comes in a variety of shades from yellow-orange petals and dark brown centers to hybrids in shades of deep orange and red.
Its blossoms open up during the summer and last until September, creating a wall of medium-height color saturation for the season.
Although black-eyed Susan prefers full sun and organic soil, it also does well in average soil, even in drought-prone areas. Growing up to three feet tall on sturdy stalks, these flowers are sure to impact wherever they are planted.
Plus, it’s an easy flower to maintain as it self-sows and needs little maintenance. With such bright colors and requiring so little effort, Black-Eyed Susan makes an excellent choice for any garden or backyard.
9. Bugleweed
Bugleweed (Ajuga) is a popular evergreen ground cover for gardens, offering bright colors and year-round interest. It is suitable for sunny to partly shady locations and grows best in average to moist, well-drained soil.
Varieties of Bugleweed range from shades of blue to white with shiny green, purple, or variegated foliage and flower spikes that reach up to six inches tall in the center. Sowing Ajuga is easy – simply sprinkle the seeds over your lawn and daffodils and enjoy watching them spread across your garden.
Ajuga’s key characteristics are its resistance to weeds, its unique look, and its ability to attract pollinators. Of the more popular cultivars available, Chocolate Chip Ajuga shines out amongst others due to its deep chocolate brown leaves speckled with light green stripes and vivid purplish blue flowers appearing at the top that attract bees and butterflies alike making it an ideal choice for creating a vibrant garden spot. This variety will certainly give any landscape project tremendous flair.
10. Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme (Thymus superphylum) is a low-maintenance culinary herb perfect for landscaping in gardens and yards. It’s an edible ground cover, creating a lush carpet of minty green that turns into a soothing pastel when its tiny pink-purple blossoms arrive in summer.
In full sun and average soil, creeping thyme creates a colorful, rich visual effect as it grows only three inches tall. Brushing or stepping upon it releases its pleasant fragrance and the evergreen variety tolerates drought conditions very well.
When planted carefully in garden beds or used to line pathways, creeping thyme is as aesthetically pleasing as it is aromatic. Plus, thanks to various seed sites like Eden Brothers, you can hassle-free add this beautiful plant to your landscape with ready-to-plant Creeping Thyme Seeds.
For the experienced gardener or novice herb enthusiast alike, creeping thyme is the perfect color for any outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. Which plants bloom all year?
The rose. India’s classic roses are one of the most popular flowers grown all year round, and they are very easy to grow. Roses grow so well in the climate of India that it doesn’t require any special effort on the gardener’s part to grow them.
2. What plants are best for a sunny spot in the garden?
Shasta daisies are a great choice for sunny spots in the garden. These cheerful white flowers with yellow centers can be planted in the spring and will bloom again in the late summer. They thrive in full sun, and they make an excellent cut flowers. Other good choices include Coreopsis, Black-Eyed Susan, and Creeping Thyme.
3. Which plant gives flowers every day?
In addition to being known as Chinese hibiscus, the Rose Mallow (H. moscheutos) is also known as tropical hibiscus and tropical hibiscus, as the flowers of these shrubs last only for one circadian cycle. As the summer progresses, they produce new blooms every day for the duration of the season.
4. Which flower blooms every 2 to 7 years?
Karvi’s mass blooming is an unforgettable phenomenon among all this splendor. There are some places in Maharashtra where this event is called mel, which means ‘together’, to mark the synchronized blooming of the Karvi flowers.
5. What is the longest blooming plant?
Anthurium is the longest-blooming plant in the world and the longest-flowering plant in the world. Up to eight weeks can be spent on each heart-shaped flower spike. There are many species of Anthurium andraeanum in the Arum family, including Tail Flower (from the Greek words tail andraeanum), Flamingo Flower, Painter’s Palette, and Laceleaf.
Conclusion
When considering which plants to use for flower beds, various options are available. Ajuga is a great choice for creating a vibrant garden spot. Creeping Thyme is an edible ground cover perfect for landscaping gardens and yards. Rose bushes are popular all year round, while Shasta Daisies will thrive in sunny spots in the garden.
