Flower gardening has become very popular over the last few years. Many people enjoy growing their own plants, especially those who live in apartments or condos where they don’t get enough sunlight. Consider planting annual flowers to add color and beauty to your home. They come in various colors, shapes, sizes, and textures.
Annual flowers are usually planted in pots or containers because they require less soil and water. Some varieties even bloom year-round. In addition to being beautiful, these flowers also attract bees and butterflies. So, they would create beautiful environments in your home for sure.
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Here are some best Annual Flowers for Pots and Container Gardens
Bacopa
The Bacopa plant is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors. It requires little care and grows quickly. In fact, it can even be grown in a pot or window box.
This easy-to-grow perennial herb produces small spikes of tiny, star-shaped blooms throughout the growing season. The leaves are dark green and fuzzy.
There are wide different varieties of bacopa, including ‘Blue Star,’ ‘Coral Bells,’ and ‘White Clouds.’ They all look similar, but each variety has unique characteristics. For example, ‘White Cloud’ has very soft, feathery leaves, while ‘Blue Star’ has larger, darker leaves.
Plant Bacopa in full sun and well-drained soils that contain ample amounts of organic matter. Water regularly during dry periods. Cut back spent growth after flowering.
Begonia
Begonias are tropical plants from South America. They are known as cacti and succulents. These plants produce large rosettes of fleshy leaves with spines on them. Most begonias come in bright colors such as red, orange, yellow, pink, purple, fuchsia, white, and blue. There are several types of begonias, including miniature begonias, spider mums, and trailing begonias.
These plants can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide. If you want to grow begonias in containers, ensure the soil is rich in nutrients and contains plenty of moisture. Begonias need lots of light, so place them near windows or under lights. You should also fertilize them every two weeks.
Dahlia
The Dahlia is one of the most popular flowering bulbs in the world. They come in various colors, shapes, sizes, and textures. A single plant can produce hundreds of beautiful blooms over the course of several months.
Most dahlias are grown as biennials, meaning they will only bloom once before dying off. But some dahlias are grown as perennials. These plants keep producing new foliage and blooms until frost hits. Dahlia plants like moist soil and plenty of sunshine. Ensure adequate drainage if you plan to grow them in containers.
Ferns
Ferns are a great choice for container gardens. Not only do they have an interesting shape, but they also come in a huge range of colors, patterns, and textures.
Ferns can be grown either inside or outside. While indoor ferns are more difficult to establish than outdoor ones, they still require a lot of patience. Start by purchasing a potted fern at a nursery and then wait patiently for the roots to take hold. Once established, you can move the plant outdoors when the weather warms up.
Geraniums
Geraniums are extremely hardy and adaptable plants. They are perfect for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Geraniums have become one of the most popular annual flower choices. They’re available in almost any color imaginable and come in a wide range of heights and widths.
To ensure your geraniums thrive, water them daily. Use a fertilizer specifically designed for houseplants. And don’t forget to pinch out dead stems and branches.
Hostas
Hosta (pronounced host-uh) is a genus of about 100 species of cover plants native to eastern North America. Hostas prefer sunny locations where their deep green leaves blend in with other vegetation. Some varieties are best suited for shade, while others tolerate full sun.
Hostas are easy to care for. Give them regular watering and feed them twice a year using a slow-release fertilizer. It’s important not to overwater these plants because it encourages root rot.
Marigold
Marigolds are annual flowers usually grown indoors or outdoors. They bloom in shades of yellow, orange, and sometimes red. In addition to growing in pots, marigolds can be found in flower beds, hanging baskets, window boxes, and even planters. They’re easy to grow and require little maintenance.
Pot marigolds are bushing plants with double 2-in. blooms. They remain bright and cheerful in containers throughout the summer if given full sun and regular pruning.
Rosemary
This evergreen herb has been used since ancient times for its medicinal properties. Rosemary has a strong pine scent that makes it ideal for cooking. The leaves contain antioxidants that help fight cancer and heart disease.
Growing rosemary successfully requires a warm climate. Soil needs to be rich in organic matter and well-drained. Water regularly and give it ample sunlight. Rosemary thrives in Mediterranean climates. If you live in a colder area, try planting it in a pot or container and moving it into a greenhouse during winter.
Sunflowers
These tall, broad-leafed plants are often referred to as “sunflower” rather than “garden” sunflowers. Sunflowers are among the easiest flowers to grow from seed. Plant seeds directly in the ground after all danger of frost has passed. Keep the soil evenly moist until the first true leaf appears.
Vinca
This perennial vine produces long, narrow leaves on sturdy stalks. It’s considered an ornamental garden plant. Vinca prefers full sun and loamy soils. It grows quickly and will need to be divided every three years. Cut back spent vines each spring, so new growth emerges.
Zinnias
Zinnia (zihn-EE-ah) is a genus of approximately 70 flowering plants native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico. Most zinnias are perennials, but some are annuals. Their large, daisy-like blossoms are highly fragrant. Zinnias are easy to grow and enjoy in many different types of gardens.
Zinnias are very tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soil conditions. Feed them once a month with a liquid fertilizer that contains micronutrients. You may also want to fertilize your plants when they show signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves.
A lot of people don’t know what to do with their houseplants. But you can do many things to ensure your plants get enough water and nutrients.
Moss Rose
Moss rose is a popular flowering ground cover. This easy-to-grow, low-maintenance
There are loads of funky foliage combos of coleus—everything from plain green to wild reds. Plant several together in an annual flower pot, or use them as accents. Choose from numerous varieties of this greenery, whether you’re looking for shade-dwellers or sun-lovers. When frost threatens, pot this foliage for a houseplant in a sunny window until spring arrives. Then plant outdoors again.
Coleus
Coleus is one of those plants that seems to work well in every garden situation. It thrives in full sun and partial shade, and it grows quickly. You can grow it in containers or directly in the ground. Its flowers come in many colors, including white, pink, purple, orange, yellow, and red.
The leaves of coleus look like small versions of elephant ears, and they’re often used as filler plants in bouquets. They’re easy to grow and propagate, too. Simply cut off the stem near the base, let the roots dry out, and replant. If you want to take things up a notch, try growing coleus in hanging baskets.
Scaevola
The name “scaevola” comes from the Latin word for “pigtail,” because the flower looks like pigtails sticking up from the ground.
These blue-purple, star-shaped flowers grow in bunches along stems that reach anywhere from 10 inches to 2 feet tall. They’re native to South America, growing wild in rainforests, fields, and roadsides.
They thrive in full sun and average temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In colder climates, you’ll want to give them some extra heat.
Insects don’t seem to mind the plant, either. Butterflies, moths, bees, beetles, ants, and even flies enjoy the nectar inside the blossoms.
There’s one thing you shouldn’t do with Scaevola, though: cut it down. If you remove the plant’s roots, they won’t bloom again next season.
Pothos
This vine has thick, leathery, glossy green leaves, which make it perfect for container gardening. The vines climb on trellises, fences, arbors, and anything else that will hold them upright. And as long as your pothos gets plenty of sunlight, it should be happy.
It takes about six weeks after planting before you see any blooms. You’ll notice how large the flowers are compared to other houseplants as soon as you do. Pothos produces clusters of tiny, fragrant, cream-colored flowers.
If you’d rather have something different than a single potted plant, consider adding several of these vines to a hanging basket.
Spider Plants
Spider plants aren’t spidery at all; instead, they have lacy foliage reminiscent of spiderwebs. These plants grow best in bright light, but if you keep them in direct sunlight, their leaves will turn brown.
Spider plants are great for filling space in pots, planters, and hanging baskets. They also make good indoor plants, especially if you live somewhere cold.
You can buy spider plants year-round, but they usually go on sale during winter months. Check Craigslist or garage sales to find deals on these plants.
You can also start spider plants from seed indoors, then transplant them when the weather warms up.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. Are bigger pots better for plants?
You should transplant a plant to a pot 2-4 inches larger in diameter when it outgrows its current pot. Plants that grow rapidly indoors should be potted in larger sizes. A pot that is 1-2 inches larger is recommended for slow growers.
In most cases, pots are made of plastic or terra cotta. Plastic pots are more durable and less likely to crack or break. Terra cotta pots are heavier and more expensive, so they may not be ideal for smaller plants.
2. How much water does my plant need?
Your plant needs water only when the soil dries out. Most houseplants require daily watering. Some, such as aloe vera, prefer slightly moist soil. Others, like succulents, need very little water. To know what kind of moisture level is right for your particular plant, check the label on the back of the package.
3. What happens if I forget to water my plant?
Your plant will suffer no ill effects if you forget to water it once every week or two. However, if you water too frequently, your plant could get sick or die. It’s important to give each plant enough time to recover between waterings.
4. Can I fertilize my houseplant?
Yes. Nitrogen-rich fertilizer encourages healthy growth. Fertilizer promotes faster leaf expansion and increases root development. Don’t overdo it, though. Too much fertilizer causes leaves to turn yellow and becomes brittle.
5. Do houseplants need air?
Air circulation is essential to keeping your plants healthy. If your houseplant doesn’t receive adequate airflow, it will develop an uneven growth pattern and may even wilt.
Conclusion
There are many different types of houseplants available today. From epiphytic plants to low-growing ones, one is sure to be suitable for your home. Just remember to take care of your houseplants attentively. Good luck with your new addition.
