A garden that is bursting with color no matter the season is what we all want, right?
Well its very possible with the right choice of flowers. Year round bloomers not only keep your garden lively but also benefit it by attracting pollinators (as well as adding curb appeal to your home).
So with that in mind the following 15 flowers defy seasons and give you lovely blooms throughout the year. These perennial beauties will bring wonderful color to your garden whatever the season or time of year.
Geraniums
Geraniums are a gardener’s delight as they provide color and amazing versatility for gardens of all sizes.
Varieties For Every Garden
Geraniums come in a wide range of varieties with each offering unique colors and characteristics.
Zonal geraniums have large, vibrant blooms suitable for garden beds and pots. Ivy-leaved geraniums, perfect for hanging baskets, have trailing vines and delicate flowers. Regal geraniums, also known as Martha Washingtons, produce ruffled flowers that thrive in cooler weather.
Choose varieties that suit your garden’s climate and aesthetic to enjoy their year-round beauty.
Caring Tips
Water geraniums when the top inch of soil feels dry, avoiding overwatering to prevent root rot. Fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to promote continuous flowering.
Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new growth. Make sure they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily as geraniums thrive in full sun. During colder months protect them from frost by bringing pots indoors or using frost covers.
Lantana
Lantana is a vibrant flower known for its hardiness and dazzling colors.
Sun Needs
Lantana thrives in full sun. Its bright, multicolored blooms make it a standout in sunny spots.
Plant lantana in well drained soil to ensure healthy growth. Consider adding it to borders, containers or as ground cover in your sunniest areas. Its ability to withstand heat makes it an excellent choice for sun-drenched gardens.
Maintenance and Care
Lantana requires minimal care making it ideal if you’re a busy gardener. Water when the soil feels dry but avoid waterlogging.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Fertilize lightly during the growing season to promote vibrant flowers. Prune occasionally to maintain shape and discourage leggy growth.
Begonias
Begonias offer an array of colors, shapes and sizes to enhance any garden.
Choosing The Right Varieties
Selecting the perfect begonias among their many varieties is key. Tuberous begonias produce large, vibrant flowers ideal for shaded gardens. Rex begonias boast striking leaves, adding texture and color to indoor spaces. Wax begonias are hardy and can thrive both indoors and outdoors, making them versatile choices. Angel Wing begonias, known for their hanging clusters of flowers, are another excellent option.
Watering And Light Requirements
Water them consistently but avoid waterlogging allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Most begonias prefer bright, indirect light; however some varieties like wax begonias can tolerate more sun.
They need at least 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight daily for optimal growth. Keeping humidity levels moderate to high can also help maintain their blooms.
Roses
Roses are a timeless addition to any garden.
Choosing Varieties
Choose varieties like ‘Knock Out’ or ‘Iceberg’ for year-round blooms. These types are bred for resilience, providing continuous flowers through various seasons. Opt for disease-resistant roses to minimize maintenance. Make sure they get full sun and well-draining soil for optimal growth.
Pruning
Prune your roses regularly to encourage new growth. Use sharp, clean pruners to cut above outward-facing buds.
Remove dead or diseased canes to improve air circulation. Prune in early spring and deadhead spent blooms throughout the year to keep your roses vibrant.
Marigolds
Bright and cheerful, marigolds are perfect for adding vibrant color to any garden. They’re also great at repelling pests, which makes them a garden favorite.
Where to Plant
Plant marigolds along the border of your garden for a striking edge. Pair them with vegetables like tomatoes and peppers to utilize their natural pest-repelling qualities. Use marigolds in containers on your patio for a splash of continuous color.
Tips for Flowering
Deadhead marigolds regularly to encourage more blooms. They must receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Water them moderately, keeping the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. These practices will keep your marigolds blooming all year.
Petunias
Different Types
Petunias come in colors ranging from deep purples (e.g., ‘Purple Wave’) to bright reds (e.g., ‘Red Picotee’). Some varieties even have unique patterns like stripes or edges, creating eye-catching designs in the garden. Look for bi-color petunias (e.g., ‘Crazytunia Star Jubilee’) to add extra flair and visual interest.
Soil and Fertilization Needs
Use well draining soil enriched with organic matter to prevent root rot and support healthy growth. Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to keep blooms vibrant and continuous.
Don’t forget to water regularly but avoid waterlogged conditions. Regular deadheading will also help promote new blooms.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is known for its hardy nature and ability to thrive in various climates.
Best Climbers
Bougainvillea stands out as one of the best climbers for continuous color. It produces loads of bright, papery bracts that surround small white flowers, adding splashes of pink, purple, red, orange or white to your garden.
It flourishes in areas with full sun and well-draining soil, making it perfect for both garden beds and container gardens. Provide it with a sturdy support structure, such as a trellis or pergola, to allow it to climb and spread beautifully. Bougainvillea’s resilient nature means it can withstand dry conditions, reducing the need for constant watering.
Training and Pruning
Effective training and pruning are crucial for maintaining the shape and health of your bougainvillea. Start by securing the main stems to your chosen support structure with garden ties. Regularly trim any excessively long or unruly branches to encourage fuller growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
Pruning immediately after the flowering period promotes new blooms and helps maintain a compact shape. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. On top of that removing dead or weak wood improves air circulation and reduces the risk of pests and diseases, ensuring your bougainvillea remains vibrant year-round.
Impatiens
Impatiens are ideal for shady areas of your garden.
Best Spots
Plant impatiens in areas that receive partial to full shade. They thrive under the canopy of trees or alongside taller plants. Use them for edging garden beds, placing them in pots on shaded porches, or decorating north-facing windowsills. These spots ensure they get protection from direct sunlight, preventing wilting.
Managing Water and Pests
Water impatiens consistently to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot so they’ll need proper drainage. Aim to water them in the morning, allowing leaves to dry during the day.
Combat common pests like aphids and spider mites by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Monitor plants regularly for signs of infestations to take prompt action.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus are known for their large, vibrant blooms and can bloom all year round under the right conditions.
Choosing a Variety
Choose hardy hibiscus varieties like Hibiscus moscheutos and Hibiscus syriacus. These types can withstand various climates and provide continuous blooms. Look for varieties such as “Lord Baltimore” and “Blue Chiffon” which are known for their hardiness and stunning colors. Ensure the plants are free from pests and diseases when purchasing.
Care and Maintenance
Plant your hibiscus in well draining soil and a sunny spot. Water them regularly but avoid waterlogging. Use a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Prune after flowering to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites and treat promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
Periwinkles
Periwinkles are an excellent choice for gardeners seeking consistent color and hardy groundcovers.
Benefits For Soil Health
Periwinkles extensive root systems prevent soil erosion, maintaining stability in sloped areas. They also improve soil fertility over time by contributing organic matter as leaves decompose. These roots help maintain aeration, promoting healthy microorganism activity in your garden.
Mulching And Watering
Apply mulch around periwinkles to retain moisture, suppress weeds and maintain soil temperature. Use organic materials like bark or straw for optimal results. Regular watering is key, especially during dry periods. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth, fostering resilience and healthier plants.
Salvia
Salvia, also known as sage, is a versatile plant that’s both aromatic and visually appealing.
Varieties That Bloom All Year Round
Consider Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ for continuous color. Its striking red-and-white flowers bloom all year, adding a whimsical touch. Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ offers vibrant magenta flowers and is another excellent option. For rich, deep blues, try Salvia ‘Mystic Spires’. These varieties are hardy and thrive in various climates, making them ideal for maintaining a lively garden through all seasons.
For Borders
Use Salvia to create eye-catching borders. The tall spikes of vibrant flowers stand out, adding height and texture. Plant them in clusters to maximize visual impact. They pair well with other perennials like lavender and rudbeckia, creating a harmonious blend of colors and fragrances. Salvia’s aromatic foliage also repels pests, ensuring your garden remains as attractive as it is functional.
Calendula
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, blooms with vibrant, cheerful flowers throughout the year. It’s equally celebrated for its ornamental charm and its medicinal properties.
Using As Companion Plants
Plant calendula alongside crops like tomatoes, carrots, and asparagus. It repels pests such as aphids, thrips and tomato hornworms, protecting your vegetables naturally. This flower also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that help control garden pests.
Harvesting
Harvest calendula flowers when they’re fully open. Dry them in a cool, dark place to preserve their vibrant color and medicinal qualities. Use these dried petals to make soothing salves, teas, and tinctures that treat skin irritations, wounds, and digestive issues. Calendula-infused oil is great for homemade skincare products.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe, also known as “Flaming Katy,” is a charming succulent with vibrant blooms that brighten any space.
Varieties for Indoor And Outdoor
Select from over 200 species of Kalanchoe. Indoors, opt for Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, which flaunts clusters of colorful flowers. For outdoor use, Kalanchoe pumila thrives well and displays delicate, pink-purple blossoms. Pair various species to create a visually striking garden.
Light and Watering
Position Kalanchoe in bright, indirect sunlight. Ideally these plants require about four to six hours of light daily. During active growth periods, water thoroughly but infrequently, letting the soil dry out between waterings. In dormant phases, reduce watering and ensure your succulent thrives year-round.
Chrysanthemums
Using in Floral Arrangements
Chrysanthemums provide excellent variety in floral arrangements. Choose from a range of colors like red, yellow, white, and purple to match any decor or theme. Use them as stunning centerpieces in large bouquets or add them as accent flowers for texture. Their long-lasting nature ensures arrangements stay fresh for weeks. Mums also pair well with roses, lilies, and daisies, enhancing any floral display.
Seasonal Care
Chrysanthemums need specific care each season for optimal health. Plant them in well-drained soil and ensure they get at least six hours of sunlight daily. In summer, water them regularly but avoid over-watering.
During fall, trim back any dead flowers to promote new growth. Protect mums from frost in winter by mulching around the roots or bringing potted varieties indoors. In spring, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer to encourage lush blooms. Regular pruning and deadheading extend the bloom time throughout the year.
Pelargoniums
Pelargoniums, often confused with geraniums, provide year-round blooms and delightful scents.
Distinguishing from Geraniums
Understanding the differences between pelargoniums and geraniums is essential for proper care. While both belong to the Geraniaceae family, pelargoniums have asymmetrical flowers with distinct upper and lower petals, whereas true geraniums, or hardy geraniums, feature symmetrical blooms.
Notably, pelargoniums thrive as tender perennials or annuals depending on climate, unlike hardy geraniums which withstand colder temperatures.
Growth Factors
Making sure pelargoniums flourish involves several key growth factors. First, they need full sun exposure for at least 6 hours daily to produce an abundance of flowers. Second, well-draining soil is crucial, as they are prone to root rot in consistently wet conditions. Third, moderate watering is necessary; let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid over-watering. Lastly, regular deadheading of spent blooms and occasional fertilization with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer promote continuous and healthy blooming throughout the year.
