Flower Bed Ideas ?

[MomE@Home]

I need some help with what to put in my two raised flower beds. I would like to use annuals as these beds are temp. untill we put in a porch. The area has a southern exposure but only one of the beds is in full sun, the other is partial shade. I would like them both to have the same colors. This is the area that everyone first sees as they come to my house and right now all it has is red mulch,a few large rocks and a stone border. Our house is redwood stained cedar with drk. green trim. We are in zone 5. Any ideas will be a great help !

 

[Snowwark]

Hi MomE@Home!

Here are just a few suggestions of annuals you might like to try. I'm sure our other Buds will have more ideas for you.

Probably the best thing to do would be to explore your favourite nursery or garden centre, and see which flowers/colours/foliage appeal to you the most.

Full Sun Annuals

Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum) This old favorite has small blue flowers and makes an excellent low-growing plant for the front of the garden.

Cockscomb (Celosia cristata) So-named for its deep red, ruffled shape, cockscomb can vary in height from approximately one to four feet. It is easily dried for flower arrangements.

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus and C. sulphureous) Coming in either pink-rose-lavender or yellow-orange tones, cosmos, with its daisy-like appearance, is a good plant for cutting.

Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana alata) Flowering tobacco is a somewhat tougher relative of the petunia. Plants may grow from one to three feet tall. Colors include pink, lavender, yellow, white, and even green.

Geranium (Pelargonium species) This old favorite comes in an array of colors, from white to salmon to deep red. The newer cascading varieties make good choices for hanging baskets.

Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora) Moss Rose is a drought tolerant, low-growing succulent that comes in a rainbow of colors. Blossoms resemble tiny roses.

Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) A beautiful, adaptable plant, periwinkle is very heat tolerant. Periwinkle grows to 18 inches or higher, depending on the variety, and comes in whites, pinks, and rose or variegated shades. It offers attractive, glossy foliage as well.

Salvia (Salvia splendens) Salvia (or scarlet sage) has a showy, bright red blossom that blooms summer to fall.

Spider plant (Cleome hasslerana) Tall and airy, this beautiful rose or pink plant may easily reach three to four feet, appearing in late summer.

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) Zinnias, with their multi-petaled blossom, can come in a huge variety of colors. Size and height may also vary greatly. Look for mildew-resistant varieties.

Marigolds

Petunias -The "wave" varieties can spread out several feet.


Annuals for Partial Sun

Snapdragons, allysum, lobelia, pansies, salvia, vinca, wax begonia.


Annuals for Shade

Impatiens, coleus, tuberous begonias, mimulus, torenia, fuchsia..



More suggestions for MomE@Home, Buds?

 

[MomE@Home]

Thank You Snowwark !

 

[DebºoºS]

OOOh ahhh a new flower bed to fill. I like so many annuals I really don't know what to say. My favorite combo is
white wave petunias, ageratum, lobelia, salmon or blush pink geraniums and little lemon drop marigolds.
Don't limit yourself though to just annuals. You could plant just about anything small and move it when you're ready.
Good luck it sounds wonderful.

 

[Kirby]

I'm in another area of the country so this might not apply but check out the plants native to your area also. A lot of what has already been mentioned we can plant down here too.