5 Flowers to plant this spring for a vibrant summer garden
This spring, get ready to transform your outdoor space into a vibrant oasis with these five long-lasting flowers. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these beautiful blooms will add color and interest to your yard all season long.
Nasturtiums: a cottage garden classic
Nasturtiums are a favorite of plant expert Huw Richards, who recommends planting them for a delightful pop of color. These easy-to-care-for flowers thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, making them perfect for spring and summer climates in USDA Hardiness Zones 2-11.
Borage: the low-maintenance starflower
Borage, also known as starflowers, is another top pick of Richards'. These gorgeous blooms prefer moist soil but can also tolerate drier conditions, making them a great choice for forgetful gardeners. Easy to take care of and thriving in zones 2-11, borage is sure to brighten up your outdoor space.
Zinnias: a rainbow of color for your garden
Florist Gloria Sims suggests planting Zinnia elegans, or simply zinnias, for a colorful display all summer long. With a wide range of colors from deep magenta to buttery yellow, these flowers will reward you with a continuous crop of blooms if you deadhead the spent flowers. Zinnias do well in well-drained soil and thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10.
African marigolds: pest-repelling and stunning
Sims also recommends planting African marigolds, or Tagetes erecta, for their vibrant orange-golden blooms and ability to repel pests like aphids and nematodes. These flowers are great companions for vegetables and other plants, and shine beautifully next to cool colors like blue salvia or purple petunia. They thrive in zones 2-11 and full sun.
Coneflowers: a drought-tolerant delight
For a more dramatic display, Sims suggests planting coneflowers, or Echinacea purpurea. These flowers benefit from plenty of sunshine and can survive drought on their own. They attract butterflies and bees, and provide seedheads for birds at the end of summer. Best planted in spring, coneflowers will bloom best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9.