Perennial flowers can be planted in a pot and then harvested annually. This can be done with many kinds of flowers, both annuals and perennials. Flowers that are best for pots and flower gardens are those that don’t grow very fast and don’t need to be replanted each year. Many plants that do well in the garden, and which don’t need replanting are those with white blooms, such as lavender. White flowers attract butterflies and adding some gardenia or hosta to your flower garden will help it blend into the background.
The best time to plant a flower garden is in spring, but that’s not always practical. Spring bulbs and early-season perennials like crocuses, daffodils, and irises are good choices in the fall. Late blooming bulbs and perennials like cosmos, hyacinths, and liatris also do well in the fall. Don’t forget that bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are more attracted to flower gardens in the spring, so planting them in the late winter will also help keep pests away.
In larger pots, perennials should be planted in the same condition year after year. If you’ve divided up the flower garden and spread it out during the fall, put some of the plants back into the same pots. This is not only more convenient, but will make sure that they get the same nutrition they would get in the same amount of space. When you repot perennials in large pots in spring, you’ll want to keep any newly planted plants in separate pots, rather than put them in the same pot with any other plants. Potted plants will have to compete with each other for nutrients and water, so it’s not a good idea to let them all share the limited resources.
Consider where you are placing your pots and which season to plant. For example, planting in the southern direction in the fall could cause problems if you have a cold climate. The best thing to do is to plant perennials that can handle a bit of shade in the summer. These include hostas, creeping phlox, some morning glories, and hydrangeas. Choose a pot that will hold all or at least two years worth of growth, since perennial plants that grow quickly will tend to crowd out perennials that take longer to mature.
Pots also come in different shapes. Round pots, square pots, and rectangular pots are among the most common and offer the best drainage options. Make sure to choose pots that fit securely into the flower garden. Placing a pot in a gap or leaning on another pot will not only damage the roots but may encourage ants and other pests to take root.
Most perennial plants prefer full sunlight, so choose plants that are set it a few feet away from trees or other plants that receive morning sun. It is best to plant flowers that have soft, fragrant blooms during the hottest part of the day. Some popular choices include morning glories, crocus, daffodils, and hydrangeas. These are all very attractive plants that don’t require much care after they bloom. However, if you have a very tall fountain or planter nearby, you may want to consider having an awning or greenhouse to provide protection for your plants during the hot months.
It is important to keep an eye on your plants’ water requirements. Many flower gardeners over water their plants, which can be detrimental to the roots. Watering daily should be about once per week in the best cases, but depending on the size and container you are using, this may not always be possible. If you have several smaller plants that you are planning to water simultaneously, divide the watering duties between them to make sure your plants receive enough water.
One of the biggest advantages of perennial plants is that they are long lasting. Many perennials will stay in the same place year after year, providing lush green areas throughout your home year after year. They are often the first choice of flower gardeners because of their year-round availability. Best of all, they are a terrific option for people with limited space or who want to grow their plants in a more decorative setting.