If you are new to the arena of gardening and want some plants and flowers that are easy to care for, it can get a bit confusing if you look online for advice.
For some people, it can be hard to care for lavender plants, and so, it can be tough to determine which flowers are easy to care for, are hardy, don’t require pruning, and, most importantly, look great.
So, if this sounds like what you are looking for, read on to learn a bit more about some low-maintenance flowers that will light up your back garden.
Geraniums
Geraniums are flowering plants in the genus Pelargonium of the family Geraniaceae. There are over 300 species of geraniums, some of which are popularly cultivated for their attractive flowers in a variety of colors. They are commonly grown as ornamental plants in gardens and containers and can also be used for medicinal purposes while also being a great addition to creative lawn borders.
Geraniums prefer full sun with well-draining soil. They need to be watered regularly, but the soil should not be kept moist. During periods of active growth, feed geraniums a balanced fertilizer every two weeks. Pinch off dead flowers frequently to promote new blooms. In late fall, cut back on watering and stop feeding geraniums to help them prepare for a rest. During winter, geraniums should be brought indoors and watered sparingly.
Marigolds
Marigolds are flowering plants from the genus Tagetes, which consist of many species commonly grown in gardens and flower beds. These annual and perennial plants are known for their bright orange and yellow flowers and are often used as companion plants for attracting beneficial insects.
Plant marigolds in a warm, sunny spot with well-draining soil. Water them lightly when the soil begins to dry out, as they don’t like wet feet. Fertilize your marigolds every two weeks during the growing season to ensure healthy growth and deadhead wilted and spent blossoms to encourage more blooms. Try to mulch around the base of the plants in summer to help retain moisture.
Pansies
Pansies are a type of flowering plant in the Viola genus, and they have mainly flat, five-petalled flowers and are generally a bit larger than violas. They come in colors, like purple, yellow, and white. Pansies are often used in flower beds and containers as ornamental features. Plant your pansies in well-draining, rich soil. Water regularly, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not soggy. To keep the pansy plant looking tidy, fertilize your pansies every few weeks to promote healthy growth and blooms. Aim to provide a winter mulch to protect your pansies from very cold winter temperatures.
Petunias
Petunias are annual flowers grown in gardens and flower beds. First bred in the 1700s, they come in a wide variety of colors, including white, purple, blue, pink, and yellow, and are known for the beautiful, delicate trumpet shape of their blooms.
Petunias are relatively easy to care for, so when watering your petunias, be sure to water deeply, as they prefer consistently moist soil. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Deadheading spent flowers is an important part of petunia care, as it encourages new flower growth and helps keep the plant neat and attractive. To deadhead, simply pinch off any dead blossoms at the stem.
They can become leggy over time, so regular pruning is necessary to keep them looking full and healthy. Trim off dead growth, pinch back any overly tall stems, and remove any straggly branches to round out the shape. It’s important to fertilize petunias regularly, as they are heavy feeders.