Summer Flower Beds

Summer flower beds add color to an outdoor area.

Many gardeners look forward to the warm months, when they can enjoy their summer flower beds. Flowers can provide spectacular color all season long. While some flowers are perennial and come back year after year, many popular summer flowers are annuals and must be planted each year. When you choose flowers for a summer flower bed, take such factors as sunlight and soil drainage into consideration. Some plants require the removal of old flower heads to insure that the plant will continue to bloom.

Begonias

Begonias are popular summer flowers that can grow to 16 inches tall. They bloom in shades of white, pink or red, and feature glossy green or bronze red leaves. Begonias bloom continuously and do best in shade, although they tolerate sun. Begonias are a good choice as bedding plants.

Impatiens

Impatiens are prized for their vibrant colors, including white, pink and purple, and feature glossy leaves. They bloom from early summer to the first frost. They are versatile plants that can be grown in shade to full sun. Impatiens do best with soil that drains well. New Guinea impatiens can handle heat better than some other varieties and can grow to as much as 2 feet tall. In hot and dry weather, impatiens must be watered every day.

Marigolds

Another popular summer bedding plant is the marigold. These can grow to a height of 3 feet and feature colors like yellow, orange, red and gold. Marigold leaves have a delicate appearance and are similar to ferns. They bloom all summer long when old flowers are removed, and are usually free of disease.

Petunias

Funnel-shaped petunias, also admired as summer bedding flowers, come in a variety of colors and flower sizes. Petunias have a sweet fragrance that adds to their popularity. The plants grow to 15 inches in height and do best in full sun, although they can tolerate some shade. They must be deadheaded in order to bloom all season. "Wave" petunias are a popular variety.

Primroses

Common in the Southwest, "Mexican Evening" primroses are perennials that grow up to 18 inches in height and to 3 feet wide. Flowers are rose and pale purple, and grow on slender stems with narrow leaves. Primroses do best in full sun and require minimal water. When planted 2 feet apart, they don't spread.

Lavender

Another perennial popular for summer flower beds is lavender. Old stalks should be removed when flowers fade in order to promote blooms. Lavender flowers come in the signature lavender blue color, as well as deep violet, white and pink.

References

• Clemson University Extension
• New Mexico State University Extension: Primrose
• Colorado State Extension: Lavender