Need Advice plants that bloom through the summer

[Nwfdrool]

We typically plant begonias across the front of the house. They bloom all summer and look beautiful but we have to plant them every year. Looking for suggestions on a similar flowering plant (perennial) that would bloom many months spring, summer, or fall. Even if there are two types of plants that would bloom spring-summer and then summer-fall so that there is continuous bloom/color. Maybe lilies? We have phlox that are in full bloom right now and are gorgeous. How long do those bloom? They did not do so well last year, but this year look wonderful

[poolabab]

We planted Gaillardia 2 years ago. Its a perennial, loves son and blooms from early summer to mid fall. Its available in wide variety of colors.

I once counted 50 flowers on my 18 inch by 18 inch plant.

[Nwfdrool]

Oooo, I just googled it and they are pretty! So, they just continuously bloom? Do you have to dead head them? Do you know when planting season is for them? I really want something that would bring alot of color and ground coverage along a border that I don't have to keep replanting every year. This might just work

[poolabab]

I bought mine from home depot and planted in April I think. Dead heading is not required as such, but I still do it so the plants look cleaner

It does bloom continuously, and then dries off after fall. You can cut the dry branches and in the spring new growth starts from the roots.

[lilpea]

Originally Posted by Nwfdrool

We typically plant begonias across the front of the house. They bloom all summer and look beautiful but we have to plant them every year. Looking for suggestions on a similar flowering plant (perennial) that would bloom many months spring, summer, or fall. Even if there are two types of plants that would bloom spring-summer and then summer-fall so that there is continuous bloom/color. Maybe lilies? We have phlox that are in full bloom right now and are gorgeous. How long do those bloom? They did not do so well last year, but this year look wonderful

Flox (to include creeping) have a very limited blooming time - early to mid spring unless they are hybrids. I would caution against lilies - because they are very short blooming, one and you're done.

Below are three options that range from a mid-level ground cover to tall bush.

1) Verbena Homestead purple is a really good option for blooms from early spring to the first frost. Make sure you purchase the perennial, usually the "red & white " are annuals. It's April and ours are already have prolific blooms.

2) Any hybrid Flox - these are similar to begonias, in side, shape and are prolific bloomers (late spring to first frost). You can find more info via P & W's website.

3) Hydrangeas are also a really nice option because they tend to be taller.

Best of luck

[pamD]

I'm not an expert, but I love my daylilies. They seem to bloom for much of the summer (if they get enough water and not too much heat), and don't need any maintenance.

[KTdid]

Yes, love our daylilies but they need to be deadheaded to get the best results. They can also be thinned and divided so you get double for the $$$.

[OSimpson]

Here is a great website to pick what you like. It allows you to search the database with images. All you have to do is select what type you are looking for by:

• Light requirement
• Soil moisture
• Bloom Characteristics
• Leaf Characteristics
• Size Characteristics

It will give you search results with pictures.



There will be Native Plant Sale organized by Rust Sanctuary on May 5th -9am-4pm, Rust Nature Center Native Plant Sale, Leesburg, VA

[BzyCookn]

Best advice I ever read in a gardening magazine: check your local nursery every 4 - 6 weeks to find what perennials are in bloom. That way you'll have consistent blooms in your garden.

My favorite picks for sun: verbena, any kind of Lilly, sunflowers, knock-out roses, bee balm, false indigo, coral bells, salvia, ecinachea, bachelor button ....

For shade: hydrangea, astilbe, hostas, ferns, Lilly of the valley

Remember, if something isn't growing well, dig it up and move it to another location. Gardening is a series of trials and errors. Best of luck, and have fun!