Identifying which flowers make a fantastic selection around the yard depends on several factors including environmental conditions, maintenance requirements, and the purpose of the space. Flowers which are a fantastic selection for a single yard might not be helpful for another since the contributing factors change from one garden to the other. Generally, low-maintenance flowers and native plants are a fantastic selection.
Selecting Flowers for Your Yard
Plants vary in their soil requirements, so it is important to know which sort of soil is in your yard. It could be required to amend the soil prior to planting. Plants have different tolerances for sunlight. Identify sections of the yard that have full sun, part sun to shade, and mostly shade to determine which plants are great selections. The size of the planting area around your yard will help dictate good flower choices. Plants should fill the area but never cause it to become over crowded. Other factors include choosing plants with varying bloom periods for year-round color, native plants and plants which attract pollinators.
Flowering Shrubs
Bush germander (Teucrium fruticans) is drought tolerant, disease resistant and low maintenance in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. The silvery leaves complement the flowers, which bloom during spring, fall and winter. Compact Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium “Compacta”) creates yellow flowers during spring and winter followed by grapelike fruit. This plant is acceptable for USDA zones 5 through 10. Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) includes red flowers that thrive in spring through fall. It has low water requirements and grows in USDA zones 9 through 10. Purple bottlebrush (Callistemon “Violaceus”) is a larger, evergreen tree which produces rose-colored flowers from early winter through spring and then intermittently during the remainder of the year. It is suggested to get USDA zones 8 through 11. These flowering shrubs attract a number of beneficial insects and wildlife and tolerate complete sunlight. Bush germander, compact Oregon grape, and fall sage also do well in part shade.
Annuals
Pansies and violas (Viola x wittrockiana) bloom through fall, winter, and spring with a number of colors. This plant is compact and typically grown as an annual in USDA zones 5 through 10. Common cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is suggested for USDA zones 8 through 11. It’s daisy-like blossoms that bloom during summer and fall. Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is a slow growing, compact plant which flowers from spring through early fall. It is suggested to get USDA zones 7 through 11. Garden snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) possess many cultivars which are grown as annuals. There are dwarf, medium-size, and tall varieties that bloom in a range of colors from spring to fall. Snapdragons are recommended for USDA zones 6 through 10. All of these annuals require sunlight.
Perennials
Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) includes fragrant leaves and pink blossoms that bloom in spring and winter. It is suggested to get USDA zones 8 through 11. Santa Margarita foothill penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus “Margarita B.O.P.”) is a smaller perennial that flowers in the spring and summer and is suggested for USDA zones 8 through 10. Santa Barbara daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus) blossoms in spring through fall with little daisylike flowers. This trailing plant is suggested for USDA zones 7 through 11. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.) Are fall-blooming and possess a number of colors available. They’re recommended for USDA zones 4 through 10. These perennials attract a number of beneficial insects and birds and are suggested for sunlight. Part shade can also be acceptable except for chrysanthemums.