Outdoor: Summer Flowers
It is July and your window boxes are still void of life or need a refresh. No need to wait until next year. There is plenty of time this summer to plant your personal flowering green space. Selection may be limited but there are some tried and true summer loving plants from which to choose.
It is always best to buy your plants locally. The less plants have to travel, the less preservatives needed to make the trip. Farmer’s markets, plant and flower shops and small hardware stores are the way to go.
Summer flowering plants tend to be low maintenance. Low maintenance needs to be clarified because to most, low maintenance means no maintenance at all. Here are 3 low maintenance rules of thumb:
Outdoor plants need to be watered often if not daily. Too many people think that rain is enough. For city plants in full sun or partial sun in 80 degree + temperatures, a daily watering is needed. If it rains, great – done. If not, you need to give them a drink. The best time to water is in the morning before 10am or the evening after 6pm. A 4 second pour for small planters and 8 seconds pour for large planters will do the trick. Inside plants are another story. It is best to feel the soil and if it is dry, it’s time to water.
Dead flowers and leaves need to be taken off. Plants look better when they are wide and lush. In order to keep that lush beauty going, consider the undergrowth that only wants to see the sun. Deadheading is the process of sniping off dead flowers, stems and leaves. Don’t be afraid to snip away all the dead stuff even if it feels like too much. Plants love it and will bounce back quickly.
Weeds happen. If you didn’t plant them, pull them out. They take nutrients and moisture away from your plantings.
Here are some of the easiest to find, die-hard summer flowering plants.
Begonia
By far the easiest flowering summer plant to find. Generally, flowers are pink and red however, begonia varieties are endless in flower and leaf color. They can grow big and lush with partial sun. They also can survive in shade. Full sun isn’t their friend and they tend to shrivel. Begonias can grow and flower indoors if you have a sunny spot. If you don’t, they won’t make it through winter but, they will be around next June to rebuy.
Geranium
Geraniums are another popular summer bloomer with a vast array of color options. They look best when they are full in leaf and flower which happens in full to partial sun. Geraniums need to be deadheaded daily and if done, they will bloom all summer. Geraniums are another one that can grow inside in a sunny spot. They won’t make it outside during the winter months. Geranium's earthy smell deters bugs.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas come in bold blues, pinks, purples and neutral white. If planted in a flowerbed in the summer, you need to increase watering for the first couple of weeks to establish a root system. If using a planter, water normally. Hydrangea plants like partial shade and will bloom into September. They are perennials and will come back year after year.
Marigolds
Marigolds love the sun and heat. They need to be deadheaded frequently and in doing so, they will bloom through early fall. They are annuals that won't make it through winter and they hate being indoors. They do sometimes self-seed. It is not uncommon to find them growing out of sidewalk cracks in late spring. They too have an earthy smell that repels bugs.
Images by the author.
