Bedding plants are a popular way to add colour to your flower beds. They are typically annuals, biennials or tender perennials. However, succulents have become increasingly popular for this purpose. These plants are easy to care for and are perfect for use as temporary flower beds. To find the best ones for your garden, simply do a little research online.
Begonia semperflorens
Begonia semperflorens are great plants for the bedding area, but they also make good houseplants. They thrive in average room temperatures (60degF to 75degF, or 16degC to 24degC) and a relative humidity of 50 percent. The plants also tolerate pebble trays and small stones.
Begonia semperflorens are evergreen, bushy perennials that can reach up to 30cm tall. The foliage is beautiful and lustrous and the flowers are either white or a range of pink hues. They bloom throughout the year and can be planted as summer annuals in colder climates.
Begonia semperflorens can be grown indoors, in containers, or in a greenhouse. They prefer partial shade, but can also be grown in sunny windows outdoors. In a sunny location, they need four to six hours of direct morning sun a day. Begonia semperflorens is an easy plant to grow.
Begonia semperflorens is one of the most widely available begonia series. The plants come in a variety of colours, including pink, red, and orange, and are available in single and bi-colour varieties.
Petunias
Petunias are a low-maintenance choice for your home landscaping. These drought-tolerant plants need only weekly watering but will thrive with a monthly dose of balanced fertilizer. Petunias also require full sun to bloom their best. Plants in partial shade can droop and develop diseases.
Petunias make great bedding plants near doorways and along sidewalks. They fill in gaps in between larger, slower-growing shrubs and trees. They also look lovely in hanging baskets. And unlike most annuals, petunias tolerate heat better than most other plants. This allows them to bloom throughout the summer. And they’re so easy to grow! You can even grow them from seed in containers.
There are many different varieties of Petunias, from miniature to big and colorful. Grandiflora petunias are the oldest variety and can grow eight to twelve inches tall. These plants feature large, wavy-edged blossoms. They can be double or single. They’re perfect for hanging baskets and containers.
Petunias are popular bedding plants in the United States. The USDA and the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) keep track of production and sales. Depending on the state, petunias can reach $54 million in wholesale value.
Geraniums
Geraniums are classic bedding plants. They are low-maintenance and thrive in landscapes and containers. Geraniums come in a variety of colors, from red to white, and have zoned leaves. Choose plants with healthy, compact growth and healthy leaves, free of obvious pests and disease.
Geraniums grow best in moist, cool conditions. However, during cooler months, they are susceptible to bacterial leaf spot, which can cause the leaves to drop. Plants can also suffer from botrytis blight, a fungus attack. Commercial fungicides offer some protection. It is also important not to over-water geraniums, as this may cause oedema and root rot.
Geraniums need good air circulation to stay healthy. They must also be protected from strong winds, which can break the branches. After geraniums have flowered, you should trim them back in late fall. The newer varieties may only need a cut, while older heirloom varieties will need multiple cuts over several weeks.
Geraniums can be grown in flower pots or hanging baskets. The temperatures they need to stay in are 65-70°F during the day and 55°F at night. To properly care for your geraniums, make sure to use a potting mix that is well-drained and contains a slow-release fertiliser.
Impatiens
Impatiens are among the most affordable annuals available at your local garden center. They’re often sold in six-packs for a few dollars. Impatiens do best in rich, loamy soil with good drainage. If you’re planting impatiens in a landscape bed, you’ll have to make sure that you water them regularly.
Impatiens are a good choice for both containers and flower beds. They’re typically grown eight to 12 inches apart and are ideally grown in pots four inches in diameter. They grow best in part shade or full sun. If you’re planting impatiens in a container, they should be spaced at least six inches apart to prevent the plants from spreading. Impatiens require regular watering, and they may need as much as a daily drink during hot weather. It is best to water from the base of the plant, as this will help to prevent disease and pest infestations.
Impatiens are susceptible to certain diseases, including bacterial leaf spot. This disease is caused by Pseudomonas, Erwinia, and Xanthomonas bacteria. The symptoms of the disease include brown soggy spots on the foliage and stems. As the disease progresses, these spots merge and the leaves become mushy.
Tagetes Marigolds
Tagetes are annual flowers. Their blooms are a vibrant yellow or orange and last for months. These plants come in many varieties. Some are tall, while others are compact and spread quickly. Many people use Tagetes as bedding plants. They are hardy, and they can reach heights of up to 15 cm (6 inches) or more.
They grow easily from seed, seedlings, or plug plants. The best time to plant Tagetes is after the danger of frost is past. They prefer to be in full sunlight and a reasonably fertile soil. They can also be grown in pots or containers. It is best to plant Tagetes marigolds in a sheltered location, as they can be damaged by wind.
Marigolds are also excellent companion plants, thanks to their strong aroma. In fact, they can even help repel some pests from other plants. Some gardeners choose Tagetes marigolds around other plants to reduce the risk of pest problems. They are often used around tomato and cucumber plants.
If you’re looking to grow Tagetes marigolds in pots, you should start indoors about seven weeks before the last expected frost. Plant Tagetes outdoors after the last frost, and they’ll be ready to bloom by summertime. Germination can take three days to two weeks, depending on the temperature. The best time for germination is at 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Seedlings should be kept moist at all times, and watering them from the bottom is recommended. Once germination has occurred, you can then plant Tagetes in pots, containers, or in a garden.
Cosmos
There are three main species of Cosmos. Each has its own unique color and appearance. The chocolate cosmos has dark red flowers and a chocolate fragrance. The flowers are about an inch in diameter and are held on long stems above the foliage. The plants are also pollinator-friendly. They grow well in average to poor soil with a pH of neutral to slightly alkaline.
Plant the seeds about 1/8 inch deep in well-drained soil. Do not over-water Cosmos seedlings, as this will reduce their germination rate. The space between plants should be at least two feet apart, though planting them closer to each other will create a more attractive backdrop. It is also best to grow them in drier parts of the garden.
Cosmos are a half-hardy annual plant that produces flowers that bob prettily on the stems. They are great for attracting pollinating insects because they produce late-flowering nectar. Cosmos plants also provide a beautiful touch to any planting scheme with their vibrant foliage. They look lovely in a cottage-style bed, and their flowers make great cut flowers.
Cyclamen hederifolium
Cyclamen hederifolium, native to the Mediterranean, is one of the easiest Cyclamen varieties to grow. This perennial bulb grows between 4 and 6 inches tall, with a spread of up to 12 inches. It is self-seeding and will naturally naturalize. It does well in most garden soils and does not require weeding or deadheading.
Cyclamen hederifolium is one of the most hardy species of cyclamen, ranging from Zones 5 to 9. The plant grows best in full or partial sunlight in a well-drained soil. It can be propagated from corms or seeds. Cyclamen hederifolium will eventually go dormant during the summer months.
Cyclamen hederifolium is a perennial plant and should be allowed to grow naturally. They can be transplanted from one location to another when they are two or three years old. Ideally, they will be moved to a spot where they will have shade and not be affected by direct sunlight. Once transplanted, cyclamen hederifolium should flower within eighteen months.
Cyclamen hederifolium varieties come in different colors and sizes. Cyclamen hederifolium ‘Silver Cloud’ is a new cultivar introduced by UK cyclamen expert Phil Cornish. This plant features solid pewter-green leaves that are followed by complementary spikes of pink flowers in fall. Alternatively, Cyclamen hederifolium var. confusum features leaves that are wider and less dense than the species, and they may not have patterning.
