Flowers to Plant Around the House

Perennials

• Perennial flowers die to the ground each year in cold climates while the roots and crowns survive to grow in the spring. Perennials are not care-free, but once established are low maintenance. Plan them so their flowering periods overlap since spent perennials can be unattractive. Camouflage them with other perennials that bloom after they are done. Perennials need to be watered, weeded, pruned, fertilized and monitored for pests and diseases. Perennial beds are a good choice to conceal unattractive areas around a house such as a garbage bin or storage. Perennial ground covers grow in dry, shady areas under trees, adding flowers and foliage where few plants will grow.

Annuals

• Annuals are plants that do not survive cold winters, but bloom all summer until killed by frost. They must be replanted every year. Given water, fertilizer and enough sun, they bloom continuously all summer. They come in all sizes, shapes, colors and fragrances. They are often planted in perennial beds to provide flowers all season. They are ideal for container gardens. They border walkways, line flowerbeds and brighten dull areas around the house with colorful blooms.

Containers

• For gardeners with small spaces and limited time, containers are easy-care ways to brighten a home with flowers without the work of weeding and pruning flowerbeds. Containers can be ceramic pots, wooden tubs or old bathtubs. They can be hooked into an automatic watering system. They will grow annuals and perennials, particularly in warmer climate zones. For northern climates, perennial flowers like roses can be grown in containers in summer and overwintered in a dark space. Containers can be placed on concrete, brick, grass or any level surface or on top of walls or decks. Hanging baskets add color at a high level and allow you to show off hanging plants like begonias and ivy.

Greenhouse

• If you live in cold climate zones and are an avid gardener, consider a greenhouse. Raise seedlings and cuttings in a greenhouse during the winter, continuing the pleasure you get from gardening and saving money by growing your own annual flowers. Incorporate a greenhouse into your home landscape by opening it in the summer and growing shade plants inside.