Stalk Flowering Garden Plants

Sweet William

• Sweet William is a biannual flower, but in cooler climates it is an annual, while in other climates it can be perennial. Dwarf types of this short-time blooming flower can be 8 to 10 inches tall, whereas full-sized species can grow to heights up to 18 inches tall. Sweet William blooms in pink, purple, white and red, and the spicy fragrance makes it a delightful cut flower. These flowers love full sun, but they can tolerate some shady conditions. They like to be thoroughly watered once a week, but avoid over-watering, especially if you start this plant from seed. Plant flowers 4 to 6 inches apart, and if you live in a warmer climate, you can divide the plant in the future to share or to replant other places in your garden. This plant can be cultivated from cuttings, as well as by division or by seed.

Freesia

• Freesia is a bright and cheerful-looking flower that blooms at a 90-degree angle from the stalk. Before blooming, the portion of the stalk with buds will bend over, making the flowers open upward towards the sun. Freesia comes in many colors, such as purple, yellow, pink, white and orange. It likes very well-draining soil. If the soil still shows puddles several hours after it rains, either choose another location for the plant or add organic material, building up the soil 3 inches to add more drainage. This is a sun-loving flower, but it can tolerate some shade. If forced indoors, transplanting is usually not effective; however, this is a perennial bulb if planted in pots or in a garden. If you've planted freesia in a container, then do not remove the foliage after blooming ceases. Wait until the leaves turn yellow. The leaves continue to utilize the sun's rays to make a healthy plant for the next growing season.

Gladiolus

• Gladiolus comes in a variety of colors, such as red, yellow, pink, white and combinations of colors. It likes well-drained soil, so much so that if water pools in the growing area, you will need to create raised rows for growth, to help the drainage. Plant the corms 2 inches deep and 2 inches apart in a full-sun area, and do not plant them near a building, as they need a lot of airflow to prevent rotting and fungal problems. If you live in an area where the ground freezes in the winter, you should dig up the corms before the first frost. Rinse the corms with water, and then allow them to dry thoroughly before storing them in a mesh bag in a cooler area of your house. Do not let them freeze.

Hollyhocks

• Hollyhocks are biennial, but they seed themselves, so they appear to be a perennial. The first year will only produce leaves, and the second year produces tall spikes of pink, purple or white trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Hollyhocks can flower the first year if they are started indoors and not placed outside until well after the first frost. They can tolerate some shade but thrive in full sun, and flourish in well-draining soil. They are native to Asia Minor and grow as a wildflower there, but they are cultivated in other areas of the world. They can grow to heights of 8 feet.

Delphiniums

• Delphiniums come in white, yellow, purple, red and blue, with blue being the most common color. They grow to heights of 2 to 6 feet, with numerous blooms on each spike. They make an attractive cut flower, with long-lasting blooms. Delphiniums like full sun and well-draining soil, but they do require regular fertilization and moist soil. They begin flowering in early to midsummer, and if the dead spikes are removed, a second flowering in late summer may occur. They are perennial, but in areas of heavy soil, such as clay, they may need to be replanted every two to three years. The taller hybrids will need to be staked to prevent the spikes from falling from the weight of the blooms.

Kangaroo Paws

• If you are looking to plant a more exotic flowering spike in your garden, think about the Australian kangaroo paw. These plants are native only to southwestern Australia, where they grow as a wildflower. They are grown from seeds, which in the wild are propagated by birds and difficult to grow in a garden; however, they can be started from cuttings for commercial sales. They can tolerate different soil types, but they prefer well-draining soil and full sun.