10 Must Have Flowers for Your Organic Garden
A organic garden can be a magical place with riotous colors and intoxicating fragrances. The beautiful part of planning such a garden is that there are so many options. Here are ten must have flowers you won’t want to miss.
1. Canna Lilies
The colorful blooms of the canna lily only last a day or two, but new blooms open up quickly. Large, lush, paddle-like leaves give your garden a tropical look. You can choose canna lilies in vibrant colors like red, yellow, orange, or pink to add a touch of flamboyance to your garden space. These plants are perennials in warmer climates. However, you’ll have to dig up the bulb each fall if you live in a colder zone.
2. Coneflowers
Coneflowers are also known as Echinacea. Their most common color of bloom is purple. Coneflowers are great for your summer garden, because their raised cones have seeds that attract bees, butterflies, and even songbirds. Coneflowers grow rapidly once planted and self-seed. They take little care and are extremely resilient in nearly any climate. They bloom from mid-summer until the first frost.
3. Daylilies
Daylilies are so called because the blooms open in the morning and die by nightfall. However, each stem has so many buds that the display can continue for weeks. These plants are almost a sure thing, as they thrive in zones 3 through 9 with very little care. Set them in groups of two or three in your yard along with ornamental grasses, place them in masses along a fence, or use them as a border for your garden.
4. Blanket flowers
Blanket flowers bloom in bright yellow, orange, or wine red from early summer to early fall. Some blanket flowers have frilled petals, and others have tubular blooms. They reseed themselves and spread through your garden to form a soft, lovely blanket over the ground. They’re easy to care for and hardy in zones 3 to 9.
5. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are known for their large, lush globes composed of many small blooms. These plants are actually flowering shrubs that can grow to 15 feet high. A wonderful thing about many varieties of hydrangeas is that you can control their color. All you have to do is give them soil with the right pH factor. Low pH soil yields blue flowers, while higher pH soil produces pink or red blooms. You can plant hydrangeas in your garden or use them anywhere in your landscaping. Plant them in the fall to see their beautiful blooms arrive in the spring.
6. Dahlias
Dahlias have spiky flowers in a wide assortment of colors. The blooms can range from small, 2-inch buttons to large, 15-inch dinner plates. They make beautiful bouquets, and the more of them you cut, the more that will grow. Cut them in the morning and put them in a vase to add glamour to your home decor. Dahlia flowers are also edible and make a great addition to your summer salads.
7. Irises
The iris is a uniquely charming flower. Bearded irises have a bloom that consists of three upright petals and three hanging petals with soft hairs on their centers. Or, you can choose a crested iris, with hairs that form a ridge or crest. Most irises flower in early summer, and many bloom again later in the summer. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden and look amazing in a vase.
8. Peonies
Peonies are a garden favorite. One reason may be that they can survive a century or more with very little attention. Their thick, full flowerheads give your garden an extravagant look. Beautiful, fragrant peonies are often used for bridal bouquets because of their delicate appearance. However, they’re very tough and can grow in nearly any zone.
9. Lavender
Lavender flowers have upright silver-green stems and spiky, colorful flowers. Although most lavender blooms are purple or blue, they can also come in other colors, like yellow, white, or pink. They’re beautiful when added to bouquets, but they also make great potpourri. Try tasty lavender iced tea to cool off on a hot summer day. The scent of lavender is not only pleasant but also so calming that it can reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Plant them in the border of your veggie garden, use them to create a hedge, or place them right in the midst of your flower garden.
10. Daffodils
Daffodils are cheerful, usually yellow or white flowers that bloom in early spring, also known as Narcissus. Their unique trumpet-shaped blooms set them apart from other garden flowers. Plant them in a border or a patch in your garden. Enjoy them outside or cut them and bring the sunshine indoors. Plant the bulbs in the fall for late winter or early spring blooms.
Planning a summer garden is an exciting adventure. There are just so many flowers you could choose. It’s a great idea to start with several types of flowers. With a variety of colors and shapes, your garden looks lush, abundant, and inviting. These must-have flowers make a great foundation for a fascinating, beautiful flower garden.
What are your favorite flowers and what do you plant? Please share your tips, ideas, and opinions in the comment section below!
Sources:
The Old Farmer’s Almanac: Growing Coneflowers
Garden Design: Growing Hydrangeas
American Meadows: Growing Dahlias. It’s Easy.
HGTV: Lavender Flowers
A great list there! I have a small backyard garden where I have planted some lavender flowers and I will add those blanket flowers too because they look amazing. Thanks for sharing this and am also a champion of organic gardening.
HI Addy,
I love flowers and grow most of these in my own garden. Organic gardening has many health benefits for our mind, body and soul. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.