Welcome to our blog on the “Best Summer Bedding Plants to Grow”. Summer is the perfect time to get out into the garden and start planting beautiful flowers and plants. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, we have the perfect selection of summer bedding plants for you to choose from.
We’ll take you through the best plants to choose from, how to care for them, and how to create stunning displays that will last throughout the summer. So, get ready to get planting and enjoy a summer full of beautiful blooms!
Benefits of growing summer bedding plants
Gardening can be one of the most rewarding hobbies and many gardeners choose to add summer bedding plants to create a vibrant, varied and eye catching array of colors. Summer bedding plants offer a range of benefits and can transform dull garden spaces into a paradise of beauty and scent. In the UK, summer bedding plants such as lavender, petunias and geraniums can thrive and bring a burst of color to a garden.
Lavender is one of the best plants to grow during the summer as it not only gives off a beautiful scent but it also doubles as a deterrent; its pungent odor helps protect other plants within the garden from pests. Petunias also provide a great deal of color and variety along with sweet fragrances which is perfect for those lazy summer days in the garden.
It’s important to water petunias regularly in the summer and make sure to dead-head spent blooms for a full and lush display. Geraniums are an ever popular favorite of the British garden, its delicate blooms brighten any border and when planted in clusters to form a mass of hot pink or scarlet blooms it can be spectacular. Geraniums are best grown in a sunny spot in the garden and benefit from a trim of spent blooms.
Aside from being visually striking and attractive in the garden, a number of summer bedding plants provide added benefits. Pelargoniums, probably best known as geraniums, have leaf extracts that have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, popularly used in lavender by manufacturers making skin care products.
Lavender has long been known to help people sleep, therefore planting it next to windows, where the scented breeze can be felt most, is beneficial to those that may be suffering from insomnia. When it comes to pretty in pink, begonias are one of the most popular summer bedding blooms with their bright colors that last right through the warmer months. Many gardeners feel that planting begonias adds a real feel of the Mediterranean to their garden, with the often intricate details of the flowers and leaves adding a greater depth to the display.
Begonias must remain moist, but not soggy, during the summer months and benefit from regular feeding of a balanced liquid fertilizer to help keep it in peak condition. Summer bedding plants are a great way to add color, vibrancy and interest to a garden.
Choosing the right summer bedding plants is key to creating a beautiful, healthy and sustainable display of blooms that will last right through the summer months.
Types of summer bedding plants
Gardeners in the UK enjoy planning their summer gardens and they often include bedding plants in the mix. Bedding plants are annuals and tender perennials that provide colour and texture to a garden, and are relatively easy to maintain. When considering which plants to purchase for a summer garden, it is important to research the different species for the best summer bedding plants to grow.
The number of varieties of plants which can be used as summer bedding plants is extensive. Some of the more popular choices are petunias, dahlias, bacopa and lantana.
Petunias are an especially good choice to create bursts of colour in pots and hanging baskets while dahlias will offer more of a statement in beds and boarders. These flowers are often seen with their attractive, funnel-shaped double blooms. Bacopa is more of a cascading plant and is great for containers and flower baskets.
These plants produce an abundance of small white, blue and pink flowers, and trailing foliage. Lastly, lantana is a very eye-catching flower.
Growing in mounds or spreading up to 6-feet across, lantana produces clusters of yellow and orange trumpet shaped blooms. Another thing to keep in mind when selecting summer bedding plants is the climate. Many of the best summer bedding plants to grow will require full sun and warm temperatures.
For instance, the petunia requires moderate temperatures and an area of full sun for the best bloom strength. Although, bacopa does require full sun, an area of partial shade is preferable during the hottest part of the day.
This can help prevent their flowers from wilting due to excessive heat. Bedding plants are an excellent way to enjoy a well designed garden while adding a splash of colour and texture. The range of plants available allows gardeners to take advantage of the best of British gardening. By carefully researching the climate and space available, gardeners can select the right choice to create their desired outcome. With the right selection and some careful maintenance, gardeners will have a great summer garden which can be enjoyed for the whole season.
Tips for growing summer bedding plants
Growing summer bedding plants bring a whole host of color, life and enjoyment throughout those sunny days of summer. This is an especially great time for a creative gardener to have fun and show off their skills! But it is important to understand which plants are best for this time of year as conditions can vary greatly across the UK.
With this in mind, here are our top tips for growing the best summer bedding plants in your garden. The first thing to consider is sunlight.
Summer bedding plants need plenty of it, so pay attention to the amount of direct sunlight that your patch of land receives during the day. This will determine which type of plants you should be selecting. If the area is particularly sunny, you may be better off selecting sun-loving plants such as petunias, geraniums, salvia and verbena.
On the other hand, if your garden gets less light you may want to opt for a combination of fuchsias and begonias. The second element to look at when selecting plants is soil.
Summer bedding plants require moist but well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. A well-mulched garden will help to keep the soil damp and allow for a deeper roots system.
If you have heavier soils, create raised beds which can help with drainage and warmth. Also, don’t forget to factor in local watering restrictions when selecting plants, as some need more water than others in order to grow. Finally, it is always recommended to invest in good quality, healthy plants from your local garden centre.
Poorly grown plants can often lead to increased pest and disease problems, so it makes sense to invest in strong, healthy plants that have been properly cared for. Showy, colourful plants can create that Wow factor, so have a look for the most striking plants that will add another dimension to your summer bedding. With all of this in mind, you can start to create a showstopper of a garden this summer. Start off with healthy, sturdy plants, ensure they get plenty of sunlight, water, and soil and you should be blooming in no time. Good luck and happy gardening!
Conclusion
Summer is the perfect time to grow beautiful bedding plants. Some of the best bedding plants to grow during the summer months include petunias, marigolds, zinnias, impatiens, and snapdragons. These plants are easy to grow and can add vibrant color to any garden.
With proper care and maintenance, these plants will provide beautiful blooms throughout the summer months.
FAQ
What are the best summer bedding plants to grow?
Some of the best summer bedding plants to grow include petunias, marigolds, impatiens, begonias, and zinnias.
What are the benefits of growing summer bedding plants?
The benefits of growing summer bedding plants include adding vibrant color and texture to outdoor spaces, providing a habitat for beneficial insects, and improving air quality.
What are the best soil conditions for growing summer bedding plants?
The best soil conditions for growing summer bedding plants are well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
What are the best methods for watering summer bedding plants?
The best methods for watering summer bedding plants are to water deeply and infrequently, to water in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler, and to check the soil moisture before watering to avoid over-watering.
What are the best fertilizers for summer bedding plants?
The best fertilizers for summer bedding plants are slow-release fertilizers, such as organic compost or granular fertilizers with a balanced NPK ratio (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).
What are the best companion plants for summer bedding plants?
Some of the best companion plants for summer bedding plants include marigolds, petunias, cosmos, zinnias, and impatiens.
