If you’re a beginner gardener, or just don’t have the time to constantly tend to your blooms, fear not, as there are at least seven flowers that will thrive if you plant them pretty much anywhere
French marigolds blooming in August boasting double red and yellow flowers(Image: Getty)
Summer is here, and it’s the ideal time to plant some flowers to brighten up your garden. However, it’s not just about aesthetics – aspiring gardeners must consider the specific requirements of their plants, ensuring they are situated in an environment conducive to growth.
For instance, hostas will scorch under the midday sun, so a full-sun garden bed would be unsuitable, while hydrangeas aren’t fans of rain gardens. But fear not, as there are at least seven flowers that will thrive pretty much anywhere, whether in clay soil or beneath a tree, they’ll practically grow themselves.
1. Zinnia
A sturdy annual, zinnias (Zinnia) are adaptable bloomers that can prosper in a range of soils and conditions, although they do favour basking in full sun and may struggle in shaded areas.
Zinnia flowers in multicolours(Image: Getty)
Expect a profusion of daisy-like, multicoloured blooms in every hue imaginable, from vibrant yellows to pinks. They can reach heights of between six to 48 inches and spread 12 to 18 inches wide, with a preference for well-drained soils.
2. Purple coneflower
The resilient purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is another stalwart, capable of enduring drought, clay soil, heat, humidity, and even a touch of shade, making it a favourite amongst pollinators like bees, butterflies and other insects. It’s a perennial plant.
According to marthastewart.com, birds are known to peck at the seed heads of these plants during winter. The only conditions this purple beauty can’t tolerate are deep shade and waterlogged soil.
Butterflies can be attracted to the purple coneflower(Image: Getty)
These plants can grow 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 18 to 24 inches wide, thriving in anything from full sun to partial shade and most well-drained soils, as reported by the Express.
3. Whorled tickseed
Despite its dainty, smaller blooms, the whorled tickseed (Coreopsis verticillate) is a resilient plant. Its clusters of daisy-shaped flowers radiate gold and yellow, and it can withstand heat, poor soils, and a touch of light shade.
Whorled tickseed’s profuse yellow flowers(Image: Getty)
However, avoid planting it in deep shade and waterlogged soils, as these conditions can lead to root rot. It will grow 12 to 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide and thrives in full sun and average, dry soils.
4. French marigolds
French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are another versatile flower that can thrive in various soil conditions and either full sun or partial shade.
They can be planted virtually anywhere. They’re wind and drought-resistant and pair well with vegetable patches as they deter certain pests, like nematodes.
They’ll grow to a height of six to 12 inches and spread six to 10 inches wide. This perennial doesn’t require deadheading and features striking purple blooms and upright leafy stems.
5. Blazing star
The Blazing star (Liatris spicata) is a hardy perennial that can endure poor soil conditions, heat, and humidity. It requires minimal maintenance and is not susceptible to serious disease or pest issues.
Blazing star has upright leafy stalks(Image: Getty)
The plant features striking purple flowers and upright leafy stalks, and it doesn’t require deadheading. It typically grows to a height of two to four feet and a width of one to two feet.
6. Blanket flower
Next on the list is the Blanket flower (Gaillardia aristata). This native plant, with its daisy-like blossoms, adds a vibrant splash of red and yellow to any garden.
It’s a long-blooming perennial that thrives in heat and drought and can tolerate poor soils, such as sandy soils. However, it’s advisable to avoid humid areas and wet clay.
Blanket flowers will cheer up gardens with red and yellow(Image: Getty)
The plant grows eight to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide, flourishing in full sun and average soil conditions.
7. Cosmos
Lastly, the Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is known for its charming, saucer-shaped disk flowers that thrive in various conditions, favouring average soil. They’re rarely affected by diseases or insects.
Cosmos can grow in most conditions(Image: Getty)
The plant can grow from one to four feet tall and two to three feet wide, and does well in full sun to partial shade.