PERENNIALS

Flowers to grow

Flowers can easily brighten up any space with their colour and scent. But, not everybody wants to go out to buy seeds every once in a while. So, here we list some self-seeding flowers that grow new shoots by themselves.

Here are some beautiful and easy-to-grow flowers:

Annuals

1. Marigolds

2. Petunias

3. Zinnias

4. Sunflowers

5. Dahlias

Perennials

1. Roses

2. Hydrangeas

3. Peonies

4. Lavender

5. Daylilies

Bulbs

1. Tulips

2. Daffodils

3. Crocuses

4. Lilies

5. Hyacinths

Wildflowers

1. Poppies

2. Cosmos

3. Black-eyed Susans

4. Butterfly Weed

5. Lupines

Cosmos

One of the brightest, most beautiful flowers to grow in your garden is the Cosmos. And what is even better than growing them once, and then seeing that the seeds sprinkle themselves to grow into more beautiful flowers all over again.

Cosmos!

Characteristics

1. Dainty, feathery foliage: Cosmos have delicate, lacy leaves.

2. Showy, bowl-shaped flowers: Cosmos produce vibrant, pink, purple, white, or red flowers.

3. Tall, slender stems: Cosmos can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall.

Growing Conditions

1. Full sun: Cosmos thrive in areas with full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight).

2. Well-draining soil: Cosmos prefer soil with good drainage and a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

3. Moderate watering: Cosmos require consistent moisture, but can tolerate some drought.

Uses

1. Ornamental: Cosmos add a pop of color and texture to gardens, bouquets, and arrangements.

2. Wildlife attractant: Cosmos attract pollinators, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

3. Cut flower: Cosmos make excellent cut flowers, lasting up to 5 days in arrangements.

Fun Facts

1. Mexican origin: Cosmos are native to Mexico and Central America.

2. Easy to grow: Cosmos are relatively low-maintenance and easy to cultivate.

3. Attracts beneficial insects: Cosmos attract beneficial insects, such as lacewings and parasitic wasps.

Zinnia

Zinnias are easy-to-grow flowers that bloom in many different colours. These flowers too are self- seeders, and their seeds can be collected in the fall or left to naturally drop and grow.

Zinnia!

Characteristics

1. Vibrant colors: Zinnias come in a wide range of colors, including pink, orange, yellow, white, and red.

2. Daisy-like flowers: Zinnias have large, daisy-like flowers with prominent centers.

3. Tall, slender stems: Zinnias can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall.

Growing Conditions

1. Full sun: Zinnias thrive in areas with full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight).

2. Well-draining soil: Zinnias prefer soil with good drainage and a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

3. Moderate watering: Zinnias require consistent moisture, but can tolerate some drought.

Uses

1. Ornamental: Zinnias add a pop of color and texture to gardens, bouquets, and arrangements.

2. Cut flower: Zinnias make excellent cut flowers, lasting up to 5 days in arrangements.

3. Attracts pollinators: Zinnias attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.

Fun Facts

1. Mexican origin: Zinnias are native to Mexico and South America.

2. Easy to grow: Zinnias are relatively low-maintenance and easy to cultivate.

3. Comes in various shapes: Zinnias come in a variety of shapes, including round, oval, and cactus-flowered.

Columbine

Columbines are delicate, bell-shaped flowers that come in various colours such as blue, pink, and yellow. Once grown in rich soil, columbines will self-seed readily.

Columbine!

Characteristics

1. Delicate, bell-shaped flowers: Columbines have intricate, nodding flowers with spurs.

2. Pastel colors: Columbines come in a range of soft colors, including pink, purple, yellow, and white.

3. Lacy, fern-like foliage: Columbines have delicate, lacy leaves.

Growing Conditions

1. Partial shade: Columbines prefer partial shade, especially in warmer climates.

2. Well-draining soil: Columbines thrive in soil with good drainage and a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

3. Moderate watering: Columbines require consistent moisture, but can tolerate some drought.

Uses

1. Ornamental: Columbines add a touch of elegance and whimsy to gardens and arrangements.

2. Wildlife attractant: Columbines attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

3. Cut flower: Columbines make delicate, exotic-looking cut flowers.

Fun Facts

1. Named after a dove: Columbines are named after the Latin word "columba," meaning dove.

2. State flower of Colorado: The Rocky Mountain Columbine is the official state flower of Colorado.

3. Toxic: Columbines are toxic if ingested, so handle with care!

Verbena

Verbenas are excellent flowers when it comes to adding colour to your balcony. They produce small clusters of flowers and shed their seeds regularly which makes the way for new shoots and flowers.

Verbena!

Characteristics

1. Small, fragrant flowers: Verbena produces tiny, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and red.

2. Low-growing, spreading habit: Verbena is a low-growing, spreading plant that forms a mat-like habit.

3. Attractive, fern-like foliage: Verbena has delicate, fern-like leaves that add texture and interest to gardens.

Growing Conditions

1. Full sun: Verbena thrives in areas with full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight).

2. Well-draining soil: Verbena prefers soil with good drainage and a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

3. Moderate watering: Verbena requires consistent moisture, but can tolerate some drought.

Uses

1. Ornamental: Verbena adds a pop of color and fragrance to gardens, containers, and arrangements.

2. Attracts pollinators: Verbena attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.

3. Herbal remedy: Verbena has been used in herbal medicine for centuries to treat various ailments.

Fun Facts

1. Ancient Egyptian use: Verbena was used by ancient Egyptians for medicinal and spiritual purposes.

2. Fragrant oil: Verbena flowers produce a fragrant oil that's used in perfumes and aromatherapy.

3. Low maintenance: Verbena is a low-maintenance plant that's perfect for busy gardeners!

Love-in-a-Mist

A flower as beautiful as its name is this one. It has bright blue blooms and is great at self-seeding.

Love-in-a-Mist!

Characteristics

1. Dainty, blue-purple flowers: Love-in-a-Mist produces small, delicate flowers surrounded by a misty, fern-like foliage.

2. Unique, airy texture: The plant's foliage and flowers create a light, airy texture that adds a whimsical touch to gardens.

3. Self-seeding annual: Love-in-a-Mist is an annual that self-seeds easily, making it a great choice for naturalized gardens.

Growing Conditions

1. Full sun to partial shade: Love-in-a-Mist prefers areas with full sun to partial shade.

2. Well-draining soil: The plant thrives in soil with good drainage and a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

3. Moderate watering: Love-in-a-Mist requires consistent moisture, but can tolerate some drought.

Uses

1. Ornamental: Love-in-a-Mist adds a touch of romance and whimsy to gardens, containers, and arrangements.

2. Cut flower: The plant's delicate flowers make beautiful, airy additions to cut flower arrangements.

3. Wildlife attractant: Love-in-a-Mist attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

Fun Facts

1. Ancient Greek association: Love-in-a-Mist was associated with the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.

2. Fragrant foliage: The plant's foliage has a sweet, slightly bitter fragrance.

3. Easy to grow: Love-in-a-Mist is a low-maintenance plant that's perfect for beginners!

Alyssum

Alyssum is a low-growing plant with small, sweet- scented flowers that can be white, pink, or purple.

Alyssum!

Characteristics

1. Tiny, white flowers: Alyssum produces small, delicate white flowers in clusters.

2. Sweet, honey-like fragrance: The plant's flowers have a sweet, honey-like fragrance.

3. Trailing, spreading habit: Alyssum is a low-growing, spreading plant that forms a mat-like habit.

Growing Conditions

1. Full sun to partial shade: Alyssum prefers areas with full sun to partial shade.

2. Well-draining soil: The plant thrives in soil with good drainage and a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

3. Moderate watering: Alyssum requires consistent moisture, but can tolerate some drought.

Uses

1. Ornamental: Alyssum adds a delicate, romantic touch to gardens, containers, and arrangements.

2. Groundcover: The plant's spreading habit makes it an excellent groundcover.

3. Attracts pollinators: Alyssum attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Fun Facts

1. Ancient Greek name: Alyssum is derived from the Greek word "alysson," meaning "cure for madness."

2. Fragrant foliage: The plant's foliage has a sweet, slightly bitter fragrance.

3. Easy to grow: Alyssum is a low-maintenance plant that's perfect for beginners!

Alyssum self-seeds easily, as the pods are outwards from the bloom, and gives you great ground cover.

Amaranth

Eaten as regular food in India, Amaranth is locally called 'Rajgira'. These plants also have striking purple and pink flower spikes that self-seed, and can fill the garden.

Amaranth!

Characteristics

1. Tall, upright growth: Amaranth can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall.

2. Broad, colorful leaves: The plant's leaves can be green, red, purple, or gold, and are often broad and oval-shaped.

3. Dense, showy flower spikes: Amaranth produces dense, showy flower spikes in shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Growing Conditions

1. Full sun: Amaranth prefers areas with full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight).

2. Well-draining soil: The plant thrives in soil with good drainage and a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

3. Moderate watering: Amaranth requires consistent moisture, but can tolerate some drought.

Uses

1. Ornamental: Amaranth adds a dramatic, exotic touch to gardens and arrangements.

2. Edible leaves and seeds: The plant's leaves and seeds are edible and nutritious.

3. Dye plant: Amaranth's flowers and leaves can be used as a natural dye.

Fun Facts

1. Ancient crop: Amaranth was a staple crop in ancient Mesoamerica.

2. High in protein: Amaranth seeds are high in protein and have been used as a food source for centuries.

3. Symbolism: Amaranth is often associated with immortality, eternity, and sacredness.

Marigold

One of the best, and most commonly-found self- seeding flowers is the Marigold. It has large seed buds that sheds the seeds regularly making them fall to the ground and then bloom as new plant shoots.

Marigold!

Characteristics

1. Bright, sunny flowers: Marigold produces vibrant, yellow and orange flowers with strong, pungent scents.

2. Easy to grow: Marigold is a low-maintenance, adaptable plant that thrives in various conditions.

3. Repels pests: Marigold's strong scent repels nematodes, whiteflies, and other pests.

Growing Conditions

1. Full sun: Marigold prefers areas with full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight).

2. Well-draining soil: The plant thrives in soil with good drainage and a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

3. Moderate watering: Marigold requires consistent moisture, but can tolerate some drought.

Uses

1. Ornamental: Marigold adds a bright, cheerful touch to gardens and arrangements.

2. Companion planting: Marigold's pest-repelling properties make it a great companion plant.

3. Medicinal uses: Marigold's flowers and leaves have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes.

Fun Facts

1. Aztec and Mayan significance: Marigold was considered a sacred flower in Aztec and Mayan cultures.

2. Calendula vs. Tagetes: There are two types of marigold: Calendula (pot marigold) and Tagetes (French marigold).

3. Natural dye: Marigold's flowers can be used as a natural dye, giving a bright yellow color.