Seven flowers that are so easy to grow they can be planted in any conditions
Summer is upon us, and it's the perfect time to plant some f l owers to spruce up your garden. But remember, it's not just about what looks most appealing - budding gardeners need to consider the specific needs of their plants, ensuring they are placed in an environment that encourages growth.
For example, hostas will burn under the midday sun, so it would be inappropriate to use a full-sun garden bed, while hydrangeas don't like rain gardens. But don't worry, as there are at least seven flowers that will thrive if you plant them pretty much anywhere, whether in clay soil or beneath a tree, they will all but grow all by themselves.
1. Zinnia
A robust annual, zinnias (Zinnia) are versatile bloomers that can flourish in a variety of soils and conditions, though they do prefer basking in full sun and may not fare as well in shaded spots.
Expect a riot of daisy-like, multicoloured blooms in every shade under the sun, from vivid yellows to pinks. They can tower anywhere between six to 48 inches and spread 12 to 18 inches wide, with a preference for well-drained soils.
2. Purple coneflower
The hardy purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is another trooper, able to withstand drought, clay soil, heat, humidity, and even a smattering of shade, making it a top pick for pollinators like bees, butterflies and other insects. It's a perennial plant.
According to marthastewart.com, birds will happily peck at the seed heads during winter. The only conditions this purple beauty can't handle are deep shade and waterlogged soil.
They can stretch 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 per the Express.
3. Whorled tickseed
Don't be fooled by the dainty, smaller blooms of the whorled tickseed (Coreopsis verticillate) – it's a tough cookie. Its clusters of daisy-shaped flowers radiate gold and yellow, and it can endure heat and poor soils, and a touch of light shade.
However, steer clear of deep shade and waterlogged soils, as it 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 adaptable flower that can thrive in various soil conditions and either full sun or partial shade.
They can be planted just about anywhere. They're wind and drought-resistant and pair well with vegetable patches as they keep certain pests, like nematodes, at bay.
They'll sprout 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 hardy enough to withstand poor soil conditions, heat, and humidity, and is low-maintenance. It's not prone to serious disease or pest issues. This perennial never needs deadheading and boasts spiking purple flowers and upright leafy stalks.
It'll reach a height of two to four feet and a width of one to two feet.
6. Blanket flower
Sporting daisy-like blossoms, the native blanket flower (Gaillardia aristata) will add a splash of red and yellow to your garden. It's a long-blooming perennial that thrives in heat and drought, and can cope with poor soils, such as sandy soils.
However, it's best to steer clear of humid areas and wet clay. It grows eight to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide, flourishing in full sun and average soil conditions.
7. Cosmos
The saucer-shaped disk flower cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is characterised by its delightful, saucer-shaped disk flowers that thrive in a range of conditions, favouring average soil. They're rarely affected by diseases or insects.
It can grow from one to four feet tall and two to three feet wide, and does well in full sun to partial shade.
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