What type of flowers to grow in different climates

If you’ve ever planted a spring garden and faced the frustration of having your hard work not pay you back with beautiful flowers, the reason could very well be that you didn’t choose the type of flowers that thrive in your climate. Follow a few basic tips and watch your garden grow.

Annuals versus and perennials 

Annual flowers are a type of flowers that bloom and grow fast, but can only be counted on for one season before they wither away. Perennial flowers bloom, wither, but then return next spring. In comparison to annual flowers, perennials grow at a slow pace but will live for several seasons.  Which type of flowers is right for your garden? It really depends on what you like best as far as how the flowers look and how much time you want to devote to your gardening. Perennials are less work than annuals, but annuals produce more flowers that will last for a longer period of time. You can expect an annual to bloom in spring and last until the first frost. The other benefit of annuals is that they aren’t climate-sensitive. An annual will grow for the same amount of time in a colder climate as it will in a warmer one.

Can you mix annuals with perennials in your garden? Absolutely. In fact, many gardeners use this method to ensure that something pretty is always in bloom.

Choosing the right perennial for your climate

When choosing the type of perennials for your garden, factor in your climate before picking the type of flowers you want to grow. That’s because not all perennials will grow well in all climates. Here are the type of flowers you may want to plant in various climate conditions:

1- Hot and dry climate

Hearty perennials do best in areas that have hotter climates. What type of flowers can you expect to thrive? Popular choices include:

1. Russian sage

2. Baby’s breath

3. Switchgrass

4. Quince

5. Rose of Sharon

2- Cold climate

Some perennials do just fine in cold climates, even Polar Vortex-level cold. Popular choices include:

1. Sedum

2. Peony

3. Coneflower

3- Wet climate

Popular water-loving perennials include:

1. Japanese primrose

2. Marsh marigold

3. Various irises

4. Forget-me-nots

4- Perennials that grow in any climate

If you want to narrow the type of flowers you consider to “super easy” and you still want to include perennials, there’s good news. Some perennials are fine to grow in any climate. Here are some favorites:

1. Bee balm

2. Penstemon

3. Threadleaf Coreopsis

4. Geraniums

Once you choose the types of flowers you like

Now that you have narrowed your type of flowers with the climate in mind, there’s one final step to consider before you start gardening: think about the impact of the weather on your planting plan. This influences what you plant where and how you can give your seedlings the support they need to blossom and bloom. Weather conditions that should be considered as you plan include:

1. Temperature

2. Wind

3. Seasonality

Spring gardening can be one of the most satisfying rewards of the season. The key to success is to pick the right type of flowers that will thrive in your garden. Climate and weather are a big part of making the right decisions. Once you know the basics, you will be well on your way to cultivating a garden that will give you pride and pleasure — not only this spring but for years to come.

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