Summer presents the perfect opportunity to plant some flowers to brighten up your garden. However, it's not solely about what looks most attractive - keen gardeners need to take into account the particular requirements of their plants and select a spot that gives them the greatest chance of thriving. For example, hostas can scorch beneath the afternoon sun, so they ought to be kept away from fully exposed garden beds. While hydrangeas struggle in rain gardens. But fear not, as the following seven flowers will flourish virtually anywhere you plant them, whether beneath a tree or in clay soil, they'll practically tend to themselves.
1. Zinnia
These daisy-shaped, multicoloured blooms come in a wide variety of shades, ranging from vibrant yellow to pink. They can reach between six to 48 inches in height and 12 to 18 inches in width, favouring well-drained soils.
2. Purple Coneflower
According to marthastewart.com, birds will feast on the seed heads of these flowers during winter. The only conditions purple coneflowers won't tolerate are deep shade and waterlogged soil. They can grow 24 to 36 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide, thriving in anything from full sun to partial shade and most well-drained soils.
3. Whorled Tickseed
However, avoid planting these in deep shade or soggy soils as they can suffer from root rot. They can reach 12 to 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide, doing well in full sun and average, dry soils.
4. French Marigolds
They can tolerate wind and drought, making them an excellent choice for vegetable patches as they assist in managing certain pests, such as nematodes. They usually reach heights of six to 12 inches and widths of six to 10 inches.
5. Blazing Star
The Blazing star (Liatris spicata) is a hardy plant capable of tolerating poor soil conditions, heat and humidity, while requiring very little upkeep. It doesn't experience serious disease or pest problems. This plant will reach a height of two to four feet and a width of one to two feet.
6. Blanket Flower
This perennial variety flowers for a prolonged period and flourishes in heat and drought conditions. It can also cope with poor soils, such as sandy soils. However, it's advisable to steer clear of humid locations and wet clay. The blanket flower reaches eight to 12 inches in height and 12 to 18 inches in width, thriving in full sun and average soil.
7. Cosmos
Cosmos plants can reach between one to four feet in height and two to three feet in width. They thrive in full sun to partial shade.
