Bring Summer Colour to the Garden
Nothing says summer has arrived in the garden like a tapestry of colourful bedding plants, transforming the flower borders into a riot of colours. Bedding plants are also brilliant for filling gaps between perennials, and for creating eye-catching displays in window boxes, containers and hanging baskets with bright, varied colour combinations.
Preparing Flower Borders for Bedding Plants
Prepare the soil in the flower border before planting by forking the soil over lightly, removing any weeds, adding fresh compost and bonemeal. Ensure the seedlings are well watered before planting out. The best time of day for planting is early morning or early evening. Water well after planting then regularly until the plants are established.
Planting Containers, Window Boxes and Hanging Baskets
Containers, window boxes and hanging baskets need good quality potting soil with slow-release fertiliser and water-retaining crystals added. Water these plants regularly to prevent the soil drying out
Choosing Your Summer Colour Scheme
You may decide on a specific Summer colour scheme such as Flamboyant and vivid, Cool and contemporary, Minimilist or a Natural effect, the choice of plants is vast, and while most bedding plants thrive in full sun there are some who are happy in partial shade.
Gazanias – Fiery and Water-Wise
Gazanias come in a variety of fiery colours and are heat-tolerant and water-wise. Low-maintenance and continuous flowering all Summer they are ideal for a eye-popping display.
Marigolds – Hardy and Reliable
Marigolds, with their daisy-like blooms of yellow, red and orange is a very hardy, reliable water-wise plant.
Dianthus and Petunias – Colourful Border Favourites
Dianthus have delightful small dainty flowers in red, white or pink and are vigorous growers. A lovely plant for the front of borders, or in a container, along with the ever-popular Petunias, which are available in a large range of colours, including purple, red, viola, pink and bi-coloured varietes.
Cosmos – Delicate Blooms, Long-Lasting Colour
Cosmos has gorgeous light feathery foliage and delicate looking blooms in various shades. Keep deadheading and this border plant will keep flowering all season.
More Colourful Bedding Plants
Also other useful colourful bedding plants are Salvias, Ageratums, Osteopermums and Rudbekias, all sun lovers. For colour in semi-shade try Impatiens, Fuschias and Torenias.
Village Gardens is an established landscaping and garden design company in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, creating beautiful outdoor spaces that balance aesthetics, practicality and environmental sustainability.
Their expertise includes water-wise landscapes, indigenous gardens, edible gardens and outdoor spaces designed to attract and support local wildlife.