8 Year-Round Flowers to Plant This Spring

Winter is challenging for the spirit at the best of times — even without a lingering pandemic to endure. For most of us, spring cannot come soon enough. There’s something about the reemergence of color and fresh floral scents that reignites the soul.  

In this article we will share some of the best flowers to plant to enjoy the color in your garden all year round and some tips to help you choose. 

Perennials or Annuals?

Unlike annuals, which only grow for one season, perennials will bloom over and over again — meaning you don’t have to start your garden from scratch every single year. Some perennial species last around three or four years, while others remain viable for decades. Some gardeners love the challenge and variety of planting new annuals every year, while many others look forward to seeing their familiar favorite year-round flowers rebounding — sometimes bigger and better than ever — to ring in the season.  

The more enthusiastic horticulturalists go for a combination of both. Annuals have longer blooming periods and can be spectacular. Perennials have a shorter blooming period, but the evergreen ones can serve as decorative foliage the rest of the year. Some varieties bloom all year. 

Roses

Synonymous with love and romance, roses come in all colors and have over 300 species. One of the most popular rose bushes is the Knock Out Rose, care of rose breeder Bill Radler. Knock Out Roses are disease resistant, heat and drought tolerant, and don’t require much care compared to most flowers. With bloom cycles every five or six weeks, it’s no wonder super pink Knock Out Roses are beloved in North America. 

• Roses need lots of sun. 
• Soil should be neutral (pH 5.5 to 6.5). 
• Infrequent, deep watering preferred over frequent, smaller watering. 

Chrysanthemums

With rich, jewel-like autumn colors, chrysanthemums have special significance in Chinese culture and folklore — symbolizing longevity, vitality, and happiness. Although considered by many to be fall flowers, heartier garden varieties of the chrysanthemum can bloom all year round.  

• Chrysanthemum flowers prefer partial shade, but if they get full sun prior to bud development, you’ll get the maximum flower yield. 
• pH 6.5 soil is ideal. 
• They need one inch of water every week (more in hot summers) in terms of watering. 

Black-eyed Susans

Distinctive with a mini-sunflower vibe, these yellow-petaled, dark-centered wildflowers are vibrant and rustic. They also have a vital role in the ecosystem, as they attract and nurture pollinators.  

• They are little drops of sun, so they prefer full sun but can handle partial sun. 
• Ideal soil pH is 6.8. 
• Soil should be moist but well-drained. 

Coneflowers

Growing up to five feet tall, coneflowers command attention with their height and red, pink, orange, and yellow hues. They are also heat and drought resistant. 

• Full sun is preferred, but some varieties are fine in partial shade. 
• Neutral soil is needed, in the pH range of 6.5 to 7. 
• Provide around one inch of water every week (a little more when it’s hot). 

Bluestar

Periwinkle star-like flowers with slender petals and long leaves, bluestars are unique and provide really cool, feathery foliage when they are not in bloom.  

• Bluestars thrive in full sun or partial sun/shade. 
• Soil pH should be 6.2 to 7. 
• If growing in full sun, they should stay moist. They need fewer waterings if planted in partial shade. 

Daylilies

Daylilies are vibrant and charming. They are tough and resilient blooms that are resistant to disease, pests, and drought.  

• Daylilies love full sun but will pretty much grow under most conditions. 
• Best in pH 6 to 8 soil, but again, will thrive in practically any soil. 
• One inch of water every week will keep your daylilies happy. 

Lavender

These iconic purple flowers not only provide color throughout the year but also attract pollinators. They are also harvestable. Use them for flavor in delicate desserts or tea — or bask in their scent in vases or potpourri throughout your home. 

• Lavender flowers need full sun. 
• Slightly alkaline, pH 6.7 to 7.3, soil is needed — they will die in acidic soil. 
• Young lavender should be watered once a week or so, while mature lavender should only be watered every few weeks. It is really easy to overwater lavender. 

Aparajita

With heavenly shaded blue/purple petals, it’s not surprising that this flower is a holy offering to Shiva. Aparajita flowers are also called Asian Pigeonwings, Bluebell Vines, and Butterfly Pea. 

• Aparajita flowers thrive in full sun. 
• The soil should be well-drained, somewhat sandy soil with a pH of 6.6 to 7.5 
• Mist or spray Aparajita every day. 

Get the Most Out of Your Garden

Year-round flowers are a beautiful backbone for any back (or front) yard, but to best customize your garden, you may want to talk with your landscaper. They can provide excellent recommendations based on your hardiness zone, gardening experience, and personal preferences. Contact us today and let us help you create your dream garden.