For urban gardeners, planter boxes are a fantastic way to bring life and color to balconies, patios, and small spaces. The key to a vibrant display that lasts from spring through fall is selecting the right plants known for their long bloom time. Here are some champion bloomers perfect for your urban containers.
Annuals for Non-Stop Color:
* Petunias: A classic choice, modern petunias, especially the 'Supertunia' or 'Wave' varieties, are prolific bloomers that thrive in full sun. They are self-cleaning, meaning no deadheading is required for continuous flowers.
* Calibrachoa (Million Bells): Resembling tiny petunias, these plants are covered in hundreds of small, bell-shaped flowers. They are heat-tolerant and trail beautifully over the edges of planter boxes.
* Begonias: For shadier spots, begonias are unbeatable. Both wax begonias and dragon-wing types provide constant color with very little maintenance and are quite drought-tolerant.
* Lantana: This tough plant loves heat and sun. Its clusters of flowers bloom relentlessly and are excellent for attracting butterflies to your urban oasis.
Perennials for Lasting Performance:
* Geraniums (Pelargoniums): A staple for sunny boxes, geraniums offer large, bold flower heads that repeat bloom all season long with minimal care.
* Salvia: Varieties like 'Mystic Spires Blue' send up spikes of flowers that bloom for months and are highly attractive to pollinators.
* Coreopsis: This perennial brings a cheerful, daisy-like appearance and, if deadheaded occasionally, will produce a massive amount of flowers from early summer into fall.
Pro-Tips for Extended Blooms:
To maximize your flowering display, ensure your planter boxes have adequate drainage. Use a high-quality potting mix and fertilize regularly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to support constant growth and flowering. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages many plants to produce new buds instead of going to seed.
By choosing these long-blooming stars, you can create a stunning and enduring floral showcase in the heart of the city.