The Rural Legend
Jun 7, 2022
Updated: Jun 2, 2023
I just shared my 3 simple tips for how to get those summer potted plants looking as healthy and gorgeous as possible, but what plants should you choose in the first place?!
Everyone has their own styles and favorites, but here are my top 3 sun and shade plants I make sure to grab every year. Note: I live in Zone 6b and these are only available as annuals for me, they might be perennials depending on where you live!
My absolutely hands down very favorite potted plant for summer and here's why - they're drought resistant! I may love gardening and know a thing or two about planting, but I definitely get forgetful about watering every day! This plant loves me anyway and shows up every day with gorgeous neon blooms and the cutest little succulent leaves that spread and cascade in hanging baskets and planters. Plus, port-chew-lacka is pretty fun to say, lol!
Zinnias will always have a special place in my heart because they were my grandmother's favorite flower. I grow them from seed every year and they are SO easy to grow! They bloom all summer long and into the fall so you'll have vibrant and varied colors for months! I make sure to buy the mammoth zinnias for the best blooms! Oh and they may AWESOME cut flowers too!
To some they may seem a bit boring, but not only to they continue to bloom for months, they help to keep pests away from your garden! I always make sure to plant some in between my vegetables to deter bugs and rabbits!
I clearly have a thing for vibrancy! I absolutely adore the dark almost black leaves against the neon hot pink and coral of the blooms! They also have a long bloom time so enjoy those colors!
Who says you need flowers to get color? While these DO produce small flowers, I love filling pots with different varieties of coleus because the leaves are absolutely breathtaking! Pro tip: when they start to flower, pinch the flowers off to encourage the plant to spread outward rather than upward.
If you're a rose and peony lover, this one's for you! I love the layered frilled petals and what's even better is their long bloom time compared to their larger look-a-likes.