10 easy-to-grow species
As summer approaches, we are all looking for an idea to brighten up the decor of our balcony, terrace or garden. And what could be better than some greens that are not afraid of scorching temperatures? Pretty and very easy to grow, full sun perennials are a great idea to consider this year. In a planter or in beds, they give off a pleasant fragrance and bring life to the outdoor space. But then, which perennial species to choose for resistant and colorful planters? 10 ideas to grow in the ground, in containers or in pots! Acanthus, Yarrow, Gaillardia, Poppies, Campanula… pretty and easy to grow, they will almost completely disappear in winter and bloom again each spring.
Full-Sun Perennials – 10 Outdoor Space Must-Haves
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a nice outdoor space. However, those who have a balcony, a terrace or a south-facing garden, know that it can sometimes become a real headache. A sun that beats there all day could indeed damage both your outdoor furniture and your greenery, especially if they are not resistant to scorching temperatures. Full-sun perennials, maintenance, landscaping and tips… the pros at Deavita.fr give you everything on the subject!
Basic rules for taking the best care of your full-sun plants
Although they are full sun plants that don’t mind the heat, their maintenance should not be taken lightly. So, before revealing our list of perennials, here is some information to consider in order to successfully flower a south-facing outdoor space. First, it is important to plant them when the risk of frost is low (April, May). Then, you have to offer them brand new potting soil and containers with drainage holes. To improve the latter, consider laying a layer of clay bile. If you want to plant several perennials in the same planter, they must have the same needs (exposure, watering, fertilizer).
In any case, they produce more effect when grown in groups. To create a tiered garden, combine several staggered flowering perennials. The right order? Place the spring species in the background, the summer ones in the middle and the autumn ones in the foreground. This way, the spring plants will be full height in May, while the fall ones may only be a few centimeters tall.
Use a potting soil for geraniums and consider fertilizer from June to August. Using time-release fertilizer cones throughout the season is very suitable, as frequent watering in full sun tends to leave the soil without its valuable minerals. Hoeing and installing an automatic watering system is also a very good idea to consider to take the best care of your perennials. Once planted, these will shed their leaves in the fall and regrow in the spring thanks to their strong, sturdy roots. So, no need to buy it for 4-5 years. Grown in the ground, they limit the proliferation of weeds. However, a division is necessary when the stumps become too large.
Which full-sun perennials are right for you? Make your choice based on exposure and location. Some species are easier to grow than others. Here are 10 to consider for your garden or terrace!
Acanthus
Acanthus is a perennial plant of the Acanthaceae family that grows in dry and rocky places. It has around thirty species of varying heights, six of which are qualified in Europe. Acanthus is a giant, durable and vigorous plant, easy to grow in any rich, deep and well-drained soil in beds, borders or isolated. Moreover, it makes pretty bouquets dry or fresh. Thanks to its pretty imposing foliage and its dressed flower spikes, it brings a very graphic and contemporary touch to the garden. On the watering side, water copiously until recovery, then water moderately. The soil should remain cool in summer, but never waterlogged. At the end of the season, the plant goes dormant and its leaves turn yellow. It is therefore useless to water it too much.
The Alyssum
Another long-blooming, but this time perennial, full-sun plant is alyssum, which blooms in yellow, white, pink, or purple. To be planted directly in the garden or grown in a pot on the sunny balcony or terrace, this subshrub with tender flowers which rarely reaches more than 10 cm in height, is super aesthetic and quite hardy.
The delicate Campanula
Another idea to add to the full sun planter this spring-summer is the bellflower. Bellflowers are among the romantic and delicate flowering perennials that we have the great pleasure of presenting to you. Easy to care for, bellflower flowers adorn borders and flower pots from May until September. Ideal for country-chic gardens, the perennial vine with lavender blue, white or red flowers is well suited to growing in containers, rockeries, borders and ground covers.
The Gaillarde
Gaillardia is the ideal perennial (or annual) to bring color and warmth to your sunny rocky beds or balcony, from June to October. Long and lasting flowering, vibrant colors and easy maintenance, our grandmothers’ favorite perennial has more than one asset. Of South African origin, the gaillardia (or gazania) seduces with its magnificent colorful flowers, similar to those of daisies, and with petals organized around a pretty yellow peduncle. To take advantage of its magnificent flowering throughout the summer, it is best to plant it in a soil that is at the same time light, poor, well drained and sandy. In addition, she loves scorching temperatures, but also tolerates cold very well (down to -20°C).
Molene
Also called Verbascum or broth-blanc, mullein is a biennial or perennial plant that offers a rich and luminous bloom, composed of yellow, white, pink, mauve or orange flowers. It is also appreciated for its large silvery leaves. It brings a lot of structure and verticality in the massifs. Mullein is undemanding and easy to grow. It is perfectly adapted to dry and poor soils, and likes full sun. You can therefore integrate it into a Mediterranean-style garden, a rockery or a massif!
Dwarf Carnations
Still called “flower of God”, carnations are perennials particularly appreciated for their colorful, abundant and long-lasting flowering. They like the hot and dry climate. They are planted in the spring, but they can also be planted in late summer. They require a sunny and well cleared site. These plants like rich, well-drained soil. They can adapt to limestone and drought. Even if the dwarf carnations do not allow much special maintenance, regular watering is essential just after planting to promote rooting. Ditto for periods of great heat. As for faded flowers, remove them regularly. A cleaning of the clumps during the winter is in order.