If you're looking to make a colourful, decorative statement in your garden or outdoor space, bedding plants are a perfect choice.
And luckily, here at Gardeners Dream, we've put together everything you need to know to create your own beautiful bedding plant displays! From which plants are suitable for bedding to when to plant them, join us as we answer all your bedding plant questions.
What are bedding plants?
Bedding plants are decorative options that tend to only last for one season. While most people think of summer when they think of bedding plants, spring bedding plants and even winter bedding plants are available for those wanting to inject colour into their space in the cooler months.
Often used to create displays, they are ideal for both the seasoned gardener and the gardening beginner looking to transform their outside space. They are also often used in borders and decorative flower beds, but can also make an impression when planted in pots and hanging baskets.
Why choose bedding plants?
Bedding plants provide quick and easy bursts of colour. Because of their temporary nature, they are great for getting creative with; for experimenting with colours and styles until you find what works best for you and your garden.
Bedding plants are also incredibly versatile. They do not come only in the form of flowers - you can also find foliage bedding plants, and climbing bedding plants.
When to plant bedding plants
Bedding plants can be grown directly from seeds, bought from young seeds (also known as plug plants), or even bought pot-grown and ready to plant. Winter and spring bedding plants begin to be sown in May through to late July and can be planted in September through to October. Summer bedding plants are sown between February and April and are best planted in spring (around May) ready for summer bloom.
What are winter bedding plants?
If you're looking for plants to see you through the winter, now is the ideal time to start looking. Bedding plants for autumn and winter are also known as biennials or perennials and are ideal for bringing colour and life to your garden in the colder months.
Some of the most popular winter bedding plants include;
Pansies: available in a wide variety of shades and with a longer bloom period than most other winter bedding plants, pansies are ideal for those looking for a long-lasting seasonal flower.
Primrose: these beautiful flowers begin to bloom in mid-winter.
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Cyclamen:
with flowering beginning in December, these bright magenta flowers are ideal for a bold pop of colour through winter.
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Bellis: this plant is a larger species of the common daisy, boasting pretty pink, red and white flowers throughout winter.
Polyanthus. These flowers are strong and long-lasting, with sturdy stems that guarantee a colourful display all throughout winter.
What are summer bedding plants?
Summer bedding plants are also known as annuals. These flowers require protection from the frost and therefore thrive in warmer temperatures.
Some of the most popular summer bedding plants include;
Petunias: these stunning blooms are available in a variety of shades and patterns. Petunias are great for hanging baskets, or for adding interest to a flower bed.
Cosmos: these large, flat flowers are available in attractive pink shades and are perfect for those looking for bedding plants to attract bees.
Californian Poppy: this beautiful plant offers bold colours with minimal effort - it can be sown directly into the soil, and the poppy will self-seed.
Geranium: this plant is best suited to warm and dry conditions, in which it will continue to flower all through summer.
If you're looking to transform your garden, look no further than the full collection at Gardeners Dream. From
indoor plants
and
outdoor plants
to
gardening tools
, you're sure to find the perfect options to inject a breath of fresh air into your garden.
