Set and forget tips for a colorful garden with minimal effort! Discover vibrant, long-blooming and low-maintenance plants for lazy and busy gardeners alike.
If you’ve always dreamed of nonstop colorful flowers in your garden that are easy to grow with minimal maintenance, I got you! With the arrival of planting season, now is a great time to start planning and getting your everblooming flower garden ready for next year.
Having a garden that’s always in bloom requires some thought but is not difficult to achieve. The idea behind this landscape design is to plant things with different bloom times as well as plants with color and interesting foliage so there is always something blooming and changing in flower beds. It’s gardening for all seasons at its finest!
Follow these garden design ideas and include these low-maintenance plants to grow for a colorful, everblooming oasis.
And be sure to get my FREE printable must-have plant list for what to plant to get continual color and blooms throughout the growing season at the end of this post.
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How to Plant a Garden That Blooms All Year Long
Before planting and growing a garden, we need to plan ahead and do some research. There are a few basics you’ll need to take to ensure for the success of a flower garden that will bloom all season long.
Know Your Hardiness Zone
Before beginning, we need to understand what hardiness zone we live in. Knowing our hardiness zone helps us understand how plants will survive in our climates. I live in New Jersey, gardening Zone 6b, so certain plants won’t survive outside during the depths of winter.
In those cases, they are either treated as annuals or they must be overwintered indoors. Moreover, some summer-loving annuals may not thrive in cool spring weather. So it’s important to understand how plants will adapt to conditions before designing your colorful landscape.
- Not sure what your hardiness zone is? Click here to find out.
- Want to check your first and last frost date? Click here.
Understand Your Growing Conditions
Before choosing bright flowers, we need to know what light conditions we have. And they may be different in various spots of our property. Depending on where the garden is sited, check to see how much sunlight your gets.
- full sun (6-8 hours)
- part sun (4-6 hours),
- shade (less than 4 hours)
Check Water Drainage
Another key part of any garden is understanding water drainage conditions. The last thing you want is to plant a beautiful garden and then discover it flooded with the first spring rain!
I recommend using the early spring months to observe your garden when it rains (or when snow starts to melt!) and see where the water goes. Some plants love very moist conditions, while others thrive in drier conditions. Make sure to plan your planting strategically so each plant gets the water conditions it needs.
To check your drainage, dig a hole about 6” deep and wide and see how quickly it drains over the course of a few hours.
Check the Soil Before Planting a Colorful Garden
So many people do not test their soil. If you want to ensure success with what you grow, I strongly recommend testing the soil with a kit like this one. Understanding soil quality is the key to gardening success because that soil is what feeds your plants. If it is lacking nutrients, the blooms may not be as prolific and you could experience plant decline.
Do Some Colorful Garden Research and Find Inspiration for What You Love
Look at other garden designs to see what’s blooming throughout the year. Search Google, Pinterest, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube, and Instagram for more garden inspiration. Find local gardeners in your area and see what they grow. That’s a great indicator those plants could grow well in your garden too. Visit your local nursery once a month if possible to see what’s in bloom.
This will give you a rough idea of what’s in bloom at that time. And it gives you a sense of the color, texture, size, and style you gravitate to as well.
Determine the Overall Size of Your Garden
Before purchasing plants, it’s important to know how big your garden is so you know what size plants to get. It’s a good idea to create a garden layout after determining the overall size you have to work with. If the garden is on the smaller side, you’ll want to be cognizant of purchasing plants with various bloom times, then mix in some annuals in spring and again in fall for continuous color.
Consider Wildlife
What animals live in your area that is known to eat plants? For me, deer are a huge problem so I follow these tips to deer proof my garden and focus on choosing the right plants. I lean towards planting deer resistant flowers or using deer repellents to help keep my colorful flowers intact throughout the growing season.
Read this article for my go-to list of deer resistant flowers.
Designing a Colorful Garden: Think About the Big Picture
It’s important to think about all of the small details if you want a garden that blooms all year, but don’t forget about the big picture! Think about the purpose of your garden and the location within your property when planning for continuous blooms.
Is your garden along the front of your house? Plan garden beds to ensure the tallest plants are at the back. Is your garden in the backyard near vegetable gardens? Seek out plants that attract pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Want to create a cut flower garden? Keep that goal in mind when selecting plants.
Quick Tips for Having an Ever blooming Colorful Garden
Now that we’ve covered some flower gardening 101 basics, here are some tips for bringing your garden design with lots of colorful flowers vision to life.
- Check the hardiness zones of each plant. Will they survive in your climate?
- Read plant tags to determine light requirements, size, and bloom times. Tip: To get the most bang for your buck, choose plants with long bloom times.
- Plant a mix of evergreen shrubs and trees, deciduous flowering shrubs, perennials, bulbs, and annuals. Planting a mix with evergreens will give you year-long interest.
- Talk to other gardeners. See what works for them and check out the plants they use.
- For novice gardeners and those that think they kill plants should seek out easy-care, low maintenance plants that don’t require a lot of work like these.
- In addition to planting trees, shrubs, bulbs, and perennials, be sure to tuck in spring and fall annuals for instant seasonal color.
The Best Spring to Fall Blooming Flowers: Creating a Colorful Garden That Looks Good All Year Long
When designing a garden, choose plants that will start to bloom in early spring, spring, late spring, early summer, etc.
You get the idea.
For good colorful garden design, we want the bloom times to overlap so there’s always something growing and changing in the landscape. There are lots of plants and flowers that will provide color, texture and interest throughout the growing season.
Here are a few plants I grow in my zone 6a New Jersey garden:
Late Winter and Early Spring Blooming Plants
- Hellebores (Lenten Rose): A shade loving perennial, hellebores are one of the first flowers to bloom, even when snow covered. They are evergreen plants that keep their foliage color all year round.
- Tulips: Tulips are a classic spring flower that come in a wide variety of colors, including red, yellow, orange, pink, and purple. They are relatively easy to care for and can be planted in the fall or early spring.
- Daffodils: Daffodils are another popular spring flower that come in yellow, white, and orange. They are also easy to care for and can be planted in the fall or early spring.
- Iris: Irises are a beautiful spring flower that come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, yellow, and white. They are relatively easy to care for and can be planted in the fall or early spring.
- Pansies: Pansies are a versatile flower that can be planted in the fall or early spring. They come in a wide variety of colors, including blue, purple, yellow, and white.
These are just a few of the many early spring blooming plants that you can add to your garden. With a little planning, you can create a beautiful and colorful display that will brighten your day.
Here are some additional tips for growing early spring blooming plants:
- Plant your bulbs in the fall, at least six weeks before the first frost.
- Choose a location that gets full sun.
- Amend the soil with compost or manure before planting.
- Water your bulbs regularly, especially during dry periods.
- After the flowers have bloomed, deadhead them to encourage new growth.
Late Spring and Summer Blooming Flowers for a Low-Maintenance Colorful Garden
- Peonies: Peonies are showy, fragrant blooms in shades of pink, white, and red. These classic favorites are relatively easy to care for and can be planted in the fall.
- Roses: Available in a vast array of colors and forms, roses are the queen of flowers. They require some care and attention but reward you with stunning beauty throughout the summer months.
- Hydrangea: Hydrangea shrubs produce large, rounded clusters of blooms in blue, pink, or white, depending on soil pH. They add a touch of romance to any garden and are relatively low-maintenance.
- Nepeta (Catmint): Beloved by pollinators, nepeta boasts lavender-blue flowers. It’s low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and perfect for adding a touch of whimsy.
- Salvia: Salvia plants produce spiky flowers in shades of blue, purple, red, and pink. They are a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies, bringing life and movement to your garden.
- Echinacea (Coneflower): These daisy-like flowers come in purple, pink, or white with a prominent central cone. Coneflowers are drought-tolerant, long-lasting, and add a touch of wildflower charm.
- Yarrow (Achillea): Featuring clusters of small, flat-topped flowers in shades of yellow, white, pink, and red, Yarrow is a drought-tolerant and low-maintenance perennial. It attracts pollinators and adds a touch of wildflower beauty to any garden.
- Heucheras (Coral Bells): Even when not in bloom, these plants offer colorful foliage in shades of green, purple, bronze, and red. Heucheras are perfect for adding year-round color to your garden.
- Coreopsis (Tickseed): These cheerful yellow, orange, or red daisy-like flowers are low-maintenance and bloom for an extended period. Coreopsis bring a sunny disposition to any space.
- Snapdragons: These tall spikes of brightly colored flowers add vertical interest to the garden. Snapdragons come in various colors and are a favorite of both gardeners and pollinators.
- Strawflower: These papery, everlasting flowers come in vibrant colors and are ideal for dried arrangements. Strawflowers add a touch of whimsy and can be enjoyed long after the growing season ends.
Late Summer and Fall Blooming Flowers For a Colorful Garden
- Russian Sage: This shrub-like perennial produces tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, adding a touch of airy elegance to the garden.
- Marigold: These cheerful annuals come in shades of yellow, orange, and red, brightening the garden as summer fades. They are easy to grow and attract pollinators.
- Lavender: Known for its fragrant purple flowers and calming aroma, lavender blooms in late spring and often continues into fall. It thrives in sunny, well-drained soil.
- Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan): These iconic wildflowers boast bright yellow petals with a dark central cone. Black eyed susans are easy to grow and attract butterflies.
- Hostas: While primarily grown for their foliage, hostas produce delicate lavender or white flowers in late summer. They thrive in shady areas and add texture and color to the garden.
- Dahlias: These showstoppers come in a wide array of colors and forms, adding drama and flair to the fall garden. Dahlias require some care but reward with stunning blooms.
- Zinnias: These vibrant annuals come in a rainbow of colors and bloom profusely until frost. Zinnias are easy to grow and attract pollinators.
- Asters: These daisy-like flowers bloom in shades of purple, pink, blue, and white, providing a burst of color as the season winds down. They are a favorite of pollinators.
- Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’: This succulent perennial produces clusters of pink flowers that deepen to bronze-red in the fall. Sedum Autumn Joy is drought-tolerant and attracts butterflies.
- Joe Pye Weed: This tall perennial produces large, fluffy clusters of pink or purple flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. It thrives in moist soil and adds a touch of wildness to the garden.
Remember, specific bloom times can vary depending on your climate and local conditions. It’s always best to consult with a local nursery or gardening expert for the most accurate information for your area.
Evergreen Plants
- Viburnum
- Boxwoods
- Azaleas
- Laurels
- Euonymus
How Do You Plant a Colorful Garden?
Planting a colorful garden isn’t just about picking vibrant blooms! It’s a process that involves planning, choosing the right plants, and caring for them properly.
Here’s are some quick tips for designing a colorful garden that’s always in bloom.
Planning
- Know your zone: This helps you choose plants suited to your climate’s temperature and rainfall. Find your USDA Hardiness Zone here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
- Consider sunlight and shade: Map out your garden’s sun exposure throughout the day. Choose plants based on their light requirements.
- Pick a color scheme: Do you want a rainbow explosion or a specific mood (monochromatic, complementary colors)? Use a color wheel for inspiration. Think blue flowers, purple flowers, pink flowers, and more.
- Think about bloom times: Select plants with staggered flowering periods to ensure continuous color. Research perennials with multiple bloom times or short-lived annuals for pops of color.
Choosing Plants
- Mix perennials, shrubs, and annuals: Perennials return year after year, shrubs provide structure, and annuals fill in gaps with seasonal color.
- Don’t forget foliage: Plants like coleus, hostas, and ornamental grasses add color even when not blooming.
- Attract pollinators: Include butterfly– and bee-friendly flowers like zinnias, lavender, and coneflowers.
- Choose native plants: Native plants are easy to grow, low-maintanence and attract pollinators with minimal effort.
Designing A Garden That’s Always in Bloom
Once you’ve determined the plants and flowers you want to grow in your garden, it’s time to start planning a garden layout that will support your goal of continuous blooms.
Here are a few steps you can take for strategic garden design:
- Categorize Your Plants: Start by putting your plants into categories, focusing first on their bloom times while also considering their height, light requirements and water needs.
- Measure and Map Out Your Garden Beds: Get clear on exactly how much space you have for planting and map out garden beds that get full-sun, partial sun and shade. Also keep in mind where you may have already planted bulbs or perennial plants.
- Decide Where to Plant Each Flower: Now that you have your flowers categorized and a map of your garden, match the plants up with the best places for them in the garden.
Use these steps to plan your garden out before you start buying plants and you’ll be much less likely to waste money on plants you don’t actually need.
Planting and Care
- Consider maintenance: Choose plants that suit your time and energy commitment. Low-maintenance options include daylilies, sedums, and verbena.
- Prepare the soil: Amend your soil with compost, leaf mold, or other organic matter for better drainage and nutrient retention.
- Plant at the right depth and spacing: Follow instructions on plant tags or research online. Overcrowding can hinder growth and flowering.
- Water regularly: Especially during establishment and dry periods. Deep watering encourages strong root growth.
- mulch: A layer of mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Deadhead spent blooms: Deadheading flowers encourages continued blooms and keeps your garden looking tidy.
- Group plants strategically: The key to gardening for all seasons is to plant flowers with different bloom times together. You don’t want all your early spring plants in one garden bed, for example, because that one will because brown and bare by summer. Instead, plant your garden in layers making sure each area of your garden has plants for each growing season so that there is always color throughout the year!
Colorful Garden Bonus Tips
- Use container gardening for small spaces or adding bursts of color.
- Get creative with vertical gardening using trellises, hanging baskets, and wall planters.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try new plants and color combinations to find what works best in your garden.
Keep in mind that a colorful garden that is always in bloom is a work in progress. It won’t happen after one season of planting it. Enjoy the process of learning, experimenting, and watching your vibrant flower garden come to life!
Is 4-Season Gardening Possible?
Although areas like where I live (New Jersey, Gardening Zone 6b) experience cold, dark winters, that doesn’t mean you can’t continue the color year-round.
While you may not see blooms year-round, planting conical evergreen trees provides interest throughout the season and gives the eye a place to rest in the gardens.
Choose wisely when selecting evergreens for the garden, particularly if planting next to or near your home. Many evergreen trees grow very large and very tall. Read the plant tag and check the overall size at maturity before planting.
There are lots of evergreen tree and shrub options that fit well in smaller gardens or next to homes.
More About Colorful Garden Design Ideas
Are you creating a colorful flower garden that’s always in bloom? What plants do you enjoy growing for nonstop color? I would love to know more in the comments below.
Learn more about reblooming plants with this informative article from the University of Minnesota Cooperative Extension.
To drill down on more beginner gardening techniques and tips, please read these posts:
Want to Learn What to Plant for an Everblooming Colorful Garden?
Click here to get my FREE Must-Have Plant List! Be the plant parent you’ve always wanted to be with these tried and true flowers that will give you a beautiful garden that’s always in bloom.
More Related Posts
- Deer-Proofing Your Garden
- Cut Flower Gardening for the Beginner
- The Basics of Hydrangea Care
- How to Deadhead Flowers
- Why and How to Divide Perennials
- How to Start Seeds Indoors
- Designing a Garden That’s Always in Bloom
Thanks for stopping by the blog today!
Enjoy your day! xoxo
My friend Chas from Chas Crazy Creations has some cool organic ways to keep the pests and weeds at bay in the garden.
Stop by her page and check them out!
