Revitalize your spirit with bold and colorful blooms! Winter is almost behind us, making it the ideal time to refresh your flowerbeds and container gardens with a boost of flower power. At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we are here to help you grow! Escape in the beauty of our wonderful selection of vibrant annuals and choose the blooms that are ideal for you and your home.
Need inspiration? Explore these 6 fabulous options perfect for early spring color.
1: GERANIUMS
Geraniums are a favorite to many gardeners and are also known as Pelargonium, meaning “stork’s bill”, referring to the pointed shape of the seedpods. They have unique, upright blooms in bright pops of color. The flowers are lightly scented and they are wonderful for cutting.
This time of year, Geraniums thrive best in container gardens that can easily be relocated if Jack Frost makes a few more appearances. Pair with stylish pottery for maximum impact and a well-draining soil like Calloway’s Premium Container Potting Soil to give your plants the best start. Place your plants in an area that receives 4-6 hours of sunlight a day and water when the top two inches of the soil is dry.
2: PETUNIAS
Petunias are a quintessential spring bloom. They are cherished for their bright, trumpet-like blossoms and long flowering period. This fast-growing annual comes in many colors and patterns that thrive in our Texas sun.
Petunias are easy to grow and extremely versatile. They perform well in flowerbeds, container gardens, and hanging baskets. Plant in areas that receive full. They are relatively heat tolerant and enjoy a thorough watering about once a week.
3: AFRICAN DAISY
Osteospermum, commonly known as African Daisy, is a cool season annual ideal for the early spring. While the blooms may mirror a classic daisy, the vivid coloring does not. African Daisies feature striking blooms in a myriad of gorgeous gradients and hues. In fact, when African Daisies first hit the market, some even thought they were hand-dyed.
When planting in the early spring, these blooms perform best in containers so they can be sheltered from any potential cold snaps. They can be planted in your landscape, in an area with full sun and well-draining soil like Calloway’s Premium Flowerbed Garden Soil. Provide with at least one inch of water per week and aim to keep the soil evenly moist.
4: SNAPDRAGON
Plant to attract pollinators with the dynamic blooms of Snapdragons. The tall spikes are lightly scented, and a favorite for attracting bees and hummingbirds. Snapdragons bloom profusely during the cooler months, and they can repeat bloom throughout the season. You will enjoy watching your winged friends as they fly from bloom to bloom.
Snapdragons are great for filling your container gardens, mass plantings, and borders. Place in areas with full sun to partial shade. Planting them in a partially shaded space can help them last through the summer, if well-watered. Snapdragons need at least one inch of water per week during periods of drought. Water near the crown of the plant and avoid watering overhead to keep your flowers healthy.
5: BEGONIAS
Begonias are a wonderful addition to any sunny or shady garden. They are compact growers with frilly flowers and attractive foliage. There are many types to choose from including Big® Red Bronze Leaf or Rieger Begonias. Although the most common varieties are Senator iQ and Ambassador Begonias. Senator iQ are one of the darkest bronze-leaf varieties you will find, lending a beautiful contrast between flowers and foliage. Ambassador are known for their early, large flowers and rich green leaves.
If you are planting a bronze leaf variety, plant in areas with full to partial sun. Begonias with green leaves are more sensitive to the sun and thrive best in shade to partial shade. They are ideal for filling your flowerbeds, containers, borders, hanging baskets, and mass plantings with texture and color.
6: STOCK
Stock is one of the most fragrant spring flowers! It is an upright and dynamic plant that produces beautiful double blooms. This flower is prized for its lovely color and perfume-scent and makes for excellent cut flowers. It has an upright growth and medium texture that blends well into gardens and it’s a good choice for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Stock blooms can be expected to last through late summer, offering continuous blooms in sunny gardens with proper care. It is an excellent choice for an accent plant in containers, borders, or in mass plantings and prefers a moist and well-draining soil to thrive.
CARE TIPS
To keep your early spring garden happy and healthy, feed your plants with Calloway’s Premium Flower Food. Our 12-4-8 specialized formula contains nitrogen, Fx Iron®, phosphate, and other key ingredients to help your flowers bloom with big, bold color! Use as directed for your added gardening success.
SHOP WITH EASE
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we have everything you need to add flower power to your early spring garden! Visit us today and explore our entire collection of seasonal blooms, fantastic pottery, and so much more! Shop our neighborhood stores or shop online now!
Have questions? Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals; they are here to help!
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