Planting flowers can be a good way to brighten your landscape. Before you decide which summer flowers to plant, find out what hardiness zone you are in. That way, you can choose flowers that grow well in your climate. Try to find out if the flowers have other benefits such as deterring wildlife or attracting butterflies. Think about whether you want annuals that will only last one season or perennials that will come up year after year.
Geographic areas defined by the climate and type of plants which can grow there are known as hardiness zones. Before you plant summer flowers, you should know what hardiness zone you are in. You can normally find this information by consulting an almanac or a local agricultural extension agency.
Once you know what hardiness zone you are in, you can choose summer flowers that will prosper. This information can sometimes be found on the back of seed packets. Almanacs and plant catalogs may also list the recommended hardiness zones for various plants. If you are unable to find the information in one of these areas, do not be afraid to ask an associate at a local nursery to help you select the right flowers.
Decide what purpose you have for planting flowers. If you are interested in using them in a bouquet, choose colorful ones that will look nice in a floral arrangement, and think about the color scheme for your bouquet as well. Summer flowers could also be used as an edging or border next to shrubs, hostas, or herbs. You may want to select specimens that will attract bees and butterflies if you would like to make sure other plants, such as vegetables, are pollinated.
Look at the area where you plan to make a flowerbed. Try to determine the amount of sunlight that location gets every day as well as the type of soil found there. When choosing summer flowers, consider these factors so you will find specimens that will thrive in that location.
The process of choosing summer flowers is largely a matter of personal preference. No matter where you live, you can find many varieties that will grow well in that area. You may want to choose several types so you can have a variety of flowers in your garden. Doing so can brighten a landscape whether you plant them in a large garden space or simply in patio containers.