Unlimited Flower Power
Did you know that according to recent research, there are nearly 400,000 flowering plants in the world? However, despite the impressive number of options available to gardeners, fewer than 5% of those plants are regularly grown. So what are the most common ornamental flowers around the world? Well, here are some of the most popular flowers according to Gardening Know How visitors.
Understanding Your Flower Options
Just like people, some flowers live for the sunshine. Others would much rather have some protection from the rays. What this means for gardeners of all skill levels, is that the key to growing happy, healthy flowers usually starts with knowing which ones will thrive in different parts of your garden space.
Full Sun vs. Shade
A dark patch in your yard doesn’t always mean you can’t add some pops of color. In fact, the right flowers planted in just the right place will most certainly brighten up an otherwise dark corner. So what flowers grow well in the shade? Let’s find out!
Shade-Tolerant Flowers
While most flowers require full sun to bloom, there are many varieties that can thrive in the shade. Some popular shade-tolerant flowers include:
- Impatiens
- Coleus
- Begonias
- Ferns
- Hostas
These flowers are perfect for adding a pop of color to your shaded areas. Just make sure to choose varieties that are specifically bred for shade tolerance.
Full Sun Flowers
Of course, other spots in your garden may have the opposite problem – a full day’s worth of sun beating down. The same way that shade shouldn’t prevent you from growing beautiful flowers. Discover many popular, full sun flowers that you can grow.
Popular Full Sun Flowers
Some popular full sun flowers include:
- Roses
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Petunias
These flowers are perfect for adding a burst of color to your sunny areas. Just make sure to choose varieties that are specifically bred for full sun tolerance.
Know Your Zone
In addition to understanding the sunlight that is or is not reaching your gardening space, it’s also helpful to know your zone. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map can help you determine the likelihood that certain plants will thrive in your garden. In late 2023, the USDA updated its zone maps for all 50 states. Click the image below to see what exact zone you’re gardening in, and learn what it means for your garden.
Dig Deeper Into Flower Bulbs, Cacti & More
In general, ornamental gardening can be broken down into dozens of sub-categories, including succulents and cacti, flower bulbs, vines, ground cover, and so much more. To help guide you on your journey, we’ve made several of these subcategories easily accessible below:
Flower Bulbs
Flower bulbs are a great way to add a pop of color to your garden. They’re easy to plant and require minimal maintenance. Some popular flower bulbs include:
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Hyacinths
- Crocuses
- Gardenias
Succulents and Cacti
Succulents and cacti are perfect for adding a unique touch to your garden. They’re low-maintenance and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some popular succulents and cacti include:
- Aloe vera
- Echeveria
- Crassula
- Sedum
- Prickly pear
Vines
Vines are a great way to add some vertical interest to your garden. They can be trained to climb up trellises or walls. Some popular vines include:
- Clematis
- Honeysuckle
- English ivy
- Boston ivy
- Virginia creeper
Ground Cover
Ground cover is a great way to add some texture and interest to your garden. It can be used to cover large areas or create a border. Some popular ground cover options include:
- Creeping thyme
- Sweet woodruff
- Vinca minor
- Pachysandra
- Ajuga
Want More Flowers? Try These Bushes, Shrubs & Trees
Many of the most popular flowers grown all around the world are found on bushes, shrubs, and trees. Below you’ll find the most popular flowering bushes, shrubs, and trees that Gardening Know How users are growing.
Flowering Bushes
Flowering bushes are a great way to add a pop of color to your garden. They’re easy to plant and require minimal maintenance. Some popular flowering bushes include:
- Hydrangea
- Rose bushes
- Azalea
- Camellia
- Gardenia
Flowering Shrubs
Flowering shrubs are a great way to add some texture and interest to your garden. They can be used to create a hedge or border. Some popular flowering shrubs include:
- Rhododendron
- Lilac
- Forsythia
- Weigela
- Viburnum
Flowering Trees
Flowering trees are a great way to add some drama and interest to your garden. They can be used to create a stunning focal point. Some popular flowering trees include:
- Cherry blossoms
- Apple blossoms
- Magnolia
- Dogwood
- Crabapple
Annuals, Perennials & Biennials
The life cycle of nearly all plants can be divided into three categories: annuals, perennials, and biennials. Understanding the differences between each can help gardeners determine not only when and how they grow, but also how to use them in the garden.
What is an Annual Plant?
The simple answer to “what is an annual plant?” is, generally speaking, a plant that dies within one growing season. However, learning more about annuals can also help ensure they can thrive in your space. Annuals are perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden, but they do require replanting every year.
What is a Perennial Plant?
Perennials are plants that live on year after year. Of course, because perennials will most-likely come back, they actually can be a bit more work in the long-run than annuals. Perennials are perfect for adding some texture and interest to your garden, and they can be used to create a border or hedge.
What is a Biennial Plant?
In its most basic definition, biennials are flowering plants that have a two-year biological cycle. However, there is much more to know about these unique plants if you’re planning on adding them to your garden. Biennials are perfect for adding some drama and interest to your garden, and they can be used to create a stunning focal point.
Conclusion
Growing flowers can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming with so many options available. By understanding your flower options, knowing your zone, and learning about the different types of plants, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden that brings you joy for years to come. Happy gardening!
