In Staten Island, plenty of beautiful flowers are suited to thrive in your garden. Flowering plants can also help bring butterflies, bumblebees, and other pollinators to your home. When researching flowers for your garden, refer to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones. For Staten Island, our zone is 7b. In this article, we will discuss some popular flowers to add color to your yard.

Why Grow Flowers in Your Yard?

In addition to adding color and style to your garden, flowers have a lot of added benefits for your home. Flowers help bolster pollinator populations, such as butterflies and honeybees. Plants also reduce erosion and help with water absorption, which reduces the effects of heavy storms on your property. In Staten Island, this can make a big difference.

Annual Flowers

Annuals refer to flowers that complete their full life cycle within one year. They likely need to be replanted for the next year. Most annuals will have a longer active season than perennial flowers.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a great beginner flower for homeowners. These annuals require little maintenance and are well-known for repelling pest insects. Marigolds flourish in full sun. Because marigolds are also edible, they are sometimes used as dessert decor.

Bluebells

Bluebells are a native wildflower to northern NY state. They are often found in colder, higher-altitude areas of the state. While our summers may get too warm for these plants to thrive fully, they can make excellent annuals with some shade.

Begonias

Begonias come in a variety of colors and breeds. They grow best in shaded beds during the summer. This sub-tropical plant can thrive in the heat of Staten Island from late May to early September. In warmer climates, begonias can thrive as perennials, but they can also be brought inside the house for the colder months. Bloom times may vary if you bring them inside.

Petunias

Petunias are colorful, fast-growing flowers. They come in many colors, including white, pink, red, purple, blue, and yellow. Some varieties may offer different-sized flowers, as well. Petunias grow best in full sun and sandy soil, making them a good choice for more coastal homes on Staten Island.

Perennial Flowers

Perennial flowers bloom once a year and will live for multiple years. The plants will have a dormant season (usually the winter) but will rebloom if healthy in the next year.

Primroses

Primrose is a perennial flower that blooms in the early spring. They prefer cooler temperatures and partial shade. They grow clusters of flowers, and different varieties produce different colored petals.

Wild Bergamot

Wild Bergamot is a very low-maintenance perennial. Also called Bee balm, it is a well-known attractor for bees and butterflies. This plant is native to our area and creates beautifully fragrant flowers on clumps of dark leaves.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a popular flower with vibrant colors. This flower is often associated with tropical locales but can grow well in rich soils. Of the plants listed, they require the most maintenance. The flowers of the hibiscus plant can also be dried and used to make a sweet and fruity tea.

Yarrow

Yarrow plants grow skinny branches with clumps of tiny flowers. It is a native plant to much of New York state. Yarrow can come in an assortment of colors, including yellow, white, purple, red, pink, and more. The lower plant grows in with fern-like leaves that can add lush greenery to your yard.

Creating the Perfect Garden Goes Beyond Flowers

A perfect garden goes beyond the plants in your soil. Expert stonework, plants, shrubbery, and waterscapes can transform your garden space. Contact one of our licenced outdoor landscaping experts to work with you to design a backyard space that you’ll love.

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