If you are looking for some ideas on flowers to plant in your Nebraska flower bed, you have come to the right place! In this blog, we will be discussing 10 common flowers that are used in Nebraska gardens for the brightest and most vibrant colors!
1) Petunias
Petunias are loved for their bright and delicate flower petals that bring a certain elegance to any yard. The petals are often described as trumpet-like, they are easy to care for, and they will bloom all season long with the right amount of sunlight and moisture. Petunias are known to require some pruning, which will help promote more new growth and encourage more vibrant blooms throughout the season. They also prefer well-draining soil and regular watering during dry spells.
Key Characteristics:
- Perennial
- Trumpet-like flowers
- Variety of colors
- Will bloom all season
- Prefers well-draining soil
2) Daisies
Daisies are a favorite among gardeners because of their cheerful blooms. They come in many varieties, from the traditional white with yellow centers to pink and purple daisies! You can easily identify them by their bright central disks, from which finger-like petals emerge. These flowers are low-maintenance and will bloom throughout the summer if planted in full sun. They prefer moist soil but can survive in dry conditions if watered regularly.
Key Characteristics:
- Perennial
- Bright central disks
- Easy to maintain
- Prefers moist soil
- Bloom through summer
3) Tulips
Tulips are a classic flower for any garden and come in an array of colors and sizes. Petals of the tulip flower are often cup-shaped in an upward-facing direction. They need full sun and well-draining soil to thrive, so it is important to amend the soil before planting them. Tulips can be planted in the fall or spring, but they will need a mulch layer or other cover to survive winter if they are planted in fall. When planted in the spring, make sure that you fertilize regularly for optimal growth.
Key Characteristics:
- Annual/Perennial
- Upward-facing, cup-shaped petals
- Variety of colors and sizes
- Needs full sun
- Needs well-draining soil
4) Dahlias
Dahlias are a summer-blooming flower that are sure to dazzle passersby as they marvel at your garden. The "ball dahlia" and "pompon dahlia" are two popular varieties that are known for their perfectly rounded blooms of cupped petals. It is important to deadhead the spent blooms throughout the season to promote new growth and encourage more blooms. Dahlias have a tuberous root system that is prone to overcrowding, so dividing is often necessary.
Key Characteristics:
- Perennial
- Variety of colors and sizes
- Rounded blooms of cupped petals
- Deadhead for new growth
- Divide when overcrowded
5) Marigolds
Marigolds are an easy-to-care for flower, and they will provide great diversity to your garden. Their flower petals are often uniquely shaped and contain multiple colors. They can be planted in full sun or partial shade, but prefer well-draining soil to thrive. Marigolds are also known to help repel pests like mosquitoes and aphids, making them a great addition for any garden.
Key Characteristics:
- Annual/Perennial
- Variety of colors and sizes
- Can tolerate shade
- Prefers well-draining soil
- Repels pests like mosquitoes & aphids
6) Daylilies
Daylilies are a perennial flower that can tolerate a variety of conditions. They come in many colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink, etc., and have very delicate, sometimes drooping petals. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil, but they will survive in partial shade if needed. Daylilies also require regular watering during dry periods to keep them looking their best, but they are somewhat drought tolerant.
Key Characteristics:
- Perennial
- Many colors of delicate petals
- Full sun or partial shade
- Prefers well-draining soil
- Somewhat drought tolerant
7) Coneflowers
Coneflowers are another great choice for adding color to your garden. These perennial flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red. They bloom in late spring or early summer. Coneflowers are notable for their large, cone-shaped central disk of seeds. They're a great low-maintenance option for gardeners.
Key Characteristics:
- Perennial
- Bright daisy-like petals
- Cone-shaped central disk
- Needs full sun
- Blooms in late spring/summer
8) Black-Eyed Susans
These flowers are recognizable by their bright yellow petals and dark brown central disks. They typically bloom in late spring or early summer. These flowers belong to the same family as coneflowers (Asteraceae), and they are often mistaken for coneflowers because they feature a very similar seed disk in the center of the petals. The biggest difference between this flower and coneflowers is that black-eyed Susans do not come back every year like perennials do.
Key Characteristics:
- Annual
- Dark central disk
- Skinny, downward-facing petals
- Full sun or partial shade
- Prune for new growth
9) Pansies
These popular flowers come in many colors, including yellow, blue, purple, and white. They need full sun and rich, moist soil to thrive. Pansies can survive light frosts if planted early enough in the season, but they will die back during periods of extreme cold. Pruning throughout the season helps to promote new growth. Pansies are also one of the first flowers to bloom in the springtime, so they're perfect for getting a head start on your gardening season.
Key Characteristics:
- Annual/Perennial
- Variety of colors
- Needs full sun
- Rich, moist soil
- Very early bloomers
10) Chrysanthemums
These are the "mums" everyone starts putting out as the leaves begin to fall, and there is simply no better way to add color to your yard late in the season! These hardy flowers come in a variety of colors, and they are beloved for being easily transferable from indoor pot to outdoor garden. They require full sun and well-draining soil to thrive, and different varieties will bloom through late summer and well into fall.
Key Characteristics:
- Perennial
- Variety of colors
- Large, round blooms
- Prefers full sun
- Cold tolerant
