Backyard Flowers

Flowers can be a great addition to your garden. They can attract wildlife while adding something pretty to look at in your backyard. Gardening can give you a chance to do something fun with your family, and it’s not a very expensive hobby. Also, taking care of plants helps us practice responsibility and get some exercise!

Here are 6 common flowers seen in yards and gardens across America.  

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are flowering bushes whose blossoms come in shades of blue, pink, purple, white, and even green! Sometimes they have different colored blossoms on the same plant: the soil’s pH balance (that’s the amount of acid in the dirt!) can change the colors. If you plan on planting some of these beauties, hydrangeas need to be well hydrated, so water them often! You can hang the flowers to dry and use them to make for wreaths, bouquets, and other decorations. 

Sun exposure: How much sunlight do they need?
Part or full sun
Bloom time: When do they bloom?
Summer and fall
When to plant them: Spring or fall

Knock Out Rose

“Knock Out” roses are one of the most popular types of rose to plant in a yard or garden. They don’t need too much care: you just plant them and watch them grow! For extra blooms, an early spring trim and self-watering for at least the first couple weeks after planting can help. The Knock Out rose comes in many different colors, including red, pink, yellow, coral, and white.

Sun exposure: Full sun 
Bloom time: Every 5 to 6 weeks 
When to plant: Spring or fall 

Shasta Daisy

Shasta daisies take their name from the white snows of Mount Shasta, a mountain in California. They have the white and yellow colors of the classic daisy but are a little larger than most of the ones you’d find in the wild. They’re not invasive, like some wild daisies are, but they are perennials, which means that they will grow again every year!

Sun exposure: Full sun
Bloom time: Summer and fall 
When to plant: Spring or fall

Common Dandelion

The common dandelion might be the most well-known wildflower. They are not invasive plants, but some people consider them a nuisance, especially in lawns. That’s because they are weeds that can (and will!) show up on their own, even if you don’t plant them. However, although they are often not welcome, dandelions are an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. Also, the entire dandelion plant, from flower to roots, is edible for humans! The leaves can be used in soups, salads, sauces, and other concoctions. 

Sun exposure: Full sun
Bloom time: Spring and fall 
When to plant: Early spring 

Maximilian Sunflower

The Maximillian sunflower has a light brown and yellow center, and bright yellow petals. It is smaller than the giant sunflowers you sometimes see towering over fences, or being harvested for their tasty seeds. The Maximilian sunflower is native to North America and can be found in the wild all over the country. Birds, deer, and pollinators like bees are all fond of this plant. 

Sun exposure: Full sun
Bloom time: Fall 
When to plant: Spring or fall 

American Aster

The American aster is a native flower that you can find throughout most of the United States. It’s a perfect choice if you’re planting a garden of native plants. It attracts many kinds of pollinators, butterflies, and moths. Also, the roots of asters can be used in teas that help treat fevers!

Sun exposure: Part or full sun
Bloom time: Fall
When to plant: Fall