Spring is here ! Let’s take advantage of it our balconies are blooming and window sills! What flowers to put in a flowerpot this season? Whether you’re in full sun or shade, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. Here are 6 very beautiful flowers that you can install in yours as quickly as possible spring flower pots.
Primroses
THE primroses or primulas they are one of those plants that wait until the end of winter to flower: some already in February (Asian primroses are later, they bloom in summer). Colorful and honey-like primroses are ideal for your spring pots. They are planted from autumn to early spring..
Primroses require little maintenance, but appreciate sun exposure or partial shade. You can water them once or twice a week to keep the soil cool while avoiding overwatering. Beware of stagnant water in the saucer! Give them some fertilizer at the end of winter.
Finally, divide your plants every 2 or 3 years to give your primroses more vigor.
Note that primrose contains primin to which some people may be allergic, wear gloves when handling it.
Persistent geraniums
In order not to confuse them with geraniums, which we used to call geraniums and which bloom on so many balconies, allow us to introduce you to perennial geraniums. Robust and hardy plants (down to -20°C), perennial geraniums are easy to grow and will amaze you from May with pretty bunches of blue, pink, white or purplish flowers… These blooms are generally more stunning when the pots are placed in the sun (without scorching sun), but many species will be happy with partial shade exposure.
In the planter, prefer a variety that is not too tall and tolerates mild drought well, such as Geranium sanguineum or Geranium cantabrigense. Install your potted plants between March and May (or in the fall if you live in an area with mild winters).
Don’t forget to water your geraniums at least once a week: let the soil dry out between two waterings, as excess water is not good for them. During prolonged heat, increase watering to maintain beautiful flowering and reduce it without stopping in winter. Every two weeks you can add a little liquid fertilizer for geraniums.
Finally, after flowering, prune hard to keep your plants compact.
Anemones of Caen
L’Caen anemone or the crown anemone will beautify your balcony from May to July with its brightly colored flowers, red, blue, purple, pink or white, with a black center. This species is slightly colder than other anemones (however, it can withstand down to -12°C).
It thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. You can plant its legs (or tubers, they are small bulbous rhizomes) in a pot ideally in spring, from mid-January to mid-May (and why not in autumn from mid-September to mid-November). Before planting, it is better to let them soak in clean water for a few hours (between 6 and 12 hours). You will then see a scar called an eye on their upper part. Then plant the legs of the anemone 5 cm deep and cover with soil. Do not water excessively, but regularly.
Forgetfulness
THE forget-me-not is undoubtedly the most romantic of spring flowers. It symbolizes loyalty (it is no coincidence that it is called “Forget me not” in English). Its small star-shaped flowers, blue (most often), white or pink, appear in abundance between April and June and do not fail to attract pollinating insects.
It is unpretentious, rustic and thrives in sun (not scorching) and partial shade, but in the hottest areas it prefers shaded exposures. You can plant it in mini balls in autumn or early spring.
Forgetfulness requires little maintenance. However, he appreciates that the soil remains relatively cool: water regularly (even in winter), but without excess. Can you cut the flower stalks after they bloom if you don’t want forget-me-nots to self-seed? Then leave a few stems in place.
Thoughts
Thanks to their retro look and a thousand and one colors, pansies have a place on your balcony. Especially because they bloom for a long time (some even in autumn and winter)! For spring flower potwe will choose the horned violet (Viola cornuta) or the miniature pansy (Viola mini pansy), both of which will delight you with their beautiful flowers from March to July.
Pansies thrive in (non-burning) sun or partial shade. In the south of France, we prefer to find a place for them in light shade, because the summer heat could interrupt their flowering. Plant your pansies in mini plugs from September or early spring.
Pansies are easy to live with: watering must be regular, but not excessive and without wetting the leaves. Don’t forget to remove spent flowers so that new ones can appear.
They are very beautiful especially associated with forgetfulness.
Lavender butterfly
Lavender immediately evokes a Mediterranean garden with its incomparable aromatic scent. From spring, you can invite a few butterfly lavender (or Lavandula stoechas) plants into your pots. Its flowers in purple, pink or white spikes appear in May, ending in elegant clusters, like little wings (hence its name). Flowering is long, lasting until July.
Install your plants in the spring as soon as you no longer have to worry about frost. or in autumn when the temperatures are still mild. Butterfly lavender will appreciate if you add a little heather soil to its substrate.
Note that butterfly lavender is the least hardy of all lavenders and does not tolerate temperatures below -3°C. If your climate is not very mild, you will need to protect your pots during the winter. However, butterfly lavender likes warmth and full sun.
As for watering, use only rainwater (butterfly lavender does not like limestone). Do it twice a week when it’s hot and a little less in rainy weather. Do not leave standing water in the saucer and do not add fertilizer.
Finally, you can do a light cut after flowering.