If you’d like to grow plants in your yard, you may wonder what to choose. There are several different kinds of outdoor plants you can choose from. Some of the best plants for your home include perennials and shrubs. Perennials are good choices for areas outside the Midwest, and Eastern U.S. Other plants to consider are ghost plants, which are native to Mexico. These plants have powdery-coated foliage, and their flowers have pink or blue hues.
Hostas
Hostas are outdoor plants that are excellent choices for home gardens. You can grow hostas in pots and have the exact care requirements as plants grown in the ground. The main difference is that potted hostas need more frequent watering and fertilizing. In addition, they are susceptible to slugs and other pests, but you can discourage them by adding diatomaceous earth, coffee grounds, eggshells, or sand around the base of the plant. Alternatively, you can use chocolate mulch as a natural slug deterrent.
To feed Hosta plants in pots, it is best to add organic compost to the soil in early spring. This will help the soil retain nutrients and promote the food web. Also, use a water-soluble fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, but don’t cover the crown.
Fuchsia
Fuchsias are a bright and vibrant addition to your garden. These perennial plants can be grown indoors or outdoors and bloom from spring to late fall. They also attract pollinators so you can plant them around your home, porch, or patio. Here are some tips for growing fuchsia plants:
Fuchsias are sensitive to air and moisture, so you should monitor the humidity level in your garden. High humidity and dry air can cause flowers to fade. To protect your fuchsias, mist them periodically.
Geranium
Geraniums thrive in temperatures of 50degF (10degC) to 60degF (27degC) and can survive temperatures as low as 32degF (0degC). Geraniums grow best in a dry environment and should be moved outside daily after the last frost. Once they are established, geraniums should be tended to regularly with a fertilizer. In the spring, prune the plants when new growth emerges.
When planting geraniums in the home, select a sunny location with indirect sunlight. This will reduce the risk of environmental shock, as too much sunlight will cause the flowers to fade. Also, water geraniums generously when the top inch of the potting medium dries. This process can take a few days, so if the weather is arid, wait a couple of days before watering.
Petunias
Petunias are easy to grow and can be used for indoor and outdoor gardens. They do best in light soil that drains well. Ideally, petunias need at least five hours of good sunlight each day. However, they can also survive in part shade.
Petunias come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Every year, new varieties are released in novel shades and patterns. For example, you can choose between peach, purple, or golden-hued flowers. You can also choose from a variety of blossom sizes and varieties.
Viburnums
Viburnums are an excellent choice for a home garden. Their blooms are stunning and thrive in moist, organic soil that is slightly acidic. Water deeply after planting, and apply general-purpose fertilizer before new growth begins. Viburnums are also well-suited for butterfly gardens and can be used as specimen plants in a landscape.
Viburnums are easy to grow and transplant. They require little pruning and can be moved to a new location easily. Once planted, they will require little maintenance, but they do need to be pruned after flowering. Because viburnums are self-incompatible, it is best to plant different species of viburnums in different locations.
Majesty palms
If you’re looking for an outdoor plant for your home, you may want to consider the Majesty palm. This robust palm is native to Madagascar. It grows along river banks and is known for its majestic qualities. It has erect leaves that arch upwards from the trunk to form a crown. Though it’s new to the world of indoor plants, this tropical plant is surprisingly hardy and can make a gorgeous houseplant.
While the Majesty palm doesn’t need a lot of sunlight to thrive, it does need a high amount of humidity. Ideally, the majesty palm should be in a humidity range of 60 percent. If you live in a dry climate, you can regularly use a humidifier or mist the palm. It also needs regular fertilization. The best way to feed a majesty palm is to mix a liquid fertilizer with half as much water as the soil it will grow in.
Lilac sage
Lilac sage is one of the most beautiful flowers you can grow in your garden. This plant can be grown from seed or a transplant. To grow the plant from seed, sow the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. Once the ground has warmed up, transplant the seeds outside. You can also propagate the plant from stem cuttings or layering.
Lilac sage is a perennial herbaceous plant with fuzzy gray-green foliage. Its flowers grow on spikes. These flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. They have a robust and fragrant fragrance.