Experienced and green gardeners alike are always on the lookout for gardening tips to improve and expand their outdoor oasis. For those looking to boost flower color in the garden, we’ve got tips, tricks, and advice from choosing the most colorful flowers to adding color in new and unique ways.
Control pH for Color Control
Have you ever asked yourself, “how do flowers get their color?” While most colorful flowers are genetically programmed with their natural color from a seedling, some flower can be altered by the pH of the soil in your garden. Hydrangeas are a beautiful flowery shrub best known for their white, pink, and blue blooms throughout the summer. Their large green leaves add a beautiful backdrop to any garden.
But did you know the three common colors aren’t caused by different genetics, but by the acidity of the soil? Hydrangeas will bloom pink in naturally acidic soil, such as in the pH range of 6.2 to 7.0. Blue hydrangeas need a pH between 5.0 and 5.5. But to get pure white hydrangeas, you’ll need neutral or alkaline soil.
To get the highest quality color from your non-color-changing flowers, we recommend maintaining the recommended pH for each plant. A pH of 6.5 is typically recommended for the average home garden, but you can check The Old Farmer’s Almanac for plant-specific recommendations.
Choose Plants for Color Appeal
A garden full of the most colorful flowers will not be colorful all the time, which is why some color-loving gardeners also include shrubs, trees, and ground cover plants that also come in a variety of colors. In fact, there are several plants you can add to your garden that are super colorful and which love shade.
- Astilbe hybrids can be pink, red, salmon, or lavender in color and offer a foliage much like fern. This perennial loves rich, moist soil.
- Coleus is a perennial that can come in orange, burgundy to bright reds, yellows, and pinks, as well as blends.
- Persian Shield is a perennial accent shrub that offers bright purple, silver, and green leaves.
Attract Colorful Wildlife to Your Garden
Colorful flowers aren’t the only way to bring color and life to your home garden. Attracting colorful wildlife is another great way to add color, interest, and attraction to your backyard oasis. Different birds like different types of food, so choosing the right birdseed or bird food for your garden is the key to getting the birds you want to hang around. You can also learn which flowers are best for attracting bees.
Welcome the Hummingbirds
A common favorite by gardeners for their colorful bodies, their playful nature, and their pollinator behaviors, hummingbirds are a beautiful garden addition. Hummingbird feeders can be found at your local garden store, and are easily refilled.
For the health of your bird friends, avoid purchasing the pre-colored food and make your own. Simply mix 1 part pure cane sugar with 3 parts water on the stove until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow to cool completely before adding to your feeder.
Add Color Through Garden Art
Even a garden of the most colorful flowers will go through seasons with little or no brightly colored foliage or plumage. Purple flowers might not maintain their color year-round. That’s why many color-loving gardeners choose to hedge their bets with colorful garden art that stays bright and cheery all year long.
No matter where you live, sundials, birdbaths, and bird feeders are all staples in the garden. Adding both function and beauty, these items can make your garden feel like an extension of your home. Of course, there are other fun and comfortable ways to add color to your garden as well, such as with colorful cushions on your outdoor furniture, adding a brightly colored umbrella over your patio set, or even adding an outdoor rug.
Garden art extends beyond function in colorful DIY walking stones, brightly colored garden planters, and fun bunting and garlands that are usually put up for parties and events. With simple additions of color through art and carefully picked furnishings, your garden can become the colorful oasis you’ve been looking for.
Love a colorful assortment of flowers? At The Bouqs Company, we offer a variety of bouquets that add life and vibrancy to any space. Check out our collection of handcrafted floral arrangements and choose the color palette that speaks to you.
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