Bedding Plants

Colorful bedding flower bed with yellow, purple, red, orange, and white blooms
Great beds start with great soil.

It’s always wise to add a high-quality, organic mulch to the soil whenever you’re planting bedding plants— especially in existing beds where plants are being replaced. Even if the soil still seems rich from last season, fresh mulch replenishes beneficial microorganisms that support strong growth and help plants resist disease.

Well-mulched beds typically need less fertilizer and have better resistance to insect damage, since insects are more attracted to stressed plants.

Why soil amendments matter

Longevity, appearance, growth speed, drought tolerance, and overall vitality improve in direct proportion to the amount and quality of organic matter added to the soil. Proper amending improves drainage and increases beneficial fungi and bacteria—helping reduce the effects of harmful fungi.

More organic matter (humus) can also help lower soil pH over time, improving micronutrient availability. The result is healthier, faster, more attractive growth with improved disease resistance. Faster, denser growth also means fewer weed problems. Since weeds often thrive in poor soil, rich soil tends to invite fewer of them.

Finally, healthy soil attracts earthworms—which provide gentle, high-quality fertility and natural aeration.

Begonia ‘Richmondensis’

Begonia ‘Richmondensis’ with pink flowers

This sturdy begonia grows to about 2 feet tall and features shiny, crisp green leaves with deeply serrated edges and bronzy-red undersides.

Flowers are red in bud and open to pink. In mild climates it can overwinter and is long-lived. Cut plants back as needed to encourage fresh new growth. Excellent for shady areas, and it prefers ample moisture.

Dymondia margaretae

Dymondia margaretae with yellow flowers

A low-growing, compact plant with attractive saw-edged gray-green leaves (often lighter on the edges). The yellow, daisy-like flowers are about ½ inch across and sit close to the foliage.

Dymondia isn’t fussy about soil and is drought tolerant once established. It prefers sun and is hardy to about 20°F. Because it’s slow-growing, it keeps a neat appearance—ideal for small plantings, rock gardens, or narrow walkway strips.

Cultural Tips

“Spruce up” Balkan ivy geraniums

Ivy geranium with pink flowers

One of the easiest ways to refresh a tired or woody patch of Balkan ivy geraniums is to trim them back and feed them. They respond quickly—often within 2–3 weeks you’ll see a noticeable boost in foliage and flower buds.

Keep verbena looking full and colorful

Verbena groundcover with purple flowers

Verbenas are fast-spreading, brilliantly colorful, and easy to care for. These tips help keep them looking their best:

  • Once per year, trim back 50–60% of top growth (a weed eater works well).
  • Wait one week, then feed with a balanced fertilizer.
  • If foliage green fades and flowers slow down, that’s often a sign they want to be fed.
  • Some winter “fading” or purplish foliage can be normal—verbenas may go slightly dormant in cool weather.
  • Once or twice per year, fill empty spots with a few new plants to keep the bed full and beautiful.
  • Treat for mildew as soon as it appears. We’ve seen good results with Bayleton—check with a licensed PCA for official recommendations.