Outdoor plants can add beauty, colour, and life to any home. Whether you have a small balcony or a large backyard, various outdoor plants can be used to enhance your outdoor living space. Not only do outdoor plants strengthen the aesthetic of a home or workplace, but they also positively impact mental well-being.
Research has shown that incorporating greenery in the environment can boost memory retention and concentration. Additionally, the mere presence of plants has been linked to an improvement in mood and a decrease in stress-related depression. The act of nurturing and observing the growth of plants, as well as the sensory experience of smelling fresh flowers, can create a calming and peaceful atmosphere, fostering a sense of security and relaxation. Here’s a list of the best outdoor plants for home.
Outdoor plants for home you can choose from
Begonias
As begonias continue to rise in popularity among plant breeders, many unique varieties have emerged as suitable indoor foliage options. One standout variety is the rex begonia, known for its striking colours, patterns, and textures that make it a beautiful addition to any indoor space. While they may be finicky to grow indoors due to their preference for high humidity, utilising a stone tray can aid in providing the necessary moisture for optimal growth.
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Petunias
Petunias are versatile and popular annual flowers that provide abundant colour in the garden from spring to frost. With a wide range of colours to choose from, including lemon yellow, lime green, pink, purple, and more, Petunias can create various looks in the garden. One of the best things about Petunias is that almost all varieties are self-cleaning, meaning they do not require deadheading for maintenance, making them a carefree choice for gardeners. To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to provide regular watering and fertilisation for Petunias.
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Fuchsia
Fuchsias are a beautiful and exotic-looking plant that can add a tropical feel to your garden. They flourish in cool temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike many other plants, Fuchsias benefit from a winter rest period and will not produce many flowers during this time.
To properly care for your Fuchsias, it’s essential to bring them indoors before the first frost and trim them down to about 6 inches. During their rest period, they should be placed in a cool spot with low light, around 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In the spring, move the plants back into a sunny spot and resume regular watering.
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Geraniums
Geraniums are a popular choice among gardeners for their long blooming period, and it’s been a common practice for many years to overwinter geranium plants to keep them blooming all year round. Geraniums that have been grown in pots outdoors make the best candidates for this process as their roots will not be disturbed. To achieve repeat blooms during the winter, bring the plants indoors before the first frost and give them a light frame. It’s also important to note that geraniums require a significant amount of light to bloom.
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Abutilon
Abutilon, also known as the flowering or parlour maple, is a beautiful tropical shrub that is often grown as an annual in containers or beds. To keep your Abutilon healthy, it is crucial to provide bright light from a south or west-facing window and warm temperatures of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing it to drafts and feed it with a water-soluble fertiliser every other week.
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Coleus
Coleus is a popular plant that can be found in many different settings. The traditional, seed-grown varieties that flourish in partial shade make them excellent indoor houseplants. If the size of your plants does not allow them to be brought indoors, you can easily breed new plants from cuttings. Coleus prefers warm temperatures, but it can tolerate cooler nights and temperatures as low as 55 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep the plants from going to seed, it’s important to pinch off any flowers as they appear.
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Tropical hibiscus
Hibiscus is a plant that is well-suited for indoor growing and can produce blooms throughout the winter if it is placed in a window with bright, direct light. While you can shape the plants by trimming them, they tend to grow slowly during the winter, and you may not see much new growth. If you do not have an ideal location with warmth and sunlight, you can place them in a cooler spot with moderate light and allow them to go stagnant and shed their leaves. It is important to keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids.
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Herbs
Growing herbs indoors can be a great way to have fresh herbs at your fingertips year-round. Some popular herbs that do well indoors include basil, parsley, chives, lemongrass, and rosemary. Annuals and biennials, such as basil and parsley, are best started with small, young plants. Perennial herbs, like lemongrass and rosemary, can be potted and moved between indoors and outdoors. Regular trimming and use of the herbs will help keep them healthy and full.
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FAQs
What are the best outdoor plants for home gardens?
Some popular outdoor plant options include petunias, geraniums, coleus, and hibiscus.
Can I bring my outdoor plants indoors for the winter?
Some plants, like geraniums and hibiscus, can be brought indoors for the winter and will continue to bloom.
What are some outdoor plants that repel mosquitoes?
Some plants that are known to repel mosquitoes include lavender, marigolds, and lemongrass.
Can I grow vegetables and fruits outdoors?
Yes, you can grow a variety of vegetables and fruits in a home garden, depending on your climate and the space available.