10 Best Annual Flowers to Plant on the East Side of Your House

Table of Contents

When it comes to sprucing up the exterior of our homes, annual flowers can make all the difference. They add color and vibrancy to any garden and are especially suited for those with an east-facing garden. In this post, we will highlight the top 10 best annual flowers to plant on the east side of your house.

Why Choose Annual Flowers?

Annual flowers are often chosen due to their bright colors, long-lasting blooms, and ease of care. They offer a wide variety of options and can be changed out every year. Unlike perennials, they only last one season, which also means they can be replaced with new flowers next season.

Benefits of Planting on the East Side of Your House

Planting annuals on the east side of your home has several benefits, including getting plenty of sun in the morning while being shaded in the afternoon when temperatures rise. Another benefit is that east-facing gardens usually have better soil conditions than other areas of your property as it receives morning sunlight which helps soil stay moist, more oxygen and air circulation. The cooler soil temperature also prevents heat stress.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Annuals for East-Facing Gardens

When selecting annuals for your east-facing garden, there are some factors you should consider. These include the amount of sunlight your garden gets and the type of soil you have. You will also want to choose plants that are shade-tolerant since the east side of your house may become shady later in the day.

1. Petunias

Varieties to Try

Petunias are popular annuals that come in a wide range of colors and are easy to care for. A few different varieties to try include:

• Wave Petunia
• Supertunia
• Opera Supreme
• Crazytunia

Tips for Growing Them

When planting petunias on the east side of your house, keep in mind that they prefer full sun to partial shade. They also need well-draining soil with regular watering.

2. Impatiens

Choose Shade-Loving Varieties

Impatiens are attractive for their delicate flowers and come in many colorful varieties. They can thrive in shaded areas which makes it a great option for east-facing gardens.

Keep Soil Moist

Be sure to keep your impatiens' soil evenly moist so they can flourish all season long.

3. Begonias

Rex Begonias for Foliage Interest

In addition to beautiful blooms, Rex Begonias offer stunning foliage, making them an excellent choice for east-facing gardens.

Tuberous Begonias for Flowers

Tuberous begonias are another lovely option with vibrant blooms.

4. Salvia

Heat-Tolerant Varieties

Salvia is a heat-loving plant, making it a fantastic option for those who live in particularly hot climates. It comes in several varieties, including the popular "Hot Lips" salvia.

Attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds

Salvia is also an excellent choice if you want to attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden.

5. Geraniums

Low-Maintenance Blooms

Geraniums are a low-maintenance option and come in various colors, including pink, white, and red.

Choose Scented Varieties

Consider adding scented geraniums to your garden for fragrant blooms that smell like rose or lemon.

6. Lantana

Heat-Tolerant and Drought-Resistant

Lantana is another heat-loving plant that can also withstand periods of drought, making it an excellent choice for east-facing gardens.

Attract Pollinators and Birds

It can also attract pollinators and birds to your garden, making it a great option for those who want to encourage wildlife.

7. Marigolds

Pest-Repelling Qualities

Marigolds are not only beautiful but also have pest-repelling qualities. Consider using dwarf or French marigolds, so they won't take up too much space in your garden.

Choose Dwarf or French Varieties

Dwarf or French marigolds are an excellent option for east-facing gardens since they prefer partial shade and can thrive during the beginning of the day and cooler temperatures.

8. Pansies

Cold-Hardy Annuals

Pansies are cold-hardy and can even survive light frosts. They come in many different colors and add a splash of vibrancy to any garden.

Frost-Kissed Blooms Are Beautiful

Frost may harm other annual flowers, but pansies benefit from cool weather. In fact, frost-kissed blooms are especially beautiful.

9. Nasturtiums

Edible Flowers and Leaves

Nasturtiums offer fiery orange or yellow blooms as well as edible flowers and leaves that can be used in salads.

Attract Beneficial Insects

They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to your garden, which are known to eat harmful pests such as aphids.

10. Snapdragon

Tall Flower Spikes

Snapdragons are known for their delicate, tall flower spikes and come in many different colors.

Bloom Continuously All Summer

They can bloom continuously all summer long if they receive adequate water and sun.

Annual flowers can add color and variety to any garden. By selecting the right plants for the east side of your house, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that lasts all season long.

Consider the Unique Needs of Your East-Facing Garden When Choosing Annuals

Remember to consider the unique characteristics of your east-facing garden when choosing annuals to plant. Pay attention to factors like the amount of sunlight your garden gets and soil conditions. And don't forget to choose plants that thrive in partial shade since the east side of your house may become shady later in the day.

FAQ

What are the benefits of planting annual flowers?

Annual flowers are easy to care for, offer a range of beautiful colors, and can be changed out every year. They add vibrancy and visual interest to any garden.

What factors should I consider when selecting annual flowers for an east-facing garden?

Consider the amount of sunlight your garden gets, the type of soil you have, and whether your plants need shade or full sun.

Are there any special care instructions I should follow when planting annual flowers?

Most annual flowers prefer well-draining soil with regular watering. But be sure to check the specific care instructions for the plants you choose.

Which annual flowers have the best chance of thriving on the east side of a house?

Petunias, impatiens, begonias, salvia, geraniums, lantana, marigolds, pansies, nasturtiums, and snapdragons all have a good chance of thriving in an east-facing garden.

Can I mix different types of annual flowers on the east side of my house?

Absolutely! Mix different varieties of annual flowers to create visual interest and add color to your garden.

How often should I water my annual flower garden?

It's important to keep soil evenly moist but not oversaturating. Depending on conditions, this could mean watering once or twice a week.

What is the best time of year to plant annual flowers on the east side of my house?

While annual flowers can be planted at any time during the growing season, it's best to plant them in the spring after the last frost or in early fall before the first frost.

How can I protect my annual flowers from pests and disease?

There are many preventative measures you can take, including keeping your garden clean and healthy by regularly removing weeds and dead plant matter. Consider companion planting to help repel harmful insects and encourage beneficial ones.

Do I need to fertilize my annual flower garden? If so, how often?

Many annuals benefit from regular fertilization. The frequency may vary depending on the type of plant and nutrient needs. Be sure to read the care instructions for each flower.

Can I bring any of these annual flowers inside for indoor growth?

Many annuals can be grown indoors in containers placed near windows or under grow lights as long as they have access to adequate light and water.