Double Blooming Plants: Garden Specialists' Picks for Twice the Color and Blossoms
In the world of horticulture, there's nothing more delightful than witnessing a garden in full bloom. For garden enthusiasts, the quest for plants that bloom more than once a year is a rewarding pursuit. Here's a roundup of some plants that fit the bill, along with essential care tips to ensure a vibrant display throughout the growing season.
First on our list are the Hardy Geraniums, also known as cranesbills. These perennials are well-loved for their ability to offer a second bloom of flowers throughout the season. However, they require regular deadheading to encourage such a spectacle. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, is essential to redirect the plant's energy towards producing more blooms. For Hardy Geraniums, it's recommended to deadhead as and when the flowers need it[4].
English Shrub Roses are another excellent choice for those seeking recurring blooms. These roses are renowned for their decadent flowers that bloom at least twice a year and produce a pleasant aroma. To encourage a second bloom, it's crucial to deadhead wilted flowers as soon as they start to fade or wilt[1].
Reblooming Hydrangeas, such as the Endless Summer variety, are designed to rebloom. Deadheading is crucial for these plants to produce new flowers. It is recommended to cut the flowers when they are still in bloom and to do this just above a set of leaves to encourage new flower buds[2][5].
Peonies, with their stunning blooms, typically grace our gardens in late spring or early summer. English Lavender, on the other hand, blooms twice a year and can be pruned to encourage multiple blooms in a season. What's more, English Lavender is one of the best plants for keeping aphids off roses[3].
For those seeking a visually appealing, drought-tolerant plant that's ideal for Mediterranean gardens and low-maintenance border plants, look no further than Bougainvillea. This climber plant blooms more than once a year and can be purchased for £12.99 from Amazon[6].
Lastly, Yarrow is a perennial that can be cut back to encourage a second bloom in autumn, usually around October[1].
Katie Sims, a freelance writer specializing in homes and gardens, has been contributing to Future's digital team since early 2022[7]. She provides valuable insights and tips for gardeners seeking to cultivate a thriving garden.
For those interested in English Shrub Roses, the Nye Bevan variety can be purchased for £23 as a bare root from David Austin Roses[8]. With its delicate yellow hue, it's a popular choice among gardeners.
In conclusion, with a bit of care and attention, gardeners can enjoy a beautiful display of blooms throughout the year. Deadheading, pruning, and regular maintenance are key to encouraging these plants to bloom again and again.
Hardy Geraniums, English Shrub Roses, Reblooming Hydrangeas, Peonies, Bougainvillea, and Yarrow are some home-and-garden plants that offer multiple blooms throughout the season. To encourage these plants to bloom again, deadheading spent flowers is essential, as it redirects the plant's energy towards producing more flowers.
