SPRING & FALL FLORAL COLOR GUIDE
COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT - SERVICING MARYLAND, DC, AND VIRGINIA
SPRING AND FALL GROWING SEASON
Both seasons provide essential opportunities for planting, nurturing, and celebrating floral growth, each with its distinct characteristics and requirements.
Alyssum bursts forth in a delightful tapestry of colors, with delicate clusters of tiny blossoms painting the landscape in shades of lavender, white, and soft yellow. As the sun warms its fragrant blooms, the air fills with a sweet, honey-like scent, inviting bees and butterflies to dance among the vibrant petals, creating a lively spectacle.
Fun Fact: Flowers have a sweet, honey-like fragrance and along with leaves, are edible and have a sweet and slightly peppery flavor.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
4 - 6'' tall
COLORS
lavender, purple, yellow, white
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
spring - frost
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy, slightly acidic
WATER
drought tolerant but needs consistent water to thrive
Often referred to as summer snapdragon, Angelonia bursts forth in vibrant hues of violet, pink, and white, creating a stunning tapestry that dances in the sunlight. Their delicate, trumpet-shaped petals contrast beautifully with the lush, lanceolate leaves, making them perfect for planting in sunny borders or cascading from hanging baskets.
Fun Fact: Its resilient blooms have a faint scent of grapes or vanilla and makes for an ideal milestone gift and celebration of new beginnings.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
10 - 12'' tall
COLORS
pink, white, purple
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
spring - early summer
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, sandy or loamy
WATER
very drought tolerant
Catmint flowers, with their enchanting hues of purple and violet, create a stunning display atop slender green stems that sway gently in the breeze. The delicate, trumpet-shaped petals are framed by soft, heart-shaped leaves enhances the flowers' beauty; ideal for garden edges or as a low-growing accent in sunny gardens.
Fun Fact: Like catnip, excites cats, stimulating their instincts to scare away herbivores with playful antics and heightened energy.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
2' tall
COLORS
blue, purple
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
spring - summer
SUN
full sun
SOIL
sandy/loamy/clay
WATER
drought tolerant once established
Chinese Astible flowers present a stunning array of colors, from soft pinks to deep purples, each bloom featuring delicate, feathery petals that create a lush, cloud-like appearance. With their finely serrated, deep green leaves and upright growth habit, these plants thrive in shaded garden corners or alongside serene water features, adding an oriental layer and beauty to any landscape.
Fun Fact: Gifting astilbe is seen as a vow to wait for someone, symbolizing patience and enduring love that blossoms even in absence.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
1.5' tall
COLORS
pink, purple, white, red
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
spring - summer
SUN
partial sun / shade
SOIL
sandy/ loamy/clay
WATER
moderate drought tolerance but prefers consistently moist soil
Dianthus flowers display a vibrant array of colors, from soft pinks and deep reds to pure whites, each petal adorned with delicate fringed edges that add to their charm. With their slender, grassy leaves forming a neat clump beneath, these elegant plants thrive beautifully in sunny borders or rock gardens, bringing a lively touch of nature to any landscape.
Fun Fact: Symbolizes a love that endures and associated with 1st wedding anniversaries.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
6 - 8'' tall
COLORS
cherry, lilac, picotee, purple, rose, salmon, white, raspberry
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
early spring - fall
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, slightly alkaline, sandy
WATER
drought tolerant once established
Euphorbia flowers display a captivating array of colors, from fiery reds to soft yellows, each bloom adorned with unique petal shapes that resemble tiny stars. The plant's distinctive leaves, often smooth and lance-shaped, create a striking backdrop, making it an excellent choice for a sunny garden bed or as a focal point in a modern landscape design.
Fun Fact: Poinsettia, a popular holiday plant used primarily for decorations during the festive season, is the same family as euphorbia.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
1' - 2' tall
COLORS
yellow, red, purple green
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
early spring - summer
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, light, moist
WATER
prefers minimal watering
Gaura flowers, with their delicate, butterfly-like petals in shades of white, pink, and soft lavender, dance gracefully atop slender, wispy stems. The plant’s lance-shaped leaves, a vibrant green, provide a striking contrast to the blooms, making it a perfect choice for borders or as a whimsical accent in a sunny garden bed.
Fun Facts: Its delicate, airy blooms symbolize love and devotion, making it a popular choice for wedding bouquets and decorations.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
12 - 16'' tall
COLORS
pink, white
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
summer
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, sandy or loamy
WATER
drought tolerant once established
Golden ragwort flowers bloom in clusters atop tall, slender stems, showcasing bright yellow blooms that resemble small daisies. This hardy plant adds a cheerful appearance in a spring garden setting. The foliage features heart-shaped leaves that are often dark green and display a reddish tint. This plant thrives in moist, shaded environments, making it an excellent choice for under trees or in woodland gardens.
Fun Facts: It is believed in ancient folklore to shield against unwanted influences and promote positive energy flow in the surrounding areas.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
2' tall
COLORS
yellow
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
spring
SUN
full sun - partial shade
SOIL
moist or wet soil
WATER
drought tolerant once established
Lobelia flowers display a stunning array of colors, from deep blues and purples to bright reds and whites, each petal delicately shaped like a tiny trumpet. With their slender, elongated leaves forming a lush green backdrop, these charming plants thrive in garden borders or hanging baskets, where they can cascade gracefully and draw admiration from passersby.
Fun Facts: Produces Lobeline, used in commercial preparations to help individuals quit smoking by mimicking the effects of nicotine.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
8 - 10'' tall
COLORS
shades of blue, pink, red, white
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
early spring - fall
SUN
full sun or partial shade
SOIL
rich, well-drained, slightly acidic
WATER
prefers moist soil but sensitive to overwatering
Osteospermum flowers display an enchanting array of colors, from purples and soft pinks to sunny yellows and crisp whites, with some varieties exhibiting petals delicately shaped like a spoon, creating a captivating visual effect. The plant's slender, lance-shaped leaves provide a lush green backdrop, making it an ideal choice for borders or garden edges.
Fun Facts: Fire-resistant and drought-tolerant, making them ideal for sustainable gardening in arid climates.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
6 - 8'' tall
COLORS
shred, pink, purple, yellow, blue, white
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
early spring
SUN
full sun
SOIL
full sun or partial shade
WATER
moderately drought tolerant but prefers moist soil
Pansies display a kaleidoscope of hues, from deep purples and sunny yellows to soft whites and fiery reds, each petal adorned with intricate markings. Their rounded leaves cradle these cheerful blooms, while the low growth habit makes them perfect for borders, hanging planters, or nestled among taller annuals in a garden setting.
Fun Facts: Scented varieties (blue and yellow) are delightful in potpourri, and their edible minty flowers are used as garnish on baked goods.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
10 - 14'' tall
COLORS
yellow, pink, red, orange, white
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
early spring
SUN
full sun or partial shade
SOIL
loamy, sandy, slightly acidic
WATER
moderately drought tolerant but prefers evenly moist soil
Petunia flowers display a stunning array of colors, from deep purples and fiery reds to soft pinks and sunny yellows, each bloom featuring delicate, velvety petals that create a captivating visual. With their broad, oval leaves and cascading growth habit, these plants thrive beautifully in hanging baskets or window boxes, where they can spill over in a cascading palette of color.
Fun Facts: Given as gifts for recovering patients due to their cheerful colors and soothing fragrance, promoting a sense of well-being.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
4 - 12'' tall
COLORS
orange, pink, yellow, purple, white, red
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
late spring - fall
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, light soil, slightly acidic to neutral
WATER
moderately drought tolerant but prefers moist soil
Russian Sage flowers, with their delicate lavender hues and slender, elongated petals, create a captivating display that dances gently in the breeze. The plant features wispy, silver-green leaves that complement its upright, airy form, making it an ideal choice for borders or mixed perennial gardens where it can sway gracefully amidst other blooms.
Fun Facts: Though not a true sage, it is useful in keeping harmful insects at bay, whether as a companion plant, natural bug spray, or aromatic incense.
TYPE
perennial
HEIGHT
1' - 2' tall
COLORS
yellow, red, purple green
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
summer - fall
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, light, moist
WATER
prefers minimal watering
Salvia flowers emerge in striking shades of deep purple, fiery red, and soft pink, each petal boasting a delicate, tubular shape that draws in pollinators with its inviting form. The plant's slender, elongated leaves, adorned with a slight serration, provide a lush backdrop, making it an ideal choice for borders or mixed beds where its vivid hues can truly stand out in the greenery.
Fun Facts: Used in various cultures for centuries for its aromatic properties in incense, as well as for cleansing and purification rituals.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
10 - 12'' tall
COLORS
red, blue
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
spring until frost
SUN
full sun or partial shade
SOIL
well-drained, sandy
WATER
drought tolerant once established
Snapdragon flowers, with their captivating array of colors from fiery reds to soft pastels, exhibit unique tubular petals that invite pollinators. The tall, upright stalks adorned with lush, serrated leaves create an enchanting display, making them ideal for borders or mixed beds where they can stand proudly among their garden companions.
Fun Facts: An intriguing addition to teas and cocktails, and serves as a natural diuretic, promoting fluid balance in the body.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
8 - 10'' tall
COLORS
purple, orange, red, yellow, white, rose
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
early spring - early may
SUN
full sun or partial shade
SOIL
well-drained, moist, neutral to slightly acidic
WATER
prefers consistent watering but not waterlogged
Verbena flowers display an enchanting array of colors, from deep purples to radiant pinks, and patterns like candy stripes and gradients adorning its delicate, frilled petals. Their slender, lance-shaped leaves create a lush backdrop, making them perfect for cascading over garden walls or spilling from hanging baskets.
Fun Facts: Revered as a sacred herb, often used in purification ceremonies and crafted into amulets for protection.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
6 - 12'' tall
COLORS
purple, orange, red, yellow, white, rose
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
summer until frost
SUN
full sun or partial shade
SOIL
moist, well-drained
WATER
need consistent moisture but drought tolerant once established
Viola flowers display a mesmerizing palette of purples, yellows, and whites, with delicate petals that exhibit intricate patterns and velvety textures. Their heart-shaped leaves form a lush backdrop, making them ideal for planting in garden beds or cascading over container edges.
Fun Facts: Used in baking to add vibrant color and a delicate floral flavor to desserts.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
6 - 8'' tall
COLORS
blue, pink, yellow, orange, red, white, lavender
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
early spring
SUN
full sun or partial shade
SOIL
moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter
WATER
tolerates some drought but thrive with regular watering
Winter jasmine displays delicate yellow flowers that unfold like small stars, creating a striking visual display against its slender green stems. The smooth, elongated leaves, with their subtle serrated edges, complement the cheerful blooms beautifully, making this plant an excellent choice for cascading over trellises or tumbling from containers in a sunny garden corner.
Fun Facts: Known as 'the flower that welcomes spring' in Chinese, it is a cherished plant symbolizing the promise of brighter days ahead.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
3 - 4' tall
COLORS
yellow
SOWING PERIOD
spring and fall
BLOOM PERIOD
later winer - spring
SUN
full sun or partial shade
SOIL
well-drained, moist, loamy, sandy
WATER
drought tolerant
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