There are many good reasons to consider the addition of an annual flower plant to your summer containers or flower beds. The flower garden plant is usually an inexpensive addition to the outdoor landscape, since many discount centers offer a wide array of these plants every spring. You can also start your own annuals from seed, providing an even greater savings.

Annuals come in a dizzying array of colors and sizes, ensuring that you will be able to find the perfect complement to your outdoor color scheme. These plants also offer a variety of environmental possibilities, with some plants preferring direct sunlight and others thriving in shady conditions. If an annual flower plant seems like the perfect addition to your outdoor space this summer, read on for tips to care for these plants and keep them blooming all summer long.

Read the Labels

The first step in caring for your annual flower plant is to choose the right plant for your space. You don't want a plant that requires frequent watering if you live in an arid climate, and you don't want to place a shade lover in full sun. When you are shopping at the local garden center for your annual flower plant, make sure you read the care labels carefully to make sure you can provide the optimal environment for your plant.

Planting

When shopping for your annuals, make sure you choose an annual flower plant that is not too leggy and check the bottom irrigation holes to ensure the roots are not straggling out the bottom. These signs may indicate a plant that is been in the container too long, and that annual flower plant may not survive the transplant process as well as another, healthier plant. It is also a good idea to choose plants that haven't yet begun to bloom, since the plant's energy is still going into the development of a healthy root system at this point.

Daily Care

Once your annual flower plant has been transferred to your pot or flower bed, daily care begins. The nice thing about an annual flower plant is that it doesn't usually require much care beyond a daily watering and the occasional pruning. If your annuals are in containers, they may also need a feeding of fertilizer once in a while, since nutrients in a container aren't the same as those in the ground. It is also important to check containers for moisture every day, since these plants tend to dry out quicker.

An annual flower plant can be an easy way to bring color and fragrance to your garden beds. With the wide variety available, you are sure to find the perfect annual flower plant for your outdoor space.