Suggestions for flowers that will be okay in direct afternoon sunlight?

This will be the first time I've planted flowers. I'm planting them in planters to put on our patio, however our patio tends to get direct sunlight in the early afternoon to late evening. I would love to have an assortment of flowers in different colors. Do you have any tips and suggestions for a first time "gardner"???!!!!





Thank you for your help

FlowersBirthday FlowersSympathy FlowersSandy G is right, most annuals love sun and they come in many different colors. Try some asparagus fern, spikes or vinca vine for accenting the annual flowers. Vinca trails beautifully down the sides of the pot. To prevent the container from drying out, I have discovered that placing mulch on the top of the soil will prevent evaporation from the pots, just as it does in the garden. I used to have problems keeping my potted flowers thriving, but I got the idea to use mulch and haven't had a problem since.
Reply:sure but where are you????


full sun in the north is not the same as full sun in the south!!!
Reply:Types: geraniums, pansies, marigolds, zinnias, begonias; Add a Dusty-miller, ivy and/or spike plant and your other flowers will stand out.





Tips: color assortment is nice but remember to consider the height and width of the plants if you are combining plants in a planter. First time around, limit the plants to 3 floral types per planter or plant a 'paradise of plants' by stepping pots (height of pots) of plants and limited each pot to one species.





Also Remember: POTTED PLANTS thrive if you use a mild liquid fertilizer on a weekly basis. I add a drop of 10-15-10 in the watering can; follow the directions on the bottle. If this becomes a regular routine, you will notice the top of your soil starting to look white. That means you can start to decrease your fertilizer portions to 1/2 the usual amount. Gentle mix the top of your soil and pinch off the dead blossoms and continue with your watering routine. Potted plants also respond to the natural rain water.





FIRST TIMER: REMEMBER TO PREP YOUR planting containers to avoid water log and allow your plant roots to breath. In general, a lining or pebbles on the bottom will work if you aren't using Terra-cotta or wood containers.
Reply:Most annual flowering plants prefer full sunlight. There are exceptions like impatiens, but most of the common annuals like petunias, zinnias, marigolds, geraniums like full sun.





The biggest difficulty of planters is not the bright sunlight but keeping them well watered. On hot days, plants suck up a lot of water and your planters will dry out quickly. Make sure you water every evening.Reebok