It’s finally springtime, which means it’s time to break out the plant soil and gardening tools to prepare your lawn and garden for the change in season! In between rainy days and surprise cold fronts, you will want to take advantage of the pleasant afternoons to help make your garden look great and build up your curb appeal. Plants can really help increase your curb appeal, especially when you use different types, colors, and sizes of plants to help get the job done.
When you visit your local garden center next time, keep an open mind and think outside the box. Flowers look pretty, but their growing season doesn’t last too long. Leafy plants, however, can give you a world of colorful possibilities.
Here are 8 reliable plants that will make your lawn and garden pop!
Black Mondo Grass – This type of lily possesses leaves that resemble inky black grass. It can provide a dramatic contrast next to the standard green leaves of regular mondo grass, or it can complement a bright patch of colorful flowers. Give this plant partial to full shade to make it happy, and it will grow to be between 6 and 12 inches tall.
Canna – These plants are typically grown for their flowers, but they can also look showy and tropical with their gorgeous leaves, which range from nearly black to green striped with gold. Phasion and Durban species have purple leaves streaked with orange, colors that will add an unexpected punch to your garden. This plant needs full sun and will grow 4 to 6 feet in height.
Coleus – Looking for a tropical perennial with colorful leaves? Coleus is the plant for you! From yellow to purple leaves, this plant is happy in either partial shade or full sun. Give it some space, because it can grow from 12 to 36 inches tall.
Coral Bells – You can enjoy a wide variety of leaf shapes with the coral bells! From frilly to scalloped leaves grown in radiant bold colors, these plants need good drainage and thrive in high humidity. Full sun in cool climates to partial shade in warmer climates is needed, and this plant can grow anywhere from 8 to 24 inches in height.
Encore Azalea – Are those sunny spots in your yard destroying your other azaleas? Give the encore azaleas a shot! This group of 25 hybrids bloom in spring and then again in late summer or early fall. Your garden will be bedecked with blooms in white, red, pink, or purple, and this plant grows to be between 3 to 5 feet in height.
Hosta – This popular shade plants is absolutely perfect for borders! Enjoy varieties of leaf shapes including hearts, lances, circles, or ovals, and textures from crinkled to glossy to matte. You don’t have to just have green hostas either; you can enjoy hostas in yellow and gray-blue as well! Just give this plant partial shade, and it can grow anywhere between 15 and 36 inches tall.
Hydrangea – If you’ve been in any stores that sell flowers recently, you’ve probably seen bouquets of blue, pink, or green blossoms on these plants. If you don’t have a hydrangea in your garden yet, buy one of these beauties today! Place it in front and center locations where their thick foliage and beautiful blooms work to hide boring foundation walls. They can grow to be between 3 and 5 feet, so be sure to give them at least 2 feet from your siding to prevent moisture problems!
Knockout Rose – Let’s face it – rose plants can be fussy at best. Knockout roses, however, will ensure that your house looks gorgeous from spring to the first frost. These 4 foot high plants are relatively disease-resistant and easy to take care of. Be sure to cut it back in late winter in order to minimize the chances of the plant catching any diseases or viruses.
Looking to sell your home but not sure where to start? Make sure that your curb appeal is up to snuff with these gorgeous plants first. Then call the experts at The Massey Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Elite Properties at (618) 791-5024 or (618) 791-9298 to find out what the next step is! Until then, be sure to read our blog for several tips and tricks you won’t find anywhere else!
The Massey Team 