Patriotic Plants in Red, White, and Blue

Maybe you've suddenly realized that the 4th of July is just around the corner and now you want to decorate your porch. Of course, patriotic flowers in shades of red, white, and blue would be just the thing, and luckily for you, an assortment of colorful annuals will fit the bill.

All you have to do is head down to the garden center and stock up on some patriotic prettiness, pop them in containers or hanging baskets and enjoy the transformation of your porch from so-so to celebratory.

Here's what to look for:

Zonal geraniums

You simply can't go wrong with zonal geraniums. They put out stunning clusters of flowers with vibrant color and if you keep them properly maintained, they'll bloom throughout the entire summer. Zonal geraniums like full sun and regular watering and they come in a multitude of colors, including red and white, but you won't find them in blue.

Petunias

But don't worry-you can fill that blue void on your porch with blue petunias. In 2003, the Wave Blue petunia won an All-America Selections national award and was praised for its ease of care. The blooms are a delightful deep blue and make a standout addition in any garden bed or container. Petunias also prefer full sun, making them a good companion for the zonal geraniums.

You can also choose any of the (many!) varieties of red or white petunias to complete your display; the Wave series also includes flowers in these colors. Or check out Petunia Dreams Red Picotee, which sports red blooms edged with white and really makes a statement.

Impatiens
Maybe your porch or other preferred location isn't in full sun. If you're dealing with partial shade, impatiens make a great choice. Again, white and red varieties are easy to come by, so you'll have no shortage of options in those colors. Sun-Patiens White Improved is a great choice, and the Sun-Patiens line boasts varieties in varying shades of red (along with every shade of pink imaginable, but I digress). Blue impatiens are harder to come by, however.

Pansies
Ahh, but blue pansies abound! The Frizzle Sizzle Blue ruffled pansy is as adorable as its name indicates, and there are several other blue pansy varieties that are lighter or darker in shade. Pansies aren't terribly picky about their sun preferences-partial sun is fine, so is full sun. Blue pansies have the added side benefit of making you smile whenever you see them.
Before you know it, you'll have brilliant bursts of color on the porch, just in time to celebrate! Have fun!