Growing flowers in your yard is a great way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Flowers can also serve various purposes such as deterring pests, attracting pollinators, improving plant growth, and even having medicinal uses. However, not all flowers are easy to grow. Each flower has specific requirements and conditions that need to be met for successful growth and care.
Many beautiful flowers have particular needs and can be challenging to grow. Understanding factors like USDA hardiness zones, watering levels, soil preferences, sunlight exposure, maintenance needs, and pest issues is crucial for successful flower gardening. While some flowers may be more difficult to grow than others, it’s still possible to have them in your garden by providing the right care and conditions.
Before selecting any flower for your garden, it’s important to be informed about the specific requirements of each plant. Here are 13 stunning flowers that are known to be challenging to grow:
Hellebores
While hellebores (Helleborus species) are beautiful flowers that thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9, they are picky about water intake and cold weather. These flowers require moist soil, but not too much water to avoid fungus and root problems. Protect them from freezing temperatures as their petals can freeze. Hellebores bloom in winter and need proper care to thrive.
Azalea
Azaleas (Rhododendron species) are colorful shrubs that thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 10. These plants require acidic soil and indirect sunlight to avoid issues like yellowing leaves and poor growth. Some azaleas are prone to root and crown rot, so proper care is essential for their growth.
Bearded iris
Bearded irises (Iris germanica) come in various colors and are prone to root rot and diseases. These flowers need proper spacing, regular watering, and care to avoid overcrowding and fungal issues. Bearded irises are toxic to animals, so caution is advised when planting them.
Calla lily
Calla lilies (Zantedeschia species) require specific growing conditions to thrive, such as warm, damp soil in partially shady areas. These delicate flowers are prone to root rot if planted too deep. Careful handling during transport and fertilizing is necessary for their successful growth.
Gardenia
Gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides) are sensitive flowers that require specific conditions to bloom. These white flowers need temperatures between 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and acidic soil in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. Gardenias are prone to pests like aphids and spider mites, so proper care and placement are essential.
Peony
Peonies (Paeonia species and varieties) are vulnerable to various diseases and require moist, porous soil for optimal growth. These flowers need stakes to prevent drooping and proper spacing to avoid overcrowding. Peonies attract pests and diseases, so regular monitoring and care are necessary.
Jade vines
Jade vines (Strongylodon macrobotrys) produce turquoise flowers but require specific conditions to thrive. These flowers need humid, consistent-temperature environments and can be challenging to grow in certain regions. Proper soil and moisture management are essential to prevent root rot and leaf damage.
Miniature rose
Miniature roses (Rosa chinensis var. minima) require sunlight, air flow, and high-density moisture for successful growth. These flowers are prone to pests and diseases, making them high-maintenance plants. Proper watering and care are necessary to prevent issues like gray leaves and wilting.
Dahlia
Dahlias (Dahlia cultivars) need staking to prevent stem breakage and drooping. These flowers require well-drained, moist soil and are susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions. Proper care and monitoring are necessary to prevent issues like powdery mildew and pest infestations.
Orchid
Orchids require specific conditions for successful growth, including proper soil, light exposure, and watering levels. These delicate flowers are known for their difficulty and need regular care and monitoring. Pruning is essential to encourage new blooms and prevent issues like disease and poor growth.
Trillium
Trilliums (Trillium species) are native woodland plants that require damp, porous soil in USDA zones 4 through 9. These flowers can take several years to bloom and need a shady environment with occasional sunlight exposure. Careful consideration of soil conditions and placement is necessary for successful trillium growth.
Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia species) are cheery garden flowers that require proper spacing to prevent fungal issues like leaf spot. These flowers grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9 but need careful monitoring to avoid diseases. Adequate space between plants is crucial for healthy black-eyed Susan growth.
Delphinium
Delphiniums (Delphinium x elatum) are stunning flowers that require specific care and conditions for successful growth. These blue flowers need well-drained, dampish soil in USDA zones 3 through 7. They are high-maintenance plants that need staking, regular pruning, and monitoring for diseases and pests like powdery mildew and slugs.
