One of the best parts of Spring is all the flowers that start coming into bloom, and there’s no better way to brighten an outdoor space than with some beautiful outdoor plants. I love incorporating a variety of perennial flowers into my balcony seating area and seeing the different flowers bloom throughout the summer.

Living in Colorado, weather changes and sudden storms throughout the summer are something I always take into consideration when planting my pots. There are so many native perennials that produce gorgeous blooms and keep coming back year after year that not only are they cost-effective but also easy to keep, as most require only partial sun and well-draining soil, leading to less watering needs.

Rocky Mountain Columbine

One of my favorites is our state flower, the Rocky Mountain Columbine. This beautiful flower comes in a variety of colors, from the iconic blue-and-white variety to shades of red and purple. These plants thrive in partial shade with moderately moist soil, making them ideal for balconies and patios facing any direction and a great pollinator for the local bee population. A large variety of mature, pot-ready Columbines can be purchased from the THE GARDENS garden center located right across from Camden Highlands Ridge.

Photo Courtesy of Brett Sayles from Pexels

Dianthus

Another great perennial flower is Dianthus. When purchasing Dianthus, be sure the variety you select is a perennial that grows well in your planting zone. Most of Denver is in zone 6a, with some areas being classified as 5b, making this zone 4-8 plant perfectly suited for our flowerpots.

The Georgia Peach Pie Dianthus will always hold a special place in my heart as the first Dianthus variety I brought home and sparked my love for this type of flower. These flowers only grow to around 11-12 inches tall, making them a great center plant in a flowerpot with shorter-growing varieties around it. One of the best things about this plant is the repeating blooms it gives, first appearing in late spring and then again in summer and fall with regular pruning. Three blooming sessions for the price of one plant!

Photo Courtesy of Monique Ardans-Vidaurri

Get your Patio Ready!

After choosing your favorite flowers, be sure to choose the right pots as well. Since most perennial flowers require well-draining soil, choosing deeper statement pots are often the best option for keeping your plants happy and coming back every year.

Line your balcony or patio railing with some smaller hanging planters full of annual blooms like Petunia’s, Viola’s and Moss Roses to complete the look and surround yourself with the colors and scents of summer while enjoying your outdoor space.

Photo Courtesy of Camden Highlands Ridge

Take a tour of your nearest Camden Community and start picturing the calm summer evenings you’ll enjoy on your new balcony surrounded by your favorite perennial flowers.