Bedding plants play a crucial role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of gardens across the British landscape, providing bursts of colour and vitality during the summer months. These plants are coveted for their ability to thrive in various settings, whether arranged in garden beds, pots, or suspended baskets. The selection of the right bedding plants can significantly impact the overall appearance of a garden, making it essential for gardeners to choose wisely based on their preferences and growing conditions.
Among Britain’s top 10 popular bedding plants are Begonias, known for their vibrant flowers and adaptability to different light conditions. Marigolds, another favourite, are prized for their cheerful blooms and natural pest-repelling properties. Petunias, with their trumpet-shaped flowers in a myriad of hues, are a staple in many British gardens, adding a touch of elegance and charm. Impatiens, commonly referred to as Busy Lizzies, are beloved for their shade tolerance and profusion of delicate blossoms that brighten up any gloomy corner.
Furthermore, Lobelia, with its cascading habit and brilliant blue, white, or pink flowers, is a popular bedding plants choice for creating eye-catching hanging displays. Sweet Alyssum, celebrated for its fragrant clusters of tiny flowers and low maintenance requirements, is a delightful addition to summer bedding schemes. Antirrhinums, or Snapdragons, are cherished for their unique shape and vibrant colours, attracting pollinators to the garden. Lastly, Geraniums, available in a range of hues and thriving in sunny locations, are a versatile option for bedding displays, offering long-lasting blooms and resilience against challenging weather conditions.
1. Begonia
Preferred Situation: Thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for brightening shady corners.
Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil with added organic matter.
Ease of Growth: Moderate. Begonias need protection from frost and consistent moisture.
Pros: Long blooming season (summer to autumn), striking flowers in red, pink, orange, or white, and tolerance for shade.
Cons: Susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot if overwatered. Tubers require winter storage in colder regions.
Buy Begonia from Thompson & Morgan.
2. Geranium (Pelargonium)
Preferred Situation: Loves full sun and thrives in containers, hanging baskets, or borders.
Soil Type: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Ease of Growth: Easy. Drought-tolerant once established.
Pros: Vibrant blooms in red, pink, or white; low maintenance; pest-resistant.
Cons: Not frost-hardy; can become leggy without pruning.
Buy Geranium (Pelargonium) from Thompson & Morgan.
3. Petunia
Preferred Situation: Full sun for maximum flowering. Perfect for pots, window boxes, or ground cover.
Soil Type: Fertile, moist but well-drained soil.
Ease of Growth: Moderate. Requires regular feeding and deadheading.
Pros: Prolific blooms in almost every colour; long flowering season (spring to autumn).
Cons: Prone to aphids and slugs; flowers can be damaged by heavy rain.
Buy Petunia from Thompson & Morgan.
4. Marigold (Tagetes)
A highly recommended and one of the most popular bedding plants
Preferred Situation: Full sun; excellent for borders or companion planting to deter pests.
Soil Type: Adaptable to most soils but prefers moderately fertile, well-drained ground.
Ease of Growth: Easy. Fast-growing and low maintenance.
Pros: Pest-repellent properties (nematodes, aphids); bright orange/yellow blooms.
Cons: Can become straggly in poor light; strong scent may deter some gardeners.
Buy Marigold (Tagetes) from Thompson & Morgan.
5. Busy Lizzie (Impatiens)
Preferred Situation: Partial to full shade; ideal for under trees or in north-facing beds.
Soil Type: Moist, humus-rich soil.
Ease of Growth: Easy but requires consistent watering.
Pros: Continuous blooms in pink, red, or white; brightens dark areas.
Cons: Susceptible to downy mildew; intolerant of drought or frost.
Buy Busy Lizzie (Impatiens) from Thompson & Morgan.
6. Lobelia
A reliable and colourful addition to my popular bedding plants list, year after year!
Preferred Situation: Cool, partially shaded spots or morning sun. Perfect for edging or cascading from baskets.
Soil Type: Moist, well-drained soil enriched with compost.
Ease of Growth: Moderate. Sensitive to heat and drought.
Pros: Delicate blue, white, or purple flowers; compact growth habit.
Cons: May wilt in hot summers; short-lived in extreme temperatures.
Buy Lobelia from Thompson & Morgan.
7. Pansy
Preferred Situation: Cool climates with sun or partial shade. Winter-flowering varieties brighten autumn/winter gardens.
Soil Type: Rich, moisture-retentive soil.
Ease of Growth: Easy. Tolerates light frosts.
Pros: Wide colour range; blooms in cooler seasons.
Cons: Can struggle in summer heat; prone to slugs.
Buy Pansy from Thompson & Morgan.
8. Fuchsia
Preferred Situation: Sheltered partial shade; ideal for containers or shady borders.
Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil with regular moisture.
Ease of Growth: Moderate. Needs frost protection and pruning.
Pros: Elegant teardrop flowers; attracts pollinators.
Cons: Vulnerable to aphids and whitefly; not frost-hardy.
Buy Fuchsia from Thompson & Morgan.
9. Salvia
Preferred Situation: Full sun; adds height to bedding schemes.
Soil Type: Well-drained, average fertility soil.
Ease of Growth: Easy. Drought-resistant once established.
Pros: Spikes of red, blue, or purple flowers; attracts bees.
Cons: Requires spacing for airflow; shorter-lived in heavy clay.
Buy Salvia from Thompson & Morgan.
10. Alyssum
Preferred Situation: Full sun; ideal for rockeries, edges, or ground cover.
Soil Type: Poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
Ease of Growth: Easy. Self-seeds readily.
Pros: Honey-scented white/purple blooms; tolerates dry spells.
Cons: Short-lived; can become invasive in ideal conditions.
Buy Alyssum from Thompson & Morgan.
Preparing Soil, Weeding, and Deadheading Popular Bedding Plants
Soil Preparation: Start by enriching your garden soil with organic compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility. For heavy clay soils, add grit or sand to improve drainage—key for “how to prepare garden soil for bedding plants”. A pH of 6.0–7.0 is ideal for most bedding plants.
Weeding: Remove weeds regularly to reduce competition for nutrients. Use mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture—try “effective weeding tips for flower beds” for low-effort maintenance.
Deadheading: Snip off spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering of most popular bedding plants. This is crucial for plants like petunias and geraniums. Learn “how to deadhead for continuous blooms” to extend your display into autumn.
Bonus Bedding Plants & Flowers
Verbena: Drought-tolerant and sun-loving, verbena offers clusters of small flowers perfect for hanging baskets.
Nasturtium: Easy to grow with edible blooms; thrives in poor soil and full sun.
Nicotiana: Fragrant, night-blooming flowers ideal for evening gardens and pollinators. One of the more refined of the popular bedding plants on this list.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned gardener, these top 10 popular bedding plants—plus our bonus trio—offer something for every plot. Pair them with proper soil prep and care for a show-stopping garden all season long!
Further Reading about Popular Bedding Plants
For a much longer list, try the RHS website. Alternatively, I wrote an article on the topic of colourful bedding flowers that might be useful.
