The spring season is coming to a close, which means gardening beginners will soon discover that many of their plants are reaching the end of their life cycle. Daffodils and tulips are examples of flowers that will not last past spring

However, some plants that are annuals and perennials will grow, bloom, and die all in the same season. Gardeners should not fret, as we have discovered four plants that you can plant in spring and will last throughout summer, with some even surviving winter. These long-flowering plants are perfect for elevating your patios and porch containers and are compatible with shade for those unpredictable British weather conditions. 

Million Bells

According to Southern Living, Million Bells are also called trailing petunia. "The flowers of this low-growing rambler resemble their namesake, covering the clean green foliage from spring through frost."

Bursting with nearly every colour of the rainbow, these vibrant blooms are self-cleaning, meaning you won’t need to deadhead to keep them flowering. Their preferred soil type is moist, well-draining and rich, and their pH scale is acidic at 5.0-6.5.

Gardeners are warned that their heat and drought tolerance make them a favourite of hummingbirds.

Diamond Spire Gardenia

"Infuse the garden with the heavenly perfume of Diamond Spire Gardenia.

"This slender take on a Southern classic is sized just right for tight spaces and containers, growing three to four feet tall and only two feet wide," said the experts at Southern Living.

Keep the compost constantly moist through spring and summer. Place gardenias in your home in a warm, bright location with indirect light—an ideal spot is a west-facing windowsill.

According to the RHS, you can also give Gardenias a warm, sheltered spot outside in partial shade. "In a porch, doorway or beside a seating area would be ideal."

Pentas

"Pentas or Egyptian start flower is a fuss-free pollinator favourite," said Southern Living.

Gardeners should note that hummingbirds are drawn to red cultivars, and butterflies enjoy all the colourful varieties, including pink, magenta, lilac, and white blooms.

Pentas like some shade but bloom best in full sun. Its preferred soil is neutral, with a pH of 6.5-7.2 and a medium, well-draining, average soil type.

Saucy Salvia

The Saucy Salvia is a sterile and self-cleaning series of salvia that blooms from April to November with no deadheading. The plant blooms in red or purple varieties. Its needed soil type is well-draining, rich and has a pH score of 5.5-6.2, which is slightly acidic.

Southern Living went on to share: "Spikes of showy, long-tubed blooms are a favourite of butterflies and hummingbirds, and also make great cut flowers. Lush green foliage grows in a vigorous but tidy two- to three-foot clump."