Plan Now for Nonstop Summer Color: Top Proven Winners® Picks

If you want a garden that stays vibrant from early summer through fall, planning now is essential—especially here in Zone 6b along the Massachusetts shoreline. At Redwood Nursery in Swansea, MA, we specialize in high-performance plants that thrive in our local conditions. One of the best ways to guarantee long-lasting color? Planting Proven Winners® varieties, known for their reliability, vigor, and extended bloom time.

Here are some top picks to keep your garden looking its best all season long:

🌸 1. Supertunia® Petunias

These are a staple for nonstop blooms. Supertunias are self-cleaning (no deadheading needed) and perform beautifully in containers, hanging baskets, and landscapes.
Best for: Full sun, containers, borders
Pair with: Espoma Flower-Tone for continuous feeding

🌼 2. Superbells® Calibrachoa

Think of these as mini petunias with massive flower power. They spill nicely over containers and keep blooming without pause.
Best for: Hanging baskets, window boxes
Tip: Use well-draining soil like Espoma Potting Mix

🌺 3. Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs

For structure and season-long color, shrubs like Double Play® Spirea or Ringo® Roses offer both foliage interest and blooms.
Best for: Foundation plantings, mixed borders
Local advantage: Hardy and reliable in Southeastern MA conditions

🌿 4. Rockin’® Salvia

A pollinator favorite that delivers bold color spikes all summer. Heat-tolerant and low maintenance.
Best for: Pollinator gardens, sunny beds
Bonus: Attracts hummingbirds and bees

🌸 5. Luscious® Lantana

Perfect for hot, sunny spots near the coast. These thrive in heat and keep producing vibrant clusters of flowers.
Best for: Containers, patios, sunny landscapes

Soil, Feeding & Success Tips

To get the most out of your Proven Winners plants, start with strong soil and consistent feeding:

• Espoma Organic Garden Soil for in-ground planting
• Espoma Bio-tone Starter Plus to promote root development
• Bonide Liquid Fertilizer for quick nutrient boosts during peak bloom

Our team at Redwood Nursery can help you select the right combinations for your space—whether you’re designing containers, refreshing garden beds, or planning a full landscape.

Plan Now, Enjoy All Summer

The key to nonstop color is planting early and choosing proven performers. Stop by Redwood Nursery in Swansea, MA to explore our full selection of Proven Winners annuals, perennials, and shrubs.

👉 Visit the garden center or download our app to access exclusive deals and seasonal promotions: https://apjl.app/nunans

FAQ

When should I plant Proven Winners in Massachusetts?
Late April through early June is ideal, once the risk of frost has passed.

Do Proven Winners plants need a lot of maintenance?
Most are bred to be low-maintenance, requiring minimal deadheading and consistent watering.

How often should I fertilize for continuous blooms?
Feed every 1–2 weeks with a liquid fertilizer or use a slow-release option at planting.

Can I mix Proven Winners plants in containers?
Yes—many are designed to complement each other in “recipes” for color, height, and trailing effects.

Are these plants good for pollinators?
Many varieties, like salvia and lantana, are excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.