Welcome back, fellow word-wranglers and garden enthusiasts! Today, we’re digging into a particularly vibrant corner of the puzzle world, exploring a common yet delightful type of
crossword clue
that often brings a splash of colour to our solving sessions. We’re talking about those wonderful botanical brain-teasers, specifically one that prompts us to identify an “Annual bedding plant (7).” Ah, the joy of combining horticulture with wordplay!
This isn’t just any old definition; it’s a specific kind of
crossword clue
that immediately paints a picture in the mind’s eye. Imagine a garden bursting with life, meticulously planned borders, or cheerful container displays. What makes an ‘annual bedding plant’ so special, both in the garden and in the grid? Well, for starters, the term ‘annual’ is key. These are the botanical overachievers that complete their entire life cycle – from seed to flower to seed – all within a single growing season. They live fast, bloom hard, and then gracefully bow out, making way for the next season’s display. This characteristic alone is often a crucial hint in deciphering such a
crossword clue
.
Then there’s the ‘bedding plant’ aspect. This tells us about their primary purpose in a landscape. These aren’t your long-term shrubs or perennials that return year after year. Instead, they’re chosen for their spectacular, often prolific, flowering habit, designed to create immediate and impactful displays. They’re the stars of temporary floral arrangements in parks, public spaces, and home gardens alike, providing continuous colour from late spring right through to the first frosts of autumn. Their versatility means they can fill beds, line pathways, spill from hanging baskets, or add drama to patio pots. When you encounter a
crossword clue
that mentions “bedding plant,” your mind should instantly wander to these temporary but brilliant performers.
The parenthetical (7) is, of course, our trusty letter count. For any seasoned solver, this numerical constraint is as vital as the definition itself. It’s the filter that helps us narrow down possibilities, discarding those perfect-sounding words that simply don’t fit the required length. This specific
crossword clue
requires us to find a seven-letter word that perfectly encapsulates an annual plant widely used for bedding purposes. It’s a testament to the elegant precision of
crossword clue
construction when the definition and length align so neatly.
Solving this type of
crossword clue
often calls upon a blend of general knowledge and a good vocabulary, sometimes even a touch of lateral thinking if it’s a cryptic clue (though this one leans more towards a straight definition). You might find yourself mentally sifting through a mental catalogue of popular garden annuals, weighing their names against the seven-letter requirement. Is it a plant known for its vibrant petals? Its lush foliage? Its ability to thrive in a sunny spot? These are the internal questions that dance in a solver’s mind as they work through the challenge presented by a well-crafted
crossword clue
.
The beauty of a horticultural
crossword clue
like “Annual bedding plant (7)” lies in its accessibility and its ability to connect us with the natural world, even from the comfort of our puzzle-solving chair. It reminds us that crosswords are not just about obscure words or complex wordplay, but also about the everyday wonders around us. So, next time you’re strolling through a park or admiring a window box, take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes of temporary garden displays – and remember how perfectly they can fit into a seven-letter slot on a
crossword clue
grid.
Keep those pencils sharp and those green thumbs ready for more wordy wonders!
Available Answers:
LOBELIA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Wednesday, 22 October 2025