Annuals for Sun
Temperatures are warming up and it will soon be time to plant annuals. (For best results, plant annuals in exposed areas when temperatures stay above 50 overnight).
Annuals are tender plants that complete their life cycle within one growing season and die after frost. They provide continuous color and are indispensable for containers and filling in borders.
The following list includes popular choices for annuals that like sunny situations.
Marigold – These cheery flowers in shades of orange and yellow are among the easiest flowers to grow. They are also very easy to grow from seed. They perform well in either pots or the ground. They are popular in vegetable gardens where their spicy scent helps deter harmful insects. Most marigold varieties are short in stature and make excellent edging plants. (Photo: Ignartonosbg, Pixabay)
Petunia – One of the most popular annuals, petunias offer non-stop color all season long. There are many new series of petunias that have been developed and there is one for multiple uses, whether it be trailing, mounding and with single or double blooms. All colors are represented, even black! Plants tend to get leggy by midsummer and need to be cut back to rejuvenate. (Photo: Alicja, Pixabay)
Callibrachoa (Million Bells) – Think of these flowers as “mini petunias” as they display the same colors and qualities. The plants are self-cleaning and do not need deadheading. (Photo: Elstef, Pixabay)
Lantana – Providing a rainbow of color, lantana is a plant that likes it hot and dry. Plants are mounding and sometimes trailing. They provide a tropic flare to the garden. (Note: Lantana is toxic to animals.) (Photo: Hans, Pixabay)
Celosia (Cockscomb) – When describing this plant, some customers refer to it as the “Dr. Seuss flower”. The plant is a member of the amaranth family and there are several types, some resembling feathery plumes and others looking like twisted coral. They like hot and dry conditions and will not tolerate wet feet. (Photo: Zimt2003, Pixabay)
Portulaca (Moss Rose) – This low-growing, mat forming annual is a beloved favorite. Hot colors in orange, yellow, red and white bloom continuously although the buds close on cloudy days. The succulent-like leaves mean this plant is drought-tolerant but regular watering and fertilizing will provide more robust blooms. (Note: Toxic to animals). (Photo: Phillip Oliver)
Cleome (Spider Flower) – When height is needed, Spider Flowers are a great choice. These statuesque plants rise to 5-6 feet in height with spherical bracts of flowers in white, pink and purple. Plants take off in the heat of summer and bloom continuously. For shorter plants, try ‘Senorita Rosalita’ which only gets 2-3 feet tall. (Photo: Phillip Oliver)
Zinnia – The flowers come in a variety of forms – rounded, daisy-like, cactus-like and some similar to dahlias. Zinnias thrive in hot weather and they usually take a while to get going. Cut flowers as they fade to keep the plants productive. (Photo: Nowaja, Pixabay)
Vinca – Annual vinca, not to be confused with the trailing ground cover, is also known as “Madagascar Periwinkle”. The flowers resemble impatiens and come in shades of purple, pink and white. This is a true heat-lover and it is best to wait until night temperatures are around 60 to put them in the ground. They do well as container plants and they make a great filler. (Note: Toxic to animals) (Photo: The Brit_2, Visual Hunt)
