Whether planting in the ground or combining in a planter, annuals offer so many options in color, form, size, and texture. So much so that it is overwhelming. Here are 10 annuals used in combinations that are proven to work, based on our own experience at Longfellow’s and in Alice’s personal garden:
Lantana ‘Landmark Sunrise Rose’ and Ornamental Rice (Oryza stativa ‘Black Madras’)
Planted in the ground, the ornamental rice is just the right height to complement the lantana, plus the purple foliage complements the rosy colored blooms. Both plants are very heat tolerant. This is the 3rd year for this combination for this very strategic garden spot.
This container is a bit overfull but was beautiful for 5 months. Sitting on the south side on a concrete drive, these plants took the heat very well.
Coleus ‘Mainstreet River Walk’, Lantana ‘Lucky Lemon Glow’, Petunia ‘Supertunia Black Cherry’, Vinca ‘Cora Cascade Strawberry’, Angelonia ‘Archangel Dark Purple’
“For container plantings, I use Osmocote every month and water with Fertilome Blooming and Rooting twice a week.” – Alice Longfellow. To keep flowers blooming, it takes frequent fertilizing. Plan on fertilizing every fourth watering.
Profusion Zinnias are probably the best annual for planting in flower beds. Heat tolerant and “profuse” in their blooms, this tough plant has performed exceptionally well for 15 years in the flower beds at Longfellow’s. The color range includes various shades of gold, yellow, orange, apricot, salmon, cherry, and white.
This salmon variety looks pink here. It is a color that varies depending upon the age, weather, and time of year. An exceptional color option.
Marigold ‘Durango Mix’, Angelonia ‘Serena Blue’, and Lantana ‘Luscious Marmalade’ create a floral carpet underneath the Peacock Lily (Acidanthera) stalks (upper left) that bloom from August-October.
Fresh compost is added to the soil every spring at the time of planting. Espoma, Bluebird Compost or Milorganite is broadcast mid-summer to supplement these plants nutritional needs.
For a bright pop of color, Redhead Coleus is a showstopper. This plant is positioned so that it is backlit, greeting visitors and the homeowner late in the day.
Also featured here is Melampodium ‘Million Gold’, Gomphrena ‘Ping Pong Lavender’, and Salvia ‘Rhea’.
Coleus should be used as the foundation in any combination, the core to which all other flowers must conform.
New Look Celosia is a staple in this garden. The deep colors are complemented by the Peach Sunrise Landmark Lantana and Vinca ‘Jams ‘n Jellies Blueberry’.
Most of the annuals that take the summer’s heat don’t grow well if planted before Mother’s Day. Plant pansies, alyssum, nemesia, snapdragons, and bulbs for early spring color. Enjoy them until it’s time to plant the summer annuals.
To summarize, the 10 best annuals for sunny flowers beds and planters include varieties of:
Lantana, Sun-loving Coleus, Supertunias, Vinca, Angelonia, Marigold, Melampodium, Gomphrena, Salvia, and Celosia
Can we help you pick out the colors that are right for you?
