Annual Flowers for Full Sun,
Part-Shade, or Shade
Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a novice gardener, selecting the right annuals can bring a full season of flowers and color to your garden bed. Joellen Dimond, Director of Landscape at the University of Memphis, talks about many options for spring annuals for sun, part-shade and full shade.
Full Sun Annuals:
For those sun-drenched spots in your garden, Joellen recommends lantanas. These hardy plants come in a variety of colors and thrive in dry conditions, making them an excellent choice for sunny landscapes. Portulacas, also known as moss roses, are another resilient option, boasting vibrant blooms and succulent foliage that can withstand the heat. Celosias add a splash of color with their bright hues, though their self-seeding nature may be a deterrent. Marigolds, known for their reliability and long-lasting blooms, are a staple in many gardens, while zinnias offer a plethora of colors to suit any aesthetic. However, While Joellen likes vinca, she advises caution, emphasizing the importance of rotating your annuals to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Partly Shaded Annuals:
In areas with partial shade, Joellen suggests a variety of annuals that can thrive in these conditions. Coleus, with its striking foliage, adds interest to partly shady spots. Gomphrenas, often overlooked, provide subtle pops of color and are commonly used in potpourri. Begonias are versatile plants appreciated for both their vibrant blooms and colorful foliage, while ageratum introduces a refreshing touch of blue to the garden. And who can resist the charm of pansies, with their cheerful faces brightening up any space?
Shade-Loving Annuals:
For those shady corners of your garden, Joellen recommends a selection of annuals that can thrive in low-light conditions. Consider caladiums, whose vibrant foliage can enliven even the darkest spots. Lobelias cascade gracefully, their delicate blooms lending an air of elegance to containers and hanging baskets. Torenias, also known as wishbone plants, feature unique bicolor flowers that thrive in the shade. New Guinea impatiens, with their bold colors and resilience to downy mildew, are a reliable choice for shady gardens.
Practical Tips for Success:
Beyond simply selecting the right annuals, Joellen emphasizes the importance of proper garden care. Rotating crops, ensuring adequate drainage, and providing the right amount of sunlight are essential for maintaining a healthy garden. By selecting the appropriate annuals for your garden's unique conditions, you can unlock the beauty of spring and enjoy your flowerbed all season long.
Related Videos:
Annuals and Perennials for the Garden
Pruning Flowering Annuals
Pests and Diseases of Annual Flowers
Planting Coleus, Pentas and Vinca
Related Resources:
Growing Annual Flowers
Growing Annual Flowers: Planning, starting and caring for a garden
Full Sun Annuals:
For those sun-drenched spots in your garden, Joellen recommends lantanas. These hardy plants come in a variety of colors and thrive in dry conditions, making them an excellent choice for sunny landscapes. Portulacas, also known as moss roses, are another resilient option, boasting vibrant blooms and succulent foliage that can withstand the heat. Celosias add a splash of color with their bright hues, though their self-seeding nature may be a deterrent. Marigolds, known for their reliability and long-lasting blooms, are a staple in many gardens, while zinnias offer a plethora of colors to suit any aesthetic. However, While Joellen likes vinca, she advises caution, emphasizing the importance of rotating your annuals to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Partly Shaded Annuals:
In areas with partial shade, Joellen suggests a variety of annuals that can thrive in these conditions. Coleus, with its striking foliage, adds interest to partly shady spots. Gomphrenas, often overlooked, provide subtle pops of color and are commonly used in potpourri. Begonias are versatile plants appreciated for both their vibrant blooms and colorful foliage, while ageratum introduces a refreshing touch of blue to the garden. And who can resist the charm of pansies, with their cheerful faces brightening up any space?
Shade-Loving Annuals:
For those shady corners of your garden, Joellen recommends a selection of annuals that can thrive in low-light conditions. Consider caladiums, whose vibrant foliage can enliven even the darkest spots. Lobelias cascade gracefully, their delicate blooms lending an air of elegance to containers and hanging baskets. Torenias, also known as wishbone plants, feature unique bicolor flowers that thrive in the shade. New Guinea impatiens, with their bold colors and resilience to downy mildew, are a reliable choice for shady gardens.
Practical Tips for Success:
Beyond simply selecting the right annuals, Joellen emphasizes the importance of proper garden care. Rotating crops, ensuring adequate drainage, and providing the right amount of sunlight are essential for maintaining a healthy garden. By selecting the appropriate annuals for your garden's unique conditions, you can unlock the beauty of spring and enjoy your flowerbed all season long.
Related Videos:
Annuals and Perennials for the Garden
Pruning Flowering Annuals
Pests and Diseases of Annual Flowers
Planting Coleus, Pentas and Vinca
Related Resources:
Growing Annual Flowers
Growing Annual Flowers: Planning, starting and caring for a garden