Annuals

Annual plants complete their entire life cycle, from seed to flower and back to seed again, all in one season. Because their time is limited, annuals bloom with gusto, often for months on end. A number of perennials also are willing to grow as annuals, particularly semitropical plants, such as lantana, four-o'clock, and sweet potato vine. Many gardeners simplify this matter by referring to all plants that are easily grown for a single season as annuals.

Care-free annuals are the workhorses of the garden, providing reliable foliage and flower color from spring to fall, and throughout winter in mild climates. Early-blooming, cool-season annuals, such as pansies are perfect companions to spring-flowering bulbs and flowering shrubs. With the onset of summer, you can switch to heat-tolerant, warm-season annuals including marigolds, salvias, and zinnias.

The majority of bedding plants that fill stores in spring are annuals, so it is hard to imagine an easier way to kick off a colorful summer than to buy a few, prepare a suitable bed, and pop in these ready-to-grow plants. Many of the annuals sold as bedding plants are compact dwarf varieties, bred to need little maintenance and grow as well-behaved subjects in gardens, containers, and window boxes. They bloom for months and you can just toss them on the compost heap at season's end, and you're ready for next year.

Although annuals are, by definition, one-season wonders, they sometimes self-sow, making replanting unnecessary. The best of these are charmingly informal plants, such as forget-me-nots and poppies, that surprise us by cropping up in new places, and delight us with the bonus of free plants.
The more you try, the more of these care-free garden performers you'll fall in love with, and the more ways you'll find to use them. The annuals listed in the following articles will look good for an extended period of time without fuss or bother. Easy, fast, and inexpensive, they are ideal for busy gardeners.

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained, fertile
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Blue, white, and bicol-ored flowers; for edgings, pots, cut flowers
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer through early fall
FAVORITES: 'Capri' dwarf variety; taller 'Blue Horizon'
QUIRKS: Thrives in warm, humid weather
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Campanulas, catmint, dahlias, sulfur cosmos, salvias, zinnias
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Moist, well-drained soil, where summer nights stay above 55'F (13'C)
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Spider mites, whiteflies
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: Dwarfs 6 in (15.2 cm) tall, 12 in (30.5 cm) wide; tall types 2 ft (0.6 m) tall, 1 ft (0.3 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slight alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained loam
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Profuse, large flowers in white, pink, red; for beds, pots, baskets
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to fall
FAVORITES: Seed-sown hybrids, such as 'Elite' or 'Orbit'; 'Summer Showers' ivy geranium; all scented-leaf geraniums
QUIRKS: Allow soil to dry between waterings to ovoid rot
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Browallia, dusty miller, lobelia, petunia, verbena
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sunny site, well-drained soil, windowsill, outdoors
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Geranium budworm
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 1-3 ft (0.3-1 m) tall, 1-3 ft (0.3-1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained, fertile
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Season-long flowers, neat plants; use for beds, baskets, and containers
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer to fall
FAVORITES: Wax begonia 'Wings', 'Cocktail', and double 'Queen'; tuberous Nonstop hybrids, and Giant Cascade Doubles
QUIRKS: Wet leaves turn dry and brown in strong sun
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Impatiens, petunias, Shasta daisies, scobiosa
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Partial shade with crumbly, fertile soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Powdery mildew, sunburn
SOURCE: Cuttings, seeds, tubers
DIMENSIONS: Wax 8-14 in (20.3-35.6 cm) tall and wide; tuberous 1 ft (0.3m) tall, 1 to 3 ft (0.3 to 1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Edible leaves, blue star shaped blossoms; for herb or flower garden
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to frost
FAVORITES: Blue-flowered species; white-flowered 'Alba'
QUIRKS: Chill seeds for 1 week before planting
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Lavender, purple-leaf sage, peonies, iris
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Fertile, humus-rich soil; full sun
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Slugs
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 2 ft (0.6 m) tall, 2 ft (0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Blue or white, star-shaped blossoms on compact or cascading plants; for pots, boxes, baskets, beds
SEASONS ON INTEREST: Summer to fall
FAVORITES: Blue-flowered 'Heavenly Bells'; white-flowered 'Silver Bells', drought-tolerant 'Amethyst Bells'
QUIRKS: Needs watering to avoid wilt in hot weather
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Sweet alyssum, bedding geraniums, petunias
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Partial shade; moist sail
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Aphids
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) tall, 1-1.5 ft (0.3-0.5 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Deep green heart-shaped leaves dappled with small golden daisies; or beds, hanging baskets, or containers
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to fall
FAVORITES: 'Medallion' for a broad spread; 'Derby' for miniature size; 'Million Gold' for quick flowers
QUIRKS: Transplant when young because of long taproot
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Ageratum, gomphrena, sunflower, tithonia.
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full sun in warm climates
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS:Whiteflies, aphids
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 8-15 in (20.3-38 cm) tall, to 2 ft (0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Daisy-shaped flowers in bright shades of yellow or orange; use dwarf varieties in containers and window boxes; grow long-stemmed varieties in beds
SEASONS OF INTEREST: Summer to fall
FAVORITES: 'Lemon Cream' for color; 'Prince' series for cutting; compact Bon Bon Mix, 'Calypso' for containers
QUIRKS: May slop blooming in very hot weather
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Ageratum, borage, dusty miller, forget-me-not, bachelor's button, larkspur, nasturtium
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Fertile, well-drained, sunny sites; cool climate
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Powdery mildew, cabbage loopers
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 8-30 in (20.3-76.2 cm) tall and 12-18 in (305-45 7 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Large, fast-growing plants; use as screen, at back of border, with tall companion plants
SEASON OF INTEREST: Midsummer to frost
FAVORITES: 'Carmencita' for burgundy leaves; 'Carmencita Pink' for pink flowers; 'Impala' for maroon seed pods
QUIRKS: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Amaranth, morning glory, sunflower, zinnia
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full sun, in warm, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Wind can topple large plants
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 8 ft (2.4 m) tall, 4 ft (1.2 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained, fertile
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Flowers in white, yellow, pink, red, and purple; use in containers or beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Fall
FAVORITES: Multicolored Prophet series; 'Single Apricot' to grow as a perennial
QUIRKS: Blooms when days become short in the fall
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Asters, ornamental cabbage and kale, ornamental grasses, pansies
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: All climates and exposures
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Aphids, grasshoppers
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for grasshoppers
SOURCE: Stem cuttings, division
DIMENSIONS: Potted mums less than 18 in (45.7 cm) tall, 15 in (38 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Red, yellow, orange, or pink crested, plumed or spiked flowers; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Midsummer to fell
FAVORITES: 'Castle' or 'Century' for plumed type; 'Prestige Scarlet' for red flowers, reddish leaves; 'Pink Candle' wheat celosia
QUIRKS: Individual flower clusters last for weeks in garden
GOOD NEIGHBORS: All summer annuals, from ageratum to zinnias
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Warm summer regions in fertile, sun-drenched soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Spider mites, prolonged drought
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 8-40 in (20.3-101.6 cm) tall, 12 in (30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Loam
PREFERRED LIGHT: Shade to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Multicolored leaves; for beds or containers
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to fall
FAVORITES: Miniatures 'India Frills', 'Duckfoot'; medium Wizard mix, 'Brilliant Red'; 'Purple Emperor'
QUIRKS: Needs warm soil; plant outside in early summer
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Dahlias, hosla, pansies, phormium
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Shade or partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Aphids, whiteflies
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, cuttings
DIMENSIONS: Dwarfs 12 in (30.5 cm) tall; others from 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) tall and wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moderately fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Lacy foliage; white, pink, purple, yellow, or red daisylike flowers; for borders or pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to fall
FAVORITES: Sonata mix, white and pink flowers; Seashells mix; fiery 'Bright Lights', 'Cosmic Orange' for orange and red flowers; yellow sulfur cosmos
QUIRKS: Grows poorly in damp, overly fertile soil
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Cleome, purple cone-flower, gomphrena, salvia, zinnia
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sunny, modestly fertile, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Stem or root rot in wet soil; beetles
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) tall, 1 ft (0.3 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant; hardy to Zone 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Any well-drained soil
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Felt-textured silver leaves that are rounded or lacy; for edging or pots.
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to fall in cold-winter regions; all year in warm-winter climates.
FAVORITES: 'Cirrus' for rain tolerance; 'Silverdust' for compact growth habit.
QUIRKS: Humid weather induces stem rot; heavy rain can remove silver leaf coating.
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Browallia, campanula, geranium, pansy, poppy
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Well-drained soil; full sun
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Aphids
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 12-18 in (30.5-45.7 cm) tall, and 12 in (30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Spreading foliage studded with blue fan-shaped flowers; for pots or beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: From early summer to first fall freeze
FAVORITES: 'New Wonder' for its bounty of blue flowers
QUIRKS: Grows best with ample water
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Annual zonal geraniums, phormium, verbena
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full sun; damp, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Aphids, whiteflies (rare)
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Cuttings
DIMENSIONS: 1 ft (0.3 m) kill, 3 ft (1 m) wide

Fan Flower in the Landscape

The gardening world recognized a superstar the moment it discovered the Australian import known as fan flower. Also called by its botanic name scaevola, this spreading annual produces hundreds of small, mauve-blue blossoms shaped like old-fashioned, opened fans. 'New Wonder' boasts an even greater profusion of large, richly colored blue blossoms than the original species, making it ideal for pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, or the garden.

Fan flower is self-branching, drought tolerant, and wind resistant. It endures hot blasts of scorching weather. With shocking speed and no fuss, each plant spreads into a ravishing 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) wide beauty.
When it comes to color, the blue blossoms of fan flower complement many other flower colors. In containers, fan flower mixes well with pink verbena, white annual zonal geraniums, marigolds, snapdragons, and most other summer bloomers.

Growing Fan Flower

Fan flowers are so new to the gardening scene that we've only just begun to explore their uses. But, because of their fortitude, fan flowers are top candidates for hanging baskets, where the soil dries out often and a plant must be steadfast to survive.

You can find hanging baskets already planted with fan flowers at many garden centers, or simply start your own. For fastest impact, set 3 small bedding plants 3 in (7.6 cm) apart in an 8 in (20.3 cm) diameter hanging basket or container filled with fertile, loamy potting soil. Firm the soil around each plant to eliminate air pockets. Water the newly planted container generously, and then put it in partial shade for a few days to allow it to adjust to its new home. After that brief transition period, shift the basket to its permanent location in full sun. During fair weather, most hanging baskets require daily watering and a weekly application of balanced, soluble fertilizer applied at half strength, according to package directions.

In beds, fan flowers are unfazed by wind, torrential rain, or occasional drought. Plant them as you would in a container, providing ample water during heat waves and a bit of extra fertilizer during the second half of summer to keep them blooming at their peak.
Increasing the Bounty

Begin each season by buying healthy plants that have been professionally propagated. You can grow a few new plants for home use in midsummer by rooting cuttings from a mature plant. Snip off 4 in (10.2 cm) long stem tips, strip leaves from the lower 2 in (5.1 cm) of stem, and insert the cutting by half its length into a mixture of damp sand and peat moss. Set the container in a shady spot and keep the sand mix damp. The cuttings should root in about 3 weeks.

This tough plant is virtually never bothered by pests and diseases. If small, sap-sucking insects, such as aphids or whiteflies, attack tender stem tips, dispense them with a forceful stream of water from the hose or apply insecticidal soap as directed.

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Tiny blue blossoms in spring; for massing in small areas or edging, or as groundcover
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late spring to early summer
FAVORITES: 'Victoria Blue' compact plants; 'Victoria Mixed' lor blue, pink, white
QUIRKS: Grows best in moist soil; quickly dies back in hot weather
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Spring-flowering bulbs, calendula, candytuft, roses and other shrubs
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Cool climates in filtered sun or partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Aphids
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 6-12 in (15.2-30.5 cm) tall, up to 12 in (30.5 cm) wide

HARDINESS: Winter hardy in Zones 7 to 10
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Multicolored, fragrant flowers open in late afternoon; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer to fall
FAVORITES: 'Jalapa Yellow' for yellow flowers; 'Broken Colors' for confetti colors
QUIRKS: Well-grown four-o'clocks are shrubby
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Petunias; other night-blooming annuals, such as flowering tobacco
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full sun to partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Japanese beetles
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds, tuberous roots
DIMENSIONS: 3 ft (1 m) tall, 30 in (76.2 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Pink, purple, salmon, and fuchsia flowers, green or variegated foliage; for baskets, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer to fall; can be grown as a houseplant
FAVORITES: 'Yuletide', 'Flirtation Waltz' for double flowers; 'Aurea', 'Little Jewel' for interesting foliage
QUIRKS: Needs frequent watering to prevent wilt; does not thrive in hot weather
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Licorice plant, coleus, pansy, plectranthus
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Cool-summer locations; needs shade in hot areas
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Powdery mildew, botrytis, aphids, whiteflies
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, cuttings
DIMENSIONS: 2 ft (0.6 m) tall, 12-14 in (30.5-35.6 cm) wide; width varies by variety

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral soil
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained loam
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to filtered shade
ATTRIBUTES: Long-lasting, heat-tolerant white, pink, purple, and orange, cloverlike blossoms in summer; grow in beds or in containers; cut for fresh or dried flower arrangements
SEASON OF INTEREST: Midsummer to frost
FAVORITES: 'Bicolor Rose' with white centers surrounded by a haze of lilac-rose; 'Strawberry Fields' for orange flowers
QUIRKS: Plants are slow to flower
GOOD NEIGHBORS: All summer-flowering annuals and perennials including black-eyed Susan, cosmos, marigold, zinnias
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Fertile, well-drained toil in full sun and warm summer climates
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Aphids, red spider miles; leaf-spotting fungal diseases
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 10-24 in (25.4-61 cm) tall, and are 12 in (30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Grassy texture, seed heads; use in beds, as specimens, pots, for fresh or dried arrangements
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late spring through fall
FAVORITES: Hare's tail grass, quaking grass, 'Black Tip' wheat
QUIRKS: Seedlings may be mistaken for crabgrass
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Black-eyed Susan, goldenrod, Joe Pye weed
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sunny spots with fertile, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Not winter hardy, grow as annuals
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for deer
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 18 in-6 ft (45.7 cm-1.8 m) tall, up to 12 in (30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Filtered shade
ATTRIBUTES: Compact, mounded plants; white, pink, purple, or red flowers; for shady beds or pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer, early fall
FAVORITES: All varieties are good, so select by color; New Guinea hybrids are sun tolerant, deer resistant
QUIRKS: Needs moist soil; touch-me-not flings its seeds
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Ajuga, ferns, foxglove, lady's mantle
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Shade, filtered or partial sun
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Aphids, whiteflies
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good, New Guinea impatiens are excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds, cuttings
DIMENSIONS: 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) high, 2 ft (0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tolerates light frost
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Full sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Heat tolerant; flowers attract butterflies; for beds, pots, ground covers
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer, early fait
FAVORITES: 'Greg Grant', 'Samantha' for variegated leaves; unnamed types for multicolored flowers
QUIRKS: All plant parts are toxic if eaten; dispose of berries; flowers attract butterflies
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Zinnia, ageratum, sulfur cosmos, four-o'clock
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Hot, humid locations; well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Mealybugs and white-flies indoors
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, cuttings
DIMENSIONS: 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) tall, 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Freeze tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Pastels flower spires; for flower or herb gardens, fresh cut or dried flowers
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to summer, depending on climate
FAVORITES: 'Giant Imperial' for many colors, tan spires; 'Messenger' for early flowers
QUIRKS: Toxic plants and seeds; poor transplant survival
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Alliums, poppies, monkshood, peonies, yarrow
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Moist, fertile, alkaline soil; cool weather
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Powdery mildew, crown rot, root rot
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) toll, 1 ft (0.3 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Trumpet-shaped, satiny, white or pink flowers; for beds, hedges, or masses
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer through fall
FAVORITES: Pink 'Silver Cup'; white 'Mont Blanc'; deep pink 'Ruby Regis'
QUIRKS: Poor survival rate for transplants
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Meadow sage, ornamental grasses, yellow- or white-flowered annuals
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full sun; well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Rare; hollyhock rust in extremely damp situations; Japanese beetles
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 18-36 in (45.7-91.4 cm) tall, up to 30 in (76.2 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained, fertile
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Felted leaves in silver or green; dense spreading habit; for pots, baskets, window boxes, bedding
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to fall; all year in frost-free regions
FAVORITES: Helichrysum petiolare for silver leaves; 'Limelight' for chartreuse foliage
QUIRKS: Keep soil moist to prevent wilting
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Brachychome, browallia, larkspur, torenia
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Partial shade; moist, organic soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Humid air can induce rot
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants; difficult but possible to root from cuttings
DIMENSIONS: 10 in (25.4 cm) tall, 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun or partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Intense true blue, violet-blue, or white flowers on cascading or mounding plants, for edging, window boxes, and containers
SEASON Of INTEREST: Spring to fall
FAVORITES: For edging, blue 'Blue Moon' or white 'Paper Moon'; 'Midnight Blue' has bronzy red foliage; the 'Fountain' series for its cascading habit
QUIRKS: Plants stop blooming and may die in hot weather
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Yellow dwarf marigold, dusty miller, petunia, snapdragon, zinnia
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Cool summer climates, and a site in full sun
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Excessive warmth can wither plants
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds, cuttings
DIMENSIONS: 6 in (15.2 cm) high, 6-12 in (15.2-30.5 cm| wide, depending on variety

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Full sun
ATTRIBUTES: Uniquely shaped blue, white, pink, or lavender blossoms; lacy foliage. Use for beds; cut flowers for bouquets; dried seedpods for dried-flower arrangements
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer to fall
FAVORITES: Blue-flowered 'Miss Jekyll' for compact stature; 'Persian Jewels' for dynamic, mixed colors
QUIRKS: Short-lived annual; sow successively for longer flowering
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Calendula, phlox, annual poppies, sweet alyssum
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Rich, fertile soil; full sun
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Hot weather may delay flowering
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Sow seeds; self-sows
DIMENSIONS: 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) tall, 1 ft (0.3 m) or more wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acidic
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Red, garnet, or green flower tassels; tolerates heat; for beds or pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to fall
FAVORITES: Red-flowered A. caudatus; dwarf green 'Green Thumb'; dwarf red 'Pygmy Torch'; A. cruentus 'Hot Biscuits' for buff brown flowers; A. tricolor for yellow or red leaves
QUIRKS: Plants need warm soil
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Celosia, gomphrena, lavatera, marigolds, flowering tobacco
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Well-drained soil in warm summer climates
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Aphids, deer
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for deer
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 2-6 ft (0.6-1.8 m) tall, 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) wide

Love-Lies-Bleeding in the Landscape

With one of the most vivid names in the plant world, love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) boasts tiny blood red flowers that dangle from arching, 2 ft (0.6 m) long ropelike stems that droop from plants that are 4 ft (1.2 m) tall or taller. No doubt about it, this plant is no shrinking violet. The flower color is astonishing, the cascading tassels of flowers are difficult to ignore, and the plant's dimensions are practically larger than life.

If you want to downplay the drama, tuck the plant into the back of the border behind shorter summer flowering plants, such as lavatera, gomphrena, marigolds, or celosia. For a braver approach, plant it beside a gate, porch, or front door. Love-hes-bleeding is equally striking in a container, as long as the scale is large.
Although love-hes-bleeding is a giant among annuals, its needs are few. It thrives on summer heat and asks little of your time. Once planted, it takes poor soil and dry conditions in stride. The blossoms make wonderful cut flowers, or you can dry them for use in winter arrangements.

The Many Shades of Drama

If the typical red flowers and towering stature of love-hes-bleeding aren't your heart's desire, try a different amaranth. The variety known as 'Green Thumb' bears vivid green upright flower spikes on a demure plant that stands 12-24 in (30.5-61 m) tall. 'PygmyTorch' is its garnet-flowered dwarf counterpart.

If you feel that big is beautiful but want toned-down flowers, try the 5-6 ft (1.5-1.8 m) tall A. cruentus 'Hot Biscuits', which is topped by huge, buff brown, upright plumes. A midsized compromise is A. giganticus, called the elephant head amaranth because of its immense, upright, blood red plumes.

Flowers aren't amaranthus' only assets. The closely related plant called summer poinsettia (A. tricolor) stands 4-5 ft (1.2-1.5 m) tall and features a flowing crown of brilliantly colored foliage. The uppermost leaves of 'Aurora' are sunshine yellow, while those of 'Illumination' are crimson.

Growing Love-Lies-Bleeding

Love-hes-bleeding and the other amaranths will grow in any soil, including heavy clay. Plants grown in full sun are stiffly upright, but you may need to stake those in partial shade. Love-hes-bleeding prefers warm temperatures, so there's nothing to be gained from sowing seeds early. Sow seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date.

Barely cover the seeds with soil and keep the soil barely moist and at room temperature till seedlings have several sets of leaves. Transplant them into the garden when the weather is warm and settled.You may also seed directly into the garden in well-drained soil and full sun. Space plants 18 in (45.7 cm) apart, and mulch between them to discourage weeds. There is no need to fertilize, and these drought-tolerant plants seldom need watering.

The only significant insect foes of amaranths are tiny pear-shaped, sap-sucking aphids, which can be dispatched with a forceful spray of water or insecticidal soap. Deer, however, enjoy eating love-lies-bleeding. Discourage them by tying a bar of deodorant formula bath soap to a stake and tucking it among the plants. The only potential for disease is root rot, but planting in well-drained to dry soil will prevent rot.

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moderately fertile
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Quick and easy to grow; for beds, edging, pots, and window boxes
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to fall
FAVORITES: 'Inco', 'Snowdrift', 'First Lady' American marigolds; 'Janie', 'Sophia' French marigolds; 'Lemon Gem', 'Golden Gem' signet marigold
QUIRKS: Temporarily slops flowering during hot spells
GOOD NEIGHBORS : Campanula, lobelia, euphorbia, flowering tobacco
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sunny locations with ample rainfall
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Grasshoppers (occasionally), spidermites
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 1-3 ft (0.3-1 m) tall, 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL PH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained, fertile
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Flowers in worm colors, variegated leaves on some varieties, light fragrance; edible plants; or beds, pots, baskets
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to late fall
FAVORITES: 'Glorious Gleam', 'Moonlight'; 'Alaska' has variegated leaves
QUIRKS: Nick seeds before sowing; do not fertilize
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Annual geraniums, iris, morning glories
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sunny, dry location
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Aphids, otherwise good
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds, bedding plants
DIMENSIONS: 12 in-6 ft (30.5 cm-1.8 m) tall, 12-30 in (30.5-76.2 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL PH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Long-blooming, colorful flowers on compact plants; for pots, boxes, or edging in spring and fall
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to summer; winter in Zones 7 to 9
FAVORITES: 'Crystal Bowl' for wide color range; 'Majestic Giants' for large flowers with interesting markings; 'Sorbet' and other mini-pansies for winter bloom in warm climates
QUIRKS: Blooming stops when summer nights rise above 60°F (16°C)
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Sweet alyssum, larkspur, ornamental cabbage, snapdragon, bulbs
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Fertile, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Nematodes in warm climates; slugs, snails
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 6-8 in (15.2-20.3 cm) tall, 6-12 in (15.2-30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Adaptable
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Bronze leaves; pink flowers; for beds, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer to fall
FAVORITES: 'Purple Hedge'; seeds sold by species name
QUIRKS: Reseeds prolifically
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Castor bean, coleus, heuchera, phormiums
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In any climate, any soil, full sun or partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Flea beetles, aphids, slugs
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds, or cuttings
DIMENSIONS: 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) tall, 8-12 in (20.3-30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Compact plants; blue, pink, red, purple, white flowers; for beds or pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer to fall
FAVORITES: 'Cooler' and 'Pacifica' for a range of colors
QUIRKS: Grows poorly in cool, damp conditions
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Ageratum, buddleia, marigold, salvia, zinnia
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full sun in warm, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Root rot in cold, wet soil
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants
DIMENSIONS: 6-18 in (15.2-20.2 cm) fall, 8-12 in (20.3-30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Trailing plants covered with colorful flowers from June until frost; for beds, pots, or baskets
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to fall
FAVORITES: Ground-hugging 'Purple Wave', trailing 'Misty Lilac Wave'; 'Madness' or 'Primetime', double-flowered 'Burpee's Best'
QUIRKS: Retains spent flowers: trim to promote flowering
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Verbena, fan flower, roses, zonal geraniums
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full sun, moist soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Viruses
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds, bedding plants
DIMENSIONS: 6-8 in (15.2-20.3 cm) tall; stems cascade 1-3 ft (0.3-1 m), depending on variety

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Wall-drained, fertile
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Shades of lime and grass green make this plectranthus a subtly interesting plant. Foliage with novel textures and variegation; use in beds, pots, baskets, or as specimens
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to fall; overwinter as houseplants
FAVORITES: Trailing P. rnadagascariensis 'Marginatus' and P. amboinicus 'Green Heart'; 'Athens Gem' for upright form
QUIRKS: Pinch growing tips to encourage branching
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Campanula, larkspur, phlox, verbena
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun to part shade; moist, well-drained, fertile soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Root rot when grown in wet soil
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, curlings
DIMENSIONS: 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) tall and 3 ft (1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Crepe-paper textured blossoms in soft colors; for beds, meadows, or wildflower gardens
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring and summer
FAVORITES: Mother of Pearl and Angels' Choir Shirley poppies; Thai Silk, Gloriosa Double Mix, and 'White Linen' California poppies
QUIRKS: Seedlings seldom survive transplanting
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Bachelor's burton, foxglove, hollyhock, larkspur, peony
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Plants grow and bloom poorly in dry, infertile soil; may rot in wet soil
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 18 in-4 ft (45.7 cm-1.2 m) tall, 12 in (30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Flowers in many colors for hot, dry spots; as ground cover and edging, in pots and baskets
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer
FAVORITES: Sundial series for spreading habit; Margarita series for compact plants
QUIRKS: Flowers close in the evening and during rainy weather
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Gladiolus, larkspur, petunia, scabiosa
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Hot, sunny site; well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Root rot in soggy soil Excellent
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Bedding plants, seeds
SOURCE DIMENSIONS: 6 in (15.2 cm) tall, 10-16 in (25.4-40.6 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun or partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: White, pink, salmon, purple, or red flower spikes on naturally neat plants; for edging, pots, or beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late spring to Fall
FAVORITES: Salvia splendens; S. forinacea for blue flowers; S. coccinea for drought tolerance
QUIRKS: Mature plants need abundant water
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Blue ageratum, cockscomb, marigold, petunia
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Rich, moist soil; partial afternoon shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Japanese beetle, whitefly, red spider mite
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Moderate
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 2 ft (0.6 m) tall, 12 in (30.5 cm) wide

Salvia in the Landscape

Salvias feature an abundance of small tubular flowers in warm colors. They are clustered along upright flower spikes held above the foliage. Reliable garden salvias (Salvia splendeas), sometimes called St. John's fire or scarlet sage, grow best in full sun but adapt to a half day of shade, and are easy to grow in both containers and beds.

Because of their naturally neat shape, salvias make a handsome border for a driveway or walkway, and they are ideal for growing near buildings that cast shade for part of the day. Red-flowered salvias mix beautifully with white petunias, or you can pair them with blue ageratum. For a festive look, mix purple or salmon-flowered salvias with marigolds and cockscomb. Salvias also make fine upright flowers for container bouquets composed of several different annuals.

Beyond Red

Red has long been a popular color in annual salvias. 'Flare' produces scarlet 18 in (45.7 cm) tall spikes on top of handsome green foliage through the hottest summer weather. You will probably find several other choices in red when shopping for bedding plants in the spring. For a broader color range, try the Hotline hybrids, which feature purple-flowered 'Blue Streak' as well as burgundy, salmon, scarlet, and bright white flowers.

All in the Family

Mealycup sage or blue sage (S. forinacea) is a half-hardy plant that is usually grown as an annual. A valuable source of hard-to-find blue flowers on an upright plant, mealycup sage is ideal for mixing with zonal geraniums, yellow marigolds, and numerous other summer-garden annuals.

Another care-free relative is coral sage (S. coccinea), which is a drought-tolerant salvia that blooms nonstop all summer, producing red, white, or coral flower spikes that are of tremendous interest to hummingbirds and honeybees.

A salvia grown more for its foliage than its flowers is silver sage (S. argentica). With big, broad, lobed leaves covered in woolly silver hairs, this salvia brightens up the garden and adds a feltlike texture that you'll want to touch. Its yellow or purple upright flowers are a bonus.

Growing Salvia

You can start salvia seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost, but because potted salvia seedlings are very sensitive to the accumulation of minerals often found in tap water, it is easier to buy them as bedding plants. Look for young plants that have not yet begun to bloom. Young salvias grow and flower better than plants forced to grow too long in cramped nursery containers.

It is safe to plant salvias in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. When planting, mix organic fertilizer, such as composted manure, or a controlled-release fertilizer, into the soil before setting out plants. Set seedlings 1 ft (0.3 m) apart, and mulch between plants with a 2 in (5.1 cm) thick layer of moisture-retaining shredded bark, compost, or other organic material. Water as needed to keep the soil slightly moist at all times. Snip off fading flower spikes to encourage production of new ones. After each grooming, fertilize plants with an all-purpose liquid plant food at half strengh to ensure summer-long performance.

While salvias are relatively carefree, they can be chewed by iridescent daytime-feeding Japanese beetles, and minute sap-sucking whiteflies or red spider mites can cause leaves to appear yellowish and limp. Pick and dispose of Japanese beetles early in the morning, when they are sluggish. Spraying the undersides of leaves with water will dislodge whiteflies and red spider mites, which prefer feeding in dry conditions, or control these pests with insecticidal soap applied according to the package label directions.

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained, loam
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Compact, colorful, fragrant flowers; for beds, pots, and cutting
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer and fall; winter in mild climates
FAVORITES: 'Rocket' for cutting; 'Potomac' for hot areas; Floral Carpet for edging
QUIRKS: Remove spent flowers to encourage flowering
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Ornamental grasses, irises, roses
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Cool weather; sun
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Fungal rust disease, and aphids
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 10-36 in (25-90 cm) toll, 10-14 in (25-35 cm) wide

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Tall stems topped by feathery white, pink, or purple flowers; for beds, large pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Midsummer to fall
FAVORITES: Purple 'Violet Queen'; white 'Helen Campbell'
QUIRKS: Stems are prickly
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Evergreen shrubs, white-or pink-flowered annuals
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun or partial shade; warm-summer areas
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Decreased flowering and foliage in late summer; cut back to remedy
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 4-5 ft (1.2-1.5 m) tall, 18 in (45.7 cm) wide

Cleome in the Landscape

An old-fashioned flowering plant once grown in every country garden, cleomes get their common name of spider flower from their loose blossom clusters of individual flowers studded with 3 in (7.6 cm) long waving stamens. The flowers can be pink, white, or rosy purple. In a good growing season, cleomes quickly reach a height of 4-5 ft (1.2-1.5 m), with the long, slender stems below the flowers clothed in palm-shaped leaflets. The stems have a slightly prickly texture, and the blooms emit a pungent, but not unpleasant, smell.

Most often grown as back-of-the-border plants in summer flower beds, cleomes also look heavenly jostled cheek to jowl with other annuals planted in large containers. Another way to do majestic cleomes justice is to plant them in groups of 5 or more plants, so that the profusely flowered stems cut a wide swath in a flower bed. Growing cleomes behind a short hedge that hides the stems and allows the feathery flowers to billow above the greenery composes an especially effective planting.

As the flowers fade, long, beanlike seedpods form along the lower stem, eventually shedding hundreds of seeds. In Zones 6 to 8 cleomes reseed so reliably that they reappear year after year in early summer. Tolerant of heat and drought, cleomes often flower nonstop until the plants are felled by hard freezes in the fall.

Spiders Flowers in Different Colors

Sometimes you can't improve on a good thing. The same cleomes that our grandmothers grew remain steadfastly popular. The variety 'Cherry Queen' has flowers of bright rose, 'Helen Campbell' is pure white, 'Pink Queen' is a vibrant pink, and 'Violet Queen' has violet blossoms. If you have sufficient space, a breathtaking scene can be composed by planting cleomes in single-color drifts, with dark-flowered 'Violet Queen' in the rear, fronted by the rose, then lighter pink, with the white variety in front. The result is a lovely study in perspective that makes the bed look twice as deep as it really is.

Growing Cleome

Purchase bedding plants in spring, start seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost, or sow seeds direcdy in the garden around your last frost date. The seeds need light to germinate, so barely cover with soil, and keep the soil barely moist and at normal room temperature (or sow outdoors in warm soil) until the seedlings have several leaves. Transplant or thin seedlings to 12 in (30.5 cm) apart.

Cleomes are self-supporting, so staking is never necessary. They only need watering during extended droughts. As cleomes gain height, the lowest sections of the stems often become thin and leggy, and the bloom display may weaken. To help plants make a comeback, prune back half of the stems by half their length to prompt the emergence of new blooming branches. The prickly stems clad with sporadic thorns discourage pests and disease, but also make it wise to wear gloves when priming cleomes.

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Colorful flowers for beds or cutting gardens
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer
FAVORITES: 'Azure' for blue flowers; 'Forever Moonlight' for yellow; 'Pastel Shades' and Soiree and Fortress series for mixed colors; Russian statice for pink
QUIRKS: Seedlings benefit from chilling in spring
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Cosmos, gomphrena, zinnia
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun with excellent drainage
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Root rot due to wet soil
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS 12-14 in (30.5-35.6 cm) tall, 15 in (38cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Gray-green leaves; white, lilac, pink, red, or yellow spires of rosebud-like, fragrant flowers
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to early summer; fall; frost-free winters
FAVORITES: Trisomic Giant Imperial Mix; Giant Excelsior for tall spires; Brilliant for heat tolerance
QUIRKS: Needs cool nights to flower well
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Iris, poppy, primrose, pansy, rose
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Cool climate; fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline soil; sun or partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Rot, powdery mildew; aphids, flea beetles
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) tall, 1 ft (0.3 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Loam
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Tidy mound of airy foliage and violet, white, pink, or yellow daisy flowers; for beds, edging, rock garden, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer to fall
FAVORITES: Blue 'Ultra', blue or white 'Bravo', pink 'Strawberry Mousse', yellow 'Lemon Mist'
QUIRKS: Dislikes humid, moist growing conditions
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Verbena, coreopsis, portulaca, sweet potato vine
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Partial shade with sandy, well-drained soil and good air circulation
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: May rot in warm, humid conditions; aphids
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 1 ft (0.3 m) tall, 1 ft (0.3 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist loam
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Trailing stems with large, lime, purple, or variegated pink, green, and white leaves; for pots, baskets, groundcover
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer
FAVORITES: 'Blackie' for burgundy leaves; 'Margarita' for lime leaves; Tricolor' for leaves variegated in pink, white, and green
QUIRKS: Craves warm weather, warm soil
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Coleus. grasses, licorice plant, verbena
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun or partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Grows poorly in dry soil
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for slugs, deer
SOURCE: Bedding plants, cuttings, tubers
DIMENSIONS: Vines trail 18-36 in (45.7-91.4 cm) in length

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral soil
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained loam
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to filtered shade
ATTRIBUTES: Statuesque plants with orange or yellow daisy-shaped flowers; for beds, hedges, cutting
Midsummer to frost
SEASON OF INTEREST
FAVORITES: 'Fiesta Del Sol' for orange flowers, short height; 'Goldfinger', 'Torch' for orange flowers, tall height; 'Aztec Sun' for apricot flowers
QUIRKS: Tall varieties need staking
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Ornamental grass, Joe Pye weed, Russian sage, shrub roses
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Warm summers, average soil, sun
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Japanese beetles
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 28 in-6 ft (71.1 cm-1.8 m) tall, 3 ft (1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained loam
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Handsome, sprawling plants tipped with dense flower clusters in many colors; for beds, pots, hanging baskets
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to late fall
FAVORITES: 'Silver Anne' for scent; moss verbena Imagination' for pots; V. bonariensis for cutting; V. peruviana as ground cover
QUIRKS: Pinch back stem tips early to encourage branching
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Geraniums, herbs, petunias, roses
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sunny, dry locations
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Aphids; powdery mildew
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, cuttings
DIMENSIONS: 8 in-4 ft (20.3 cm-1.2 m) tall, spreading 2 ft (0.6 m) in diameter

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Pansy-shaped purple, plum, lavender, pink, white, or yellow flowers on compact plant; for beds, edging, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring and summer; winter in frost-free regions
FAVORITES: Duchess series for dwarf form; Happy Faces series for color range; 'Suzie Wong' for yellow-orange flowers
QUIRKS: Needs shelter from hot afternoon sun
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Campanula, Russian sage, dusty miller, snapdragon
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Moist, fertile soil in sun or partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Whiteflies, aphids, spider mites
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 6-12 in (15.2-30.5 cm) tall, 12 in (30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained loam
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Profuse flowers in many colors and shapes; for beds, pots, cutting
SEASON OF INTEREST: Midsummer to fall
FAVORITES: Ruffles, Blue Point, and Cut and Come Again for cutting; dwarf Dreamland; Oklahoma, Profusion, and Z. angustifolia for disease resistance
QUIRKS: Grows best in hot, dry weather in midsummer
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Gomphrena, lady's mantle, lavender, verbena
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Well-drained soil that is not high in nitrogen
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Foliar fungal diseases in hot, humid climates
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds, bedding plants
DIMENSIONS: 12-36 in (30.5-91.4 cm) tall, 12 in (30.5 cm) wide