Adding any kind of plant to your area is a fantastic way to enhance the aesthetic and bring color to your space. Whether in containers by themselves or in hanging baskets for your patio, plants always add a wonderful option to adorn your garden.
There are plenty of ornamental perennials available in the market today, but planting with annual flowers gives a few more options to work with. These annual plants are temporary additions to the summer heat due to their short life span.
If you’re interested in adding some color flower annuals to your garden, snapdragons or gerbera daisies might be the right plant for you. Adding some colorful containers from my favorite annuals you can add to your garden this season!
Planting dwarf snapdragons in large numbers can create a stunning display.
Most people identify succulents by their ability to retain water in their small blooms and “sap” them open. Succulents are beautiful plants that can be used in many settings due to their versatility. They come in containers, as landscape borders, and make great cut flowers.
These plants are low maintenance and can create a striking display when planted in large numbers. Dwarf succulents, which only grow to about 10 inches tall, are often used as potted plants or garden borders.
Fertilizing regularly and allowing the plants to dry out between waterings will help keep them thriving.
Perfect options for those looking to add cut flowers to their garden are Gerbera daisies. They boast symmetrical round flowers on long stems that can brighten up any space. They can be grown in containers but are best suited to well-drained soil in the ground. Fertilize regularly to ensure frequent blooms. These plants are versatile and can thrive in both hot and humid climates, as well as cooler temperatures. To avoid fungus, it’s important to plant them in well-watered soil. These low-maintenance annuals are a great addition to any garden.
Zinnias are low-maintenance, sun-loving annuals that make great cut flowers. These flowers are a close relative of drough-tolerant flowers such as sunflowers and marigolds. They can withstand periods of hot and dry weather.
Plant zinnias in landscaped borders that receive strong sunlight during the day, or in areas of your garden that need a pop of vivid color. Zinnias attract bees, birds, and other pollinators. Towards the end of the growing season, the flowers will begin to seed and dry on the plant. Harvesting these seeds is an easy way to ensure you have zinnias for next season.
Overall, zinnias are a valuable addition to cut flower beds or cottage gardens that require low-maintenance beds or cottage gardens that require low-maintenance plants that can tolerate heat and drought conditions.
Titanias, also known as Mexican sunflowers, are easily grown and attract loads of pollinators and beneficial insects that will quickly establish themselves. They can get fairly tall and bushy, so be sure to have ample space for these beautiful plants.
Due to their irresistible shape and height, they benefit from staking or other means of support – especially in areas where they are subject to wind or other disruptive factors.
Titanias make a great addition to cottage gardens or cut flower beds and is known to reseed itself for many seasons.
Ensure that the planting area of these plants receives enough sunlight throughout the day.
These sun-loving annuals have vibrant fuzzy blooms and an interesting texture to any setting. Calo
Orangecuphea has a habit of growing to about 24 inches large and wide, quickly filling in space. Plant these in late spring once night temperatures stay above 50 degrees, these plants are very sensitive to cool temperatures. Cuphea attracts loads of pollinators and even hummingbirds, so planting these on deck borders or in butterfly gardens is your best bet. They also make great additions to planters or containers gardens; just be sure they have enough room to grow and will receive enough sunlight (6 to 8 hours daily).
Orangecuphea is known to attract pesky caterpillars in the summer months, don’t be alarmed, while they munch on the leaves of this plant, they are relatively harmless and can simply be plucked off of the foliage.
Their delicate, papery flowers can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements.
Starflowers are easily started from seed or can be purchased as transplants in late spring/early summer. The lightweight, crispy blooms come in several colors, and can be harvested and used in fresh or dried floral arrangements. Deadheading frequently, and being sure to not overwater, they do not like periods of wet soil.
Marigolds are often used by gardeners to create borders in their gardens or landscapes to attract beneficial insects. They can be grown from seeds or by gardeners who transplant them into their gardens or landscapes to attract beneficial insects.
The utilization of marigolds as a border, red, and yellow flower alongside allowing a garden or landscape border with marigolds is popular among many gardeners. Using them as a landscaping border is well-known to attract beneficial insects. Harvesting the dried flowers allows headers at the end of the season to save for next year’s plantings. The delicate blooms and spicy fragrance of Cosmos can be used to create cheerful floral arrangements.
The cosmos can be started as seeds that are directly sown into the ground, but sometimes are available as transplants at local garden centers. Growing cosmos can be as easy as scattering the seeds in prepared soil.
The wispy, fern-like foliage and delicate blooms make for a great addition to any cottage garden or yard border. Fresh storms make cherry floral arrangements and can add joy to any home.
Gazania is a plant native to South Africa that has similar blooms to its relative, osteospermum.
Gazania, known as an “African Daisy”, is a beautiful and resilient flower. Although it bears similarities to its relative osteospermum, there are slight differences in growth requirements. One key difference between the two is Gazania’s sensitivity to light. During the night or on cloudy/rainy days, Gazanias will close, but they will reopen once the sun returns.
While osteospermum has more upkeep requirements, including deadheading and fertilization, Gazania is very low maintenance. It loves warm weather and can withstand hot temperatures in full sun. The vibrant orange daisy-like flowers appear on dark green foliage, following the sun until late summer.
When choosing imitations, it is important to consider the planting location.
When it comes to imitations, there are a few options to consider. The main thing to consider when growing imitations is your planting location. If you are planting in a shaded area, you’ll want to plant new Guinea or regular impatiens.
If you want to add a pop of color to a full sun area, keep an eye out for Supanatiens. Most garden centers will have them separated according to their light requirements, but if you are unsure simply check the Latin name on the tag!
All impatiens grow to about 8-12 inches tall and wide, and display bright velvet-like flowers. They can withstand warm temperatures but do not like to be overwatered.
The most important thing to remember when shopping for plants is light and water requirements. Most of the annuals mentioned in this article are full sun, meaning they need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you are planting in shade, impatiens might be a great option for you.
Many of the plants listed in this article bloom in other colors as well, so if one of these catches your eye but you aren’t sold on orange, keep an eye out for the other colors!