Salvias are grown for their showy spikes of flowers. Flowers are 2-lipped–the upper lips erect and hooded, the lower ones are toothed and spreading. Flowers can be tubular to bell- or funnel-shaped in a wide range of colors. Salvias make up a large genus of popular garden plants. There are many species of half-hardy annuals […] More
There are many types of phlox. All are known for their showy flower clusters. There are tall-growing phlox that can be used as border plants and there are dwarf-growing varieties that can be used in rock gardens and as edging plants along paths. Most phlox species are perennials; the annual species Phlox drummondii is perhaps […] More
Salpiglossis—commonly called painted tongue–is a cool-summer annual with colorful marbled or streaked flowers. Salpiglossis blooms come in shades of mahogany, red, reddish-orange, yellow, purple, and pink. Salpiglossis is loose to densely branched with sticky leaves and stems. It grows 24 to 36 inches (61-91cm) tall. Plant Salpiglossis as a border background plant or use it […] More
Portulaca–commonly called moss rose–produces single or double, satin-textured, rose-pink, red, yellow, or white flowers to 1 inch (2.5cm) across in summer. Flowers typically open only in bright sunlight. Portulaca is an old-fashioned favorite. It flourishes in sunny, dry areas where few other plants will grow. Flowers open fully in sun and close in the late […] More
Torenia–commonly called wishbone flower– is a bushy annual with serrated light green leaves and, from summer to early fall, flared blooms with bi-color blossoms pale lilac and blue-purple, yellow and white, or rose and white petals. Torenia looks like miniature gloxinias or monkeyflowers (Mimulus). Torrenia fournieri is often grown in summer bedding. Set Torenia at […] More
Melampodium–commonly called butter daisy–has white-rayed, cream, or yellow daisy-like ray flowers with dark orange centers. Melampodium is a bushy plant with narrow bright green to gray-green leaves. The plant can become floppy as it matures. Melampodium is an excellent choice as a summer bedding plant where deer are a problem; it is deer resistant. The […] More
Sutera–commonly called bacopa–forms a cascade of small white or pale pink blooms and green leaves. It flowers all summer if lightly watered and fed well. Bacopa is a spreading perennial grown as an annual. It trails over the sides of containers and window boxes. Bacopa is the common name for Sutera cordata which synonymous with […] More
Nemesia is a charming and versatile flowering plant known for its vibrant colors and delicate, fragrant blooms. Originating from South Africa, nemesia is typically grown as an annual, though it can be perennial in warmer climates. Here’s a detailed overview of nemesia and how to use it in the home garden: Characteristics of Nemesia Ideal […] More
Nierembergia–commonly called Cupflower–bears open cup- or bell-shaped, sometimes tubular white or light blue flowers in summer. It can be spreading or upright in form with alternate leaves. Nierembergia is usually grown as an annual; it is a perennial in mild-winter regions. Plants grow best where summers are cool. Where summers are hot, Nierembergia will need […] More
Petunias are one of the most popular summer bedding plants. There are hundreds of colorful cultivars. Petunias come in a wide range of plant sizes and forms. Some are suited for massing flower beds and borders; others trail and sprawl; others are compact and well-suited for hanging baskets and window boxes. Petunias are available in […] More
Reseda–commonly called mignonette–is a sprawling annual usually grown for its spicy-sweet flower fragrance. Mignonette bears small greenish flowers often tinged with copper or yellow. The dense flower spikes become loose and open as they mature. Reseda odorata is a good choice for borders where it can be planted in a mass to get the full […] More
Kochia–commonly called summer cypress or burning bush–is a summer annual grown for its feathery, soft, dense foliage. It is often grown as an accent in a bed or border or as a quick-growing summer hedge. Kochia is bright green when young and through the summer; it turns red as it matures and can be bright […] More
Stephen Albert