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
Thymophylla–commonly called Dahlberg daisy–is a branching annual with fern-like pungent leaves. From spring to summer, it produces small upturned, star-shaped, bright yellow flowerheads. Thymophylla is a good choice for summer bedding. It is also good in containers and hanging baskets. Thymophylla is a genus of 10 to 12 species of erect to spreading, bushy, strongly […] More
Sanvitalia–commonly called creeping zinnia–is grown as half-hardy annuals for its colorful flowers that resemble miniature black-eyed Susans. Creeping zinnia both mounds and trails. Mounds are covered with ¾ inch (18mm) wide flowers. Raised purple-brown centers are surrounded by a ring of golden-yellow petals. Plant Sanvitalia where it can trail over walls or cascade from hanging […] More
Moluccella–commonly called Bells of Ireland–bears small, tubular, 2-lipped hooded flowers from summer to autumn. The flowers are borne in whorls of 6 to 8 flowers each with a pale green calyx. Bells of Ireland is an annual with broadly, ovate, deeply scalloped, pale green leaves. Grow Moluccella in a mixed or annual border. The unusual […] More
Nemophila species are spreading or prostrate annuals with saucer- or bell-shaped five-petaled flowers in shades of blue or white. Their low-growing habit makes them a good choice for edges of borders, rock gardens, and containers. Nemophila flowers are distinctively marked with spots, blotches, or stripes in purple or black. Nemophila flowers from summer into autumn—most […] More
Ageratum–commonly called floss flower–is a colorful low-growing annual that forms compact mounds of dark green leaves. The mounds are covered with fuzzy, wide white purple, or blue flowers. Ageratum blooms from early summer to the first frost in autumn. Ageratum’s soft green leaves are roundish and often hear-shaped at the base. Flowers are tassel-like and […] More
Arctotis is a genus of annuals and tender perennials that produce brightly colored daisy-like flowers. There are 50 or so species in this genus. Arctotis is commonly referred to as the African daisy. Arctotis are natives of South Africa. They grow naturally in dry conditions producing rosettes of gray- to silvery-green leaves. Flowers are borne […] More
Eschscholzia is a perennial wildflower native to western North America. It bears brilliant red, pink, yellow, or gold cup-shaped flowers on flexible stems above finely divided fernlike leaves. There are 8 to 10 species of Eschscholzia. Perhaps the most popular is commonly called California poppy which grows wild on hillsides and along roads in the […] More
Mirabilis–commonly called four-o-clocks–is a bushy perennial sometimes grown as an annual. Fragrant, red, pink, magenta, yellow, or white flowers are borne on panicles over a long period in summer. In cold winter regions, four-o-clocks can be lifted and stored over the winter. Mirabilis is commonly called “four o’clocks” for their flowers’ habit of opening in […] More
Anchusa–commonly called Bugloss–has vibrant blue flowers, the purest blue of any flower. Italian bugloss is related to forget-me-not (Myosotis) and looks very much the same. It is easy to grow and adds color to the garden. Anchusa is also known as Alkanet, Bugloss, and Summer-forget-me-not. Anchusa genus includes easy-to-grow perennial and biennial plants. They are […] More
Cleome–commonly called spider flower–can add a tropical touch to flower beds and borders. This tall annual bears spiny stems of divided foliage and round clusters of small, spidery white, pink, or purple flowers with a light fragrance in summer. Cleome is a shrubby annual that grows quickly to 4 feet tall (1.2m) or taller and […] More
Alcea rosea–commonly called hollyhocks–is a colorful, long-time garden favorite often associated with the back of borders or cottage gardens. Some cultivars grow to 8 feet (2.4m) tall or taller with white, pink, rose, or yellow flowers 6 inches (15cm) across. Hollyhock flowers resemble hibiscus. They open in progression from the bottom up. A foot or […] More
Stephen Albert