Spring is a time when gardening becomes more enjoyable as the weather warms up and flowers start blooming. As a professional gardener, one of my favorite tasks is planting annuals in containers. I take into consideration factors like colors, shapes, fragrance, and texture when selecting plants. I aim to provide good value to clients by choosing annuals that have a long blooming season and are easy to care for.
When considering the cost of annuals, I prioritize their performance in containers. Petunias, portulacas, and impatiens are some of my top picks for their long-lasting blooms throughout the summer. I also keep an eye out for bargain annuals on the markdown shelf that just need some care to thrive. It’s essential to water summer annuals daily, especially during heatwaves, to ensure their health.
Petunias
Petunias are a great choice for containers due to their long-lasting color and versatility. Varieties like ‘Supertunia’ hybrids offer a mounding habit that works as both a filler and spiller. Regular deadheading and trimming help maintain their freshness. ‘Daddy Mix’ and ‘Dreams Apple Blossom’ petunias are some personal favorites for their unique colors.
Coleus
Coleus plants, known for their vibrant colors, are ideal for containers, especially in shaded areas. Regular snipping of flower stems and fading leaves is essential for their upkeep. Dark shades like deep copper and crimson add a dramatic effect to container displays.
Marigolds
While marigolds may seem common, they are blooming powerhouses that offer vivid color all season long. Regular deadheading of spent flowers helps maintain their appearance. Varieties like ‘Queen Sophia’ and ‘Fireball’ provide options for vibrant hues.
Stock
Stocks are colorful flowers with a delicate fragrance that bloom consistently throughout the season. Deadheading spent blooms encourages new growth, ensuring a continuous supply of flowers. Patience is key when it comes to nurturing stocks that may need time to flower fully.
Lobelia
Lobelia flowers, available in various colors, are excellent fillers or spillers in containers. Deadheading is necessary to promote continuous flowering. Snipping stems gently encourages new buds to form, ensuring a season full of lobelia blooms.
Snapdragons
Tall varieties of snapdragons like ‘Chantilly’ and ‘Rocket’ offer sturdy, long-lasting blooms in a range of colors. Deadheading dried blooms allows for new flowers to emerge, extending the blooming period well into the fall. Deep burgundy hues like ‘Madame Butterfly Red’ add a unique touch to container displays.
Annual phlox
Annual phlox plants bloom for weeks with minimal maintenance required. Gentle deadheading helps keep them neat and tidy. The range of colors available, from snow white to deep royal purple, makes them versatile additions to container designs.
Wax begonias
Wax begonias, known for their glossy leaves and colorful flowers, thrive in partial shade areas. Regular deadheading and trimming ensure continuous blooming throughout the season. Providing well-drained soil and appropriate sun exposure helps maintain their appearance.
Portulacas
Portulacas are sun-loving, drought-tolerant flowers that bloom profusely in the summer. Deadheading dried buds and trimming back foliage as needed keeps them looking fresh. Varieties like ‘Peppermint’ and ‘Happy Hour’ offer a range of vibrant colors for container displays.
Impatiens
Impatiens, available in sun-loving and shade-loving varieties, are easy to care for and offer a wide range of colors. Regular cleaning up of fading petals ensures continuous blooming. Shade-loving impatiens are perfect for brightening up containers in shady spots.
Celosia
Celosia plants, with their unique flame-shaped flowers, add interesting textures to container displays. Regular deadheading and trimming help maintain their appearance until autumn. The range of colors, from pastels to bright hues, offers versatility in container designs.
Verbena
Verbena flowers, with their round heads and serrated leaves, add a mix of textures to containers. Continuous deadheading throughout the season encourages new blooms to appear. The wide range of colors, from pastels to jewel tones, provides options for vibrant container displays.
