Garden Flowers

Annuals

Annuals are garden flowers that complete their life cycle in one growing season. They sprout from seed, flower, set seed and die within one season. Most annuals are grown from seeds indoors than planted outside at the recommended time. Since they are not storing their resources like perennials, annuals put their energies into flowering and producing seeds. Annuals bloom longer than perennials.

Hardy Annuals

Hardy annuals can tolerate light frost and some freezing weather. They can usually be planted in the fall or spring before the last frost date. Most hardy annuals are not heat tolerate. Some hardy annuals like sweet alyssum and larkspur, can reseed. They may come back the next year without your planting them again. Hardy annuals are: pansy, viola, calendula, stocks, cornflower, foxglove.

Half-Hardy Annuals

Half-Hardy annuals are not able to survive frost but can tolerate cold weather. Half-Hardy annuals should be planted after all danger of frost has past. Half-Hardy annuals are madagascar, periwinkle, lisianthus, baby’s breath, blue sage, forget-me-nots, snow on the mountain.

Tender Annuals

Tender annuals are native in warm regions. They cannot tolerate cold temperatures are sensitive to cold soil temperatures and are easily damaged by frost. Most seeds will not germinate well when soil temperatures are below 60°F. Tender annuals are: begonia, celosia, impatiens, marigold, morning glory, petunia, zinnia, balsam, ageratum, scarlet sage, verbena.

Biennials

Biennials are plants that complete their life cycle in two years. The life cycle begins during the fall through winter and ends in spring. The first year they usually produce only leaves. They flower in the second year, produce seeds and then die. Biennials are foxglove, hollyhock and sweet william.

Perrenials

A Perennial is a plant that lives for 3 or more years, although many perennials live much longer. During winter most perennials will die down to the ground. But don’t worry their roots are still alive and come spring will start to grow again.

Perennials are planted in spring and fall. You can purchase perennials in quart or gallon containers or bare-root through catalogs.

Choose a perennial that will fit the planting space that you have chosen. If the planting area gets a lot of sun you will need to choose a perennial that grows well in full sun. If your area is shaded choose a perennial that will tolerate shade.

Some popular perennials are: Daylilies, Bleeding Heart, Coral Bells, Salvia, Peonies, Coneflower, Hosta, Hydrangea, Golden Rod, and Aster.

When purchasing perennials through catalogs or online your perennial will arrive at the proper planting time for your planting zone. Many times the perennial will arrive bare-root which means there will be no dirt surrounding the roots. Although your perennials may look dead or dry when it arrives in the mail, it’s most likely in a dormant state. Following the directions that come with your plant and watering regularly are usually all you need to do.

Don’t forget to give your perennial several weeks to adjust to its new home. Many times your purchase will come with a warranty, just in case.

	Daylilies, Native Stunning old-fashion daylily is the one that flowers all season long. A sturdy prolific orange bloomer.

	Pink Coneflower Lilac-pink petals turn reddish purple, circle coffee-colored cones. Easy to grow plants are drought resistant.

	Salvia Plumosa Repeat Bloomer with Double Flowers

	Pink Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart Dainty, heart-shaped flowers dangle from 2- to 3-foot stems in late spring.

	Variegated Hosta- Buy One, Get One Free! Shade loving!

	Nikko Blue Hydrangea Huge 9-inch flowers in stunning all-out bloom from June to August. Full and fluffy, they load the foliage–a glorious display of color.