Fill Empty Spots with these Best Annual Plants

Planting a mix of annuals can bring instant color and depth to your garden. They are generally easy to grow, often self-seeding, and can transform your outdoor space with minimal effort. Whether you prefer fragrant flowers, vibrant colors, or edible plants, these annuals are sure to enhance your garden’s beauty.

Lantana

Grown as an annual in the Midwest, lantana is a must-have for pollinators. Its flat-topped “landing pads” consist of clusters of colorful tubular blooms in single and multiple colors. These floriferous plants endure summer’s heat and drought conditions. Try compact varieties like Lucky Sunrise Rose (12-16”) or trailing varieties like Lantana sellowiana. Lucky’s v-shape makes it a good companion for interplanting with other container plants.

Pro Tip: For maximum blooms, flowering annuals need a sunny location with 6 hours or more of sunlight. Otherwise, they cannot build up enough sun energy to fully flower.

Scaevola

This annual features an ongoing display of fan-shaped flowers from early summer until frost. The prolific plants thrive in sun-drenched areas with their thick, drought-tolerant stems.

While scaevolas come in pink, white and blue, a favorite is ‘Blue Fan’, pictured above, since blue flowers are rare among drought-tolerant plants. (Height: 12-14”)

Pro Tip: Some flowering annuals like scaevola may self-pollinate in mid-season and produce seedheads instead of blooms. This happens when two varieties such as a blue scaevola and a white scaevola are planted side by side. To avoid this bloom halt, stick with a single scaevola variety like the ‘Blue Fan’ scaevola in this mixed container.

Salvia

Salvia plants can be both annuals and perennials. Generally, salvia is considered an evergreen perennial, but some species may behave as annuals in colder climates where they cannot survive frost. With over 900 varieties, gardeners can find salvia that suits their hardiness zone, allowing for both classifications depending on the specific conditions.

Cuphea

For a charming trailer or bedding plant, try adding a cuphea loaded with tubular flowers that hummingbirds adore. Their flowers have these little mouse-like faces that are so cute. Look for varieties in eye-catching, two-tone colors like these Honeybells (10-12”) in pink and gold.

Verbena

Annual verbena features dense clusters of flowers that pollinators love. The plants tolerate temperature extremes, transitioning well from spring cold to summer heat. Don’t be afraid to start them earlier than other flowering annuals since they withstand temperatures into the low teens. A recommended variety is EnduraScape with large flowers for a big hit of color—from dark purple to hot pink. (Height 8-12”)

Pro Tip: Add a slow-release fertilizer when planting summer annuals. The pellets’ special coating is designed to gradually release food during warmer months when the plants are growing the fastest.

Coleus

Beyond flowers, several annuals like coleus are treasured for their showstopping foliage. Coleus add color, texture and luxuriously fill gaps with their boldly patterned and uniquely shaped leaves. No wonder, they’re known as the “Hawaiian shirts of the plant world.” Recommended newer varieties like Flamethrower (12-18”) are more compact and less likely to flower, so their showy foliage lasts longer.

Source: midwestliving.com©