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Cornell University : Cornell Cooperative Extension
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Annuals for Color |
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An annual is a plant that produces a good display of color in one growing season, then dies in the fall after it has completed its life cycle or is killed by frost. Some plants that may be perennial in warmer areas are treated as annuals in our climate. Annuals are popular because they are colorful, versatile, produce quick results, and are relatively inexpensive. They can be planted among your perennials to provide color until the permanent plants fill in. Most annuals have shallow root systems and are adaptable to planting over spring-flowering bulbs such as tulip and narcissus. In order to place them appropriately in your yard, look for information on size and light preference on the plant marker or ask a sales clerk. In general, the best effect is created by massing the plants, setting them about one foot apart. Small types such as sweet alyssum, lobelia, portulaca and pinks, are usually more effective when planted six inches apart. Popular annuals for home gardens include ageratum, gaillardia, marigold, petunia, dusty miller, geranium and zinnia. These are readily available at local garden centers. Many varieties are available through seed catalogs. Cornell
Cooperative Extension Yates Association |
