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Home , Agastache foeniculum, Amaranth (color), Brachyscome, Coral (color), Cordyline indivisa, Erysimum cheiri

Quick Guide to Ornamental Annuals

Mary Welch-Keesey Purdue University February 2009

Flowering Annuals………page 2 Large Tropical ….....page 38 Annual Grasses…….....….page 42 Annual Vines…..……...... page 45 Notes...…………..…..…..page 47 mexicana, Acapulco series Ageratum houstonianum Mexican hyssop Floss Sun: Full sun to part shade Sun: Full sun to part shade Soil: moist, plants drought tolerant, low to Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile. Plants do average fertility not like to dry out but will rot if too moist or mulch too thick. Size: Ht 14-20”, space 6-8” Size: Ht 6-36”, space 4-12” Flower : , Flower color: , , , Notes: May be perennial in some situations. May attract and Notes: Deadhead for appearance and to . Heat tolerant encourage more . Can be used ( hyssop) has for . Spacing to improve air flowers, is more reliably perennial circulation will help prevent fungal and reseeds. All have foliage diseases. that smells of licorice.

Alcea rosea Alternanthera Hollyhock Calico , Joseph’s coat Sun: Full sun Sun: / foliage – sun to shade; others – part shade to shade Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile Soil: well-drained, not overly fertile Size: Ht 2-6’, space 18-24” Size: Ht 6”-3’, space 10-18”, groundcover Flower color: white, , pink, red to types 20-30” nearly , singles and doubles Flower color: grown for foliage Notes: Biennial or short-lived perennial to zone 5. Plants started in March will flower Notes: Several new are that summer. Reseeds. May need staking. very different in size, habit, and color. More sun will intensify Hollyhock and Japanese beetles can non- . be serious problems. Also susceptible to Heat tolerant. anthracnose. 2 Amaranthus caudatus Love lies bleeding, tassel flower, Joseph’s coat velvet flower Sun: full sun to part shade Sun: full sun to part shade Soil: Average to dry soils Soil: well-drained, average to dry soils, Size: Ht 3-5’, space 12-24” drought tolerant, poor soil Flower color: Grown for upper foliage Size: Ht 3-5’, space 12-24” which is red, bronze, purple, , Flower color: Red orange, or mixed Notes: Best in poorer soil which will Notes: Will get root rot if overwatered. Will reduce height and tendency to fall over. drop if nights fall below 50ºF. Fertilize if leaves begin to yellow. Cool Reseeds. nights below 50ºF will cause leaf drop. Rust, leaf spot, root rot, and aphids can Images from Thompson & Morgan and be problems. Reseeds. Mississippi State University

Ammi majus Ammobium alatum False Queen Anne’s lace Winged everlasting Sun: Full sun to part shade Sun: Full sun Soil: moist, fertile Soil: well-drained, sandy Size: Ht 2-3’, space 6-12” Size: Ht 2-3’, space 12-15” Flower color: white Flower color: white with yellow center Notes: Good as cut flower. Sap Notes: Good as cut or dried flower can cause dermatitis.

3 Anagallis monellii (blue) and Angelonia angustifolia Anagallis arvensis () Summer snapdragon, angelonia Blue pimpernel; Scarlet pimpernel, Sun: Full sun, tolerates a bit of shade poor man’s weather glass Soil: moist, well-drained, fertile Sun: full sun Size: Ht 12-14”, space 8-12” Soil: Moist and well-drained with consistent moisture, no clay, fertile Blue pimpernel image Flower color: blue, purple, pink, white, ©cambridge2000.com. bicolors Size: Ht 6-18”, space 12-18” Flower color: blue, red, orange, white Notes: Does not need deadheading or pinching. Drought and heat tolerant. Use Notes: Blue pimpernel is upright and tolerates as cut flowers, overwinter as cuttings. warm weather. Scarlet pimpernel is trailing resistant. and prefers cool weather, will stop flowering in summer. Leaves may cause skin rash. Mike Dana says some years this annual performs well, others it does not. MWK has not seen a bad year.

Antirrhinum majus Arctotis stoechadifolia Snapdragon and hybrids Sun: full to part sun African daisy, Monarch of the Veldt Soil: well-drained, neutral to alkaline, doesn’t like acidic soil, fertile soil with organic matter Sun: Full sun Size: Ht 6” – 4’, space 6-18” Soil: Moist, well-drained soil, never wet, drought resistant, sandy soil OK; Flower color: many, some bicolors, no blue average fertility Notes: Deadhead to extend bloom. Good cut Size: Ht 12-24”, space 12-16” flowers. Very cold tolerant and may overwinter. Does not like heat and may Flower color: Many plus bicolors, pale suffer in hot summers. May reseed but does lavender but otherwise no blues not come true from . Rust can be a Notes: Flowers will close at night, on cloudy problem – space widely for good airflow. days, and in shade. Hybrids tend to stay open. Deadhead. Arctotheca and Gazania 4 are closely related to Arctotis. Argyranthemum Asclepias curassavica (formerly Chrysanthemum) Blood flower, annual milkweed Marguerite daisy Sun: full sun Sun: full sun Soil: well-drained, average fertility Soil: well-drained, never wet but avoid water Size: Ht 2-4’, space 18-24” stress, average fertility soil Flower color: red, orange, yellow Size: Ht 1-3’, space 12-18” Notes: extremely drought tolerant, Flower color: white, pink, yellow, red, reseeds, may get aphids. Attracts Notes: Fewer flowers may form in hot weather, butterflies. Sap may cause deadhead to encourage flowering, may need dermatitis. Some milkweeds pinching, may need extra fertilizer, good cut are poisonous. flower.

Asteriscus maritimus Begonia x argenteoguttata Sea aster, sea daisy and others Sun: full sun Angel-wing begonia, dragon-wing begonia Soil: well-drained, sandy soil OK Sun: sun to shade for bedding types; part to Size: Ht 1’, space 1’ shade for houseplant types Flower color: yellow Soil: moist to well-drained, fertile soil. Notes: Won’t tolerate clay soil. Size: Ht 1’ to 3-4’, space depending on Heat and drought tolerant. final size Flower color: pink, white, red, foliage often attractive Notes: Can be cut back to control height. Watch out for scorch in full sun. If soil too wet it may rot. If allowed to dry out may delay flowering. Fairly 5 heat tolerant. Suppliers list these as drought tolerant. Begonia x Begonia tuberhybrida-cultorum semperflorens-cultorum Tuberous begonia Wax begonia, bedding begonia Sun: part shade to shade Sun: Sun to shade Soil: moist and well-drained, fertile Soil: well-drained with organic matter, Size: Ht 1-2’, space 9-12” fertile soil Flower color: many colors, no blues, Size: Ht 6-12”, space 8-12” some doubles Flower color: red, pink, white with green Notes: Grown from a tuber which can be or red leaves lifted and overwintered. Some types Notes: drought tolerant but keep soil moist upright, others trailing. May need extra if planted in full sun. Need warm soil. fertilizer to maintain double flowers. Heat tolerant. Will get stem rot and gray Non-Stop can be grown from seed to mold if overwatered. flower same year if started early. All prefer cooler weather.

Bellis perennis Beta vulgaris English daisy Swiss chard Sun: full sun to part shade Sun: full Soil: well-drained but moist, fertile Soil: moist, well-drained Size: Ht 1’, space 6-12” Size: Ht 18-24”, space 12-18” Flower color: white, pink, red Flower color: Grown for colorful petioles Notes: very cold hardy but declines in heat of summer, usually grown Notes: heat tolerant as a spring or fall annual

6 Bidens Brachycome iberidifolia Beggar’s tick, pitchforks (sometimes spelled Brachyscome) Sun: full Swan River daisy Soil: moist, well-drained, average fertility Sun: Full sun, benefits from shade in afternoon Size: Ht 12-24”, space 12-24” Soil: Must be well-drained, never Flower color: yellow waterlogged but plants need consistent Notes: Needs consistent moisture for moisture, fertile soil best flowering. Good in hanging Size: Ht 8-18”, space 12” basket. Doesn’t like hot summers – can be sheared back mid-summer for Flower color: blue, white, pink, purple with rejuvenation. yellow center, fragrant Notes: Will fade in the heat of the summer. Cut back and it will revive as weather cools.

Brassica oleracea Browallia speciosa Ornamental or Flowering Bush , amethyst flower, kale and cabbage browallia Sun: full sun Sun: part to full shade, more flowers with more sun Soil: moist, well-drained Soil: moist and well-drained, average Size: Ht 10-15”, space 18-24” fertility Flower color: grown for foliage – lavender, Size: Ht 8-18”, space 8-10” white, pink on green Flower color: blue, purple, white, bicolors Notes: Usually available for fall planting. Needs cool (50ºF) for best color. Notes: Cascading forms good in hanging baskets. Too much nitrogen will decrease flowering. Doesn’t like cold weather so don’t plant out too early. 7 Caladium bicolor or x hortulanum Calendula officinalis Caladium Pot Sun: part shade – shade, never full sun Sun: full Soil: well-drained but moist with organic Soil: well-drained; average fertility matter Size: Ht 10-24”, space 8-18” Size: Ht 1-2’, space 1’ Flower color: yellow, orange, cream Flower color: none, grown for colorful Notes: good cut flowers. Frost tolerant, foliage likes cool weather, cut to 4-6” when Notes: cold intolerant, don’t plant out until fades in summer heat. Flower closes at night temperatures over 65ºF. Grows from night. Deadhead to increase flowering. tuber – lift tuber before frost and store at Reseeds. May be hard to find plants – 55 - 70ºF. Heat tolerant. Leaves irritating if grow from seed. eaten but probably not poisonous.

Calibrachoa x hybrida Callistephus chinensis Trailing petunia, calibrachoa aster Sun: full sun, some varieties part sun Sun: full to partial sun Soil: moist, well-drained, fertile Soil: evenly moist, well-drained, slightly alkaline, fertile Size: Ht 6-12”, space 6-15” Size: Ht 6-36”, space 6-12” Flower color: many, often mottled Flower color: many Notes: Pinch to keep compact. Trailing habit good in containers. Heat and Notes: Bloom for only about 4 weeks but Image from San Diego drought tolerant. Closely related to early, mid, and late season varieties State University petunias. Hybrids – Petchoa – are available. Does not rebloom when flowers available. cut off (good cut flowers). Heavy feeders and may need fertilization. Shallow-rooted and appreciate mulch. Both aster and aster wilt can be a problem. 8 Campanula medium annuum Canterbury bells, cup and saucer plant Ornamental pepper Sun: full sun to part shade Sun: full sun Soil: moist, well-drained, average fertility Soil: moist, well-drained, fertile Size: Ht 18-36”, space 6-12” Size: Ht 1-2’, space 8-12” Flower color: purple, pink, blue, white Flower color: Grown for colorful late in season and sometimes colorful Notes: If flower is single, called Canterbury bells; foliage. if flowers double it is cup and saucer plant. Good cut flowers. This is a biennial grown as an Notes: Most ornamental peppers are annual. Start mid-winter for flowers same hot in taste. Likes hot weather. season. Small purchased plants may not bloom Drought tolerant. first year. ‘Champion’ and ’Russian Pink’ reputed to flower much sooner from seed and act like a true annual. Flowers in cooler weather.

Catharanthus roseus Celosia argentea var. cristata, Annual vinca, Madagascar Cristata group Sun: full to part sun Cockscomb, celosia (colored brains) Soil: well-drained even sandy soil, fertile Sun: full sun Size: Ht 6-18”, space 6-12” for most Soil: well-drained with organic matter, fertile Flower color: red, pink, lavender, , white, often with contrasting center. Size: Ht 10-36”, space at expected height Notes: heavy feeder, fertilize if leaves yellow, Flower color: pink, red, yellow, orange needs warm soil, likes it hot. Cooler series Notes: Prefer consistent moisture and hot more cool tolerant. Dry soil OK and almost weather. Appreciates extra dose of fertilizer. required. Pollution tolerant. Deadhead. Good cut or dried flower. Will reseed but does not become weedy.

9 Celosia argentea var. cristata, Celosia argentea var. cristata Plumosa group Spicata group Plume celosia Spike celosia, wheat celosia Sun: full sun Sun: full sun Soil: well-drained with organic matter, fertile Soil: well-drained with organic matter, fertile Size: Ht 10-36”, space at expected height Size: Ht 36”, space 18-24” Flower color: pink, red, yellow, orange Flower color: pink to purple, bicolor effect, some with purple foliage Notes: Prefer consistent moisture and hot weather. Appreciates extra dose of fertilizer. Notes: Lower flowers on spike are dropping If plant is not branching, remove terminal seeds while upper flowers just opening, so flower at planting. New Look series has won awards and has cannot be effectively deadheaded. almost fluorescent colors. I have seen it revert to cockscomb Reseeds abundantly. Cut flowers. form. Deadhead, good cut or dried flower. Will reseed but does not become weedy.

Centaurea cyanus Chrysocephalum apiculatum Cornflower, bachelor’s buttons Nullarbor buttons, Sun: full sun golden buttons Soil: moist to well-drained, fertile, drought Sun: full to part sun tolerant once established Soil: well-drained, plant drought Size: Ht 12-40”, space 12-18” tolerant, average fertility Flower color: blue, purple, red, pink, white, Size: Ht 12-14”, space 14-16”, trailing fragrant plant Notes: tolerant of light frost, reseeds, Flower color: yellow, orange deadhead to increase flowering, shear Notes: likes hot weather and good air in mid-summer for fresh growth. circulation OK as cut flower.

10 Cleome hassleriana Consolida ajacis (also Consolida Spider flower ambigua and Delphinium ajacis) Sun: full to part sun Rocket larkspur, annual delphinium Soil: any except exceptionally moist Sun: full sun to part shade Size: Ht 1-5’, space 18-30” Soil: rich in organic matter, well-drained but evenly moist Flower color: pink, , violet, white Size: Ht 1-4’, space 8-12” Notes: Difficult to deadhead as fruit formed below opening flowers. Flower color: blue, purple, pink, white Reseeds. Good for cut flowers but Notes: Mulch lightly to keep roots cool, watch out for spines on stem. Drought prefers cool weather, may fade in hot tolerant but better with consistent summers, better if given some shade in hot moisture. New short forms available. summers, susceptible to powdery mildew and fusarium if stressed by wet soils and heat. Deadhead, cut flowers, reseeds.

Coreopsis tinctoria Cosmos bipinnatus Tickseed Cosmos Sun: full sun, stretches in part shade Sun: full sun Soil: well-drained to dry, average fertility Soil: well-drained, poor to average fertility Size: Ht 8” – 3’, space 8-12” Size: Ht 1-6’, space 12-18” Flower color: yellow, red, orange, maroon, Flower color: rose, pink, , white, bicolors, bicolors some with semi-double or tubular petals Notes: Reseeds, deadhead to prolong Notes: Reseeds. Do not fertilize. Deadhead flowering. Tolerant of heat and drought. to encourage flowering. Great variability in Don’t overfertilize. Native to eastern US, height depending on . For late summer frequently found in wildflower mixes. flowers, put down new seed in July if plants start to fade. Tolerant of heat and drought. Attracts butterflies. 11 Cosmos sulphureus Cuphea hyssopifolia Sulphur or yellow cosmos Mexican heather Sun: full sun Sun: full sun Soil: poor to average fertility, well-drained Soil: well-drained, drought tolerant Size: Ht 1-6’, space 12-18” Size: Ht 1-3’, space 3’; newer cultivars Ht 12”, space 12-18” Flower color: orange, yellow, sometimes double Flower color: lavender, blue Notes: Heat tolerant, deadhead to Notes: Leaves small, dark green encourage flowering, reseeds. For late and shiny, sometimes grown as summer flowers, put down new seed if houseplant. Likes hot weather, plants fade midsummer. Tolerant of heat deadheading not necessary. and drought. Cut flowers. Attracts butterflies

Cuphea bright red flowers, Cuphea, pale colors, C. ignea, C. llavea, C. x purpurea C. varia and hybrids and hybrids Cuphea, cultivar shown is Cigar plant, red cuphea, batface ‘Susan’s Little Gem’ cuphea Sun: full to part sun Sun: full sun Soil: well-drained Soil: well-drained Size: Ht 12-18”, space 12-16” Size: Ht 1-2’, space 1-2’ Flower color: blue, lavender Flower color: red, deep purple Notes: heat and drought tolerant, Notes: gets woody at base by end of deadheading not necessary. summer. Likes it hot and dry. Deadheading not necessary. 12 Cynoglossum amabile Chinese forget-me-not, Dahlia hound’s tongue Sun: full sun Sun: full sun to part shade Soil: moist and well-drained, fertile with Soil: well-drained, tolerates drought but organic matter, water in dry weather blooms more with some water, poor- Size: Ht 8” – 5’, space 12” – 4’ average soils, don’t overfertilize Flower color: Many colors, no blues, some Size: Ht 18-24”, space 9-12” bicolors and several different flower forms, some with maroon foliage Flower color: blue, pink, white Notes: Tuberous root that can be lifted and stored in winter. Notes: Biennial grown as annual; reseeds; Start small varieties from seed for mixed colors, buy tubers prefers cool weather. Deadheading will for larger varieties and specific color. Deadhead to increase increase flowering and reduce reseeding. flowering. Aphids, powdery mildew, , and slugs can be problems. May need staking. Don’t overfertilize with nitrogen. Deer resistant.

Datura Dianthus chinensis and hybrids Jimson weed, thorn apple, Pinks, sweet William, carnation horn of plenty Sun: full to part sun Sun: full sun Soil: moist, well-drained, slightly alkaline Soil: moist, well-drained, fertilize in Size: Ht 12-20”, some hybrids to 30”, space spring 12”, space some hybrids to 18” Size: Ht 2-5’, space 2’ or more Flower color: pink, lavender, red, maroon, Flower color: white, pink, lavender, white, bicolors and doubles, fragrant some doubles and bicolors, fragrant Notes: D. chinensis prefers cool weather Notes: POISONOUS. Flowers very but hybrids bred for more heat tolerance. large and showy, each lasts only a Dianthus barbatus, sweet William, is true day. Datura metel, Hindu datura, biennial that reseeds. most common as ornamental. Flowers mid-summer to frost, needs 13 warm summer. Deadhead for safety- seeds poisonous. Dichondra argentea ‘ Twinflower Falls’ and ‘Emerald Falls’ Sun: Full sun, appreciates some shade Kidneyweed in hot weather Sun: sun or shade Soil: moist and well-drained, fertile Soil: well-drained with average fertility Size: Ht 8-12”, space 8-12”, 18” for sprawlers Size: Ht 2-3”, hugs the ground or Flower color: white, red, orange, pink, cascades over the edge, space 18-48” Notes: Prefers cool weather. Flowering will Flower color: no flower, grown for stop mid-summer due to heat. Shear back if silvery or green foliage this happens. Flowering will resume when Notes: heat and drought weather cools. Deadhead to prolong flowering. tolerant, no pinching needed May have problems with slugs and snails.

Digitalis purpurea ‘Foxy’ series Emilia coccinea Foxglove (E. javanica) Sun: part shade Tassel flower Soil: moist, never dry, may need to water Sun: full sun Size: Ht 30-40”, space 18-24” Soil: dry, well-drained Flower color: rose, pink, white, yellow Size: Ht 18-24”, space 6-9” Notes: POISONOUS. Biennial, but Foxy Flower color: red-orange series flowers first year from seed if Notes: Tolerates hot, dry started early. Will reseed. conditions, can be used as cut flowers, reseeds.

14 cheiri and hybrids californica English Wallflower poppy Sun: part shade, protect from heat of day Sun: Full sun Soil: well-drained Soil: well-drained, dry, sandy, poor- average fertility Size: Ht 6-12”, space 12” Size: Ht 12-15”, space 6-12” Flower color: orange, yellow, some pink and lavender, fragrant Flower color: yellow-orange, white, rose, some doubles Notes: very variable, some flower first year form seed, others live 3-4 years. Reseeds. Image from Ballhort.com Notes: Flower closes in cloudy weather, Citrona series flowers in 12 weeks from transplants poorly so place seeds where seed. Not common. Prefers cooler weather. you want plants to grow. Drought Deer resistant tolerant, reseeds, best in cool weather. Cut flowers.

Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’ Euphorbia marginata Euphorbia Snow on the mountain Sun: Sun to part shade Sun: Full sun to a bit of shade Soil: moist to dry Soil: well-drained Size: Ht 12-18”, space 10-12” Size: Ht 2-3’, space 12” Flower color: white Flower color: White, grown mainly for white-marked Notes: Heat and drought tolerant, under flowers self-cleaning, sap can be a skin irritant. Assume poisonous, as Notes: Tolerates heat and humidity, many Euphorbia are. sow seed outdoors, don’t transplant. Deer resistant. Sap irritating and plant poisonous. Lower stem may have no leaves, reseeds, drought tolerant once established. Deer resistant. 15 Eustoma grandiflorum Gaillardia pulchella Lisianthus, prairie gentian Blanket flower Sun: Full sun, perhaps afternoon Sun: full sun shade Soil: Must have good drainage or will rot, Soil: Well-drained, may not like clay, doesn’t like heavy soil, better in poor soil average fertility Size: Ht 1-2’, space 6-12” Size: Ht 6” – 4’, space 4-12” Flower color: red, yellow, orange, Flower color: white, pink, purple, bicolors almost red Notes: Likes hot weather, drought Notes: If grown from seed, start early tolerant, deadhead to encourage indoors. Good cut flowers. Tolerates flowering, cut flowers. This heat and drought once established. also has perennial species.

Gazania rigens Gerbera jamesonii and hybrids Treasure flower Gerbera daisy, transvaal daisy Sun: Full sun Sun: Full to part sun Soil: sandy and well-drained, poor to Soil: well-drained but moist average fertility Size: Ht 10-18”, space 12-15” Size: Ht 6-12(18)”, space 6-10” Flower color: many colors, no blues, Flower color: red, orange, yellow, pink, some semi-double cream, petals often marked Notes: Used for cut flowers. Prone to Notes: Flowers close on cloudy days and at leaf spot and root rot in wet years. night. ‘Daybreak’ series stays open. Be Difficult to start from seed. Deadhead to careful not to overwater or it will rot. Drought encourage flowering. Slugs and snails and heat tolerant. Deadhead to encourage can be problems. rebloom. 16 Gomphrena globosa elegans Globe Annual baby’s breath Sun: Full sun Sun: full to part sun Soil: well-drained with average fertility Soil: light, sandy, and alkaline; poor fertility Size: Ht 1-3’, space 8-15” Size: Ht 12-24”, space 8-18” Flower color: white, pink, , orange, red, purple Flower color: white, pink Notes: Heat tolerant, deadhead to Notes: Good for cut flowers, does not remove flowers when color fades or like hot summers, plants short-lived, use as cut flowers, can be dried. resow every few weeks for longer display, drought tolerant, susceptible to aster yellows, to fungal diseases if overwatered.

Helenium amarum Helianthus annuus Sneezeweed, helenium Annual sunflower Sun: Full sun Sun: full sun Soil: average to dry Soil: fertile, moist and well-drained, appreciates organic matter Size: Ht 12-15”, space 24-30” Size: Ht 2-10’+, 12-24” Flower color: yellow Flower color: yellow, maroon, red, Notes: Likes it hot, heat and , bicolors, some doubles drought tolerant but water if extended dry spell. Do not Notes: Sow seeds in place. Tall overwater. forms may need staking. Good cut flower, especially new pollen-less hybrids. Good wildlife plant. May get powdery mildew. Leaves can be a skin irritant to some. Heat and 17 drought tolerant. bracteatum Helichrysum italicum (Bracteantha bracteata) Curry plant Strawflower, paper daisy Sun: full sun Sun: full sun Soil: Well-drained, dry soils, average Soil: well-drained, dry soils, average to to poor fertility poor fertility Size: Ht 15-24”, space 24” Size: Ht 1-3’, space 10-18” Flower color: yellow, but plant grown Flower color: many – yellow, orange, red, mainly for foliage pink, white Notes: Crushed leaves smell of curry but Notes: Genus sometimes given as this is NOT an . Drought and heat Xerochrysum. Good as cut or dried flowers, tolerant close when wet. May reseed. Drought and heat tolerant. Excess water leads to root rot and yellow leaves. Too much shade or fertilizer makes tall, weak plants.

Helichrysum petiolare Heliotropium arborescens Licorice plant , cherry pie plant Sun: full to part sun; yellow-leaved varieties Sun: full to part sun have better color with some shade Soil: fertile, well-drained with organic matter. Soil: well-drained, poor to average fertility Better flower fragrance if a little dry but don’t let plant wilt as it is slow to recover from Size: Ht 6-9”, spreads to 20-30” drought stress Flower color: grown for foliage, silvery, Size: Ht 1-2’+, space 12-18” yellow, or variegated Flower color: blue to purple, white Notes: Good in hanging baskets or as groundcover. Don’t overfertilize. Needs good Notes: Flowers turn toward sun, fragrant (like drainage or will rot. May wilt if soil dries but cherry pie?), lacking in some selections. recovers if watered. Prefers cool climates, may fade at end of hot, Heat tolerant. humid summer. Frost sensitive, don’t plant too early. Good plant. Poisonous if eaten. Deer resistant. 18 Hypoestes phyllostachya Iberis umbellata Polka dot plant Candytuft Sun: sun to shade, best in part sun Sun: full to part sun, needs part sun in hot climates Soil: average, prefers consistent moisture Soil: well-drained, alkaline soil OK, poor Size: Ht 12-18” for most selections, space to average fertility 12-16” Size: Ht 9-12”, space 6-9” Flower color: Grown for variegated foliage Flower color: varied – white, rose, purple, in red, pink, white, green red Image from Thompson Notes: in containers or as groundcover Notes: Best in cooler climates. Deadhead to & Morgan encourage rebloom and cut back in heat of summer. Reseeds. Flowers fragrant, good as edging. Poor drainage leads to fungal problems. Slugs and caterpillars can be problems. Iberis semperflorens is a perennial.

Impatiens balsamina Impatiens hawkeri Rose balsam New Guinea impatiens Sun: part sun, sun with plenty of moisture Sun: Part shade to shade, sun if sufficient moisture Soil: well-drained Soil: Not wet but with ample moisture and Size: Ht 1-2’, space 12-18” good drainage, fertile Flower color: many, some doubles, no blues Size: Ht 1-2’, space 12” Notes: “---better known by your grandparents Flower color: many, no blues, but lavender than your friends.” (Armitage). Will probably available, some deep colors need to be watered. Reseeds. Attracts hummingbirds. Notes: Large, dark-green leaves, some variegated. Heat tolerant. Attracts Images from Thompson & Morgan and Missouriplants.com hummingbirds.

19 Impatiens walleriana batatas Impatiens, busy Lizzie Sun: part to full shade Sun: full sun Soil: moist and well-drained with organic Soil: moist but with good drainage, may need matter, fertile watering, poor to average fertility Size: Ht ~12”, space 18-24”, spreads as Size: Ht 6-18”, space 9-18” – will grow taller groundcover than expected if spaced too closely Flower color: grown for foliage. ‘Margarita’ Flower color: many, no blues, some bicolors, (Marguerita, Marguerite) green; ‘Blackie’ new varieties with unusual flower shapes and ‘Ace of Spades’ purple-black. Notes: Reseeds. Needs ample moisture but Notes: This is trailing plant-it doesn’t climb. will get root rot if soil wet. Also susceptible to Golden scarab beetle, sweet potato weevil, fungal leaf spot and verticillium. Some and flea beetle can eat holes in leaves. varieties listed as full sun. Attracts Tubers edible but not selected for flavor, can hummingbirds. Heat tolerant. be stored over winter and replanted. Heat tolerant. (finely cut leaves) and Ipomoea x sloteri Cypress vine and Sun: full sun climber Soil: moist, average to poor fertility. Sun: full sun Foliage encouraged over flowers if Soil: moist, average to poor fertility overfertilized or overwatered. Size: twining vine, 10’+, space 9-12” Size: twining vine 10’+, space 9-12” Flower color: red, attracts hummingbirds Flower color: purple, blue , pink, white, often bicolor, open in AM, closes midday Notes: Not well known. Heat tolerant. Foliage finely cut and Notes: Reseeds, sow in place, nick seeds attractive. or soak overnight before planting, may Clients may ask for ID. resent transplanting. Heat tolerant. (moonflower) – 6” fragrant white flowers open in late afternoon, no 20 flowers until late summer. Iresine herbstii and hybrids Bloodleaf, iresine Lantana, verbena Sun: sun to shade Sun: full sun, tolerates part shade Soil: moist and well-drained, average Soil: moist and well-drained, fertility fertile, drought tolerant Size: groundcover types: Ht 6-8”, space Size: Ht 18-24”, space 2-4’ 36-48”; tall types-Ht 18-30”, space 12-18” Flower color: yellow, red, orange, Flower color: grown for foliage – red, purple, white, bicolors common purple, pink, green Notes: Deadhead to encourage flowers Notes: Heat tolerant. Foliage has more and remove poisonous fruit. Attracts green tones in heavier shade. ‘Purple butterflies. Does not tolerate Lady’ (to upper right) becomes less purple, temperatures below freezing. Heat more red when underfertilized. ‘Blazing tolerant. Deer resistant. Foliage of some Rose’ to right. varieties scented.

Laurentia axillaris Lavandula stoechas (Isotoma axillaris) Lavender Star flower, isotoma, blue stars Sun: Sun to part shade Sun: full to part sun Soil: Dry to normal, plant is drought tolerant, needs good drainage, low Soil: moist and well-drained fertility probably OK Size: Ht 6-15”, space 12” Size: 18-26” space 30-38” Flower color: blues and pinks Flower color: pink to purple Notes: Some references say Notes: Fragrant flowers for cutting or doesn’t need deadheading, drying. ‘Lavender Lady’ (Lavandula others suggest it is useful. angustifolia) is a more typical Heat tolerant. Sap irritating to Image from lavender and flowers first year from some people. Provenwinners.com seed. Heat tolerant. 21 Limonium sinuatum Linaria maroccana Statice, sea lavender Toadflax, linaria, bunny rabbits Sun: full sun Sun: full to part sun Soil: well-drained, sandy, poor to Soil: moist and well-drained average fertility Size: Ht 9-24”, space 6-15” Size: Ht 10-14”, space 6-12” Flower color: red, pink, yellow, purple, Flower color: pink, blue, lavender, blue, white, bicolors yellow, white Notes: Prefers cool weather but will Notes: Good as cut and dried flower. tolerate some heat if sufficient Tolerates drought and but not moisture. Deadhead to prolong wet soils. Deadhead to encourage flowering into summer. more flowers. Too much fertilizer makes tall and floppy.

Linum grandiflorum Lobelia erinus Red , flowering flax Bedding lobelia, edging lobelia Sun: full to part sun (especially in hot Sun: full sun, part shade in hot climates) climates, including Indiana Soil: well-drained with organic matter, Soil: moist and well-drained, fertile average fertility Size: Ht 4-9”, space 6”, trails Size: Ht 15-30”, space 4-6” Flower color: blue, purple, pink, white Flower color: , lasting Notes: Pinch to promote bushiness, a day prefers cool weather, cut back after Notes: Best in cool weather, summer heat first flush of flowers fades, water when will reduce flowering. Sow seeds in place. weather is dry, use as edging Reseeds. Wet soils will cause stem rot. or in baskets. Leaf spot, rust, Slugs, snails, aphids can be problems. slugs can be a problem. Deer resistant. 22 Lobularia maritima Lotus Sweet alyssum Parrot’s beak, lotus vine Sun: Full sun to part shade Sun: full sun, part shade in hot climates Soil: well-drained, average fertility Soil: must be well-drained Size: Ht 6-12”. Space 8-12” Size: Ht 12-18”, space 18”, trails Flower color: pink, rose, purple, Flower color: grown mainly for foliage , white which is silvery grey and finely divided. Flowers red but come and go quickly. Notes: good as edging, flowers scented. Prefers cool weather, does Notes: Cool weather (40ºF) needed for poorly when nights are warm, trim good flowering. Proven Winners says back when growth slows in summer. ‘Amazon ’ needs cool only down Wonderland series more heat tolerant. to 55-60ºF for flowering. In Indiana, Reseeds. Deer resistant. expect it to flower only early and late in the season.

Lunaria annua (Linaria biennis) Matthiola Money plant, honesty, Stock, Gillyflower dollar plant Sun: full sun Sun: full to part sun Soil: well-drained but with ample moisture, Soil: well-drained fertile Size: Ht 2-3’, space 8-12” Size: Ht 1-2.5’, space 6-12” Photo take end of May Flower color: flower purple or white but Flower color: purple, pink, red, white, yellow, flower period short. Grown for round, bicolors, some doubles thin fruit. Notes: Fragrant cut flowers. Prefers cool Notes: A biennial that reseeds. weather, plant as early as possible after Many people will have the threat of hard frost has passed. Flowering impression it is an annual. ceases when temperatures over 75ºF. Shorter forms may be more heat tolerant. Not common. 23 paludosum Mimulus x hybridus Medallion flower, melampodium Monkey flower Sun: full sun Sun: part –full shade, protected from afternoon sun Soil: poor to average, well-drained, drought tolerant once established Soil: well-drained soils with organic matter that never dry out, fertile Size: Ht 8-15”, space 10-14” Size: Ht 12-18”, space 6” Flower color: yellow Flower color: shades of red, yellow, Notes: Tolerant of heat, humidity, and orange; white; bicolors poor soils. Deadheading not needed. Reseeds. Notes: Plants require plenty of water, Image from Thompson & Morgan best in cool, moist climates, preferring warm days and cool nights. Mystic series more heat tolerant.

Mirabilis jalapa Nemesia strumosa Four o’clocks, Marvel of Peru Nemesia Sun: full sun, but tolerant of a bit of Sun: full sun, part shade in hot climates shade Soil: moist and well-drained, water Soil: well-drained, fertile, grows well in regularly to keep blooming in summer moist soils but heat and drought tolerant Size: Ht 6-24”, space 6” Size: Ht 18-36”, space 16-24” Flower color: red, blue, purple, pink, Flower color: red, pink, yellow, white, white, yellow, orange, bicolors bicolor, opens in late afternoon, fragrant Notes: Flowering will slow in heat of Notes: all parts poisonous, may summer, keep moist, flowering will reseed, deer resistant. resume as temperatures cool. Pinch to encourage branching. Cut back by half after first bloom. 24 Nicotiana x sanderae Nicotiana sylvestris Flowering tobacco White shooting stars Sun: full to part sun Sun: full to part sun Soil: Moist and well-drained, Soil: Moist and well-drained, appreciates organic matter, appreciates organic matter, average average fertility fertility Size: Ht 12-36”, space 8-12” Size: Ht 3-5’, space 3’ Flower color: white, lime green, Flower color: white, mid-late summer purple, pink, red, yellow Notes: POISONOUS. Notes: POISONOUS. Flowers of some Reseeds, fragrant, flowers varieties fragrant, deadhead to prolong open at night. Prone to flowering, flowers may close on hot, aphids and other insects. humid days, attracts hummingbirds, prone to aphids, supports tomato and tobacco hornworm.

Nierembergia Nigella damascena Cupflower Love-in-a-mist, wild Sun: full sun to part shade, protect Sun: full sun to part shade from afternoon sun Soil: well-drained, light soil, average Soil: moist, well-drained, average fertility fertility Size: Ht 18-24”, space 6-15” Size: Ht ~12”, space 6-12”+ Flower color: blue, white, pink, Flower color: white, blue, lavender, purple, fruit considered ornamental some with yellow eye Notes: Reseeds, sow in place every Notes: almost a groundcover, usually few weeks to prolong flowering needs no extra fertilizer, grows best in period, bloom slows as fruit forms cool summers, may wilt in heat even and summer becomes hot. with sufficient soil moisture. Cut back after first flush of flowers to prolong 25 bloom. Ocimum basilicum Oplismenus hirtellus ‘Dragonfly’ (the culinary herb) Basketgrass Sun: full sun Sun: sun or shade Soil: moist, well-drained Soil: average Size: Ht 1-3’, space 12-20” Size: Ht 6-10”, space 18-24” Flower color: grown for foliage Flower color: grown for foliage that is which has been selected for small green/white variegated with pink blush leaves, for stature, and leaf color. Notes: Trails over edges of containers, ‘Magic Mountain’ has large showy pink heat tolerant, drought tolerant in shade. flowers. On others, flowers pink or white This is a grass but is included here and not showy. Foliage is aromatic. because most people won’t recognize Notes: Pinch to encourage branching it is grass. and to remove flower buds.

Origanum e.g. ‘Barbara Tingey’, Osteospermum ‘Kent Beauty’ Osteospermum, Cape daisy, South African daisy Sun: full sun Sun: full to part sun Soil: average, well-drained, often Soil: well-drained, drought tolerant drought tolerant Size: Ht 10-15”, space 12-15” Size: Ht 3-10”, space 8-18” Flower color: white, purple, pink, rose, Flower color: pink, mid-summer yellow, , some with spoon petals, into fall often with an iridescent blue “glow” Notes: trails over edge of container, heat Notes: Flowers best in spring and fall. tolerant. Other varieties of oregano may Plant survives summer heat but be perennial. flowering diminished (see photo). New varieties may flower better in heat. Does Photos are ‘Barbara Tingey’ not need deadheading to encourage 26 flowering. Dimorphotheca related and similar. Deer resistant. Oxalis Pelargonium x hortorum Shamrock Zonal or bedding geranium, Sun: Part shade to shade, some varieties cranesbill may take more sun, less tolerant of shade Sun: full sun, will take a bit of shade but may flower less Soil: average, listed as somewhat drought Soil: needs good drainage, extra fertilizer, tolerant let soil dry slightly between waterings Size: Ht 12-16”, space 12-14” Size: Ht 6”-3’, space ~12” Flower color: yellow, white, pink, also Flower color: all colors except blue and grown for foliage in purple, yellow, and pink yellow, some bicolors, some semi-doubles Notes: Also good as a houseplant. Does not Notes: Must deadhead to encourage need to be deadheaded. flowers and for appearance. “Zone” on leaf more visible in cool weather, somewhat frost tolerant. Susceptible to botrytis (especially spent flower heads) and aphids. Heat tolerant, deer resistant.

Pelargonium peltatum Penstemon hartwegii (Ball), Ivy geranium, ivy-leaved Penstemon hybrids (PW) geranium Beardstongue, penstemon Sun: full sun to part shade, protection Sun: full sun from afternoon sun needed in hot summer areas Soil: well-drained, often drought tolerant Soil: needs good drainage and extra fertilizer, let soil dry slightly between Size: Ht 10-24”, space 12-15” waterings Flower color: rose, pink, purple, white Size: Ht 12”, cascades over container Notes: Usually perennial species of edge, space 15-20” Penstemon are grown but some new selections are annuals. Flowering This is ‘Liliput Rose’ from PW Flower color: red, pink, orange, white, (Proven Winners) lavender may wait until summer becomes hot. Self-cleaning and needs no Notes: Leaves more lobed than zonal deadheading. Heat tolerant, attracts 27 geranium, deadhead, deer resistant hummingbirds. Pentas lanceolata frutescens and hybrids Egyptian star flower or cluster, , beefsteak plant, perilla pentas Sun: sun to shade Sun: full sun, tolerates part shade Soil: well-drained, average fertility but produces fewer flowers. Size: Ht 2-3’, space 12-15” Soil: average Flower color: Grown for foliage Size: Ht 1-3’, space 2’ Notes: Magilla™ Perilla to right, few Flower color: pink, white, red, purple flowers, seed sterile, deer resistant, Notes: heat tolerant. Attracts var nankinensis butterflies and hummingbirds (also called Perilla crispa) below (this is edible form and reseeds with great enthusiasm). Drought and heat tolerant.

Petunia Phlox drummondii, Petunia Phlox hybrids Sun: full sun Annual phlox, pride Soil: well-drained, fertile Sun: full sun, afternoon shade in South Size: Ht 4-22”, space 12-24” Soil: good drainage required but prefers evenly moist soils, fertile Flower color: every color, some bicolors, some doubles, fragrant Size: Ht 6-15”, space 8-12” Notes: Form varies between Flower color: most, some with fringed cascading to mounding. Can be cut petals, bicolors, fragrant back mid-summer to rejuvenate. Notes: Sow seed in place. A Texas Fertilize for best performance. Avoid native that needs good drainage. Don’t wet foliage at night. Susceptible to let foliage stay wet overnight. Deadhead stem and root rot, leaf blight, botrytis. to encourage flowering. Good cut Heat tolerant. Petchoa are petunia- flowers. May need extra fertilizer. Does 28 calibrachoa hybrids. Deer resistant. not do well in heat. Phormium Plectranthus New Zealand flax Plectranthus, Cuban or Sun: sun or part shade Puerto Rican oregano, Swedish ivy Soil: average Sun: full to part sun Size: Ht 1-5’, space 12-18” Soil: average Flower color: none, grown for sword-like foliage of various colors Size: Ht 2’+, space 1-2” Notes: Prefers cool, moist conditions Flower color: grown for foliage early but fairly tolerant. Apply slow release in season – silver, variegated . fertilizer at planting. Spider mites can ‘Mona Lavender’ and ‘Zulu Wonder’ be a problem in hot, dry weather. produce purple flowers late in season. Notes: Drought and heat tolerant. Deer resistant

Portulaca grandiflora oleracea Moss rose, portulaca Purslane Sun: full sun Sun: full sun Soil: good drainage, likes dry, Soil: good drainage, likes dry, sandy soil, poor fertility sandy soil, poor fertility Size: Ht 4-8”, space 12” Size: Ht 4-8”, space 12” Flower color: many, semi and full Flower color: many, some unusual doubles double bicolors Notes: Root rot if soils too wet. Notes: Flowers close under stress or Reseeds. Flowers stay closed on cloudy weather. Reseeds. Double cloudy days, doubles more open. flowers, such as this ‘Fairytale ‘Cloudbeater” less likely to close. Cinderella’ are new. Heat tolerant. Heat tolerant 29 Ptilotus Ricinus communis Mulla mulla Castor bean Sun: full sun Sun: full sun Soil: well-drained, cannot tolerate wet Soil: average, drought tolerant once soil established Size: Ht 12-18”, space 12-18” Size: Ht to 8’, space 2-3’ Flower color: pink Flower color: red, grown mainly for tropical-looking foliage. Green, red, Notes: Cut flower. Drought and heat variegated leaves available tolerant. Cultivar names ‘Joey’ and ‘Wallaby’ are reflective of Australian Notes: Seeds are especially TOXIC origins. New to the market. and all parts of plant are poisonous. Do not let set seed – deadhead. Will reseed if fruit allowed to form. Seeds are source of ricin. Heat tolerant.

Rudbeckia hirta Salpiglossis hybrids Black-eyed Susan, Painted tongue Gloriosa daisy is a hybrid Sun: part shade, full sun in cool Sun: full sun to part shade climates only Soil: well-drained, average fertility, Soil: excellent drainage, fertile drought tolerant Size: Ht 15-24”, space 12” Size: Ht 1-3’, space 15-24” Flower color: red, orange, yellow, Flower color: , yellow, mahogany, purple, white, often striped orange, bicolors, some semi-doubles Notes: Does not do well in hot Notes: May be sold as perennial but is best weather, cut flowers, uncommon treated as annual. Deadhead to reduce disease Image from Thompson & Morgan and increase flowering. Cut flowers. Reseeds. Tolerant of clay soil and hot weather. Good air circulation helps reduce fungal diseases. 30 Powdery mildew can be a problem. Salvia coccinea Salvia farinacea Bloody sage, Texas sage Mealy-cup sage Sun: full sun, some shade OK Sun: full sun, part shade in hot climates Soil: well-drained, average-rich fertility Soil: well-drained, average-rich Size: Ht 1-2(3)’, space 2’ fertility Flower color: red, pink, white Size: Ht 1-2’, space 1’ Notes: Heat tolerant, drought tolerant but Flower color: purple, white, blue flowers more if watered when dry. Reseeds, attracts hummingbirds, Notes: Cut flowers, heat tolerant, Deadhead. Deer resistant. somewhat drought tolerant. New hybrid ‘Mystic Spires Blue’ is drought and heat tolerant, Ht 12- 24”, space 12-18”, deer resistant.

Salvia patens Salvia splendens Gentian sage Scarlet sage Sun: full to part sun Sun: full to part sun Soil: well-drained, average-rich fertility Soil: well-drained, average-rich fertility Size: Ht 2-3’, space 18-24” Size: Ht to 3’, modern varieties Flower color: blue 12-15”, space 12” Notes: Large flowers may induce Flower color: many, some with people to buy but overall flower display of different colors may be disappointing. Photo to right from British Columbia, better show Notes: deadhead to encourage than I have seen in IN. Heat tolerant. branching and flowering and maintain Forms a tuber that can be lifted and attractiveness, needs to be fertilized overwintered. Deer resistant. after planting. Heat tolerant, deer resistant. 31 procumbens Scabiosa atropurpurea Creeping Pincushion flower, mournful Sun: full to part sun (especially in South), widow, sweet scabious protect from afternoon sun Sun: full to part sun Soil: must have good drainage, average Soil: well-drained with organic fertility, drought tolerant matter, average-rich fertility Size: Ht 4-8”, space 12” Size: Ht 2-3’, space 6-8” Flower color: yellow, orange Flower color: purple, maroon, pink, Notes: Best in spring and early summer, blue fewer flowers in hot summers, rebounds Notes: Flowers fragrant, deadhead to in fall, never spectacular. May have fungal encourage flowering, good cut flowers, problems with overhead watering. plants may be sparsely branched and tend to flop. Sow seed in place.

Scaevola aemula Schizanthus pinnatus Fan flower Poor man’s , Sun: full sun butterfly flower Soil: well-drained but moist, do not let dry Sun: part sun with afternoon shade to out completely, average fertility shade Size: Ht 4-9”, space 12-24” Soil: average but never dry Flower color: blue, purple, pink, white, Size: Ht 1-2’, space 1’ bicolors Flower color: many, often bicolors Notes: Will cascade over edges, does Notes: Strong preference for cool not need deadheading. Heat tolerant. weather, cannot tolerate heat and Does not tolerate wet soil. White flies a drought. Plant as you would pansies. problem if drought stressed. Not common.

32 Senecio cineraria Solenostemon Dusty miller scutellarioides Sun: full to part sun Coleus (may also be listed as scientific name) Soil: well-drained, average fertility Sun: sun (many) - shade Size: Ht 12-24”, space 12” Soil: moist and well-drained, may Flower color: grown for silvery foliage, need watering if in full sun, rich to remove yellow flowers as they form. average fertility Notes: Centaurea cineraria is also called Size: Ht 12-48”, width about equal to height dusty miller and is similar. Tanacetum Flower color: cut them off, coleus is grown parthenium may also get this common for foliage name. Notes: Many colors and leaf shapes. Green colors more prominent when grown in shade. Pinch to encourage branching. Easily grown from cuttings. Heat tolerant, deer resistant.

Spilanthes oleracea Strobilanthes dyerianus Eyeball plant, peek-a-boo plant Persian shield Sun: full to part sun Sun: full to part sun Soil: well-drained, moist, fertile Soil: well-drained, average to fertile soil Size: Ht 12-15”, space 24-32” Size: Ht 18-36”, space 18-24” Flower color: yellow with red center Flower color: grown for silver- Notes: Heat and frost tolerant. purple foliage with an iridescent Foliage bronzes in sun. Supply sheen ample water, do not allow to wilt. Notes: Pinch to encourage branching. Drought and heat tolerant. Roots rot in wet soils.

33 Sutera grandiflora Tagetes erecta Bacopa Aztec marigold, American Sun: afternoon shade marigold, African marigold Soil: moist, well-drained soil with Sun: full sun organic matter, do not let dry out-will Soil: well-drained, average fertility, probably need to be watered, average excess nitrogen decreases flowering fertility Size: Ht 1-4’, space 12-18” Size: Ht 3-6”, space 12” Flower color: yellow, gold, orange Flower color: white, pink, purple, red Notes: Drought tolerant, don’t Notes: trailing, can grow to 6’. Not as overwater. Deadhead to prolong vigorous in hot climates, tends to fizzle flowering, Botrytis a problem if not out mid-summer. Needs constantly deadheaded. Thrips, spider mites, moist soils. Japanese beetles, slugs, snails may be problems. Deer resistant.

Tagetes patula paniculatum French marigold Jewels of Opar Sun: full sun Sun: full sun Soil: well-drained, average fertility, Soil: average excess nitrogen decreases flowering Size: Ht 24-30”, space 12-16” Size: Ht 6-12”, space 6-12” Flower color: pink, grown for red-pink Flower color: yellow, orange, red, semi- fruit that forms haze over leaves doubles and bicolor Notes: Cut flowers, some selections Notes: Drought tolerant, deadhead to have yellowish leaves. Heat and prolong flowering. Same pest problems drought tolerant. as other marigolds. Deer resistant.

34 Tithonia rotundifolia Torenia fournieri Mexican sunflower Wishbone flower Sun: full sun Sun: part shade, tolerates shade. Tolerates sun only in cool climates Soil: well-drained, average-poor fertility Soil: moist, needs regular watering, fertile Size: Ht 18”-6’, space 12-24” (all orange-flowered plants in photo Size: Ht 6-12”, space 6-8” are Tithonia) Flower color: many, often bicolors Flower color: orange Notes: Better in cool summers. Pinch to Notes: Flowers mid-late summer, encourage bushiness. Can have disease deadhead to encourage flowering, cut problems in wet soils. T. flava has yellow flowers. Attracts butterflies. Heat and flowers. Some varieties may be hybrids. drought tolerant. Aphids and thrips can Deer resistant. be problems.

Trachelium caeruleum Tropaeolum majus Blue throatwort Nasturtium Sun: full to part sun Sun: full sun Soil: needs excellent drainage Soil: moist, well-drained, let dry out Size: Ht 1-3’, space 12-18” a bit, average to poor fertility, excess nitrogen decreases flowering Flower color: purple, white, pink Size: Ht 12-18”, space 12”, will Notes: cut flowers. Not common. spread Deer resistant. Flower color: yellow, orange, pink, some fragrant Notes: Most will climb if given support. Sow seeds in place. May flower better in cooler weather. Earwigs, aphids, and can 35 be problems. Verbena bonariensis Verbena canadensis and Brazilian verbena, tall verbena Verbena x hybrida Sun: full sun Clump verbena, rose vervain, bedding verbena Soil: well-drained, average fertility Sun: full sun Size: Ht 4-5’, space 18-24, smaller Soil: Needs excellent drainage, fertile varieties may be available Size: Ht 8-18”, space 12-18” Flower color: purple Flower color: red, pink, purple, white, Notes: Sparse foliage, attracts some with eyes butterflies, drought and heat tolerant. Notes: Some varieties upright, some trailing, some Reseeds. Has been known to heat tolerant. Attracts butterflies, deadhead to overwinter if winter mild. Susceptible prolong bloom. Declines rapidly if drainage poor. to powdery mildew. Deer resistant. Susceptible to powdery mildew and spider mites. Armitage lists Homestead and Aztec series as V. canadensis; and Romance series as V. x hybrida.

Verbena tenuisecta Viola tricolor, cornuta, Moss verbena x wittrockiana (probably others) Sun: full sun Pansy, viola, johnny-jump-up Soil: needs excellent drainage, fertile Sun: full sun, tolerates part shade Size: Ht 8-12”, spreads 18”+ Soil: moist and well-drained, fertile Flower color: purple, pink, white, often Size: Ht 4-15”, space 6” with eyes Flower color: many, often bi- or tri-color or Notes: Deadhead, attracts butterflies, with black blotch, often fragrant susceptible to powdery mildew. Heat Notes: Many varieties and hybrids. None like tolerant . hot weather but can withstand a freeze and some snow. Plant in early spring. Fall plantings may overwinter, depending on location and winter weather. Deadheading or picking for cut flowers encourages more 36 flowers. Some varieties reseed. Narrow-leaved zinnia Zinnia, bedding zinnia, Sun: full sun youth and old age Soil: moist, well-drained, fertile Sun: full sun Soil: moist, well-drained, fertile, fertilize monthly Size: Ht 12-15”, space 12-15” Size: Ht 1-4’, space 6-12” Flower color: orange, gold, yellow, white Flower color: many, no blues, some double, Notes: Drought and heat tolerant, wide variety of sizes. doesn’t need deadheading. Disease Notes: Deadhead to promote flowering. Old resistant. Zinnia maritima similar. Zinnia flowers susceptible to botrytis. Flowering may marylandica (e.g. Zahara series from Ball) is decrease in hot summers. Drought tolerant but a hybrid of Z. angustifolia. Reported to be better if watered. Plants susceptible to disease resistant, looks more like Z. elegans Alternaria, powdery mildew, root rots, Japanese beetles. Profusion series is a hybrid and reported to be disease resistant.

Zinnia haageana Haage’s zinnia Sun: full sun Soil: moist, well-drained, fertile Size: Ht 12-24”, space 12” Flower color: available varieties usually bicolor gold and maroon, also gold and yellow Notes: Disease resistant. Deadhead for more flowers. Drought and heat tolerant. Not common. Some hybrids may be listed under this name.

37 Abutilon x hybrida Large, Tropical Plants Flowering maple Used as Annuals Sun: full sun, variegated forms better with some shade in hot areas Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained with lots of organic matter. Do not let dry Other tropical plants in this Quick Guide: out. Lantana camara, page 21 Size: Ht: 2-5’, space ~2’ Pentas lanceolata, page 28 Flower color: yellow, orange, rose, white, often grown just for foliage Strobilanthes dyerianus, page 33 which is often variegated Notes: Fertilize monthly, better in containers. Prefers cool temperatures.

Acalypha hispida Acalypha wilkesiana Chenille plant Copperleaf, Jacob’s coat Sun: full to part sun Sun: full sun Soil: moist, well-drained, do not let Soil: moist soil dry out Size: Ht 3-6’, space ~2’ Size: Ht up to 4-5’, larger in warmer Flower color: grown for foliage climates, space 1-2’ at least which is red-bronze or variegated Flower color: red Notes: Foliage color better in cooler Notes: Will decline if not given climates but plant does not tolerate sufficient water, often used in temperatures near freezing. containers. Heat tolerant. Sap is a skin irritant. Eating leaves Sap is a skin irritant. Eating leaves may cause mild distress. may cause mild distress. 38 Alpinia zerumbet Asparagus densiflorus , ginger lily Asparagus fern, foxtail fern Sun: full to part sun Sun: full sun Soil: rich, moist, must have ample water Soil: moist, fertile Size: Ht 3’, space~2’ Size: Ht 1-3’, space 1-2’ Flower color: Grown for foliage, most Flower color: Grown for green, often ‘Variegata’ with green and yellow finely dissected foliage leaves. Will not flower outside in IN. Notes: ‘Myersii’ is form shown. Photos-shown with Setcreasea and ‘Sprengeri’ is more loose and Alternanthera. open. Both appreciate extra Notes: Fertilize regularly. Can tolerate liquid fertilizer. cool temperatures. This is not the edible ginger.

Brugmansia (formerly Datura) Canna Angel’s trumpet, brugmansia Canna lily, cannons Sun: full sun Sun: full sun Soil: moist and fertile Soil: moist and fertile, some varieties can be grown as water plants, most Size: Ht 4-5’, best singly as focal point can tolerate wet soils. Flower color: white, yellow, peach Size: Ht 3-5’, space ~2’ Notes: Poisonous. Flowers fragrant. Flower color: red, orange, yellow, pink. Benefit from ample water and Many new varieties have reddish, fertilizer. purple-black or variegated foliage. Notes: Dig and store fleshy rhizome over winter.

39 Colocasia and Alocasia Elephant ears, taro Fuchsia Sun: full sun or a bit of shade Sun: part sun, away from afternoon sun Soil: wet, or moist that never dries out. Alocasia prefers more average Soil: always moist, never wet soils. Size: typically grown in hanging Size: Ht 3-5’, space ~2’ baskets, 1.5-3’ Flower color: Grown for large Flower color: white, purple, red, arrowhead shaped leaves, often with pink, blue, bicolors black coloration. Notes: Difficult to grow – insists on cool Notes: Alocasia similar but leaves temperatures, flowering stops when may not be arrowhead shaped. average day temperature over 76ºF. Leaves of both contain oxalate which Select one with largest root ball for is irritating if eaten. better success. Attracts hummingbirds.

Hibiscus acetosella Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Red hibiscus Chinese hibiscus Sun: full sun Sun: full sun Soil: average moisture, fertile. Added Soil: well-drained and fertile fertilizer will encourage growth of already Size: Ht 1-3’, space 3’ large plant. Flower color: many colors, large; Size: Ht typically 3-4’, space 3’ leaves a shiny green Flower color: Grown for Notes: Best in containers, easily grown red-leaved varieties, as houseplant. Needs heat to flower, small purplish flowers foliage yellows if <60ºF. Attracts Japanese beetles.

Image from Missouri Botanical Garden 40 Musa and Ensete Plumbago auriculata Banana, false banana Cape leadwort, plumbago Sun: full sun Sun: Full sun Soil: plenty of moisture Soil: good drainage, somewhat drought tolerant, leaves may turn Size: from 4-5’ to 10’+, usually several yellow if soil too alkaline feet wide but narrow at base Size: Ht 1-3’, space 2-3’, cut back if it Flower color: grown for large foliage, gets lanky often reddish. Fruit usually formed only if grown in greenhouse over winter. Flower color: blues Notes: grow in containers or soil in site Notes: Good in containers, flowers all protected from wind. Heat tolerant. season. Can be grown as houseplant. Can tolerate cool weather at end of season.

Setcreasea purpurea Vinca major (Tradescantia pallida) Vinca vine Purple heart Sun: Full sun Sun: full sun Soil: well-drained, fertile Soil: tolerates dry or wet soil, may Size: Ht 6”, space – trails, was once need water in full sun, fertile soil the most common vine to use in Size: Ht 12-15”, space – trails and hanging baskets, newer varieties spreads (e.g. Dichondra and Helichrysum (licorice plant)) now more common. Flower color: ‘Purpurea’ has strongly purple foliage. Flowers are pale pink Flower color: blue but may not flower. and usually not produced in summer. Usually grown for variegated leaves. Notes: can be used as groundcover Notes: Hardy to about 45ºF. It has become an invasive plant in warmer climates. 41 Briza maxima Grasses and Quaking grass Grass-like Plants Sun: Full to part sun Soil: average Size: Ht 2’, space 2’ Other Grasses and grass-like plants in this Flower color: seed heads dangle down, like small lantern Quick Guide: Notes: Sow where they are to Oplismenus hirtellus, page 26 grow. Let fruit dry to tan then use in dried arrangements. Phormium, page 29 Image from Thompson & Morgan

Carex Coix lacryma-jobi Sedge Job’s tears Sun: part to full sun Sun: full sun, perhaps some shade OK Soil: may vary with variety. Many Soil: average, not too dry should be moist to wet soils, but Size: Ht 3’, space 1’ some may do well in drier conditions. Flower color: grown for hard, shiny bead-like clusters of seeds Size: Ht 1-3’, space 1-2’ Notes: Seeds can be strung for Flower color: grown for fine textured necklaces. It is an edible grain. foliage, ornamental annual varieties often or bronze. Image from Notes: fairly new to the trade as an North Carolina State University annual 42 australis Isolepis cernua Cordyline or spike (Scirpus cernuus) Sun: sun or part sun, possibly fairly shade Fiber optic grass tolerant Sun: sun to shade, sun only if Soil: well-drained, fertile sufficient moisture provided Size: Ht 24-36+”, space 12-24” Soil: Can tolerate wet conditions Flower color: Grown for sword-like foliage. Size: Ht 8-12”, space 6-12” New colors available Flower color: Grown for fine Notes: The classic “tall center” for foliage and fiber-optic-like spiky containers. Apparently drought flower stalks. tolerant but will grow little if moisture Notes: a conversation-piece insufficient. May be listed as Dracaena or Cordyline indivisa.

Juncus Lagurus ovatus Rush Hare’s tail, bunny tails Sun: full to part sun Sun: full Soil: most can tolerate wet soils. Soil: average to very well-drained Ball says its new forms are drought Size: Ht 12-24”, space 6-12” tolerant Flower color: grown for white, Size: Ht 1-5’, tend to be upright furry panicles Flower color: grown for upright, stiff Notes: Reseeds but not foliage. Some varieties have twisted aggressively. Good as cut flowers. leaves. Notes: New as an annual. Some forms may be perennial. Image from Thompson & Morgan

43 Melinis nerviglumis Pennisetum glaucum grass or purpureum Sun: full sun Ornamental millet Soil: slightly dry, but needs Sun: full sun, perhaps some consistent moisture shade Size: Ht 18-24”, space 12-18” Soil: average Flower color: foliage very stiff Size: Ht 2-5’, space 2-3’ forming a half sphere. Flowers Flower color: Grown for deep purple pink but do not form until late in the foliage. Flowers dark, season. looks like cat tail. Notes: may reseed, genus formerly Notes: Foliage does not darken well in Rhynchelytrum. greenhouse, must be exposed to sunlight. Seed eaten by birds. Heat tolerant.

Pennisetum setaceum Stipa tenuissima or Purple or red fountain grass Nassella tenuissima Sun: full sun, perhaps some shade Feather grass, spear grass, needle grass, pony tail grass Soil: average Sun: full sun, may take some shade Size: Ht 1.5-4’, space 2-3’ Soil: average, may tolerate dry soil Flower color: Grown for deep purple foliage. Flowers white tinged with Size: Ht 12-24”, space~1’ purple later in the season Flower color: grown for foliage and for Notes: Exceptionally showy but hardy long, silky seed heads late in season to only zone 9. Does not reseed. Notes: Heat tolerant Can be overwintered indoors. Heat tolerant.

44 * Asarina scandens Annual Vines Climbing Snapdragon Culture: Full sun to part shade, moist, well-drained soil Flower color: purples and pinks in Other vines in this Quick Guide: late summer Ipomoea quamoclit, x sloteri, tricolor, page 20 Climbs by: Twining petioles and twining stems, to about 6’ Tropaeolum majus, page 35

Cobaea scandens Cup and Saucer Vine, Flag of Spain Cathedral Bells Formerly Mina lobata Culture: Full sun in soils of average Culture: Full sun, moist, well- moisture, may need supplemental drained soil. water. Extremely fast growing. Climbs by tendril at end of leaf. Tie-in when Flower color: flowers grade from young to encourage growth. * red to yellow in late summer. Flower color: purples, white, in late Climbs by: Twining stems summer Climbs by: Twining leaf tendrils Image from Johnson’s Seed Notes: Large flowers, lower portion resembles saucer, upper portion resembles cup. 45 Lablab purpureus Lathyrus odoratus Hyacinth Bean Annual Sweet Pea formerly Dolichos lablab Culture: Full sun, moist, well-drained soil. Prefers cool weather and does not Culture: Full sun in soils of average grow well when temperatures exceed moisture. Flowers and best in 80ºF. hot weather. Give adequate support – may get heavy. Young pods edible. Flower color: many, fragrant, can be used as cut flowers. Flower color: Purple flowers, fragrant followed by purple pod. Climbs by: Twining tendrils on leaves Climbs by: Twining stems Notes: FRUIT POISONOUS Notes: most common problem is not flowering – appears to be temperature related. No flowers until it gets hot..

Manettia luteorubra Phaseolus coccineus Candy Corn Vine Scarlet Runner Bean Formerly Manettia inflata and Culture: Full sun in soils of average Manettia bicolor moisture, may need supplemental water. Pods and beans edible. Culture: Full sun, moist, well-drained soil. Prefers hot weather. Best Flower color: red, salmon, white flowering if allowed to climb. Climbs by: Twining stems Flower color: orange and yellow Climbs by: Twining stems Notes: Also known as Brazilian firecracker vine, cigar flower

Photo courtesy of Jessica Willsey 46 Solanum jasminoides Thunbergia alata Potato Vine Black-eyed Susan Vine Culture: Full sun with average Culture: Full sun or afternoon shade, moisture moist soil. May need additional water. Flower color: white to pale blue, Flowers in late summer after weather often grown for yellow or variegated has cooled slightly. leaves Flower color: yellow, orange, white with Climbs by: Twining stems, used in darker center, not in the Aster family as hanging baskets are true black-eyed Susan Notes: frost tolerant Climbs by: Twining stems Notes: flowers often do not appear until late summer.

Vigna caracalla Notes Snail Vine, Corkscrew Vine References: Manual of Annuals, Biennials, and Half-Hardy Perennials, Formerly Phaseolus caracalla Allan Armitage, 2001 Culture: Full sun in soils of average Annuals for Ohio, Debra Knapke and Alison Beck, 2003 moisture. Best in warm weather. Annuals, Sunset Books, 1992 Flower color: pink, lavender, white, Easy Beauty with Annuals, Time-Life Books, 1996 fragrant Ball Seed and Simply Beautiful websites Proven Winners website Climbs by: Twining stems Other Resources for you by MWK: Culture and Use Summary for Notes: Much confusion on the web Ornamental Annuals and for Tropicals, grasses, and vines and about this plant. There may be Common-Scientific Name Cross-reference flowers of different shape within the species, giving rise to corkscrew All photos ©Mary Welch-Keesey unless otherwise indicated. versus snail (or shell). I could not Please let me know if you need copies of photos, I’ll share. find any documented differences. Deer resistance: information from IL MG manual, 47 Ball Seed and Proven Winners websites.