These annuals all provide exciting color in the spring when gardeners are ready for the first signs of life in their garden. Here are some favorite early annuals.
Many annuals can be purchased already started to get a head start on the bloom season. As a result some of these annuals will actually bloom from April, all the way through to first frost. When purchasing bedding plants from a nursery or garden be sure to follow these plant buying tips to ensure you start with healthy plants.
Ageratum – A compact 6” form ‘Blue Hawaii’ blooms in a mass of true blue flowers in spring through fall months. Full sun. Attracts butterflies.
Alyssum – Many colors available but this cascading annual attracts butterflies to its scented flowers for months starting in April. Full sun.
Bachelor Button – 18”x10” these white, pink and red flowers make long lasting cut flowers and bloom for months in a mixed border or container planting.
Dianthus – Annual and perennial varieties exist and both have long bloom seasons and bright, sometimes neon colored flowers. Also known as “cottage pinks”, dianthus plants are old-fashioned cottage garden favorites. Full sun. Attracts butterflies.
Geranium (Pelargonium spp.) – Not to be confused with true garden geraniums, these tropical geraniums will die back at first frost unless cuttings are taken to overwinter. Non-stop blooms and attractive, sometimes fragrant foliage make these plants a spring time favorite.
Gypsophila – Annual baby’s breath flowers. These billowy, fine-textured plants make great companions for roses and bloom for many months. Full sun. White is the most well known but pink cultivars exist as well.
Impatiens – A popular annual for sun or shade gardens because of the quick growth and profuse blooms. Impatiens are available as dwarf edging plants and large, middle of the border, accent plants. Full sun to full shade and many flower colors are available.
Lobelia – The annual Lobelia (There are perennial lobelia plants also) is an excellent container specimen and has a compact, mounding habit 12” x 12” typically. ‘Big Blue’ is an excellent heat resistant cultivar and has long lasting blooms that attract butterflies. Sun or Shade.
Osteopernum – An increasingly popular daisy-like flower that will bloom all the way through the summer heat. Drought tolerant and available in a variety of colors. Full sun.
Petunia – Usually purchased as grown plants in the spring, or started from seed in the winter, these plants will put on a long show making them an excellent choice for containers, edgings or rock gardens. Their cascading habit is highly attractive and a Petunia won the All America Selections Award in 2007. Hummingbirds are attracted to this full sun superstar.
Snapdragon – A childhood favorite, snapdragons are available in dwarf forms like the 8” tall ‘Floral Showers’ or the ‘Rocket Series’ which grow 3’ tall and make great cut flower plants. Full sun to light shade. Butterfly and hummingbird attracting.
Viola – A charming favorite that will self-sow easily but not aggressively in the garden, the viola blooms until the heat stresses the plant. It returns with a new flush of blooms in the fall making a nice show. 6” tall – perfect for rock gardens, paths and under shrubs or larger perennials. Sun to Shade.
