Fancy Annuals
These are some very special annuals grown in limited quantities. We had in mind growing some really different plants for containers--try mixing drought tolerant Zinnias with Gazania for a hot sunny spot, or blue flowered Anchusa with icy Arctotis for a cool effect. In addition to their uses in container plantings all can be planted in the ground as companions for annuals and perennials. The idea here is to go wild with some plants you might not find elsewhere.
Just a note on our use of the word 'annuals' here-- you may notice that some plants are actually perennials somewhere and for these we include the zone. However in our Zone 4-5 area we treat these as annuals and loosely call them annuals, realizing that some of you may, indeed, be able to grow them perennially as nature intended.
Each plant is listed by its botanical name, cultivar or variety (in quotes) followed by its common name if there is one. See the PLANT INDEX to find varieties by botanical or common names. We have also included a plant information KEY to describe plant type, height range, spacing and light requirements for each. Check out our FLOWERING VINES for rare and unusual annual vines.
Fancy annuals are offered in 4-inch pots for $3.50 each or 3 of the same variety for $10.00.
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 | # 205 | Abelmoschus manihot |
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| A/5-6'/24"/sun
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| Dark green, palmate leaves are an asset even befor the pale yellow, hibiscus-like flowers are formed in midsummer. Each flower is nearly 5" across with a burgundy throat. Excellent for adding height and elegance to the border.
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| | # 208 | Abutilon vitifolium |
| Flowering Maple |
| P/Zone 7-9/3-5'/24"/sun, partial shade
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| This member of the Malva family has large lavender blooms and maple-like leaves. Annual for us but grows into a hardy shrub for some in warmer zones.
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| | # 210 | Agastache aurantiaca 'Apricot Sprite' |
| Agastache |
| P/Zone 7-10/15-18"/8"/sun
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| Spikes of rich apricot create a veritable explosion of color above the richly fragrant foliage. Its compact size and long bloom time make it perfect for a large clay pot with purple-leaved Perilla and silvery Licorice Plant.
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 | # 211 | Agastache cana 'Heather Queen' |
| Agastache |
| P/Zone 5-10/36"/8"/sun
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| Aromatic foliage is topped with flower spikes in a deep shade of pink during late summer and fall. A wonderful plant for bees and butterflies. Great in containers and in bouquets. Winters over for us about half the time.
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 | # 215 | Anagallis monellii ssp. linifolia 'Blue Light' |
| Poor Man's Weather Glass, Blue Pimpernel |
| A/9"/6"/sun
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| These true blue flowers are a special treat. With yellow anthers to add contrast against the blue petals, the flowers close up during cloudy weather and open wide in sun. Great in a fanciful wire hanging basket paired with trailing Snaps and pink milliflora Petunias. The Victorians loved this one and so will you.
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| | # 220 | Anchusa capensis 'Blue Heaven' |
| Summer Forget-Me-Not |
| A/8"/18-24"/sun
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| Clear marine blue spikes are set off by the prickly deep green leaves of this treasure.
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| | # 225 | Antirrhinum majus 'Lampion' |
| Trailing Snapdragon |
| A/10" trailing/8"/sun, light shade
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| A trailing snapdragon for hanging baskets or to spill over the edges of containers. Blooms summer 'til frost in a sparkling pink hue.
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| | # 226 | Antirrhinum nanum variegata 'Powys Pride' |
| Snapdragon |
| A/8-10"/8"/sun, light shade
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| Brilliant red flowers are set off by variegated green and white leaves. Very compact and free flowering if spent flowers are picked off regularly.
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 | # 227 | Antirrhinum sp.? |
| Silver Snapdragon |
| A/8-10"/8"/sun, light shade
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| Trailing fuzzy silver stems and leaves pair up with creamy white snapdragons for the perfect basket and container plant. This one came to us unnamed and is now an indispensable staple of our container pallette.
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 | # 230 | Arctotis venusta |
| African Daisy |
| A/18"/10"/sun
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| As I write this on a chilly, rainy, threatening to snow, day in late October, the silvery long-stemmed African Daisies in the garden are still blooming their hearts out. Yellow-centered ray flowers are white with blue undersides and foliage is silver. Overall it is a very cool effect.
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 | # 235 | Asclepias currasavica 'Red Butterfly' |
| Butterfly Weed |
| P/Zone 7-10/28-40"/12"/sun
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| This one is an exotic cousin of the common milkweed. Plant where drainage is good and let these brilliant gold-centered, red blossoms lure the butterflies to your garden. Wonderful as a cut flower if cut early in the morning before the sap rises.
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| | # 236 | Atriplex hortensis |
| Red Orach, Mountain Spinach |
| A/3-4'/12"/sun
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| Brilliant crimson foliage is striking with silvery plants and hot color flowers. Try near blue Salvia and silvery Plectranthus. A natural for the herb garden for its good looks and usefulness as an edible salad green. Will self sow once established.
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| | # 238 | Begonia coccinea 'Dragon Wing' |
| Angel Wing Begonia |
| A/8-12"/8"/shade, part shade
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| Very large, crimson-red flowers are set off by glossy, deep green leaves. For a large container or hanging basket with full branching habit and pendulous flowers.
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| | # 240 | Brachycome iberidifolia 'Purple Splendor' |
| Swan River Daisy |
| A/9-12"/6"/sun, part shade
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| Ferny foliage is tipped with multitudes of purple daisies all summer long. Each daisy is made up of a dark orange central disc surrounded by deep purple rays. This plant appreciates cool conditions and will make a perfect match for Violas and Petunias in windowboxes.
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| | # 242 | Browallia americana 'Sky Blue' |
| Bush Violet, Amethyst Flower |
| A/24"/10"/light shade
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| White throated blue flowers are borne on well branched plants.
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| | # 245 | Campanula medium 'Russian Pink' |
| Canterbury Bells |
| A/15"/8"/sun, light shade
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| An annual form of the biennial Canterbury Bell. It used to be a long wait for these pretty flowers but no longer! These pretty pink bellflowers will flower this summer. For containers or beds.
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| | # 250 | Celosia spp. 'Cramers' Amazon' |
| Wheat Celosia |
| A/36-108"/24"/sun
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| This recent discovery from Peru has deep burgundy blotched leaves and stems and rich magenta plumes. A great tropical backdrop.
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 | # 252 | Ceratotheca triloba |
| South African Foxglove |
| A/36"/18"/sun
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| Well branched plants have stocky stems and aromatic foliage. Tall stems support spires of tubular bells in a delicate shade of lilac pink. Blooms steadily until frosts close in.
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| | # 255 | Cerinthe major purpurescens 'Kiwi Blue' |
| Honeywort, Wax Flower |
| A/12-18"/10"/sun
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| Plants have succulent, blue green leaves with grey-green markings that spiral up arching stems topped with intense blue leaves and bracts surrounding purple tubular blooms. A unique and exotic addition to the flower garden. Likes cool conditions.
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 | # 260 | Chrysanthemum coronarium 'Primrose Gem' |
| Annual Chrysanthemum |
| A/12-18"/10"/sun
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| Each plant bears literally a multitude of ruffly, primrose-yellow daisies with light gold centers. Blends with anything and blooms the whole summer long if deadheaded.
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| | # 261 | Chrysanthemum multicaule 'Moonlight' |
| Annual Chrysanthemum |
| A/8"/6"/sun
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| Shimmering lemon yellow daisies are held above foliage on wiry stems.
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| | # 262 | Chrysanthemum 'Whity' |
| Annual Chrysanthemum |
| A/18"/10"/sun, light shade
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| Grey-green leaves are finely divided and are topped with fresh white, yellow-centered daisies. Blooms indefinitely if deadheaded occasionally.
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| | # 265 | Cosmos sulphureus 'Lemon Twist' |
| Sulphur Cosmos |
| A/28"/10"/sun
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| Lemony yellow flowers are produced on wiry stems all summer. Very drought and heat tolerant.
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| | # 270 | Cuphea llavea 'Purpurea' |
| Rabbit Ears |
| A/30"/10"/sun
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| Exotic violet-purple flowers are shaped like orchids and are held in clusters on tall stems. Plants bloom midsummer to fall and will behave perennially in Zones 10 and 11.
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 | # 271 | Cuphea purpurea 'Firefly' |
| Rabbit Ears |
| A/12-18"/10"/sun
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| Vivid pink, tubular flowers are rimmed in purple. Orchid-like flowers are held along well branched stems from summer until frosts. Beautiful in containers or in the border.
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| | # 275 | Cynoglossum amabile 'Blue Showers' |
| Chinese Forget-Me-Not |
| A/24-30"/10"/sun, part shade
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| Sprays of turquoise blue flowers and grey-green leaves make this summer blooming forget-me-not a real treat. Self sows when happy.
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 | # 280 | Datura inoxia |
| Angel's Trumpet |
| P/Zone 10/36'/24"/sun, part shade
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| Spectacular white trumpet blooms face up atop deep blue-green leaves. Fragrant and exotic. Plant parts and seeds are poisonous so excercise caution.
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| | # 281 | Datura inoxia 'Violet' |
| Angel's Trumpet |
| P/Zone 10/36'/24"/sun, part shade
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| As above but with perfumed blossoms tinged a royal shade of purple.
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| | # 285 | Delphinium chinensis 'Blue Dwarf' |
| Blue Dwarf Delphinium |
| A/12"/9"/sun
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| This Delphinium is a half hardy perennial grown as an annual for its clusters of deep blue flowers. Compact plants are fine for containers or the front of the border. Try it with Zinnia 'Tropic Snow' and Cosmos 'Sonata' for a pretty trio.
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| | # 287 | Diascia barberae 'Apricot Queen' |
| Twinspur |
| A/12"/6"/sun
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| Peachy-pink spurred flowers are held on delicately trailing stems. Each blossom is like a unique little seashell. Long blooming and perfect for containers.
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| | # 290 | Dracocephalum moldavica |
| Moldavian Dragonhead |
| A/24"/10"/sun
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| You may be able to make out tiny dragon heads and fangs if you look closely at the lavender blue flowers of this well branched, bushy plant. A favorite of the butterflies and of ours for its lemony aroma.
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| | # 295 | Echium vulgare 'Blue Bedder' |
| Viper's Bugloss |
| A/12"/8"/sun
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| Unusual papery flower clusters change color as they mature from blue to purplish pink. Plants are somewhat sprawling and make a good ground cover. Unstoppable bloom from summer 'til frost.
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| | # 300 | Gazania ringens 'Talent Yellow' |
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| A/12"/8"/sun
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| Silvery leaves and intense yellow daisies face upwards and open wide on sunny days, close for cloudy ones. A plant for dry, lean soils that will happily soak up the sun and heat all summer.
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| | # 302 | Gypsophilia muralis 'Gypsy' |
| Baby's Breath |
| A/8-10"/10"/sun
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| Fine foliage is positively smothered in tiny pink double flowers. Compact growth habit makes it ideal for pots and baskets.
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| | # 305 | Helichrysum petiolare |
| Licorice Plant |
| A/3' trailing/24"/sun, part shade
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| This plant is a silvery treasure that blends with everything. It's arching stems of fuzzy, silver leaves look great spilling over the edge of any pot. Try it in lichened terra cotta or an elegant urn.
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| | # 306 | Helichrysum petiolare 'Limelight' |
| Licorice Plant |
| A/3' trailing/24"/sun, part shade
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| As above but with chartruese leaves. Fantastic paired with petunias in a rich shade of magenta.
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| | # 310 | Heliotopium arborescens |
| Heliotrope, Cherry Pie |
| A/48'/18'/sun,part shade
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| Here is one you won't see every day. Growing to four feet tall, this species is an heirloom and the predecessor of our modern Heliotrope cultivars. Fragrant and imposing for the back of the herb garden with dark green ornamental foliage and fragrant purple flowers.
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 | # 311 | Heliotropium arborescens 'Marine' |
| Heliotrope, Cherry Pie |
| A/24"/12"/sun, part shade
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| A fragrant and beautiful plant for beds and containers with deeply ribbed dark green leaves topped and deep purple, vanilla-scented blooms. Keep this one close by where you can stop and smell the Heliotrope!
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| | # 315 | Heteroappus meyendorfii 'Blue Knoll' |
| Blue Chrysanthemum |
| A/12"/10"/sun, part shade
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| Sky blue, yellow centered daisies cover these mound forming plants in late fall. They shrug off all kinds of nasty rain, frost and snow through the last days of fall when all else has given up 'til next year.
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| | # 316 | Hibiscus acetocella |
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| A/4-5'/18"/sun
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| Grow this one for its shiny red maple shaped leaves. This one may be perennial in warmer zones but its warm colorful presence at the back of the border warrants replanting each year if necessary. Maroon flowers are rarely seen before the frost in northern gardens.
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| | # 317 | Incarvillea sinensis f. przewalskii 'Cheron' |
| Incarvillea |
| A/10"/8"/sun, partial shade
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| The delicate lacy foliage is beautiful on its own, but wands of tubular creamy white flowers make this plant a real treasure for containers. Likes a moist, rich soil. Blooms all summer.
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| | # 318 | Laurentia axillaris 'Blue Stars' |
| Laurentia |
| A/6"/6"/sun, light shade
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| Fine leaves topped with starry, light blue flowers.
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| | # 320 | Melampodium paludosum |
| African Zinnia |
| A/24"/10"/sun.
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| Heat and drought tolerant, this daisy clan member is studded with sunny yellow flowers all summer. Self cleaning.
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| | # 325 | Nierembergia hippomanica 'Purple Robe' |
| Cup Flower |
| A/8"/6"/sun
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| Feathery stems are studded with zillions of purple, yellow-centered flowers.
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 | # 330 | Osteospermum ecklonis 'Passion' |
| Osteospermum |
| A/12-18"/10"/sun
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| Rosy-purple, blue eyed daisies are held on wiry stems above mounds of greenish grey foliage. These kick in for the dog days of summer--they relish heat and sunshine and, if deadheaded regularly, will bloom into winter on a sunny windowsill.
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| | # 331 | Osteospermum sinuata 'Salmon Queen' |
| Cape Marigold, Star of the Veldt |
| A/12"/8"/sun
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| A sun-loving annual from South Africa, salmon-hued daisies are produced on long stemmed plants all summer if deadheaded. A great companion for Gazanias or baby marguerites.
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| | # 335 | Plectostachys serpyllifolia |
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| A/24" trailing/18"/sun, part shade
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| This is a miniaturized version of Licorice Plant with smaller leaves and less apt to take over the container though one plant can spread up to 3 ft. during one season.
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 | # 340 | Plectranthus argentatus |
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| A/24-36"/24"/partial shade
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| A bold, upright plant grown mainly for its velvety silver leaves and stems. If allowed to flower, tall wands of tiny, delicate lavender flowers are a pretty bonus. Pair with dark-leaved Snapdragons and silvery Chrysanthemum 'Whity' for a brilliant contrast in the flowerbed.
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| | # 345 | Ricinus sanguineus |
| Castor Bean |
| A/4-10'/3'/sun, part shade
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| Shrubby plants can reach great heights and provide a tropical element with their large, deeply lobed leaves in shades of bronzey red. Greenish flowers are followed by spiny reddish seed heads. Rich soils will procuce the best foliage colors. Beware! All parts of this plant are very poisonous, especially the seeds.
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| | # 350 | Salvia coccinea 'Lady in Red' |
| Texas Hummingbird Sage |
| A/15"/10"/sun, part shade
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| Vivid red flower spikes arise from deeply veined leaves. A beacon for hummingbirds.
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 | # 351 | Salvia coccinea 'Cherry Blossom' |
| Texas Hummingbird Sage |
| A/15"/10"/sun
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| Tall wands of coral-peach flowers make this a standout plant for favorite terra cotta pot. Try it with blue flowered Delphiniums and Baby Marguerites.
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| | # 352 | Salvia patens |
| Gentian Sage |
| A/18-24"/10"/sun
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| Large, deep blue, claw shaped flowers are produced seemingly forever on tall stems.
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| | # 353 | Salvia viscosa |
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| A/24-36"/12"/sun
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| Aromatic leaves and tall stems are decorated with "claws" in shades of pink. Each flower has a lower lip brushed lighter pink to add to its charm. Blooms over a long period.
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| | # 355 | Sutera cordata |
| Bacopa |
| P/Zone 9-11/6" trailing/8"/sun, part shade/summer
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| This plant is a wonderful alternative to white alyssum with its trailing habit. Always smothered with multitudes of little white flowers. Keep well watered and bring it inside as a houseplant at seasons' end.
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 | # 360 | Tithonia rotundifolia 'Fiesta Del Sol' |
| Mexican Sunflower |
| A/28-30"/18"/sun
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| Bright scarlet orange flowers attract birds and butterflies. Upright branched plants make a splash of color in the late summer border. Stunning with Cosmos 'Bright Lights'and tall Heliotrope.
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| | # 365 | Verbena tenuisecta 'Imagination' |
| Moss Verbena |
| A/12"/8/sun
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| Finely divided leaves are soft backdrop for lavender umbels. Its drapey habit makes it a favorite for hanging baskets and windowboxes.
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| | # 370 | Wahlenbergia undulata 'Melton Blue Bird' |
| Wahlenbergia |
| A/12"/8"/sun
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| Starry, bell-shaped flowers start out slate blue and turn soft pale blue as they age. Spreading habit makes it perfect for containers and will bloom indefinitely if kept deadheaded.
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| | # 375 | Zinnia 'Profusion Cherry' |
| Zinnia |
| A/12-15"/12"/sun
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| Here is a Zinnia that was bred for disease resistance, heat and drought tolerance and non-stop flowering. A veritable profusion of two inch, cherry-pink flowers are produced all summer on plants compact enough to be used in containers.
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| | # 376 | Zinnia 'Profusion Orange' |
| Zinnia |
| A/12-15"/12"/sun
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| Compact plants bloom their way through the heat of summer in a striking shade of orange.
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