Great container annuals
By: Garden Gate staff
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Geranium Pelargonium hybrids
These plants love the heat and don’t mind getting a bit dry, which makes them fantastic container plants. Plus they come in a wide range of popular flower colors, such as Americana® Deep Rose here. And look for tulip-, rosebud- or cactus-flowered geraniums to give a traditional planting a twist. But don’t forget the foliage! Many geraniums have a “zone” marked off on the center of each leaf.
Type Tender perennial, grown as annual
Blooms White, lavender, pink, orange or red blooms from spring to fall
Light Full sun
Size 5 to 24 in. tall and wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 10 to 11
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 12 to 1
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Calibrachoa Calibrachoa hybrids
Calibrachoa’s trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets. And a single plant, such as Can-Can® Hot Pink Star in the photo at left, can cover a small container. Even though the billowy flowers slow during the heat of summer, they come barreling back as the weather cools. With consistent moisture, they’ll bloom until frost or the days get short.
Type Tender perennial, grown as annual
Blooms Flowers in shades of blue, violet, white, yellow, red, orange, peach, bronze or pink from spring through fall
Light Full sun to part shade
Size 6 to 10 in. tall, 18 to 24 in. wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 9 to 11
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 12 to 1
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Coleus Solenostemon hybrids
Coleus is so versatile! Its beautiful leaves make it interesting enough to grow as a single specimen or with loads of other annuals. Pair it with impatiens (Impatiens hybrids) or hostas (Hosta spp. and hybrids) in the shade or with calibrachoa (Calibrachoa hybrids) or garden phlox (Phlox spp. and hybrids) in the sun. Plant growing too tall? Pinch it back. That’s all there is to it!
Type Tender perennial
Blooms Leaves in shades of green, yellow, orange, red, pink and black, many with fancy markings; insignificant blue or white flowers all summer and fall
Light Full sun to full shade
Size 6 to 48 in. tall, 10 to 30 in. wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 10 to 11
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 12 to 1
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