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annuals
ОглавлениеAnnuals for gap filling in mixed border
Agrostemma githago
Corn Cockle Annual
Cornfield annual with long, thin, somewhat lax stems, narrow, slightly hairy leaves and a long summer succession of large, rosy purple flowers, each with dotted lines leading to the centre. Support is necessary, either from other plants or with stakes or sticks. Selections include ‘Ocean Pearl’ – white with silver lines – and the pale ‘Pink Pearl’.
Soil preference: Any
Aspect: Full sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 1m plus (3ft plus)
Companion plants: Excellent annual for the border back, especially if it can lean against shrubs or come up among perennials with better standing qualities. Also fine in a naturalistic annual border with other cornfield annuals such as cornflower and larkspur.
Adonis annua
Pheasant’s Eye Annual
A cornfield annual with emerald green, feathery or filigree foliage on narrowly branched stems. From early summer, a succession of small, intensely blood red buttercup-like flowers nestle among the soft foliage, creating a strong contrast. Autumn sown plants grow larger and flower more profusely and for longer than those which germinate in spring.
Soil preference: Any, not too dry
Aspect: Sun, part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 45cm × 15cm (18in × 6in)
Companion plants: A wild species with modest beauty, but effective when dotted among perennials in a mixed border or growing in gravel where it will take over from such late spring bulbs as fritillaries or late tulips.
Malcolmia maritima
Virginian Stock Annual
Almost every child’s first plant from seed, since it will flower a few weeks after sowing. Narrow foliage and slender stems produce a short but intense succession of brightly coloured, four-petalled flowers. Good seed series include flowers in shades of pink, white, cream, purple or near red, but these plants need to grow in bold drifts to create a strong effect.
Soil preference: Sandy, free-draining but not too dry
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 20cm × 10cm (8in × 4in)
Companion plants: Best sown in patches at a border front, with taller perennials behind, or among cottage garden flowers in an informal planting. These are often blended with night scented stock, Matthiola bicornis, for evening fragrance.
Papaver rhoeas ‘Shirley Series’
Shirley Poppy Annual
Garden World Images
Developed in the 19th Century by the rector of Shirley, Rev. Wilkes, from the showiest of cornfield weeds, this series has flowers ranging from lemon through pink to red, some with picotee edges in pale pink or white. The pollen is always golden, in contrast with wild field poppies, whose pollen is dark grey. More annual poppies on pages ref 1 and ref 2.
Soil preference: Any
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 30–60cm (1–2ft) × 20–40cm (10in–1ft 4in)
Companion plants: Other annual poppies work beautifully with Shirley seedlings, especially if allowed to naturalize in a gravel garden or sown at random in an annual border with such annuals as marigolds, clarkias, larkspurs and cornflowers.
Nigella damascena
Love-in-a-mist Annual
Lacy, filamentous foliage makes a soft and alluring background for the flowers, whose distinctive blue petals nestle among the feathery leaves. Garden series such as ‘Persian Jewels’ have purple and white flowers, as well as those in various shades of blue. The large, inflated, lantern-like seed capsules are almost as decorative as the flowers and last until autumn.
Soil preference: Any
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer, autumn
Height and spread: 30–45cm (1ft–1ft 6in) tall
Companion plants: A lovely annual to naturalize among roses, especially the older varieties. Also effective for gap-filling, in a mixed border or for lining a lavender hedge.
Lagurus ovatus
Hare’s Tail Grass Annual grass
Mediterranean species with grassy foliage and silvery grey flowers which are broadly oval and furry to the touch, resembling the tail of a hare or rabbit. This grass grows taller on rich soil but thrives as a smaller plant in harsh conditions. A dwarf form, ‘Nanus’, may be more suitable for gardens with rich soil.
Soil preference: Any free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer, autumn
Height and spread: 15–50cm (6in–1ft 8in) × 30cm (12in)
Companion plants: A worthy addition to a grass border, especially if planted with other annual grasses such as Briza maxima, but also lovely among flowering annuals. Scatter seed among pot marigolds, cornflowers or tagetes.
Anagallis monellii
Shrubby Pimpernel Perennial grown as a tender annual
A low, straggly plant with semi-trailing stems and small, triangular leaves grouped in threes along the stem. At each leaf joint, buds form which open as conspicuous, five-petalled flowers in the deepest, most intense blue. Similar, but larger in all its parts, to the wild blue pimpernel, Anagallis foemina.
Soil preference: Fertile, well-drained
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 20cm × 30cm (8in × 12in)
Companion plants: An excellent hanging basket or container plant which is especially effective when contrasted with bright yellow Bidens ferulifolia or harmonized with variegated trailing Plectranthus or with red pelargoniums.
Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’
Honeywort Annual
Cornfield annual from the Mediterranean with curious, glaucous foliage and, in early summer, metallic purple bracts which are remarkably luminous and which half conceal the strange brownish purple and yellow tubular flowers. The seeds are large and stone-hard. Although when established it will self-sow, the species is not hardy in sustained frost.
Soil preference: Any well-drained
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 50cm × 30cm (1ft 8in × 12in)
Companion plants: A distinctive plant for a Mediterranean garden among grey and silver-leaved herbs such as lavenders, Teucrium and sages. Excellent in gravel, too, among brown sedges such as Carex buchananii and also with Californian poppies.
Brachyscome hybrids
Swan River Daisy Annuals
The narrow, fresh, often lacy green leaves on these Australian native plants are almost hidden behind a generous covering of bright daisy flowers, in mauve, pink or white. A neat, but semi-trailing habit, coupled with summer-long flowering makes them ideal for container use. Good varieties include ‘Blue Haze’, the lilac coloured ‘City Lights’ and the purple-blue ‘Toucan Tango’. Tender.
Soil preference: Any, reasonably fertile
Aspect: Best in full sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 45cm × 45cm (18in × 18in)
Companion plants: Yellow-flowered Bidens ferulifolia makes a good contrast, but the silver filigree leaves of Artemisia ‘Lambrook Silver’ or ‘Powis Castle’ also blend pleasingly.
Convolvulus tricolor
Annual
A non-climbing, but somewhat lax plant with small, oval leaves and saucer shaped flowers, similar to those of morning glories, but 5cm (2in) wide. The typical species has dark, royal blue petals, fading white or creamy yellow at the throat. Selected varieties include ‘Ensign Mixed’, with pink, maroon, blue and white shades, and the pale ‘Light Blue Flash’.
Soil preference: Any
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 50cm × 30cm (1ft 8in × 1ft)
Companion plants: Great for a mixed annual border or to dot in among such perennials as Mexican salvias, osteospermums or grasses.
Lavatera trimestris
Annual
Tall, bold, with thick, rigid stems and large, slightly hoary leaves, this native of the Mediterranean regions has large, saucer shaped flowers whose stamens and stigma fuse to form a central spike. Colours range from rich pink, in ‘Silver Cup’ and ‘Ruby Regis’, to a startling white in ‘Mont Blanc’. Each petal is veined with darker lines.
Soil preference: Well-drained, fertile
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 60–90cm × 45cm (2–3ft × 18in)
Companion plants: Careful siting is necessary, with so conspicuous a plant. Excellent in bold groups on its own or among such large perennials as Galega, leucanthemums and Phlox paniculata, with perennial asters to follow.
Galactites tomentosa
Annual
A thistle with spiky, divided white and green foliage, which emerges in autumn or early spring, forming an attractive rosette. In summer, the stem lengthens and branches, eventually bearing lilac-mauve, tufted thistle flowers. Seed is borne on thistledown. This native of the Canary islands and Mediterranean self-seeds freely, but young seedlings will not survive prolonged frost.
Soil preference: Any free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Spring, summer
Height and spread: 1m × 75cm (3ft 4in × 2ft 6in)
Companion plants: Attractive when allowed to colonize areas between shrubs – especially such Mediterranean species as rosemary, lavender, Santolina or Phlomis fruticosa, or to pop up at random in a mixed border.
Briza maxima
Greater Quaking Grass Annual
A free-seeding annual grass which performs best in hot, dry conditions, where the plants are less likely to become invasive. Mid-green, soft grass foliage emerges in autumn or spring. The flower stems are wiry and much branched, bearing cone-shaped flowers which shimmer and tremble in the slightest breeze. Superb for cutting and drying.
Soil preference: Dry, not too fertile
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 60cm × 45cm (2ft × 18in)
Companion plants: A beautiful foil for showy herbaceous plants such as scabious, cornflowers, Linum or Oenothera.
Eschscholzia californica
Californian Poppy Annual or shortlived perennial
A beautiful combination of blue-green, lacy foliage and bright, silky-textured flowers makes this American native a valuable plant, especially for a dry garden. The wild species has bright orange flowers, but seed selections come in a range of sunset hues from cream or primrose yellow, through peachy tones to burnt orange. Best in free-draining soil.
Soil preference: Dry, not too fertile
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 30cm × 30cm (1ft × 1ft)
Companion plants: The orange form makes a stirring companion to such bronze-tinted grasses as Stipa tenuissima or the sedge Carex buchananii. Also good in a gravel garden, where its misty foliage and silky petals will soften hard textures.
Geranium robertianum
Herb Robert Annual
An invasive annual with spreading habit, pungentsmelling, ferny foliage and a long run of tiny, pink, five-petalled flowers. The albino form, ‘Album’, is more distinctive. A thug in the wrong place, but charming when allowed to self-sow in drifts in gravel or along the edges of a path.
Soil preference: Any free-draining
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Spring, summer, autumn
Height and spread: 20cm × 40cm (8in × 1ft 4in)
Companion plants: Naturalize this one with other gravel or paving crack plants such as Viola riviniana or Alchemilla.
Annuals for very rich soil
Consolida ajacis
Larkspur Annual
Classic cornfield annual which has been bred to improve height, standing power, and colour range. The leaves are finely divided and the tall, straight stems are furnished with spurred flowers in shades of pink or blue or white. Easy to raise from seed sown in autumn or spring, directly where they are expected to flower.
Soil preference: Fertile, well-drained
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: Up to 1m × 30cm (3ft 4in × 1 ft)
Companion plants: Good as a cut flower and therefore effective grown among vegetables in a kitchen garden or in a mixed border. Attractive with roses, where the straight spikes make a strong contrast and where the blues and pinks of the flowers harmonize.
Helianthus annuus
Sunflower – large varieties Annual
Biggest of the hardy annuals and raised as food crops in Central America since prehistoric times. The stout stems are strong enough to carry the massive flowers and seed heads without support. Some ornamental varieties are sterile and bear no pollen. Field crop sunflowers are golden yellow, but cultivated forms include such colourful series as ‘Ring of Fire’, whose flowers have concentric ring patterns in hues of dusky red and yellow, or ‘Moonshadow’, whose flowers are cream.
Soil preference: Rich, fertile
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: Up to 3m × 1m (10ft by 3ft)
Companion plants: Useful plant to create a temporary screen, or to use as accent plants in a bedding scheme, cottage border or kitchen garden.
Linum grandiflorum
Flowering Flax Annual
Slender, almost wiry stems with narrow, pointed leaves bear a long succession of disc-shape flowers up to 4cm (1¾in) across. In the wild, these are rosy purple, but seed selections include ‘Bright Eyes’, whose flowers are white with conspicuous wine red centres, and ‘Rubrum’, whose petals are a deeper rose with dark crimson centres.
Soil preference: Any, free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 45cm × 30cm (1ft 6in × 1ft)
Companion plants: The waving stems and frail flowers look delightful among coloured grasses or sedges such as Carex comans or Molinia caerulea. Also lovely when naturalized among low-growing shrubs in a Mediterranean-style planting scheme.
Annuals for gap-filling in mixed borders
Cynoglossum amabile
Chinese Forget-me-not Annual
J. Swithinbank
Narrow, pointed leaves on branched stems are joined in early and mid-summer by clusters of small forget-me-not flowers in an intense blue. Pink and white flowered varieties are also available. The seeds are large and exceptionally hard.
Soil preference: Fertile, free-draining
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 50cm × 30cm (20in × 12in)
Companion plants: Blue forms contrast sharply with the yellows of verbascums or, from later sowings, goldenrods and yellow daisies such as rudbeckias and heleniums. The intense blue would also relieve the monotony of a cool, silvery or white theme.
Datura inoxia
Downy Thorn Apple Annual
A large, much branched, characterful annual with big, oval leaves which are downy and slightly tacky to the touch. The huge trumpet flowers – 15cm (6in) or more long – are purple tinged when in bud, but open to a soft white. In the evening and at night they are heavily scented.
Soil preference: Any fertile soil
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer, autumn
Height and spread: Up to 1m × 1m (3ft 3in × 3ft 3in)
Companion plants: One to grow on its own, but for a heady cocktail of night fragrance, plant with fragrant tobacco Nicotiana affinis and the vanilla scented heliotrope.
Malope trifida
Annual Mallow Annual
Similar to annual Lavetera trimestris, but slightly smaller with more downy, heart-shaped leaves that hang down as the plant matures. Big saucer shaped flowers appear in succession throughout summer and colours in the various seed selections range from dusky and rose pink to bright magenta, deep plum and white.
Soil preference: Fertile but well-drained
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 50–75cm × 45cm (1ft 8in–2ft 6in by 1ft 6in)
Companion plants: Better than lavatera for mixing with other such hardy annuals as cornflowers, clarkia, larkspurs, Convolvulus tricolor and corn cockle.
Zinnia elegans
Annual
The species has been used to develop a colourful range of tender annuals, with simple leaves, slightly rough to the touch, and flowers with attractive layered florets, often with dark ochre or yellowish fertile centres. Flower colours include white, yellow, pink, mauve, orange, red, maroon and even pale green with a variety of flower forms from single to pompon.
Soil preference: Fertile, free-draining but not too dry
Aspect: Sun, shelter
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: From 20cm × 30cm to 1m × 50cm (from 8in × 3ft to 3ft 3in × 1ft 8in)
Companion plants: As desirable for cutting as for garden use, Zinnias will benefit from softer, more diffuse shapes nearby. Goldenrods add extra summer yellow, with a contrasting texture. Pale mauve or blue varieties of perennial aster will tone down the zinnias’ jazz.
Borago officinalis
Borage Annual
Large, heart-shaped to oval puckered, hairy leaves and thick, fleshy, branched stems carry myriads of small, star shaped flowers which are intense sky blue, with pale centres and dark, spiky stamens. A rapid annual which self-seeds copiously.
Soil preference: Any
Aspect: Any
Season of interest: Summer, autumn
Height and spread: Up to 1m × 75cm (3ft 3in × 2ft 6in), usually smaller
Companion plants: Beautiful anywhere but easily pulled out if not welcome. Herbs such as lavenders, herbaceous perennials, shrubs, large grasses, roses and bedding plants all make great companions.
Phacelia tanacetifolia
Fiddleneck Annual
Handsome American species, often used as a ‘green manure’ crop. The compound leaves, reminiscent of Jacob’s Ladders, create a ferny effect as the branched stems develop and lengthen. Buds are carried on tightly curled scapes, like violin heads, which uncurl and straighten as the violet blue flowers open. A free seeder.
Soil preference: Any, not too wet
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: Up to 1m × 60cm (up to 3ft 3in × 2ft)
Companion plants: Another charming annual to sow in drifts among grasses or naturalistically planted perennials. The soft lavender-blue haze they create is also pretty with creamy or sunset-hued achilleas or among blue cranesbills.
Annuals for containers
Antirrhinum pulverulentum
Trailing Snapdragon Half hardy perennial, grown as an Annual
A compact, but trailing plant with oval, dull-green leaves and a long succession of ‘snapdragon’ flowers whose lips gape when gently pinched. Hybrids include the series ‘Pendula Lampion’ with pale pink, white or purplish flowers and pale yellow markings. Antirrhinum hispanicum subsp. hispanicum has silvery grey leaves and purplish pink blooms.
Soil preference: Any free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer and autumn
Height and spread: 15cm trailing 30cm (6in trailing 1ft)
Companion plants: Equally effective in hanging baskets, window boxes or alpine troughs. Their pastel hues blend gently with the grey-green foliage of Helichrysum petiolare or with white-variegated Glechoma hederacea ‘Variegata’.
Celosia argentea
Cockscomb or Wool Flower Tender annual or shortlived perennial
Vigorous, soft-textured plants with pointed leaves and successions of bold, highly coloured plume-like flowers in vivid shades including red, orange, yellow and purple. ‘Fresh Look Red’ has scarlet flowers. The mixed ‘Look Eternal Flames’ has either bright yellow or burning red flowers, accompanied by foliage which is green or deep purple-bronze.
Soil preference: Free-draining but moist and fertile
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: from 30cm × 30cm (from 1ft × 1ft)
Companion plants: Their sub-tropical looks and strong flower colour make these plants good companions for Solenostemon (Coleus). Also try cooling with deep blue bedding lobelias.
Nemesia strumosa
Nemesia Tender Annual
J. Swithinbank
A South African member of the foxglove family, whose main features are the massed flowers in bright sunny colours which include orange, red, white, pink and yellow. ‘Nebula Mixed’ has hot, single colours whereas ‘KLM’ is a blue and white bicolour. The series ‘Sundrops’ has a remarkably long flowering period.
Soil preference: Any moisture retentive and fertile
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: Variable to 30cm × 15cm (1ft by 6in)
Companion plants: The hot colours benefit from the cooling effect of blue-flowered bedding lobelia or a blue variety of Laurentia.
Phlox drummondii
Annual Phlox Tender Annual
Delicate plants, with rather weedy growth and nondescript simple leaves produce large heads of brightly coloured, disc-shaped flowers, often with contrasting centres. Superb when in full bloom but the flowering season can be brief. ‘Phlox of Sheep’ is an excellent series, with flowers in sunset hues; ‘Silver Blossom’ has mauve, dusky pink and even beige suffusions; and the petals of ‘Twinkle Stars’ are white-edged picotee types.
Soil preference: Free-draining but fertile
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: Variable to 30cm × 30cm (1ft × 1ft)
Companion plants: Best when backed up by the strong characterful foliage of Plectranthus or when planted with such annual grasses as Briza maxima and Lagurus ovatus.
Sanvitalia procumbens
Creeping Zinnia Tender Annual
Trailing stems with simple, deep-green leaves and a summer-long succession of abundant small daisy flowers with broad, orange or yellow sterile ray florets and deep green or dark centres. The variety ‘Irish Eyes’ is golden yellow with glowing green flower centres. ‘Orange Sprite’ is dwarfer, with bright orange semi-double flowers whose centres are dark.
Soil preference: Any fertile and free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 15cm (6in), spreading 30cm (1ft)
Companion plants: Good in a bold colour scheme with perhaps compact varieties of nasturtiums and purple-leaved basil. Excellent contrast with dark blue trailing lobelia.
Dorotheanthus bellidiformis
Livingstone Daisy Tender Annual
A South African member of the ice plant family with small, fleshy leaves, mealy in texture, and a long succession of bright, daisy-like flowers in day-glow colours. ‘Apricot Tutu’ has pinkish sunset-hued flowers, but ‘Sparkles’ has a wider range including pale cream, purplish pink and orange, many flowers being bicoloured. The flowers will only open in full, direct sunlight.
Soil preference: Free-draining, not rich
Aspect: Full sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: To 15cm × 25cm (6in × 10in)
Companion plants: Good on their own in a hot, dry container in the sun or to add colour to such succulents as echeverias, sedums or sempervivums.
Annuals good for cut flowers
Rudbeckia hirta
Half hardy perennials grown as annuals
Dwarf, intermediate and tall hybrids of this North American genus have dark stems and simple leaves, lightly covered with short hairs. The daisy flowers, with their conspicuous ray florets and dark central cones, come in warm tones from yellow through to mahogany. Good cutting varieties include the double-flowered ‘Cherokee Sunset’, spidery-bloomed ‘Chim-chimenee’, and the green and golden ‘Irish Eyes’.
Soil preference: Fertile, moisture-retentive and heavy but drained
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer, autumn
Height and spread: 15–60cm × 30cm (6in–2ft × 1ft)
Companion plants: Use these plants to extend summer displays and blend with late flowering blue and purple salvias and perennial asters. They are also bewitching with soft, flowing grasses or sedges such as bronze leaved Carex and Stipa arundinacea.
Antirrhinum majus tall varieties
Half hardy to hardy perennial, usually grown as an annual
Familiar snapdragons such as ‘Axiom Series’ which have been bred to grow as tall plants, each with a straight, single stem ending in a long spike bearing the flowers in a broad colour range, including red, pink, yellow and bicolours. Plant in a sheltered spot or raise under glass.
Soil preference: Fertile, well-drained
Aspect: Sun, often raised under glass
Season of interest: Constant, depending when planted
Height and spread: To 75cm (30in)
Companion plants: Pretty plants for a summer kitchen garden, along with such cutting flowers as marigolds, larkspurs, dahlias and Gladiolus.
Helianthus annuus
Sunflower – pollen-free varieties Hardy annual
Single or branched stems may grow from a single seed, furnished with broad, slightly hoary, simple leaves and massive flowerheads with bright yellow, orange or maroon ray florets. Selections for cutting include pollen-free ‘Bees Knees’, whose flower colours include orange, lemon yellow, rich gold and deep reddish brown and orange, as well as the powderpuff-like ‘Double Shine’.
Soil preference: Fertile, free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: Variable to 2m × 30cm (6ft × 1ft)
Companion plants: Too dominant to harmonize with other annuals, but very effective when planted as short-term screens or along walls or hedges. Pollen-free varieties are NOT GOOD for wildlife.
Dianthus barbatus ‘Summer Sundae’
Annual Sweet William Hardy annual or biennial
An annual form of the familiar sweet William described here. Although spring-sown seed will produce flowers the same season, autumn-sown plants will grow a little larger and flower for longer. A valuable variety, though, for speedy cut flowers. The multi-headed flowers are sweetly fragrant and last well in water.
Soil preference: Any free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 45–60cm × 20cm (18in–2ft × 8in)
Companion plants: All sweet Williams make excellent border plants, as they are at home with most perennials. Particularly effective with such flowery summer annuals as cornflowers, larkspurs, marigolds and poppies.
Callistephus hybrids
Bedding Asters Half hardy annual
Popular both as bedding or for cut flowers, these daisy relatives have showy ray florets in pink, purple, white, cream and wine red. Many different forms are widely available. Good cutting kinds, with long lasting qualities, include ‘Truffaunt’s Peony Mixed’, whose petals are incurved, and ‘Super Chinensis’, which has single flowers with bold, yellow centres.
Soil preference: Fertile, free-draining
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 30cm × 20cm (1ft × 8in)
Companion plants: If varieties are chosen with gentle colours, asters make great companion plants for red, pink or white bedded roses. Also fine in rows in a kitchen garden.
Molucella laevis
Bells of Ireland Half hardy annual
A member of the deadnettle family whose main features are the large, pale green, bell-shaped bracts which surround the tiny, off-white flowers, and which persist for the whole growing season. The foliage is unremarkable. Stems with the bracts are as effective when used dried as when they are fresh.
Soil preference: Fertile, free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 60cm × 25cm (2ft × 10in)
Companion plants: Normally grown for cutting though Molucella can look attractive among white flowers or with silvery foliage plants such as Artemisia ludoviciana or Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria’.
An informal grouping of Campanula lactiflora with a red flowered opium poppy.
Planting Schemes Using Annuals
The main point about annuals – and therein lies their charm – is that they are shortlived. Even the most stalwart, enduring individuals are done after a few months; few last for more than half a summer and many flower and die within a few weeks. Effective planting, therefore, depends on rotation, careful timing, large numbers and bold placing.
Many annuals are also somewhat unpredictable, growing larger and brighter than expected in favourable years, but failing to achieve their potential in difficult seasons. Since they seed copiously and since many adopt the role of biennials and will survive a winter, having germinated in the autumn, their short lives are often compensated for by rapid reproduction and a sustained succession. With the hardiest, such as Nigella, Calendula or Papaver, flowering can sometimes come in waves, with early and copious summer flushes from seed sown the previous autumn, a further wave from spring-germinated seed and a finale from summer-sown seed. Flowering times can also be brought forward by artificial sowing, pre-season, in trays or cells and planting out the young plants. Tender annuals will not sustain their colonies outdoors, where winter frost is expected, but hardy species can be left to their own devices and should ensure colour through much of the growing season.
Annuals as blenders
Although they work very well in their own company, the most common use of annuals is as gap fillers, or to accompany other, more permanent plants in mixed schemes. The main picture shows an informal grouping of Campanula lactiflora (bellflower) with red-flowered opium poppies. The foliage of both plants contrast well, the pale, glaucous leaves of the poppy having a markedly different colour, texture and shape from the smaller, rougher leaves of the bellflower. As they bloom, the large poppies are backed up by the starry, curled petals of the bells in their pastel lavender tones.
The photograph represents a tiny moment, probably no more than a 60th of a second! The plant association needs to last for several weeks at least and preferably for months, and yet each poppy blooms for no more than a day. The display, however, is far less ephemeral than it looks. After flowering, the campanula would be cut hard back to promote a second flush of flowers. As the opium poppy loses the last of its petals, the shapely seed capsules, held on stiffening stems, will continue to provide an architectural outline. By the time the bellflower has re-grown and is blooming again, the spent poppy will shift in colour from glaucous green to beige, and hence will continue to provide a contrast.
Caution is needed with the poppy, as with many annuals, to prevent unnecessary spread of seed by destroying seedlings while still young. Poppies, among all annuals, are probably the most fecund, and their seeds have a staggeringly long period of viability, countable in decades rather than years!
This group is spectacular for the present, but less successful as a lasting association. The candytuft (Iberis) makes a strong companion to the Korean perennial Campanula takesimana, picking up some of its tones but with cleaner, brighter colours and making a bright carpet. However, although it is slightly longer in flower than the poppy, it lacks an attractive aftermath and has undistinguished foliage.
Annuals for attracting beneficial insects
Clarkia pulchella
Hardy annual
A pretty annual from the Rocky Mountains with thin stems furnished with attractively ruched, funnel-shaped flowers in soft hues of pink, mauve or rosy purple. Gardenworthy seed series include ‘Choice Double Mixed’ and ‘Apple Blossom’, whose flowers, being apricot with white touches, could hardly look less like apple blossom!
Soil preference: Any free-draining, reasonably fertile
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 45cm × 30cm (18in × 12in)
Companion plants: Plants with an understated beauty, best placed with other pastel, crimson or purple annuals. Or use as gap fillers in a mixed or perennial border.
Euphorbia lathyrus
Caper Spurge Hardy annual
A member of the spurge family which produces an erect, single stem with leaves held opposite one another in pairs, forming an unusual cross pattern. The green flowers, despite resembling capers, are highly poisonous and attract many species of fly which, in turn, attract predators. If wounded, all parts of the plant exude a milky, irritant sap.
Soil preference: Any
Aspect: Any
Season of interest: Spring, summer
Height and spread: Up to 1.5m × 25cm (5ft × 10in)
Companion plants: Not a great beauty but effective as a foil for more colourful plants. Its erect stance makes a pleasing contrast with more pendulous shapes including arching grasses and phormiums.
Linaria maroccana
Morocco Toadflax Hardy annual
A pretty annual whose branching stems are furnished with simple, narrow leaves, which terminate with long-lasting spikes of small, spurred ‘snapdragon’ flowers. Colours are very variable in the wild species, with pink, yellow, dusky red, white or purple, each bloom usually having a deep yellow pollen guide. Garden varieties include ‘Fairy Bouquet’ in mixed colours, ‘Fantasy blue’ and ‘Northern Lights’, which has fragrant blooms.
Soil preference: Any free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 20cm × 30cm (8in × 1ft)
Companion plants: A pretty annual to seed in a gravel garden, among low-growing grasses or to follow on from helianthemums and dwarf bearded irises.
Iberis umbellata
Candytuft Hardy annual
Often a child gardener’s first success, candytuft is an easily grown, quick-acting plant with simple leaves and branched stems which bear umbels of four-petalled, lilac, pink or white flowers. The outer petals on each umbel are larger than the inner, creating a lace-cap effect. Self sows freely in friable soil. Attractive to bees and butterflies.
Soil preference: Any
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Spring, summer
Height and spread: Up to 30cm × 15cm (12in × 6in)
Companion plants: Useful gap filler among the leaves of perennials which will flower later or naturalized in cottage style plantings with pinks, sweet Williams or other annuals.
Limnanthes douglasii
Poached Egg Plant Hardy annual
A remarkably versatile, wildlife-friendly, low energy plant. Produces a moisture-retaining dense carpet of vivid green vegetation and when the bright yellow and white flowers open, in late spring and early summer, they are irresistible to bees. Though annual, self-seeding will usually allow these plants to develop self-sustaining colonies.
Soil preference: Any, not too dry
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Spring, summer
Height and spread: 15cm × 20cm (6in × 8in)
Companion plants: Useful to plant in front of shrubs, where they will make a bright carpet, or to scatter along the front of an annual border. Limnanthes also looks handsome grown among tuft-forming grasses such as Festuca glauca.
Calendula officinalis
Marigold, Pot Marigold Hardy annual
Familiar, aromatic annual with big daisy flowers, single or double, in the yellow and orange colour range. Modern series include the dwarf ‘Citrus Cocktail’ and taller ‘Touch of Red’, whose petals have dark edges. ‘Art Shades’ are tall, traditional marigolds with orange to yellow, fully double flowers. Prone to mildew in damp years.
Soil preference: Any free-draining and fertile
Aspect: Sun, partial shade
Season of interest: Summer, autumn
Height and spread: From 15–60cm × 45cm (6–24in × 18in)
Companion plants: The hot colours are excellent to contrast with blue larkspur and annual Convolvulus or to pep up a cottage border. Also good for creating a wild meadow effect with other hardy annuals and cornfield blooms.
Annuals for scent
Reseda odorata
Mignonette, Bastard Rocket Hardy annual
R. Coates
An unassuming little plant from Southern Europe, with simple leaves and spikes of tiny greenish flowers, each with a tuft of orange stamens. The plant’s main distinguishing feature is its sweet fragrance, making it perfect to plant near an outdoor seating area. Attractive to moths and other nectar-seeking insects.
Soil preference: Any, fertile, free-draining
Aspect: Sun, part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 45cm × 20cm (1ft 6in × 8in)
Companion plants: Pretty among such annuals as calendulas and Nigella or perhaps in a fragrant border with roses, pinks and nicotianas.
Nemesia cheiranthus ‘Masquerade’
Half hardy annual
An odd-looking relative of the more familiar bedding plant whose branching stems bear bicoloured flowers with elongated, narrow upper petals in white, contrasting with broad, two lobed lower petals which are yellowish orange. The plant has a the rich fragrance of roasted or candied coconut.
Soil preference: Fertile but free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 30cm × 20cm (12in × 8in)
Companion plants: An interesting plant for a hanging basket, perhaps planted with golden flowered Bidens ferulifolia or with Lamium ‘Golden Anniversary’.
Tagetes lucida
Mexican Mint or Spanish Tarragon Perennial, usually grown as an annual
Differing from better known members of the genus by having simple, rather than filigree, leaves, this plant has culinary value as well as beauty. The leaves and branched stems are highly aromatic – reminiscent of aniseed. It has bright golden flowers whose outer ray florets are broad, surrounding a raised central tuft of fertile florets.
Soil preference: Free-draining but fertile
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 60cm × 40cm (2ft × 1ft 8in)
Companion plants: One for the herb garden, perhaps planted with marjoram, basil and summer savory.
Scabiosa atropurpurea ‘Dwarf Double’
Hardy annual
A shorter, more compact form of the familiar Southern European plant described here. The blooms are as large as those on taller varieties and come in a rich colour range, which includes blue, mauve, cream, pink and white. The flowers, which are excellent for cutting, have a gentle fragrance.
Soil preference: Rich, fertile but free-draining
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 45cm × 30cm (1ft 6in × 1ft)
Companion plants: A fine selection for mixed flower borders or simply to line out for cutting. Also effective with annual grasses, hardy geraniums and other meadow flowers.
Matthiola longipetala subsp. bicornis
Night Scented Stock Hardy annual
R. Coates
An intensely fragrant annual from Southern Europe which looks far more spectacular when illustrated in seedsmen’s catalogues than when seen growing in a garden. The thin, frail stems bear small, irregularly shaped, pinkish-mauve four-petalled flowers. Improved series such as ‘Scentsation’ have white, deeper purple and pale pink among their colours.
Soil preference: Any
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Spring, summer
Height and spread: 30cm × 16cm (12in × 6in)
Companion plants: Frequently mixed with Virginian stocks before sowing or grown in a bed under a window or by a door so that the fragrance can be enjoyed at twilight. A positive cocktail of fragrances can be mixed with mignonette and dwarf sweet peas.
Laurentia axilliaris syn. Isotoma axilliaris or Solenopsis axilliaris
Tender annual
Narrow leaves and trailing stems form a shapely dome on which the star-shaped flowers appear over many weeks and exude a gentle but telling fragrance. Interesting varieties include ‘Stargazer Mixed’, whose colours may be white, blue or pink, and the compact ‘Blue Stars’.
Soil preference: Fertile, free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 20cm (8in), trailing
Companion plants: Ideal for hanging baskets, especially if planted with Callibrachoa, Scaevola, ivy leaved pelargoniums or trailing petunias.
Annuals for low-allergen gardens
Impatiens glandulifera
Himalayan Balsam, Policeman’s Helmet Hardy annual
Heather Angel
Tall, fast growing annual with fleshy stems and hairless leaves. From early summer onwards, a succession of large, helmet-shaped flowers precedes the pressure-packed seed capsules which explode, when touched, scattering their seed. An invasive plant that can be damaging in the wild, but an unusual garden annual.
Soil preference: Moist
Aspect: Part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: To 1.5m × 45cm (5ft × 1ft 6in)
Companion plants: Best grown as a marginal or bog plant, with such other large species as Ligularia clivorum or Rodgersias.
Nigella papillosa
Hardy annual
A curious annual with single, five-petalled, dusky blue flowers and very finely divided foliage. The spidery seed heads are as interesting as the flowers, and can also be cut and used dry. Nigella sativa is a similar species, with aromatic seeds which are sometimes used as spices, hence the colloquial name Nutmeg Flower or Roman Coriander.
Soil preference: Any, free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer, autumn
Height and spread: 75cm × 30cm (2ft 6in × 1ft)
Companion plants: Useful as a border gap filler, where the seedheads can be left to accompany late summer daisies such as rudbeckias and heleniums or goldenrods.
Scabiosa prolifera
Carmel Daisy Hardy annual
A sun-loving scabious which produces a mass of pale yellow flowers followed by dramatic, rounded seedheads whose sepals form cells rather like those of a honeycomb. Excellent for indoor decoration – fresh or dried.
Soil preference: Any free-draining, reasonably fertile
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 60cm × 20cm (2ft × 8in)
Companion plants: Pretty in an annual border, perhaps with nigellas, which also have pleasing seedheads and with such annual grasses as Lagurus or Briza maxima, whose drying heads are also handsome.
Papaver somniferum
Opium Poppy Hardy annual
The leaves of opium poppies are bold, ruffled, blue-green and hairless. Many-branched stems produce large conspicuous flowers that are single or double and vary in hue from mauve, purple and pink to crimson or white. Shapely pepperpot seed capsules follow the flowers and persist into autumn. See also pages ref 1 and ref 2 for more poppies.
Soil preference: Free-draining, well worked
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer, autumn
Height and spread: Variable to 1.5m × 45cm (5ft × 1ft 6in)
Companion plants: Surprisingly pretty among shrub roses, particularly when the leaves contrast, but also popular in cottage schemes with early perennials such as lupins, campanulas or cranesbills.
Lobelia erinus
Lobelia Half hardy perennial usually grown as an annual
A low allergen bedder with predominantly cool blue or white flowers – although some series come in mauve hues. ‘Cambridge Blue’ is an excellent, compact and long-flowering variety in pale blue. ‘Crystal Palace’ has bronze-tinted foliage and deep blue flowers. The old variety, ‘Mrs Clibran Improved’, is extremely neat with white-eyed blue flowers. (For other lobelias, see pages ref 1 and ref 2.)
Soil preference: Fertile, not too dry
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: Variable to 20cm × 20cm (8in × 8in)
Companion plants: Traditionally used in pots or as border edging but also handsome when used informally amongst low growing border plants such as Euphorbia myrsinites or with purple-leaved heucheras.
Begonia semperflorens
Begonia Tender perennial grown as an annual
Ubiquitous but invaluable bedding plant, tolerating drought and shade, which produces fleshy stems and leaves and a constant run of small pink, white or red blooms on low, bushy plants. The ‘Alfa’ series have bronze-suffused foliage; the ‘Inferno’ series are remarkably vigorous; ‘Prelude’ series begin flowering very early.
Soil preference: Fertile, not too dry but free-draining
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: Variable to 30cm × 20cm (12in × 8in)
Companion plants: Often used in large floral bedding schemes because of their uniformity, they are useful edgers for the patio or lawn and single colours work well in pots or to fill in spaces in box parterres.
Other good annuals
Omphalodes linifolia
Venus’ Navelwort Hardy annual
R. Coates
A rather fetching European member of the forget-me-not family with pale, grey-green, simple, narrow leaves and a long display of opalescent white flowers with navel-like centres. Though shortlived as an annual, this is a free-seeding species which, if happy, will form self-sustaining colonies.
Soil preference: Any free-draining, but not too dry
Aspect: Sun, part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 30cm × 20cm (1ft × 8in)
Companion plants: Best if allowed to spread in drifts among low-growing summer flowers such as violas and Mimulus, or to front low-growing shrubs. The foliage also harmonizes well with garden pinks, whereas the flowers make a pretty contrast in both colour and shape.
Orlaya grandiflora
Tender annual
A Mediterranean member of the carrot family whose finely divided foliage is crowned, from late spring to midsummer, by a succession of shallow, dome shaped umbels. The outer, sterile flowers on each umbel carry large, creamy white asymmetrical petals, creating a beautiful lace-cap effect. Can be directly sown in warm regions, where it will also self-sow.
Soil preference: Any free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 30cm × 15cm (12in × 6in)
Companion plants: An exquisite, lacy companion to annuals with more solid-looking flowers, such as godetias, red poppies or Calendula. With deep blue larkspurs, the cream white lace caps make a cool contrast.
Cleome hassleriana
Spider Flower Near hardy annual
A tall, rangy annual with decorative, seven-lobed palmate leaves held on short stalks along the tall, erect spike which terminates in a series of fragrant, distinctive white or pink flowers whose narrow petals and elongated stamens and stigma give the impression of colourful, long-legged spiders. Native of South America.
Soil preference: Any fertile, free-draining, not too dry
Aspect: Sun, part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 1.2m × 30cm (4ft × 1ft)
Companion plants: Ideal for the border back or to grow among tall perennials such as perennial asters since it brings earlier colour. The exotic appearance makes it a good companion to broad-leaved plants such as banana, canna or hedychiums (ginger lilies.)
Atriplex hortensis
Red Orache Hardy annual
An easy annual, distinguished – especially when young – by its conspicuous slightly downy-textured, rich purple leaves which are oval, pointed and borne on flexible stems. Some of the early colour intensity is lost as the plant matures to produce, in summer, foxtail flowers which are brownish green. Self-seeds freely but is easy to control.
Soil preference: Any
Aspect: Sun, part shade, shade
Season of interest: Spring, summer
Height and spread: 1m × 30cm (3ft × 1ft)
Companion plants: Prettiest when allowed to dot itself among other plants in mixed borders or among shrubs. The foliage contrasts dramatically with the silver grey of young artemisias or with the gentle gold of Milium effusum ‘Aureum’.
Silene coeli-rosa (Viscaria oculata)
Hardy annual
A hairless, reasonably erect annual with slender stems and narrow, oblong leaves. The small but showy, pale pink or two-tone pink and white flowers are produced in profusion on longish stems for much of the summer. Tolerant of hot, dry conditions and usually trouble-free.
Soil preference: Any free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 30cm × 15cm (1ft × 6in)
Companion plants: Prettiest with other annuals such as nigellas, poppies or Anagallis, but also handy to blend with other low growing perennials such as pinks and carnations, sedums, Origanum rotundifolium and Euphorbia myrsinites.
Rhinanthus minor
Hay Rattle, Yellow Rattle Hardy, semi-parasitic Annual
An interesting member of the foxglove family which can only germinate in the presence of host plants – grasses – from which it derives much of its sustenance during the early part of its life. The narrow, toothed leaves, bright yellow, lipped flowers and semi-translucent, pale green calyces make this a distinctive grassland species.
Soil preference: Moist, grass sward
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 30cm × 15cm (1ft × 15cm)
Companion plants: The ‘impoverishing’ effect Rhinanthus has on grass growth is of great benefit because it enables other broad-leaved flowering plants to colonize more easily. Wonderful with Cardamine pratensis, cowslips, cranesbill and knapweeds.
Blue Centaurea cyanus produces an attractive picture when combined with red poppies, corn chamomile and corn marigold.
Planting Naturalistic Schemes
Many annuals which occur in the wild are opportunist plants which grow wherever the ground is disturbed. As fieldcrop weeds, many of them occur worldwide and among the most beautiful are those which colonize the ground among growing cereal crops. This cornfield scene, with its red poppies, blue cornflowers, yellow corn marigold and daisy-like corn chamomile would be simple to reproduce as part of a naturalistic planting scheme in an informal garden. Some wild annuals, however, may be too invasive to risk introducing into a garden – especially a small one.
To avoid creating problems with over-exuberant self-seeding, beds of annuals or ‘arable patches’ imitating cornfields should be contained. Solid pathways around their edges or other non-cultivable ground surfaces can help to prevent seed spread but may compromise the natural appearance. Annuals that are allowed to spill over their boundaries by self-seeding can be far more beautiful than those regimented in strict beds.
