Selecting the Perfect Annuals

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T H E G A S P E R G U I D E TO

Selecting the Perfect Annuals Presented by the Nursery Staff of Gasper Garden Center

Edition 2.0 | April 1, 2021 — G GASPER ASPER CA N HELP H EL P—— — —— CAN

Contents Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Cool Weather Annuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Planning is Key

Shade Annuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Look for these icons in each annual section to help you plan your garden.

Sun/Part Shade Annuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Full Sun Annuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Annuals that attract hummingbirds

Planting Annuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Annuals that attract butterflies

Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Sun Exposure Explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Annuals that attract bees

Attribute Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Annuals that attract Hummingbirds . . . . . . . 58

Annuals that attract ladybugs

Annuals that attract Butterflies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Annuals that attract Bees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Annuals that are deer-resistant

Annuals that attract Ladybugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Annuals that are Deer-Resistant . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Annuals that are rabbit -resistant

About Gasper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Annuals that are drought-resistant

Check the Resources section starting on page 54 for a summary of each of these categories.

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© 2021 Gasper Landscape Design and Construction. All Rights Reserved. HIC Reg No. PA014749 HIC Reg No. NJ13VH06655200

COOL WEATHER ANNUALS

COOL WEATHER ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Alyssum Sweet Alyssum • Deciduous annual • Full sun to part sun/part shade » Prefers cool conditions for optimum flowering (spring/fall) • Masses of tiny blooms in white, pink, and purple varieties » Blooms April–September » Fragrant flowers • Growth habit is compact • Used in front of beds or in hanging planters • Average soil moisture » D o Not Overwater • Deer-resistant • Attracts birds • 4–6" tall, 8–12" wide

‘Easter Bonnet Violet’

‘White’

Antirrhinum majus Snapdragons • Annual • Full sun • White, yellow, pink, red, orange, peach, purple • Does not like hot summer months • Moderate moisture • Well-drained soil • Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies • Deer-resistant • 12–36" tall, 6–12" wide

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‘Snap shot Pink’

‘Montego White’

‘Snapshot Orange’

‘Snapshot Mix’

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COOL WEATHER ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Brassica oleracea Ornamental Cabbage & Kale • Fall annual • Full sun • Medium moisture • Well-drained soils • Need cool temperatures to produce best leaf color • Depending on temperatures plants may survive into December, through mild winters • 12–18" tall, 12–18" wide

Chrysanthemum Mums • Fall annual • Full sun • Pink, lavender, purple, white, red, orange, yellow » blooms September–frost • Medium moisture • Well-drained soils • Rabbit- and deer-resistant • Winter hardiness can vary but frequently treated as an annual as needs pinching to create bushy growth and best rebloom • 24–36" tall, 24–36" wide

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COOL WEATHER ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Lobelia erinus Lobelia • Annual • Full sun to part sun/part shade • Prolific bloomer with small flowers that are shades of blue/purple or white but flowers best in late spring/early summer » blooms April, May, June, September, and October • Plant may stop blooming or dieback in the hottest summer months • Growing habit can be trailing or upright » Trailing varieties are good for hanging baskets » Upright varieties are good for edging, bedding, and containers • Average soil moisture • Attracts butterflies • Deer-resistant • 6–9" tall, 6–12" wide

‘Riviera Midnight Blue’

‘Riviera Rose’

‘Techno Heat White’

Matthiola incana Stock • Annual • Full sun/light shade • Pink, lavender, purple, white, red » blooms May–July • Medium moisture • Well-drained soils • Will decline in summer weather • Deer-resistant • Fragrant • 12–36" tall, 9–18" wide

Midget Rose

Miget Violet

Vintage Red

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COOL WEATHER ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Nemesia fruticans Nemesia • Deciduous annual • Full sun to part sun/part shade » appreciated afternoon shade in hot summer climates as it prefers cooler weather • Very showy, mini snapdragon-like flowers in peach, pink, orange, and multi-colors » blooms April, May, June, September and October • Good for spring and fall planting • Suitable for container planting • Average soil moisture » do not over water • Attracts butterflies • 6–12" tall, 9–12" wide

‘Nesia Tropical’

‘Sunsation Coconut’

‘Opal Innocence’

Osteospermum African Daisy • Full sun • White, pink and yellow shades » blooms May–July • Does not like hot summer temps • Medium moisture • Well-drained soils • Attracts butterflies • 12–36" tall, 9–24" wide

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COOL WEATHER ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Primula Primrose • Deciduous annual • Full sun in spring, but then part shade to full shade • All colors except green » early spring blooms • Mounding habit • Medium moisture • Prefers cool temperature • Rich, well-draining soils • Rabbit-resistant • 6–12" tall, 6–12" wide

‘Sunset Shades’

Ranunculus asiaticus Persian Buttercup • Deciduous annual • Full sun • Red, pink, purple, yellow or white » blooms May–June » deadhead to promote additional blooms • Medium moisture, well-drained • Needs excellent drainage • Cool spring weather • Tuberous root • 12–24" tall, 12–24" wide

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COOL WEATHER ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Tropaeolum majus Nasturtium • Annual vine • Full sun to part sun (afternoon shade) • Orange, yellow, reds and cream • Trailing and bush varieties • Cool, damp, well-drained soil moisture » may flag in heat of summer (cut back) • Likes poor soils • Attracts butterflies • Can trail up to 6 feet long • Edible flower can be used in salads • Peppery taste • Can have variegated leaves

‘Alaska Mix’

Viola x wittrockiana Pansies • Biennial (plant in fall/enjoy in spring) • Full sun to part shade • Blue, purple, red, rose, yellow, apricot, maroon, white, bi-colors • Blooms April–June (remove in summer months) • Moderate moisture • Well-drained soil • Attracts butterflies • Fragrant • Deer-resistant • 6–9" tall, 9–12" wide

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SHADE ANNUALS

SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Begonia x coralline Angel Wing Begonia • Evergreen annual/houseplant • Prefers full shade or bright/indirect light • Large ‘angel’ wing shaped leaves with reddish underside • Flowers in hanging clusters–colors can be red, white, orange, or pink » blooms April–September • Average soil moisture but prefers rich potting soil » do not overwater (allow to dry between watering) • Heat and drought tolerant (once extablished) • Rabbit- and deer-resistant • Attracts butterflies and birds • 24–48" tall, 24–48" wide

Begonia x tuberhybrida Non-stop Tuberous Begonia • Evergreen annual/houseplant • Full shade/part shade • Double flowers: colors can be yellow, red, white, orange or pink » blooms planting–frost • Average soil moisture, but prefers rich potting soil » do not overwater (allow to dry between watering) » can be very susceptible to powdery mildew • Heat tolerant (once established) • 8–12" tall, 12–16" wide

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SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Begonia x hiemalis Rieger Begonia/Winter Begonia • Shade/part sun » Direct sun will scorch leaves or turn brown • Flower colors include white, yellow, pink, orange and red varieties • Blooms all season • Can bloom up to 6 months indoors » remove spent flowers • Popular winter flowering indoor plant • Does not like heat and humidity • Average soil moisture » Do not overwater » Let dry in-between » Avoid water on leaves • 8–12" tall, 12–15" wide

‘Solenia Red’

‘Solenia Chocolate Orange’

Begonia, Wax Wax Begonia, Bedding Begonia • Deciduous Annual • Full shade to part sun/part shade • Attractive flowers in red, white and pink » blooms May–August • Attractive foliage that include varieties with bronze-maroon leaves • Average soil moisture » tolerates damp soil » frost sensitive • 6–18" tall, 6–12" wide

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‘Sweetheart White’

Bronze-leaf ‘Rose’

Green-leaf ‘Pink’

Green-leaf ‘Red’

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SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Caladium bicolor Elephant Ear’s/Angel Wings • Deciduous annual • Full shade to part sun/part shade » Prefers shade however there are some varieties that have been developed to be more sun-tolerant • Colorful, large heart/arrow shaped leaves with varying patterns in white, pink, red and green • Grows from a tuber which can be lifted before the first frost • All parts of the plant are poisonous • Average soil moisture • 12–24" tall, 12–24" wide

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SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Coleus Painted Nettle • Deciduous annual • Full shade, full sun*, part sun/part shade » *Gasper stocks many sun tolerant varieties, please check the tag » *Varieties available that are sun-tolerant are the Wizard, Versa, Marquee, and Stain glass series » Other varieties good in shade/part sun • Great colorful foliage with a large diversity of color combinations, leaf shape, leaf texture and growth habit • Flowers are usually not desirable, so it is recommended that plants are pinched back every few weeks to maintain shape and prevent flower formation » blooms July and August • Uses include container and planting beds • Average soil moisture • 10–18" tall, 12–18" wide

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SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Gerbera Daisy African Daisy • Deciduous annual • Full shade to part sun/part shade » appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates • Large, colorful daisy like flowers in colors that include red, yellow, orange, white and pink » blooms June–October (summer to fall) • Can be used in beds, borders and in containers » very popular bedding plant • Average soil moisture • Attracts butterflies and birds • 12–18" tall, 9–12" wide

‘Royal Premium Mix’

Hypoestes phyllostachya Polka Dot Plant • Part shade • Grown for variegated foliage spotted with rose, pink or lavender » tiny lilac flowers in racemes bloom sporadically in summer • Can be used in beds, borders and in containers • Average soil moisture • Pinch to promote bushiness • 12–18" tall, 9–12" wide

‘Confetti Pink’

‘Confetti White’

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SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Impatiens walleriana Bizzy Lizzy • Full shade to part sun/part shade » tolerates heavy shade • Large, showy 5-petaled flowers that come in many colors such as pink, rose, red, lilac, purple, salmon, white and bi-color • Easy to grow and non-stop flowering » blooms June–September • Very popular bedding plant • Average soil moisture • Attracts butterflies and birds • 6–24" tall, 6–24" wide

‘Super Elfin Coral’

‘Super Elfin Red’

‘Super Elfin Violet’

Impatiens hawkeri Group New Guinea Impatiens • Full shade / Part Sun (tolerates up to ½ day of sun) • Purple, red, orange, white and pink • Flowers May–October • Leaves can show variegation and color • High to moderate moisture (does not tolerate drought) • Mounding habit/tall groundcover • 12–24" tall, 18–36" wide

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‘Magnum Purple’

‘Sonic White’

‘Sonic Light Lavender’

‘Sonic Orange’

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SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Iresine Chicken Gizzard • Full shade to part sun/part shade • Flower are inconspicuous • Grown for striking multi-colored foliage • Can be used as a bedding plant or accent plant in containers • Average soil moisture • 18–30" tall, 12–36" wide

‘Blazing Rose’

Strobilanthes dyerianus Persian Shield • Part shade for best foliage color • Grown for foliage • Mounding habit • Moist to wet soils • Thrives in hot and dry summer • Pinch to promote bushiness • 12–36" tall, 12–36" wide

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SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Torenia fournieri Wishbone Flower • Full shade to part shade • Flower are pale violet/dark purple, rose, pink and white • Pair of stamen resemble a wishbone • Flowers June–frost • Moist, well-drained soil • Does not like hot and humid • 18–30" tall, 12–36" wide

‘Kauai Magenta’

'Catalina Midnight Blue'

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SUN/ PART SHADE ANNUALS

SUN/PART SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Alternanthera dentate Joseph’s Coat/Calico Plant • Evergreen annual • Full sun to part sun • Reddish/purple foliage color • Flower are inconspicuous • Forms an upright, spreading mound • Works well as an access or container plant, but can also be used in masses or on borders • Average soil moisture » do not allow to dry out • 8–12" tall, 24–36" wide

‘Little Ruby’

‘Purple Prince’

Artemisia stelleriana Dusty Miller • Deciduous annual • Full sun, full shade, part sun/part shade » will tolerate full shade but foliage color is best with some sun • Many cultivars rarely produce flowers » long season of interest as will tolerate light frosts in the fall • Grown for its silvery foliage (great contrasting-color accent plant) • Average soil moisture • Deer-resistant • 6–18" tall, 6–12" wide

‘Silver Dust’

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SUN/PART SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Bacopa Sutera • Deciduous annual • Full sun to part sun/part shade • Flower colors include white, pink and blue varieties » blooms April–September • Strongly trailing habit makes this plant good for hanging applications • Average soil moisture » this plant may drop both flowers and buds if it has been drought stressed • Attracts butterflies • 4–8" tall, 20–36" wide

‘Falls Big Dark Blue’

‘Snowstorm Giant Snowflake’

Carex comans New Zealand Hair Sedge • Evergreen annual/grass » small ornamental grass that is borderline hardy in our area (zones 7–9) • Full Sun to Part Sun/Part Shade » tolerant of shade, but avoid deep shade • Narrow, flowing leaves » blooms in April and May » varieties in multiple shades of green and bronze available • Growth habit is arching mound form that resembles a head of hair • Can be used as an interesting addition to containers • Average to dry soil moisture » drought tolerant once established • Deer-resistant • 12–14" tall, 12–14" wide

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‘Amazon Mist’ (left) ‘Bronco’ (right)

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SUN/PART SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Catharanthus roseus Annual Vinca • Annual • Full sun to part sun • Pale pink, rose, hot pink, red, lilac, white, often with contrasting throats » blooms June–frost » best in summer • Mounding habit • Medium moisture • Well-drained soils » D o Not Overwater • Rabbit-resistant • Drought and dry soil tolerant • Watch for snails and slugs • 6–18" tall, 6–18" wide

Pacifica Deep Orchid

Pacifica Lipstick Mix

Polka Dot

Cordylen Madagascar Dragon Tree • Deciduous annual • Full sun to part sun • Reddish tinged spiky foliage • Growth habit is tall and upright, making it a good accent for the center of containers or in the back of an arrangement • Average soil moisture • 18–48" tall, 18–24" wide

‘Red Sensation’

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‘Ruby’

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SUN/PART SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Cuphea ‘Cuphoric Pink’ Mexican Heather • Deciduous annual/tender perennial • Full sun to part sun/part shade • Small pink tubular flowers with purple throats » blooms June–September • Has small oval, green leaves • Growth habit is a semi-trailing, compact mound • Can be used in mass plantings, general garden applications and containers • Average to dry soil moisture » will not tolerate standing water » heat and drought tolerant once established • Attracts butterflies • 10–12" tall, 10–14" wide

‘Cuphoric Pink’

Diascia Twinspur • Deciduous annual • Part sun to part shade • Flower colors available in pinks, reds, oranges & light purple » blooms April, May, June, September and October » may stop flowering in the hottest part of the summer, but will resume once the nighttime temperatures cool off • Short, mounding growing habit • Good for early spring or fall plantings as can tolerate light frosts • Good for use in containers and hanging baskets • Average soil moisture • Deer-resistant • Attracts butterflies and birds • 8–14" tall, 10–16" wide

‘Darla Orange’

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SUN/PART SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ Silver Nickle Vine • Deciduous annual • Full sun to part sun • Silver, fan-shaped foliage » grown for foliage • Growth habit is trailing making it ideal for hanging baskets, containers, or as a ground cover • Average to dry soil moisture » very heat and drought tolerant once established • Deer-resistant • 2–6" tall, 18–36" wide

‘Silver Falls’

Dracaena indivisa Dracaena Spike • Sun to part sun • Spiky foliage • Growth habit is tall and upright, making it a good accent for the center of containers or in the back of an arrangement • Average soil moisture • Heat tolerant • 22–36" tall, 15–18" wide

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SUN/PART SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Helichrysum petiolare Licorice Plant/Creeping Dusty Miller • Deciduous annual • Full sun to part sun • Foliage comes in both gold and silver varieties • Growing habit is trailing, making it good for containers or as a ground cover • Vigorous grower • Average to dry soil moisture » heat and drought tolerant once established » avoid overwatering • Deer-resistant • 8–12" tall, 12–24" wide

‘Lemon Licorice’

‘Creeping Silver’

Heliotropium arborescens Heliotrope • Deciduous annual/tender perennial • Full sun to part sun » appreciates afternoon shade in hot summer climates • Sweetly fragrant violet flowers in large clusters that can be pinched to encourage bushy growth and deadhead to encourage additional blooms » blooms June–September • Can be used as bedding, edging, or container plant • Wet to average soil moisture » do not allow to dry out • Deer-resistant • 12–18" tall, 12–18" wide

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SUN/PART SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Impatiens Sunpatiens Series Sunpatiens • Full sun to part shade » full shade should be avoided • Pink, coral, orange, salmon, red, lilac, lavender and white » blooms May–October • Leaf variegation possible • Tolerates high heat and humidity • Average soil moisture • Tolerates rabbits • Generally larger and bushier than regular New Guinea impatiens • 3 habits: » compact (18–24") » spreading (mounding to 24–30" tall) » vigorous (vase shape habit to 30-36" tall) • 16–30" tall, 12–24" wide

‘Compact Pink’ ‘Compact Tropical Rose’

Ipomoea batatas Sweet Potato Vine • Annual vine • Full sun, can take some shade • Heart-shaped, lacy or deeply lobed leaves/no bloom • Mounding/trailing habit • Moderate moisture • Well-drained soil » Overwatering + poor drainage = fungual issues • Deer resistant • 6–16" tall, up to 6+ feet long

‘Blackie’

‘Illusion Garnet Lace’

‘Illusion Emerald Lace’

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SUN/PART SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Isolepsis cernua Fiber Optic Grass • Deciduous annual/ornamental sedge grass » can be used as a houseplant • Full sun to part sun • Tiny fluffy flowers at the stem tips that make it look like fiber optic strands » deadhead spent flowers to promote flowering, and may pinch stems if getting leggy and to maintain shape • Mop-like tuft of bright green grass-like leaves • Can be grown as a marginal water plant or as an accent in containers » if used at the edge of ponds or in container water gardens, buy already submerged or gradually increase the water level if bought in a dry container • Average to wet soil moisture » heat tolerant » water plant • Deer-resistant • 10–14" tall, 10–14" wide

Juncus effusus Corkscrew Rush • Evergreen annual/grass • Full sun to part sun/part shade • Thin, blue and green, twisted and straight stems add character • Makes a good water garden or container plant • Average to wet soil conditions but needs adequate moisture » heat and drought tolerant once established » containers or water setting • Rabbit- and deer-resistant • 12–18" tall, 12–18" wide

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Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny • Perennial, can overwinter » spreads by rhizomes and maybe aggressive » groundcover » tolerated limited foot traffic • Blooms yellow in June • Good trailer for containers • Full sun, part shade » prefers afternoon shade » best yellow color in full sun • Wet to moderate moisture » tolerates wet soils • 3–6" tall, 12–18" wide

‘Aurea’

Nicotiana alata Flowering Tobacco • Full sun/part shade • Trumpet-shaped flowers • White, pink, lime, red • Blooms summer to fall • Fragrant • Moderate moisture • Well-drained soil • Attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds • 12–24" tall, 12–24" wide

‘Starmaker Bright Red’

‘Starmaker Deep Lime’

‘Saratoga Apple Blossom’

‘Starmaker Deep Lime’

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SUN/PART SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Pelargonium x hortorum Zonal Geranium • Evergreen annual • Full sun to part sun/part shade • Large flower clusters on top of long stems in reds, purples, pinks, orange and white » blooms June–October » deadhead spent flowers to promote flowering » may pinch stems if getting leggy and to maintain shape • Round to kidney-shaped leaves (with dark banding on some varieties) • Average to dry soil moisture » can tolerate drought once established • Attracts birds • 12–36" tall, 12–36" wide

‘Survivor Fuschia’

‘Survivor Salmon’

‘Brocade Fire’

Pelargonium peltatum Ivy Geranium • Evergreen annual/tender perennial • Full sun to part sun/part shade • Flowers in single or double clusters in pink, red, lilac or white » flowering may slow down during extremely hot weather » blooms May to October • Thick ivy-like leaves • Growing habit is trailing, which makes it a good candidate for hanging baskets • Average soil moisture • Attracts birds • 12–24" tall, 12–36" wide

‘Sofie Cascade’

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Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Petchoa ‘Supercal Series’ Super Cal • Full sun to part shade • Petunia and Calibrachoa hybrid • Can tolerate cool weather • Purple, rose, red, blue, pink, creamy yellow and creamy orange » blooms May–frost » prolific bloomer • Growth habit is spreading with trailing stems • Looks best in hanging baskets or in the front of container arrangements • Average soil moisture » high moisture in hanging baskets • Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds • 12–16" tall, 24–36" wide

‘SuperCal Purple’

‘Supercal Artist Rose’

‘SuperCal Crimson Red’

‘Supercal Pink’

‘SuperCal Purple’

‘Supercal Artist Rose’

‘SuperCal Crimson Red’

‘Supercal Pink’

Petunia Petunia • Full sun to part shade • Large flowers in all colors except brown and black » blooms May–frost » prolific bloomer • Growth habit is spreading with trailing stems • Looks best in hanging baskets or in the front of container arrangements • Average soil moisture » high moisture in hanging baskets • Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds • Most have fragrance • Tolerates deer • 9–12" tall, 1–36" wide

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SUN/PART SHADE ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Plectranthus ‘Lemon Twist’ Swedish Ivy • Sun to part shade • Grown for foliage • Felt-like leaves • Lemon-scented foliage!

• Has lemon-yellow variegated leaves • Growth habit is upright, mounded » pinch as needed • Prefers medium soil moisture » but will tolerate drought, dry soil » heat tolerant • Other varieties can be more trailing and have different fragrance of leaves • 14–18" tall, 8–12" wide

‘Lemon Twist’

‘Lemon Twist’

Salvia splendens Scarlet Sage • Full sun to part shade • Red, purple, pink, salmon • Blooms June–Frost • Bushy habit • Moderate moisture • Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and birds • Deer-resistant • 12–24" tall, 9–18" wide

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‘Red Hot Sally’

‘Reddy Pink’

‘Vista Purple’

Sizzler Salmon'

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Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Vinca major Vinca Vine/Greater Periwinkle • Tender perennial » hardy to zone 7a/b » can overwinter during mild winters • Full sun to full shade • Violet-blue in spring • Has green and variegated leaves • Growth habit is a long trailing stems, low, mat forming groundcover » can Spread Aggressively • Prefers medium soil moisture » but will tolerate drought, erosion, dry soil • Deer-resistant • 6–18" tall, 12–24" wide

‘Variegata’

‘Maculata’

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FULL SUN ANNUALS

FULL SUN ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Angelonia Summer Snapdragon • Deciduous annual • Full sun • Flower colors include blue, purple, pink and white varieties » blooms April–September (blooms all summer long) • Growth habit can be upright or spreading depending on variety • Average to dry soil conditions » drought tolerant once wellrooted and established » holds up well in hot spots • Rabbit and deer tolerant (usually leave it alone) • Attracts butterflies • 12–36" tall, 12–24" wide

‘Angelmist Spreading Blue’

Ageratum Floss Flower • Deciduous annual • Full sun • Small, fluffy, blue button-like flowers that give color all season » blooms May–September » no deadheading required • Mounding growth habit • Average soil moisture » heat tolerant • Deer-resistant • Attracts butterflies and birds • 8–12" tall, 6–10" wide

‘Blue Hawaii’

‘High Tide Blue’

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Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Bidens Bidens • Full sun • Yellow, orangeish coreopsis-like flowers that give color all season » blooms May–September » no dead-heading required • Mounding growth habit • Average soil moisture » heat and drought tolerant • Attracts hummingbirds • 4–6" tall, 8–12" wide

‘Doubloon’

Canna Canna Lily • Deciduous annual • Full sun • Gladiolus-like flower spikes available in red, orange, pink, yellow, cream and some with bi-color combinations » blooms July–September » dwarf varieties are available which stay under 3-feet tall • Large tropical-looking foliage found in shades of green, bronze and can include stripes or variegation • Grown from a rhizome that can be lifted and stored in the winter • Average to wet soil moisture » there are aquatic varieties of Canna’s that can be used in water or bog gardens • Attracts birds • 18–96" tall, 18–72" wide

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FULL SUN ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Helianthus annuus Common Sunflower • Full sun • Yellow, red, mahogany, bi-color rays with drown to purple center • Dry to medium soil moisture • Tolerant of poor soils • Attracts birds and butterflies • Tolerant of deer • Taller varieties may need to be staked • Great for cut flowers • Seeds edible and great to leave dry heads for birds • May freely seed itself into garden • Flower heads tend to follow the sun • 36–120" tall, 18–36" wide

Calibrachoa Million Bells/Trailing Petunia • Deciduous annual • Full sun • 1-inch flowers that look like tiny petunias in shades of purple, pink, red, magenta, yellow, oranges and white » blooms June–September » prolific bloomer • Growth habit is compact and mounding with trailing stems • Looks best in hanging baskets or in the front of container arrangements • Average soil moisture • Attracts butterflies and birds • 3–9" tall, 6–24" wide

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‘Aloha Kona Midnight Blue’

‘Chameleon Pink Sorbet’

‘Coralina’

‘Can Can Red Splash’

DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

FULL SUN ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Celosia argentea, Cristata Group Cockscomb • Deciduous annual • Full sun, but can tolerate light shade • Cristata Group Celosia have large crested flower heads that somewhat resemble a comb of a rooster in colors of orange, red, pink and yellow » blooms June–September (summer to frost) » good cut flower that can be dried out • Foliage may contain touches of red, maroon, purple or bronze color • Growing habit ranges in height from dwarf to tall • Taller varieties may need staking • Can be used in mass/group bed plantings, borders, cut flower gardens, and in containers • Average to dry soil moisture » tolerates dry soils once established » tolerates heat and humidity • Seldom bothered by deer • 9–36" tall, 9–18" wide

‘Amigo Mix’

‘Amigo Mahogany Red’

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

FULL SUN ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Celosia argentea, Plumosa Group Feather Celosia • Deciduous annual • Full sun but can tolerate light shade • Plumosa Group Celosia have narrowpyramidal, plume-like flower heads in orange, red, purple, yellow and cream colors » blooms June–September (summer to frost) » good cut flower that can be dried out • Foliage may contain touches of red, maroon, purple or bronze color • Growing habit ranges in height from dwarf to tall • Taller varieties may need staking • Can be used in mass/group bed plantings, borders, cut flower gardens and in containers • Average to dry soil moisture • Tolerates dry soils once established • Seldom bothered by deer • 12–36" tall, 9–12" wide

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‘Castle Yellow’

‘Castle Scarlet’

‘Kimono Orange’

‘Kimono Red’

DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

FULL SUN ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Cleome Spider Flower • Sun • Spider-like flowers, rose, white and violet • Blooms June–Frost • Growth habit is tall and upright, making it a good accent for the center of containers or in the back of an arrangement • Dry to medium soil moisture • Heat and drought tolerant once established • Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies • Rabbit tolerant • Some varieties can reseed in garden • Good for cutting • 24–48" tall, 18–24" wide

Cosmos Mexican Aster • Deciduous annual • Full sun • 3-5" daisy-like flowers on long stems in colors that include pink, pink-purple, orange, red, yellow, white and maroon » blooms June–October » good cut flower • Foliage is fine and delicate • Dwarf varieties available in the trade • Average to dry soil moisture » can tolerate warm, dry weather • Attracts butterflies and birds • 18–60" tall, 12–18" wide

‘Cosmic Orange’

‘Cosmic Yellow’

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

FULL SUN ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Dahlia Dahlia • Deciduous annual/tuberousrooted tender perennial • Full sun • Large variety in flower colors, shapes and sizes » blooms August–October » tall and/or large flower type of Dahlias may need staking » good cut flower • Average soil moisture » does not like cold soil so best to plant after all danger of spring frost is past (plant tubers in the spring) • Attracts birds • 12–84" tall, 12–24" wide

Dianthus chinensis x barbatus Pinks • Deciduous annual • Full sun • Large flowers in pink, violet, magenta, white and bi-color » blooms April, May, June, September and October » performs best in cooler weather of spring and fall • Growth habit is compact and upright • Good for use in containers, as a border plant, or in rock gardens » good cut flower » good companion plant for pansies • Average to dry soil moisture » grows well under tough conditions • Deer-resistant • Attracts butterflies and birds • 8–10" tall, 6–8" wide

‘Floral Lace Picotee’

‘Floral Lace Violet’

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

FULL SUN ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Euphorbia White Euphorbia • Deciduous annual • Full sun/part sun to part shade • Small white flowers cover the plant all season » blooms April–September • Mounding habit • Average to dry soil moisture • Heat and drought tolerant (once established) • Rabbit and deer-resistant • 10–12" tall, 12–14" wide

‘Loreen Compact’

‘Diamond Frost’

Gazania rigens Treasure Flower/African Daisy • Full sun • Orange, yellow flowers » blooms summer to fall » flowers close at night and on cloudy days » deadhead to encourage bloom » flowering may slow in hot summer • Mounding habit • Average to dry soil moisture » tolerates soil dryness but doesn't prefer » do not overwater • Drought tolerant (once established) • 6–12" tall, 6–12" wide

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

FULL SUN ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Gomphrena globosa Globe Amaranth • Deciduous annual • Full sun • Magenta bracts/clover-like » blooms June through Frost • Mounding habit • Regular Moisture • Tolerant of drought, clay, dry soil • Attracts butterflies • Good dried flower • 12–24" tall, 6–12" wide

‘Pinball Purple’

Lantana camara Lantana • Evergreen annual • Full sun • Flower clusters come in white, yellow, orange, red, purple, and it is common to see multi-colored clusters » blooms July–October • Leaves are aromatic • Growing habit can be trailing or upright » trailing varieties often used in hanging baskets • Average to dry soil moisture » drought tolerant once established • Deer-resistant • Attracts butterflies and birds • 24–48" tall, 12–36" wide

‘Bandana Peach’

‘Bandana Pink’

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‘Bandana Red’

DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

FULL SUN ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Melampodium divaricatum Butter Daisy • Full sun • Yellow and white flowers » blooms May–Frost • Medium soil moisture • Well-drained • Tolerant of hot and humid, but may flop in heat of summer • Deer-resistant • Attracts butterflies • 12–24" tall, 9–12" wide

Pentas lanceolata Star Flower • Annual • Full sun • Star-shaped flowers, pink, magenta, lilac white • Medium soil moisture • Attracts butterflies • 12–24" tall, 12–24" wide

‘Starcluster Red’

‘Starcluster White’

‘Starcluster Red’

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

FULL SUN ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Portulaca Moss Rose • Deciduous annual • Full sun • Red, rose, orange, yellow or white » blooms June–Frost • Trailing or mat-like habit • Dry soil moisture • Heat and drought tolerant, once extablished • Good for poor, dry soils • Flowers do not open on cloudy or rainy days • 3–9" tall, 6–12" wide

‘Happy Hour Mix’

Happy Hour Banana

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

FULL SUN ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Scaevola aemula Fan Flower • Deciduous annual • Full sun • Dark bluish, purple-pink » blooms June–frost • Sprawling habit • Medium moisture • Thrives in hot and dry summer • Heat and drought tolerant • 8–14" tall, 12–24" wide » trails up to 24"

Pink Wonder

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

FULL SUN ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Tagetes patula French Marigold • Deciduous annual • Full sun • Shades of orange and yellow » blooms Spring through frost • Mounding habit • Regular moisture/not picky except constant soggy • Tolerant of poor soils • Too much fertilizer = less blooms • Rabbit and deer-resistant • Edible • 6–12" tall, 6–9" wide

‘Bonanza Bee’

Janie Deep Orange

Thunbergia alata Black Eyed Susan Vine • Annual vine • Full sun to part sun • Golden yellow blooms with dark eyes » blooms June–October • Climbing habit, needs support or trailing from containers • Moist but well-drained soil moisture • Deer-resistant • 5–8 feet tall

‘Lemon Star’

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

FULL SUN ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Verbena Annual Verbena • Annual • Full sun • Blue, violet, purple, rose, yellow, salmon, white and bi-colors » blooms in spring • Mounding habit • Medium moisture • Well-drained soils • Attracts butterflies • Will decline in hot and humid summer weather • Deer-resistant • Obsession series is a trailer • 6–8" tall, 10–12" wide

Obsession Apricot

Lanai Twister Pink

Obsession Blue with Eye

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

FULL SUN ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Zinnia elegans Zinnia • Annual • Full shade • Red, yellow, orange, pink, rose, lavender, white, chartreuse • Many bloom types, double, singles » blooms June–frost » great for cutting • Average soil moisture, well-drained • Attracts butterflies and birds • Tolerates black walnut • Pinch to promote bushiness • Dwarf and giant varieties • 12–48" tall, 9–18" wide

‘Profusion Orange’

‘Short Stuff Mix’

‘White Star’

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

PLANTING ANNUALS

PLANTING ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Best Time to Plant

I

f at all possible, plant in early morning, early evening, or on a cloudy day. Avoid planting during the hottest part of the day.

This protects newly planted annuals from having sun stress as they’re settling into their new environment. If you choose to tackle planting chores in the evening, you will give plants the overnight period to adjust to their new surroundings.

Dig with a Garden Trowel

T

he best tool to prepare a hole for planting is a sturdy 6-inch garden trowel.

The curved sides on a garden trowel blade allow it to hold dirt, and the pointed end is good for digging. If there is mulch in the bed, push the mulch aside. Dig out a planting hole 1½–2 times as deep and 3 times the size of the container of your annual. Place the removed soil inside a bucket.

Separate the Plant from the Pot

I

f the plant is dry, add some water but avoid making the soil soggy. Tap the container a few times on the side and bottom with your trowel. Invert the container and lightly squeeze the container like toothpaste while holding the plant at the base and the plant should fall into your hand unharmed. If the roots appear dense and “pot-bound,” lightly pull them apart with your fingers before planting.

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

PLANTING ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Mix the Soil

M

ix a good compost like Bumper Crop Organic Soil Builder with the removed soil you placed in a bucket earlier. Use a ratio of 1 part Bumper Crop Organic Soil Builder to 2 parts removed soil. Mix in 4 heaping tablespoons of fertilizer per 1 gallon of soil. Use an organic probiotic fertilizer like Dr. Earth Rose and Flower Food. Mix the soil thoroughly inside the bucket.

Place the Annual

P

lace enough of your soil mixture from the bucket into the hole so that when you gently place the annual into the hole, the top of the roots are slightly above grade.

Finish placing your soil mixture around the roots and press the soil slightly. Be sure not to place soil against the stem of your plant as this can cause stem rot.

Fertilize

F

lowering plants have a special need for phosphorus and potassium to realize their blooming potential. The combination of Dr. Earth Rose and Flower Food and Bumper Crop Organic Soil Builder will provide these nutrients, encouraging blooms on plants.

Continue to fertilize by sprinklng a teaspoon of Dr. Earth fertilizer around the base of the plant. Repeat fertilizing every other month.

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

PLANTING ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Watering

W

hen all of your annuals are planted, water them with a gentle spray. This will water the plants without disturbing them. If you notice the next day that the soil has settled and exposed some of the roots, add more soil around the roots. Annuals tend to have shallow root systems so you may need to check them for dryness more frequently than other types of plants.

Continued Care Y

our annuals will need daily water for about a week to be established, then water as necessary. Many annuals want water daily, where others can skip a day or two. The water needs of your annuals vary with the weather, the season, and sun exposure. You must make appropriate adjustments as the weather changes.

Protect from an Unexpected Frost

F

reezing weather kills or severely damages most annuals. If an early frost is forecast for your area there are a few things you can do to protect your annuals. You can cover the annuals with light-weight sheets or burlap; add 2-inches of mulch to your flower bed; or water your plants a day before you expect the frost since wet soil retains more heat than dry soil. Ultimately all annuals die with consistent low temperatures and will need to be removed for the cold weather season.

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

PLANTING ANNUALS

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Keep Annuals Blooming

K

eep the plants growing steadily throughout the season by watering regularly, feeding on schedule, and deadheading spent flowers. Deadheading keeps blooms coming all season long.

Simply cut off the flower stem just below the spent blossom before the plant begins seed formation.

Gasper Can Help

I

f you are not sure about how to take good care of your annuals, or if you have questions, you can ask one of the many knowledgeable, expert horticulturists at Gasper Garden Center.

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

RESOURCES

RESOURCES

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Sun Exposure

The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive Full Sun

Partial Sun or Partial Shade

• 6 or more hours of direct sun a day

• 4 to 6 hours of direct sun a day

• Many full sun plants will be perfectly happy with sun 14 hours a day, every day

• Partial sun or partial shade is probably the most confusing category. The two terms are fairly interchangeable. These plants prefer 4 to 6 hours of sun a day and would be happiest getting their sun mostly in the morning and/or evening with shade through the middle of the day.

• Some plants are happy with sun 14 hours a day, unless it gets hot then they like some afternoon shade (when the sun is hottest). How do you know which sun plants prefer a bit of a heat break?

• If a plant is called partial sun the emphasis is on making sure the plant gets at least 4 hours of sun a day.

» If the plant is noted as being great for early spring it is a good bet that it will be happiest with some afternoon shade

• If a plant is called partial shade then greater emphasis is placed on the plant not getting more than 6 hours of direct sun.

» Plants that are noted as heat and/or drought tolerant are generally pretty tolerant of even hot afternoon sun

Dappled Shade

Full Shade

• Dappled shade refers to areas where there is a mixture of sun and shade, generally because a deciduous tree is nearby.

• Less than 4 hours of direct sun a day • Prefer morning and evening sun to mid-day sun.

• Dappled shade is similar to partial shade.

Plants in this category are often woodland plants and will do best with little full sun (even morning or evening sun).

• Full shade plants should also do outstanding in dappled shade conditions.

• An area that will be shaded by a fence or wall will need to get several hours of sun in either morning or evening for plants to do well.

• These plants thrive in sun that has been filtered by trees.

• Full shade does not refer to dark places.

All plants need at least some light.

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

RESOURCES

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Attribute Summary ATTRACTS COOL WEATHER ANNUALS

RESISTS

Hummingbirds

Butterflies

Bees

Ladybugs

Deer

Rabbit

Drought

Hummingbirds

Butterflies

Bees

Ladybugs

Deer

Rabbit

Drought

Alyssum Sweet Alyssum Antirrhinum majus Snapdragons Brassica oleracea Ornamental Cabbage & Kale Chrysanthemum Mums Lobelia erinus Edging Lobelia Matthiola incana Stock Nemesia fruticans Nemesia Osteospermum African Daisy Primula Primrose Ranunculus asiaticus Persian Buttercup Tropaeolum majus Nasturtium Viola x wittrockiana Pansies SUN/PART SHADE ANNUALS Alternanthera dentate Joseph’s Coat/Calico Plant Artemisia stelleriana Dusty Miller Bacopa Sutera Carex comans New Zealand Hair Sedge Catharanthus roseus Annual Vinca Cordylen Madagascar Dragon Tree Cuphea ‘Cuphoric Pink’ Mexican Heather Diascia Twinspur Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ Silver Nickle Vine Dracaena indivisa Dracaena Spike Helichrysum petiolare Licorice Plant/Creeping Dusty Miller

Heliotropium arborescens Heliotrope Impatiens Sunpatiens Series Sunpatiens Ipomoea batatas Sweet Potato Vine Isolepsis cernua Fiber Optic Grass Juncus effusus Corkscrew Rush Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny Nicotiana alata Flowering Tobacco Pelargonium x hortorum Zonal Geranium Pelargonium peltatum Ivy Geranium Petchoa ‘Supercal Series’ Super Cal Petunia Petunia Plectranthus ‘Lemon Twist’ Swedish Ivy Salvia splendens Scarlet Sage Vinca major Vinca Vine/Greater Periwinkle

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

RESOURCES

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

ATTRACTS SHADE ANNUALS

RESISTS

Hummingbirds

Butterflies

Bees

Ladybugs

Deer

Rabbit

Drought

Hummingbirds

Butterflies

Bees

Ladybugs

Deer

Rabbit

Drought

Begonia x coralline Angel Wing Begonia Begonia x tuberhybrida Non-stop Tuberous Begonia Begonia x hiemalis Rieger Begonia/Winter Begonia Begonia, Wax Wax Begonia, Bedding Begonia Caladium bicolor Elephant Ear’s/Angel Wings Coleus Painted Nettle Gerbera Daisy African Daisy Hypoestes phyllostachya Polka Dot Plant Impatiens walleriana Bizzy Lizzy Impatiens hawkeri Group New Guinea Impatiens Iresine Chicken Gizzard Strobilanthes dyerianus Persian Shield Torenia fournieri Wishbone Flower FULL SUN ANNUALS Angelonia Summer Snapdragon Ageratum Floss Flower Bidens Bidens Canna Canna Lily Helianthus annuus Common Sunflower Calibrachoa Million Bells/Trailing Petunia Celosia argentea, Cristata Group Cockscomb Celosia argentea, Plumosa Group Feather Celosia Cleome Spider Flower Cosmos Mexican Aster Dahlia Dahlia Dianthus chinensis x barbatus Pinks Euphorbia White Euphorbia Gazania rigens Treasure Flower/African Daisy Gomphrena globosa Globe Amaranth Lantana camara Lantana Melampodium divaricatum Butter Daisy Pentas lanceolata Star Flower Portulaca Moss Rose Scaevola aemula Fan Flower Tagetes patula French Marigold Thunbergia alata Black Eyed Susan Vine Verbena Annual Verbena Zinnia elegans Zinnia

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

RESOURCES

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Annuals that attract

Hummingbirds T

he following annuals are considered generally attractive to hummingbirds. Hummingbirds prefer brightly coloured flowers with a lot of rich nectar to provide the much-needed energy they require. Unlike bees and butterflies, hummingbirds possess a long bill that can penetrate deep into long, tubular flowers where nectar resides. The plants that attract hummingbirds have little or no scent. Hummingbird-friendly plants are often red, generally blooming for a longer period of time than other flowers. Their flowers will be spaced far enough apart to provide access for the hummingbird while his wings are in rapid motion.

• Calibrachoa (Million Bells) • Cleome • Coreopsis (tickle seed) • Cosmos • Dianthus (Sweet William) • Fuchsia

• Geranium • Impatiens • Lantana • Minulus (Monkey flower) • Nasturtium • Nicotiana

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• Petunia • Phlox • Salvia • Snapdragon • Verbena • Zinna DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

RESOURCES

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Annuals that attract

Butterflies

T

he following plants are considered generally attractive to butterflies. These plants are nectar-producing and will yield great results when planted in such a way to provide butterflies with easy access. One of the biggest things that you need to remember when you are attempting to attract butterflies to your backyard is that you need to have a lot of different flowers for them to choose from. This way, you will definitely be attracting more than one type of butterfly. A great addition to any butterfly garden is rocks as well, this gives a great place for all of the butterflies to stop and rest their wings. Another great idea is to group the same types of flowers together; this will ensure that the butterflies will have easy access to the flowers.

• Ageratum

• Cleome

• Alyssum

• Coreopsis (tickle seed)

• Bidens

• Geranium

• Blue Marguerite

• Cosmos

• Brachyscome (swan river daiasy)

• Dahlberg Daisy

• Calendula

• Gaillardia (blanket flower)

• Calibrachoa

• Dianthus

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• Nemesia • Nicotiana • Heliotropium (heliotrope) • Osteospermum • Impatiens • Petunia • Lantana • Salvia • Lathyrus (Sweet Pea) • Snapdragon • Marigold • Verbena • Nasturtium • Zinna

DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

COOL WEATHER RESOURCES ANNUALS

Selecting the the Perfect Perfect Annuals Annuals

Plant bee favorite annuals and your garden will thrive

Bee Friendly N

ative bee populations have been experiencing decline due to loss of habitat, increased use of pesticides (especially Neonicotinoids), disease and other baffling issues such as colony collapse disorder. Why should we care? Bees, through pollination, are directly responsible for nearly one third of all the food and beverages that we eat.

You can help by planting bee-friendly flowering plants in your yard. Bees tend to like yellow, blue, purple, violet and white flowers. Studies have shown that planting a flowering strip near your vegetable garden can increase the yield and even size of your produce. Use good, organic gardening practices. Bee-friendly gardens also benefit other beneficial bugs and pollinators such as butterflies and ladybugs. They are also more attractive to birds and other wildlife. Not least of all, they make our gardens a more habitable and welcoming place for ourselves, children and pets.

• Cosmos • Marigold • Pansies

• Snapdragon • Sunflowers • Zinnia

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

RESOURCES

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Annuals that attract

Ladybugs

• Alyssum • Nasturtium • Geranium • Marigolds

B

eginning gardeners may be surprised to learn that not all beetles are pests. There is a type of beetle that is actually beneficial to the garden because it eats certain bugs that are pests. This beetle is commonly called the "ladybug," also referred to as the "ladybird beetle" or "lady beetle."

There is more than one type of ladybug. Hippodamia convergens is one that is native to North America. If you find plants in your yard covered with sooty mold and/or ants, the true culprit may be one of the sucking insect pests, such as aphids. Detecting and fighting these pests can cause you a lot of extra landscape maintenance. Ladybugs can help you with this work because they eat such pests. Luckily, there are plants that you can grow to attract these beneficial insects to your garden.

Hippodamia convergens offers a welcome change of pace. Rather than eating your plants, these ladybugs eat some of the pests that do eat your plants. As a bonus, even the larvae of ladybugs eat garden pests. Just one ladybug can eat 5,000 aphids in its lifetime. Pests that these ladybugs eat include: • Asparagus beetles (Crioceris asparagi; ladybugs eat their eggs and/or larvae) • Green peach or "peach-potato" aphids (Myzus persicae) • Potato psyllids (Bactericera cockerell) • Spider mites (Tetranychus spp.)

Keeping Ladybugs in Your Garden Another way to get ladybugs to come to your garden is to make sure they have enough bugs to eat. While it may seem counterproductive, leaving aphids and other pests alone will help with attracting ladybugs. It may be helpful to plant decoy plants that will attract and provide aphids while you keep your desired plants bug free.

Plants that can be used as aphid-attracting decoy plants include: early cabbage, marigold nasturtium (these are aphids’ favorite) and radish.

Place shallow plates of water in your garden so ladybugs will stay to drink. You can also place ladybug houses (available in the Gasper Garden Center) in your garden to provide a home for your ladybugs.

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DELAWARE VALLEY’S GARDEN CENTER DESTINATION & PREMIER DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY

RESOURCES

Selecting the Perfect Annuals

Annuals that are

Deer-Resistant

W

e know how severe of a problem deer browsing is for many of you. Please note that no plant is 100% ‘deer proof’. A starving deer with eat anything! Generally, these ‘resistant’ plants either have rough, thorny stems or a bitter taste or strong scent.

• Alyssum • Angelonia • Bidens • California Poppy • Cleome • Dusty Miller • Euphorbia Marginata

• Gazania • Geranium • Helenium • Heliotrope • Lantana • Marigolds • Nicotiana Polka Dot Plant

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• Rudbeckia Hirta (annual) • Salvia Farinacea (Blue Salvia) • Snapdragon • Strawflower • Verbena • Flowering Vinca • Zinnia

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We are very proud of our work and what our many satisfied customers have to say about the Gasper experience. Contact us today to discuss how Gasper can help you with your next project.

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