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Annual Plants

Late Summer Color: Plants to Brighten Your Garden

by Gregory April 26, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Late Summer Color: Plants to Brighten Your Garden

Introduction

Looking to add some vibrant color to your garden in late summer and autumn? Check out these fabulous plants that will keep your borders blooming all season long. There are options for every color scheme and growing condition, whether you have pots or borders.

Flowering Plants for Late Summer

Tulbaghia violacea: This South African perennial blooms from mid-summer to autumn, with pale pink clusters of bell-shaped flowers.
Single dahlias: These dahlias come in a wide range of colors and shapes, and they’re a great source of nectar for pollinators.
Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Atrosanguinea’: This vigorous and reliable plant forms a large clump with pointed leaves and produces breezy spikes of crimson flowers from midsummer to autumn.
Rudbeckia ‘Cherry Brandy’: Known for its deep rich crimson flowers, this plant blooms in late summer and lasts well as a cut flower.
Salvia x jamensis Raspberry Royale: These short, shrubby salvias have vibrant flowers that attract bees and smell heavenly.
Penstemon ‘Raven’: With dark burgundy-purple flowers held on long stems, this perennial is a favorite for late summer color.
Calibrachoa: These trailing plants look like mini petunias and come in an array of colors, perfect for baskets and containers.
Tithonia ‘Torch’: These annuals have huge, rich-orange flowers held high on delicate stems, making them a standout in late summer borders.
Anemone hupehensis ‘Splendens’: Japanese anemones bring a welcome splash of color in late summer and early autumn, with bold pink petals surrounding a vibrant yellow center.
Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’: Hydrangeas are a classic choice for late summer, with their large, calming white flower heads.

Tips for Choosing Plants

Consider your color scheme and the growing conditions in your garden.
Choose plants that will bloom at different times to extend your season of color.
Don’t forget to include plants that attract pollinators.
If you have limited space, consider growing plants in pots or containers.

With these fabulous plants, you can enjoy a beautiful and colorful garden all through late summer and autumn.

Flower Gardening

Night-Scented Stock: A Fragrant Flower for Your Garden

by Donna October 7, 2022

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Night-Scented Stock: A Fragrant Addition to Your Garden

Introduction

Night-scented stock, also known as evening stock, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow annual plant that adds a touch of old-fashioned charm and delightful fragrance to any garden. Its fragrant flowers bloom in the late evening, attracting night-flying moths and filling the air with a sweet perfume.

Characteristics

Night-scented stock is characterized by its simple four-petalled flowers in shades of white, lilac, or pink. These flowers are borne on slender gray-green stems with long, narrow leaves. The plant grows up to 2 feet tall and is hardy in most climates.

Growing Night-Scented Stock

Night-scented stock is best grown from seed sown directly into the garden in full sun or dappled shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil that is not highly acidic. To sow the seeds, simply scatter them across the soil and rake them in lightly. Water the seeds well, and they will germinate in 10 days to three weeks.

Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out to about 8 inches apart. Night-scented stock is prone to falling over, so you may want to plant other hardy annuals nearby to provide support, such as nigella, cornflowers, or poppies.

Care

Night-scented stock requires very little care. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells. They will flower about six to eight weeks after sowing and will continue to bloom for three weeks. To extend the display, make several sowings at three-week intervals.

Harvesting Seeds

After the flowers fade, seedpods will form. Allow the seedpods to ripen and dry out on the plant before harvesting them. Remove the seeds from the pods and store them in a cool, dry place.

Companion Plants

To enhance the beauty and support of night-scented stock, consider planting it with other hardy annuals that bloom at a similar time, such as:

Nigella
Cornflowers
Poppies
Sweet alyssum
Calendula

Pests and Diseases

Night-scented stock is generally problem-free, but it can be susceptible to slugs and snails. Protect young plants by using slug bait or barriers.

Buying Night-Scented Stock

Night-scented stock is available to grow from seed or from plug plants. When buying plants, always check for signs of damage or disease.

Conclusion

Night-scented stock is a delightful and easy-to-grow plant that adds fragrance, beauty, and charm to any garden. Its sweet perfume, attractive flowers, and low maintenance make it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Gardening

Annual Plants: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

by Gregory January 5, 2022

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Annual Plants: A Guide for Beginners

Annual plants are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season. They are typically grown from seed and will bloom for a few months before dying back in the fall. Annuals are a great way to add color and interest to your garden, and they are relatively easy to care for.

Types of Annual Plants

There are many different types of annual plants, including:

Bedding plants: These are plants that are typically grown in containers or hanging baskets. They are often used to add color to patios, decks, and other outdoor areas.
Cleome: These plants have tall, slender stems with clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers. They are a popular choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
Cosmos: These plants have daisy-like flowers that come in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, orange, and white. They are a good choice for attracting pollinators.
Impatiens: These plants have large, showy flowers that come in a variety of colors. They are a good choice for shady areas.
Marigold: These plants have bright, yellow or orange flowers. They are a good choice for repelling pests.
Petunia: These plants have trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors. They are a popular choice for hanging baskets and containers.
Salvia: These plants have spikes of brightly colored flowers. They are a good choice for attracting hummingbirds.
Snapdragon: These plants have tall, slender stems with clusters of brightly colored flowers. They are a good choice for cutting gardens.
Viola: These plants have small, heart-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors. They are a good choice for shady areas.
Zinnia: These plants have daisy-like flowers that come in a variety of colors. They are a good choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

How to Choose Annual Plants

When choosing annual plants, it is important to consider the following factors:

The amount of sunlight your garden receives
The size of your garden
The type of soil you have
Your personal preferences

Caring for Annual Plants

Annual plants are relatively easy to care for. They need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather. They also need to be fertilized every few weeks. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) will help to encourage new blooms.

With proper care, annual plants will provide you with months of beautiful blooms.