Expert: C.L. Fornari - 4/20/2006

Question
Looking for suggestions for unusual annuals that provide flowers throughout the summer.  These flower boxes are in our town of Branchville NJ and they are subject to all day sun.

We are located in Northern New Jersey

Answer
You asked for unusual, so that's what I'm suggesting.  Note that unusual plants don't come in six-packs, but only in 4" pots, so they are more expensive.

Cuphea (cigar plant) - neat mounds of small orange or pink flowers that attract hummingbirds.  The variety called Mexican Heather is also good - pink or white.  Flowers are small but no work and nice foliage so they always look good, especaially mixed with other plants.

Red Riding Hood Mandevilla - a short variety with bright pink flowers with yellow throats - to 18" high and non-stop bloomers with no deadheading.

Scaevola - lavender or white, cascading show of color with no deadheading.  One of the best annuals there is for bedding or in containers.

Banana plants - yes! dwarf bananas are great in windowboxes - grow to about 18" high that year.

"Purple Heart" (setcresia) Dark purple foliage and lavender flowers - slightly cascading - stunning with other plants, and drought and heat tolerant.

The Profusion Series of Zinnias - pink and apricot are especailly nice - short mounds of non-stop flowers.  Better with deadheading, but OK if not.

Purple fountain grass - an annual grass with purple leaves and pinkish plumes - to 2' tall, so for big boxes only.

"Fiber Optic Grass" - bright green short grass with yellow seed-like structures on the ends.  Annual grass grows to 8" high.

Better known but always a winner: Wave Petunias - stand back and watch them bloom!

Mail order sources of unusual annuals: Singing Springs Nursery and Avant Gardens. (links on my website)

Hints for success - Use all new soil in the boxes - no filler in the bottom.  If using moisture crystals use only the amount recommended and mix it in well.  Use a combination of time-release fertilizer (proven winners or osmocote) AND some organic fertilizer (such as Flowertone) - the organic will start feeding when the time-release stops.

For hints on watering, see my website.
I hope this helps!
C.L.
www.gardenlady.com