Expert: C.L. Fornari - 4/5/2007

Question
Hi there,
Is there a flower with large blooms, similar to peony poppies, that gives flowers all throughout the spring and summer? Thanks!

Answer
C,
Well, the short answer is no....I can't think of any plant that has large flowers similar to a peony that blooms all summer.  Annuals bloom longer than perennials, but most of them start blooming in late June and then flower either until frost or between six to eight weeks.  Dahlias have the largest, showiest flowers of all of the annuals, but they are in bloom from late July into September depending on how early you have a frost in your area.  This is why it's desirable to have a mix of early blooming perennials, such as peonies and poppies, and later blooming annuals, so that the garden always has flowers.

If you like large, showy flowers, do plant some Dahlia bulbs this spring.  The larger varieties of Zinnias are also showy, and you'd probably like Cosmos as well.

all the best,
C.L.