Fun and Wacky Annuals

Abutilon megapotamicum ‘Chinese Lantern’ (Flowering Maple) – A low spreading plant, growing to 24” across in one season.  Dark green leaves are mottled with yellow, and provide the backdrop for the 1” red, yellow and black bell-shaped flowers.  Best grown in full sun, well-drained soils.

Abutilon x ‘Fire Glow’ (Flowering Maple) – Spreading and cascading up to 2-3’, this form features clean yellow petals and a bright red calyx.

Abutilon x ‘Huntington Pink’ (Flowering Maple) – Another great upright growing form to 24” tall, with an abundance of light pink bell-shaped flowers with garnet throats.  Best grown in full sun, well-drained soils.

Abutilon x ‘Paisley’ (Flowering Maple)A vigorously growing plant, reaching 3-4’ in one season!  The large foliage is green and gold, and provides a great backdrop to the orange blooms.

Abutilon x ‘Tiber’s Red’ (Flowering Maple) – A sprawling habit, with bright red flowers.

Aeonium arboreum ‘Tricolor’ (Moroccan Aeonium) – Forms variegated rosettes atop stems to 30" in height. Rosettes are 5" or more in diameter!  Full sun and excellent drainage are needed.

Agastache ‘Tutti Frutti’- The orange pink flowers appear on spikes from May to frost.  The foliage has the delicious fragrance of bubble gum, which also aids in keeping the deer at bay!  A tender perennial, growing to 24-30” in full sun and well drained soils.

Alocasia longiloba (Elephant Ears) – Growing to 3-4’, the plants have gray-green arrow shaped leaves on speckled stems.  Best in light shade.

Alpina zerumbet (Shell Ginger) –Attractive white variegated streaks on large, tropical appearing foliage.  Plants grow best in light shade and can be used either as a container plant or in mixed planting as a focal point.

Alternanthera ficoidea ‘Yellow Fine Leaf’ (Blood Leaf) – A compact habit with a very fine, almost thread-like yellow leaf with bits of green.  Looks great on the edge of a container!  Full sun is ideal for best coloration. 

Angelonia angustifolia ‘Serena Purple’ – An annual that provides light purple color and an attractive habit through October.  Growing to 18” tall, the plants do best in full sun and in soils that are not prone to drought, although it will tolerate short periods of drought.

Asclepias curassavica (Scarlet Milkweed) – Very slender and upright, this native to South Africa is easy to mix into the perennial or mixed border.  Bright red and yellow flowers appear from mid summer through frost.  Attractive to numerous pollinators and it is also a host plant for Monarch butterflies to lay their eggs!  Full sun, well drained soils.

Begonia boliviensis ‘Bonfire’ – A more vigorous, upright, yet still tight growing Begonia, Bonfire will easily grow to 24” in one season.  The plant is covered with bright red/orange flowers throughout the summer, complimenting the dark green foliage which is margined in dark red.

Begonia ‘Boston Cherries and Chocolate’ – Very wide, dark burgundy leaves that are dotted and splashed with pink. 

Begonia bowerae ‘Nigromarga’ (Eyelash Begonia) – An attractively compact specie growing to 5-6” tall with 2” mint green leaves with brown blotches.  Pale pink flowers are held up on thin stems throughout the summer.  Makes a great House Plant as well!

Begonia ‘Chicago Fire’ – An elongated leaf, mostly bright pinkish red and having a dark green border, veining and central splash.

Begonia ‘Escargot’ – A very attractive Begonia with silvery and dark moss green leaves, spiraling into a splendid snail shape!

Begonia fuchsioides – Fuchsia Begonia – Growing 12-16” tall and wide in a season, the plant has a cascading effect, and looks great in containers.  Covered with pink flowers all summer.

Begonia ‘Ice Storm’ – Mid green leaves dotted with little specks of white make the leaf appear lightly covered with confectionary sugar.  Clean green markings along the veins add a textural effect.  Grows to 18” in one season.

Begonia incise ‘Fern Leaf Begonia’ – Growing as a small, well-branched shrub and having very delicate, lacy fern-like foliage resembling a Japanese Maple leaf.  Reddish stems and pale pink flowers.  It needs a shady, protected location for best performance.

Begonia ‘Merlot’  – A great foliage plant, covered with 6” long by 1 ½” wide leaves that are deep burgundy, or Merlot in color.  Light pink flowers are produced to compliment the foliage.

Begonia convolulacea ‘Shield Leaf’ – A large Begonia with a semi-cascading habit growing to2-3’ in the shady garden.  Leaves are 12” in diameter, with large white panicles of flowers held well above the foliage throughout the summer.

Brugmansia – If you like LARGE trumpet shaped flowers in yellow or pink, this is your plant!  Growing to 5-6’ tall, the plants are best located in full sun and well-drained soils.  The flowers appear beneath the foliage continually from June to frost. A great conversation piece for the garden.

Caladium ‘Bi Color’ – Dark purple leaves with rose pink specks throughout.  Growing to 30” in height, it will grow best in light shade in fertile soils that are not allowed to dry out excessively.

Caladium ‘Florida Sweetheart’ – Pink foliage, with deep pink veins and a light green margin.  A great foliage plant for the shady container, it grows to 15” in height.

Caladium ‘Miss Muffet’ – Wavy foliage with white and green overtones, accented by red freckles!  

Canna ‘Orange Punch’ – Green foliage to 4’ with pendulous bright orange flowers floating over the top of the foliage.  Ideal for containers or planting in a mixed border.

Canna ‘Pretoria’ – A really fun and colorful Canna for containers, bedding or mixed borders.  The 6-8’ tall green foliage is striped with light gold, providing a bright and stunning tropical effect.  Orange flowers throughout the summer compliment the gold striped foliage.  In general, Cannas are best planted in full sun in soils that do not dry out excessively; Cannas can tolerate standing water.

Canna ‘Stuttgart’ – This plant is defined by its very narrow foliage that is heavily splashed and stripped with white variegation.  Stuttgart is best grown in light shade in moist soils, a container without a drainage hole, or in a bog garden.  Very cool plant.

Cestrum nocturnum (Night Blooming Jasmine) – A tender shrub with arching branches that grows to 3’ in height.  Becomes covered with chartreuse tubular bells that are intensely fragrant at night.  Grown best in full sun and well-drained, fertile soils.

Cissus discolor – Rex Begonia Vine – Growing easily to 4’+, this foliage plant has deep purple leaves splashed with silver and black.  Grows best in sun, but will tolerate shade.  Soils should be well drained but evenly moist and fertile.

Coleus (Coleus) – There will be many different varieties from which to choose!  Although Coleus was typically considered a shade plant, the new forms develop their best color and form in full sun.  These selections are great for containers or bedding.  Some of my personal favorites include:‘Stormy Weather’ – Moss green foliage with burgundy and pink variegation.

Cuphea ‘David Verity’ (Cigar or Firecracker Plant) – One-inch long bright orange flowers that decorate this shrubby annual from late spring to frost.  The flowers are tubular in shape and with their white tip resemble small cigars.  Full sun and average soils.  

Dianella tasmanica ‘Variegata Alba’ (White Variegated Dianella) – Grass-like foliage that can reach 20” in height with distinct ivory variegation along the leaf edge.  Sprays of blue flowers look delightful against the foliage.  Full sun to light shade.

Dipladenia ‘My Fair Lady’ (Mandevilla) – A shrubby vine, growing to 2-3’ in height with light pink Trumpet shaped flowers with a yellow throat.  Soil should be rich and well drained, in a full sun or partially shaded location.

Dipladenia ‘Red Ridding Hood’ (Mandevilla) – Similar to the above, but the flowers are bright pink!

Dolichos lablab – Hyacinth Bean – A great annual vine that doubles as an ornamental and an eatable!  Purple pods follow attractive pink flowers, providing interest from July through October.  When picked young, the tender pods are great as a stir-fry.  Introduced by Thomas Jefferson. 

Duranta aurea ‘Variegata’ (Duranta) – The golden yellow leaves are banded with green, which make this low spreading annual (actually a tender sub-shrub) ideal for edging beds or containers.   Provide a spot in full sun and well-drained soils.

Echeveria nudolosa – Rosettes of small green waxy leaves that are streaked with red.  Perfect for a well-drained container in full sun.

Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnburg’ (Echeveria) – A lover of dry and hot locations in the garden, as well as a great addition to the container garden.  Pale-gray, nicely textured leaves.

Ensete ventricosum ‘Tandarra Red’ (Red Abyssinian Banana) – Huge waxy green and red leaves with purple margins and veins.  Perfect for providing that lush tropical flair to the garden.

Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’ – A bushy, yet spreading plant, growing up to 12-16” tall by the start of autumn.  It bases small dainty, pure white flowers that are borne on thin stems giving it an airy, hazy appearance.  Blooms non-stop for the entire summer.  Performs best in full sun, well-drained soils.

Eucomis purpurea (Pineapple Lily) – Large purple strap-like foliage provide a very architectural element to a container or the mixed/annual border.  Pink blooms provide a long period of interest and do resemble a pineapple!  Full to part sun, well drained soils.

Fuchsia ‘Mrs. J. D. Frederick’ (Fuchsia) – Numerous small pink flowers upon green foliage.  Best grown in light shade, in soils that do not frequently become dry.

Fuchsia magellanica ‘Gartenmeister’ (Fuchsia) – Bright coral pink, long tubular flowers are set off by the dark green foliage.  A great plant for attracting Hummingbirds. best grown in light shade, in soilsthat do not frequently become dry.

Fuchsia magellanica ‘Versicolor’ (Fuchsia) – A semi-cascading form of Fuchsia.  The new foliage is bordered in bright pink, which gradually changes to a creamy white as the leaf matures.  Best grown in light shade, in soils that do not frequently become dry. 

Gomphocarpus (Asclepias) physcocarpus (Balloon Flower, Hairy Balls) – Growing to 42-48” tall in a season, the plant produces white and pink hanging flowers in from June to frost that serve as a butterfly magnet!  Come later summer, the inflated sacs that cover the seed pods are produced, adding yet another ornamental as well as whimsical aspect to this plant.  Full sun, well-drained sites.

Homalocladium platycladum (Ribbon Plant) – Interesting for its flat, segmented leafless stems – it makes a very stunning specimen or novelty plant for the combination planter.  Grows to 2-3’ in one season, plant in part shade to full sun.  Also serves very well as a houseplant. 

Impatiens niamnianmensis ‘Congo Cockatoo’ – A very interesting wild species type of impatiens.  The really cool 1 ¼” sickle shaped bright yellow flowers look as if the tips were dipped in brilliant red pain.  Another interesting characteristic is that not only do the flowers appear on the growing tips, but all along the black stems!  Grows 16-18” tall and performs best in light shade.

Iresine ‘Purple Lady’ – Beefsteak Plant – Deep purple leaves, which are iridescent in the late day sun.  Full sun, light shade, height of 8”.

Kalanchoe pumila ‘Dwarf Blue’ – A compact growing succulent, Dwarf Blue has an easy to use and combine silvery powder blue coloration.  Indispensable in sunny, well-drained containers, its fleshy 2” leaves add texture as well as color.  If brought in for the winter, it will delight you with little panicles of light pink blooms!   Only grows to 6-8” in height.

Kalanchoe thrysifolia (Kalanchoe) – A larger growing Kalanchoe with 6” paddle shaped silver-blue leaves with a touch of red along the margin.  Full sun, well drained, gritty soils.  Easy to overwinter in a sunny window, the plants will produce a tall silvery flower spike in late fall/winter with fragrant yellow blooms nestled atop!Often featured in the succulent garden at Rutgers Gardens.

Lantana ‘Pink Caprice (Lantana) – Similar to the above, but the flowers are entirely pink.

Laurentia axillaris ‘Blue Stars’ – One inch blue flowers appear over this spreading plant.  The finely cut foliage reaches a height of 10-12”.  Ideal plant for containers or bedding.

Leonotis leonurus (Lion’s Ear) – Growing to 2-3’ in one season, this is a great plant for mid-summer and fall flowering.  The plant produces whorls of orange flowers that literally resemble a lion’s ear!  Provide full sun and well-drained soils.  This is a great plant for massing in beds.

Lotus berthelotii ‘Parrot’s Beak’ (Lotus Vine) – A great plant for foliage!  The soft gray foliage is needle-like, and covers this sprawling plant.  Best grown in full sun and well-drained soils.  If taken in during the winter, it will produce orange, beak shaped flowers in February and March.

Lysimachia congestifolia ‘Outback Sunset’ – A great foliage plant!  The leaves have shades of yellow, chartreuse, pink and cream, growing to 12” in height.  Light yellow flowers.  Full sun to light shade.

Nerium oleander ‘Variegata’ – Very long foliage that is marked with streaks of yellow makes this very exciting addition to the garden.  Double pink flowers help to make this a ‘must have’ plants until know. 

Nicotiana sylvestris (Flowering Tobacco) – White fragrant flowers open at dusk and do not fade until the following afternoon when another group of flowers open.  Growing to 4’ tall, this dependable annual provides color from early July to frost.  Leaves are large, providing a nice textural contrast to other plants.  Great in the mixed border!Commonly featured in the DBL garden at Rutgers Gardens.

Oxalis deppei ‘Iron Cross’ (Good Luck Plant) – Deep purple markings highlight the junction of the four heart shaped leaves.

Origanum dicatmnus ‘Dittany of Crete’ (Oregano) – This oregano has silver foliage and beautiful hop-like foliage that is typical of the species.  Great in containers or garden areas where they receive full sun and good drainage.

Pennisetum ‘Prince’ (Prince Purple Fountain Grass) – Growing to nearly 6’ tall, this dark purple grass resembles a Phormium much more so than it does a grass!  A great backdrop plant for those hot, dry and full sun garden locations.

Pelargonium (Annual Geraniums)

Pelargonium zonale ‘Crystal Palace Gem’ (Fancy Leaved Geranium) – Fancy chartreuse leaves with irregular green zones, toped by coral flowers.  Named after the glass house of the 1857 plant exhibition in England.

Pelargonium zonale ‘Happy Thought’ (Fancy Leaved Geranium) – Medium green leaf with a light yellow central zone.  Flowers are cherry red in color.

Pelargonium ‘Indian Dune’ Fancy Leaved Geraniu - Chartreuse leaves with a deep orange-red central pattern.

Pelargonium ‘Mrs. Peters’ (Fancy Leaved Geranium) – White edged foliage with dark green centers and pale pink flowers.

Pelargonium ‘Persian Queen’ (Fancy Leaved Geranium) – Clear lime green leaves make this a great foliage addition to the container or bedding scheme.  Single orange flowers appear throughout the summer.

Plectranthus amboinicus ‘Green Heart’ (Plectranthus) – Light green splashes in the center of the aromatic leaves provide a nice contrast to the dark green margin.  This is a trailing plant, suitable for edging a border or trailing over a container.  The plants are very easy to grow; tolerant of full sun to light shade, average to dry soil conditions.

Plectranthus discolor ‘Green and Gold’ – Bright yellow (gold) foliage with green splashes and lines in the center of the leaves allows this plant to provide great background color for flowers.  A trailing plant, it is easy to grow in a variety of soil and light conditions.

Ricinus communis (Castor Bean) – A sensational texture plant for the back of the mixed or annual border.  Plants can reach up to 8-10’ in height in one season, with the large purple palmate leaves reaching up to 1’ across!  Plant in full sun in soil that is enriched with organic matter.  Please note:  the plant is poisonous if eaten.

Salvias   Here is a fantastic group of plants that many people have yet to discover, or they merely consider Salvias to be short and red!  Culturally, they only request full sun and a soil that is not excessively wet.  In return, they will provide you with a long period of bloom, beautifully shaped flowers, often good height and stature, and attractive foliage!

Salvia argentea (Silver Salvia) – A biennial, this plant produces tremendous silver rosettes of foliage during its first year, and attractive white flowers on 2-4’ stems during the second year.  If the flowers are deadheaded and seeding is prevented, it will often live for more than 2 years.

Salvia coccinea ‘Lady in Red’ – Growing to 18” tall, the brilliant red flowers appear on sturdy stems from June to frost.  A plant that looks great right up to a hard frost.

Salvia coccinea ‘Hummingbird White’ – Similar to the above but the flowers are white.

Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage) – The wonderful pineapple scented foliage is great used fresh or dry as seasoning, especially in fish or chicken dishes.  In late September, scarlet red flowers are produced that are truly stunning for fall color.  Featured in the butterfly section of the vegetable garden at Rutgers Gardens.

Salvia guaranitica ‘Argentine Skies’ – Growing to 5’ tall, Argentine Skies produces light blue flowers from late June to frost.  The foliage is a light green, and can easily work with either yellows or blues in the garden.

Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ – Dwarf form of S. guaranitica with a black calyx and the typical gentian blue flower.

Salvia x ‘Indigo Spires’ – Up to 18” long flower spikes atop 4-6’ tall plants!  Wow!  Deep violet blue flowers from mid summer to frost, with the color of the flowers deepening with the cooler nights.

Salvia interrupta ‘Waverly’ – Beautiful lavender pink flowers that are ‘fuzzy’ appear on this 4’ tall plant from June to frost.   

Salvia leucantha – Beginning to bloom in September, the wait is well worth your time!  The plant produces violet rose-colored flowers with a complimentary purple colored calyx or base.  Each plant produces well over 100 flower stalks, making it a standout for the late summer and autumn garden.

Salvia mexicana ‘Tula’ – Growing to nearly 6’ tall, the plant produces deep gentian blue flowers with a glowing chartreuse base.  Outrageous!  Flowers from September to frost.

Salvia splendens ‘Louie’s Orange Delight’ – Blooming from June to frost, this plant produces brilliant orange red flowers from June to frost.

Scarlet Runner Bean – Yes, I have not been able to find a botanical name!  However, what a great vine!  Growing to over 10’ tall, the bright red flowers are ornamental all summer.  The beans are good used as a snap, shell or dry bean.  Used by native American Indians.

Setaria palmifolia ‘Rubra’ (Palm Grass) – A tropical grass with a wonderful dark green pleated leaf blade.  The leaves are attached to a deep burgundy stem that is segmented much like that of a bamboo.  A great addition to containers or as a focal point in the garden.

Solanum purpureum – Easily growing to 3’ in one season, this plant always draws many “Wow!” and “What is that?” comments from visitors to Rutgers Gardens.  The stems and undersides of the leaf are covered with dark purple thorns which makes the plant sound horrific, but it is really cool!  Small yellow flowers give rise to ornamental orange fruits come the fall.  Will self sow, but is certainly not weedy.  Full sun, well-drained soils.Often appears in the DBL and Otken Garden at Rutgers Gardens.

Solanum quitoense (Lulu) – Maturing to a height of 2-4’ in one season, this unusual annual is grown primarily for the foliage.  The large, 18” long green leaves have interesting purple venation, which are studded with orange thorns!  The orange fruit is eaten fresh in Peru and also made into beverages. Often grown in the Otken Memorial Garden or the DBL Garden at Rutgers Gardens.

Talinum paniculatum (Jewels of Opar) – A basal rosette of fleshy, chartreuse leaves gives rise to wiry thin stems and small pink flowers.  The true show starts when the red bead-like fruits are produced and appear to float in mid air over the foliage.  Best grown in mixed borders or the annual garden. Full sun, well drained soils.   Often grown in the Otken Memorial Garden at Rutgers Gardens.

Tibouchina urvilleana (Princess Flower) – Very cool and exotic magenta purple flowers cover this 4-5’ tall tropical all summer until frost.  The soft and fuzzy foliage provides a nice compliment.

Tradescantia spathacea ‘Tricolor’ (Variegated Dayflower) – Long slender leaves to 5” are striped with pale pink, cream and green.  To further accent the foliage, the undersides are a beautiful complimentary purple.  A spreading plant, it is ideal for covering large areas in a bed or trailing over a container.  Performs well in sun or shade.

Tradescantia palida ‘Variegata’ (Variegated Dayflower) – Similar shaped foliage and habit as the above.  The foliage is deep purple, raspberry purple, and pale pink.  A gorgeous color combination!

More Annuals

This is just a smattering of the many types of annuals that will be available in 4” pots or flats.

Ageratum ‘Hawaii Blue’

Alyssum ‘Snow Crystals’

Angelonia ‘Arcelia Pink’

Bacopa ‘Candy Floss Blue’

 ‘Giant White Showers’

             ‘Gulliver White’

Begonia ‘Big Greenleaf Red

‘Doublet Pink’

‘Doublet Red’

‘Doublet White’

‘Dragon Wing Pink’ 

‘Dragon Wing Red’

‘Ikon Blush White’

‘Non Stop Apricot’

‘Non Stop Deep Red’

‘Non Stop Golden Orange’

‘Non Stop Mocca Pink’

‘Non Stop Mocca White’

‘Non Stop Yellow’

Brachycombe ‘Jumbo Mauve’

Calibrachoa ‘Colorburst Pro Blue’

‘Colorburst Pro Red’

‘Colorburst Pro White’

‘Million Bells Red’

‘Million Bells Trailing Blue’

Canna ‘Tropical Rose’

Catharanthus  ‘Cooler Grape’

                        ‘Cooler Lavender Halo’

‘Cooler Peppermint’

‘Cora Apricot’

‘Mediterranean Strawberry’

‘Pacific Burgundy Halo’

‘Pacific Punch’

‘Sunstorm Mix’

‘Titan Lavender Blue Halo’

Celosia ‘Castle Pink’

‘Fresh Look Gold’

‘Fresh Look Orange’

‘New Look Scarlet’

Cleome ‘Sparkler Blush’

Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’

Evolvulus ‘Blue Haze’

Geranium  ‘Blizzard White’

‘Catalina’

‘Global Light Lavender’

‘Global Pink Pearl’

‘Global Purple’

‘Mrs. Pollack’

‘Patriot Bright Red’

‘Patriot Bright Violet’

‘Patriot Cranberry Red’

‘Patriot Salmon Chic’

Helichrysum petiolare ‘Lemon’

‘Limelight’

‘Petite’

‘White’

Impatien ‘Accent Pink’

‘Dazzler Cranberry’

‘Dazzler Salmon’

‘Dazzler Violet’

‘Double Pink’

‘Double Purple’

‘Impulse White’

‘Fiesta de Peppermint’

‘Showstopper Deep Orange’

‘Stardust Mix’

‘Super Elfin Coral’

‘Super Elfin Lipstick’

‘Super Elfin Pastel Mix’

‘Super Elfin Punch’

‘Super Elfin White’

‘Swirl Coral’

‘Xtreme Rose’

‘Xtreme White’

Impatien (New Guinea) ‘Harmony Magenta’

‘Harmony Orange Blaze’

‘Harmony Orange Cream’

‘Harmony Salmon’

‘Paradise Lavender Blue’

‘Paradise Pink Frost’

‘Pure Beauty Light Rose’

‘Pure Beauty Violet’

Ipomea ‘Caroline Lime’

             ‘Marguerite’

             ‘Tricolor’

Nemesia ‘Art Angel Almond’

‘Art Angel Orange’

‘Art Angel Raspberry’

Nicotiana ‘Saratoga Mix’

Pentas ‘New Look Red’

Petunia   ‘Carpet Sky Blue’

‘Cascadia Bicolor Fantasy’

‘Cascadia Bicolor Purple’

‘Cascadia Improved Charlie’

‘Dreams Red’

‘Madness Midnight’

‘Madness White’

‘Ramblin Nu blue’

   ‘Tidal Wave Silver’

   ‘Wave Blue’

‘Wave Lavender’

‘Wave Misty Lilac’

‘Wave Purple’

‘Wave Rose’

‘Wave Shell Pink’

Portulaca ‘Sunseeker Mix’

‘Summer Joy Apricot’

‘Summer Joy Wine Red’

Salvia  ‘Blue Bedder’

‘Empire Lilac’

‘Empire Salmon’

‘Flare’

‘Vista Lavendar’

‘Vista Red’

Scaevola ‘White Fan’

               ‘Purple Fan’

Torenia ‘Blue Moon’

‘Clown Blue’

‘Clown Burgundy’

‘Clown Violet’

Verbena  ‘Homestead Purple’

   ‘Tropical Breeze Crimson’

‘Tropical Breeze Dark Blue’

‘Tropical Breeze Deep Purple’

‘Tropical Mist Salmon Pink’

Vinca major ‘Variegata’

                     ‘Wojo’s Gem’

Zinnia  ‘Magellen Cherry’

‘Profusion Cherry’

‘Profusion Orange’

‘Profusion White’

            ‘Star Gold’

‘Star Orange’

‘Zahara Yellow’

Last Modified: 10/28/2009, rugardens@njaes.rutgers.edu.
©2008 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey