This time of year, in the Triad, the rain, plants, and mulch make the area look lush and wonderful. If you’re like me, you’re struggling with this ongoing drought. We may be in a drought, but with proper watering, you can still achieve a colorful landscape. Our nursery here in King is full of all different colors. You’ve spent the winter looking at a yard that’s mostly shades of “dormant brown,” and you’re ready for a change of color that doesn’t take three years to grow in.
You probably want color, and you wanted it yesterday. That’s where our favorite “quick-fix” annuals come in.
Why Annuals Are Your Best Friend
Perennials, like coneflowers and peonies, can be a big investment that often takes several seasons to reach their full size. Annuals, however, come to the party ready to dance. They grow fast, bloom heavily, and bring some instant gratification to the color we were missing in the cold and dark months, and in times of drought, the colors may take some extra watering to maintain their colorful growing habits when we are not getting any rain.
The beauty of annuals is their work ethic. Because they only have one or two seasons to make an impression and drop their seeds, they put every ounce of their energy into producing flowers. Some perennials might bloom for a week or two and then go green for the rest of the year, a well-fed annual is blooming from April until the first hard frost, a lot of times.
A Triad Spring
If you want a yard that begs for attention when you pass by, these are the five best growing spring and summer annuals. Here’s how to handle them like a pro.
- Impatiens: The Shade Grower
If you have a porch that rarely sees the sun or a spot under a big oak tree where nothing seems to thrive, you need Impatiens. Begonias will also tolerate the shade and are more drought-resistant.
- Pro-Tip: Most people overwater these because they’re in the shade and won’t dry out as quickly. Don’t. Let the top inch of soil get dry to the touch before you give it a drink.
- Vinca: The Heat Grower
When the summer heat and humidity hit in North Carolina and other flowers are looking “tired,” Vinca is just getting started. They have glossy, dark green leaves that look polished, and they are resistant to pests. These can do well in spots where you may have had pansies or violas; they grow in the opposite season.
- Pro-Tip: Patience is a virtue here. Do not plant Vinca too early. If the soil is still chilly (below 60 degrees), they’ll catch a fungal “damping off” and turn yellow. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to put these in the ground. They want the heat, so you know it’s ok to give it to them where other flowers may have failed.
- Portulaca: The Sun Seeker
We all have spots that can bake in the sun. Portulaca (or Sea of Roses) loves it there, thriving in poor, dry soil. They have needle-like leaves that hold water, and their blooms look like miniature neon roses.
- Pro-Tip: They actually close up when the sun goes down or on very cloudy days. Plant these in a spot where you’ll see them during the daytime, because they’ll be closed up for the night when it gets dark.
- Marigolds: The Vegetable Protector
Marigolds are the classic garden flower, and they’ve earned that spot for a good reason. They come in many colors and are beyond tough. Beyond their looks, their scent and roots actually help deter certain pests (nematodes) and confused hungry bugs.
- Pro-Tip: If you’re planting a backyard tomato patch this year, tuck a border of Marigolds around the edges. They will act as security guards. Make sure to “deadhead” (pinch off) the dried-up blooms, and this will keep the plant going until the freeze hits.
- Petunias: The High-Impact Grower
Modern Petunias, like the “Wave” or “Color Rush” series, don’t need you to pluck off every single dead flower to keep blooming. They’ll trail down a hanging basket for three feet if you let them.
- Pro-Tip: Around late-June, petunias in baskets often get “leggy” (long, stringy stems with just a few flowers at the end). Don’t be afraid to give them a “haircut.” Take a pair of scissors and snip off the top third of the plant. It feels wrong, but in ten days, you’ll have a flush of bushy new growth with more flowers. Petunias in the ground shouldn’t need to be pruned.
The Secret Sauce
Before you dig in, remember that your plants are only as happy as the dirt they live in. If you’re planting in pots, don’t skimp. Buy a high-quality potting mix that feels light and fluffy; if it’s heavy like topsoil, your roots will suffocate. You will want to fertilize your plants in the spring, summer, and fall.
And as for watering? Do it early. Giving your plants a drink at 7:00 AM allows the leaves to dry off during the day, which prevents the “funk” (mold and mildew) from moving in overnight. It is especially important to follow the weather forecast to maintain the water levels in the pots. Smaller pots are easy to feel the weight to determine when it truly needs water.
Let’s Get Growing
You don’t need a degree in botany to have a beautiful yard; you just need to add a little ‘sweat equity’ and use the right plants for the right spots. If you get stuck or can’t decide, swing by for more tips at Mitchell’s Nursery here in King. Let’s make this your year.