Annual flowers are a great way to enhance your landscape with beautiful colors. 6 common annuals that thrive in North Carolina are geraniums, petunias, million bells, poinsettias, pentas, and black-eyed Susan vines. Continue reading to learn about each type of annual, what it looks like, when to plant it, and what it needs to thrive.
1. Geraniums
Geraniums will add an array of colors to your landscape beds and can suit the aesthetic of your property in several ways.
- How they look - Geraniums are found in white, pink, red, fuchsia, lavender, or a combination of multi-colors. These flowers can grow upwards of 18 inches tall.
- How they grow - They need direct sunlight to grow and they are great for indoor or outdoor planting.
- When to plant them - These flowers are planted in the spring, around mid-May. They should only be planted after there are no more threats of a frost.
- How to maintain them - They need to be planted about 8 inches apart from one another. Geraniums are also prone to drought, so they should be watered weekly. Always allow the soil to dry between waterings.
- Distinguishing facts - Some geranium varieties are scented, so you may be pleasantly surprised to notice the smell of spiced citrus coming from your landscape beds.
2. Petunias
Petunias are split across four various types: multiflora, millifloras, grandifloras, and floribundas. They bloom in the spring and can grow between 6-10 inches tall and make a great choice to canvas your landscape beds and hanging baskets with.
- How they look - Petunias are found in pink, purple, coral, deep blue, and black cherry.
- How they grow - They thrive in full sun and partial shade. They can be planted indoors or outdoors while they are young.
- When to plant them - These flowers are usually planted between January and March. They should only be planted after there are no more threats of a frost.
- How to maintain them - Petunias require well-drained, fertile soil. They are mainly drought-tolerant plants.
- Distinguishing facts - Hummingbirds love petunias, so you may have several of them visit your plants!
3. Million Bells
Million bells resemble petunias in color, but they are uniquely their own. These flowers bloom in fall, spring, and summer and can grow between 6-12 inches tall. They are often planted in hanging baskets or along walkways.
- How they look - Million bells are found in white, blue, violet, orange, pink, and yellow.
- How they grow - They grow well indoors or outdoors, however, they require full to partial sunlight.
- When to plant them - The best time to plant them is in the spring. They should only be planted after there are no more threats of a frost.
- How to maintain them - Million bells require moist, well-drained soil and weekly waterings. Make sure not to overwater.
- Distinguishing facts - These flowers grow so fast that any old and dying blossoms will quickly be replaced with fresh, new blooms.
4. Poinsettias
Poinsettias are vibrant plants that are commonly used to complement the festive winter season. They bloom from October to December and can grow between 10-15 feet tall when they are well cared for.
- How they look - Poinsettias are plants with very pigmented red leaves. They may grow in pink as well.
- How they grow - They grow well indoors in well-lit areas. Keep your poinsettias away from freezing temperatures or direct heat.
- When to plant them - The best time to plant them is in the spring. They should only be planted after there are no more threats of a frost.
- How to maintain them - Poinsettias require well-drained soil. Allow your plants to dry between waterings or their leaves will begin turning yellow.
- Distinguishing facts - Poinsettias are known as the Christmas Plant.
5. Pentas
Pentas are low-maintenance, decorative flowers that can be used to fill in empty spots throughout your landscape. They bloom from spring to fall in large clusters and can grow between 2-3 feet tall.
- How they look - Pentas are commonly found in red, pink, yellow, white, and purple.
- How they grow - They grow well outdoors and require full sun for at least 6 hours of the day.
- When to plant them - These flowers are planted in late spring. They should only be planted after there are no more threats of frost.
- How to maintain them - Pentas require well-drained soil. You can water your plants regularly, just don't overwater.
- Distinguishing facts - In some parts of the world, pentas are still regarded for their medicinal use to treat several different ailments including Malaria.
6. Black-Eyed Susan Vine
Black-eyed Susan vines are charming flowers that give off a tropical aesthetic. They begin blooming mid-summer and can grow up to 8 feet tall in a single growing season. They are known for their ability to scale up fences around a property as they grow.
- How they look - Black-eyed Susan vines grow in shades of red, pink, yellow, orange, and white.
- How they grow - They grow well outdoors in full sunlight.
- When to plant them - These flowers are planted in the spring. They should only be planted after there are no more threats of frost.
- How to maintain them - They require well-drained soil and should be watered regularly.
- Distinguishing facts - Black-eyed Susan vines have a distinct dark circle at their center and heart-shaped leaves.
Consult a professional team like ours to help you design your new landscape and place flowers in the right spots to beautifully complement the rest of your property.
