Ipomoea purpurea

Plant Type Annual
Evergreen, Broadleaf

Form Upright, Irregular or sprawling

Climate Zones 9a to 11

Bloom Color Red, Blue, Purple, White, Pink

Bloom Time Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Growth Rate Fast

Mature Height 3 to 8 feet

Mature Spread 4 to 6 feet

Environment Full sun
Dry to Moist soil
Drought tolerant

Soil Adaptable, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Not North American native
Fool proof plant
Naturalizing
Attracts hummingbirds
Attractive flowers or blooms
Open crown
Low flammability

Uses Container
Specimen
Arbor


Native Habitat Probably Mexico

Culture Notes When planted from seed, germination can occur between 5 to 7 days. Over fertilization will result in all vine and few flowers. The flowers of this plant will open early in the morning or stay open on cloudy days.

Pests and Diseases None serious

Celosia argentea

Plant Type Annual
Broadleaf, Deciduous

Form Upright

Climate Zones Undefined

Bloom Color Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink

Bloom Time Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 10 to 18 inches

Mature Spread 12 to 24 inches

Environment Full sun
Dry to Moist soil

Soil Neutral, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green, Variegated

Attributes Five star plant
Fool proof plant
Deer resistant
Attracts butterflies
Suitable for cut flowers
Suitable for dried flowers
Moderately flammable

Uses Border
Container
Massing
Seashore
Small site
Bedding


Native Habitat Africa

Culture Notes Tender perennial usually grown as an annual because it is not hardy in areas which have consistent freezing temperatures. Seedlings can be grown sown under glass early spring. Cuttings can be made throughout the summer.

Pests and Diseases Pests: aphids, red spider mites, root knot nematodes. Cut worms can cause damage to young plants.
Diseases: leaf spots, rot, curly top virus

Antirrhinum majus

Plant Type Annual
Broadleaf, Deciduous

Form Upright

Climate Zones Undefined

Bloom Color Red, Orange, Yellow, Purple, White, Pink

Bloom Time Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 8 to 36 inches

Mature Spread 18 to 24 inches

Environment Full sun
Dry to Moist soil

Soil Neutral, Adaptable, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Attributes Five star plant
Long blooming
Fool proof plant
Attracts hummingbirds
Attracts birds
Attracts butterflies
Fragrant flowers
Suitable for cut flowers
Suitable for dried flowers
Attractive flowers or blooms
Moderately flammable

Uses Border
Container
Massing
Small site
Bedding
Rock garden


Native Habitat Mediterranean

Culture Notes This plant is usually grown as an annual, but in warm climates, may remain a perennial. Often will self sow. Dead flowers should be removed to prolong flowering throughout the summer.

Pests and Diseases Pests: aphids, beetles, borers, bud worms, caterpillars, nematodes, red spider mites, slugs
Diseases: rust, blights, crown rot, downy and powdery mildews, leaf spot, verticillium wilt

Lobelia erinus

Plant Type Annual
Broadleaf, Deciduous

Form Spreading

Climate Zones Undefined

Bloom Color Purple

Bloom Time Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 4 to 8 inches

Mature Spread 6 to 8 inches

Environment Partial shade to Full sun
Moist soil

Soil Adaptable, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Attributes Deer resistant
Five star plant
Fool proof plant
Moderately flammable

Uses Border
Container
Ground cover
Massing
Rock garden
Specimen
Small site
Bedding


Native Habitat South Africa

Culture Notes These plants do best in the cooler zones, so they will need partial shade in the warmer zones. If plants become leggy, cut back to encourage growth.

Petunia hybrida

Plant Type Annual
Broadleaf, Deciduous

Form Irregular or sprawling

Climate Zones Undefined

Bloom Color Red, Yellow, Purple, White, Pink

Bloom Time Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 6 to 15 inches

Mature Spread 8 to 12 inches

Environment Partial shade to Full sun
Moist soil

Soil Neutral, Adaptable, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Attributes Fragrant foliage
All or parts of this plant are poisonous
Long blooming
Fool proof plant
Attracts hummingbirds
Attractive flowers or blooms
Moderately flammable

Uses Border
Container
Massing
Specimen
Small site
Bedding
Rock garden


Native Habitat Hybrid

Culture Notes Plants prefer a sunny well drained soil. Most plants tend to flop with age. Removal of spent flowers encourages more blooms. Cultivars are not reliable from seed. Stem cuttings can be taken and rooted in the summer.

Portulaca grandiflora

Plant Type Annual
Broadleaf, Deciduous

Form Matting

Climate Zones Undefined

Bloom Color Red, Orange, Yellow, White, Pink

Bloom Time Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Growth Rate Fast

Mature Height 6 to 8 inches

Mature Spread 6 to 12 inches

Environment Full sun
Dry to Moist soil
Drought tolerant

Soil Alkaline, Neutral, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Attractive foliage
Long blooming
Naturalizing
Deer resistant
Open crown
Moderately flammable

Uses Border
Container
Massing
Rock garden
Bedding


Native Habitat South America.

Culture Notes Can be sown under glass in the late winter. Seed will also germinate outdoors if planted in the spring. Life of the individual flowers only lasts one day, deadhead for continuing blooms. Flowers will close in the evening.