When it comes to adding quick color to established perennial beds, Maine gardeners choose a wide variety of annuals – but some are better suited for Maine weather than others are. Try this selection of summer annuals (see pictures in the attached slideshow) to bring your flower garden to life.
Petunias: Okay, so petunias aren’t really annuals – but if you grow them in Maine, they are. Petunias are actually tender perennials when grown in warmer climates – but that doesn’t mean Mainers can’t enjoy their beauty
Plant petunias in hanging baskets, window boxes or along the border of your perennial bed for a splash of color all summer long.
Geraniums: Here again, geraniums aren’t really annuals – unless you grow them in Maine. These upright flowers can be grown as perennials in warm climates, or can be over wintered inside in Maine. Many prefer to simply buy new seedlings from the nursery each spring.
Plant geraniums in the foreground of your perennial beds, in window boxes or in hanging baskets for a display of color that lasts until fall.
Nasturtiums: These bright little flowers are typically grown from seed once the danger of frost has past in your area. Available in both dwarf and climbing varieties, nasturtium blooms appear in midsummer in shades of yellow, orange and red.
Plant nasturtiums in window boxes or scatter them throughout the perennial bed.
Cosmos: Cosmos can be purchased as seedlings in the spring, but planting them by seed is quick and easy. These daisy-like flowers bloom all summer in shades of white, pink, yellow, orange and red.
Plant cosmos along fences or borders to create an airy display that attracts butterflies and bees.
Impatiens: These summer annuals thrive in shady or partially shady areas and create mounds of attractive foliage with an abundance of colorful flowers. colors run the range from white to pink and brilliant shades of red.
Plant impatiens is areas that receive morning sun and are protected from the hot afternoon sun for best results.
Coleus: Coleus isn’t really a flower – although it does produce a bloom. These plants are grown for their mottled foliage that ranges from green and white to striking crimson.
Plant coleus in partially shaded areas or full sun, depending on the cultivars.
Other favorites include: poppies, bachelor’s buttons, zinnias and sunflowers.
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