~~Please note that the information contained on this page should not be considered as an official source. I just want to offer a quick bit of knowledge based on my own experience in growing or selling the plant. You can find scientific, or formal information by searching online or going to your local library.~~
ANNUAL BEDDING PLANTS
Annuals are flowering plants that are expected to do two things: They should flower throughout the growing season, and they should not survive the winter in Michigan, aside from a few exceptions, this will be the rule for this list of plants.
African Daisy-- A trailing, sun loving annual that does well in poor or sandy soil and can tolerate heat and drought quite well. It is usually found in a mix of orange and yellow shades.
Ageratum-- An upright annual with bluish or purple flowers that appear furry or puffy. It is sensitive to drought and cold, but does well in mass plantings and areas with good drainage. Sunny or partial shade areas with rich soil are best.
Alyssum--This creeping beauty has both a nicely scented flower and a reseeding habit that will have it coming back year after year in your flower beds. It loves the sun and plenty of water to offset its lack of drought tolerance. White Alyssum makes an excellent complement to any bushing red annual such as Petunias or Salvias.
Amaranthus-- These leafy annuals are a beautiful sight when full grown and make a great specimen plant for any sunny garden. They like well-drained, fertile soil but be careful not to overwater.
Asters-- Large blooms are the highlight of the Dwarf Aster, which is more common than the taller version. Give them a moderate amount of sunshine and ample water when it's hot and they will put out plenty of pink, purple or white blossoms.
Begonias, Wax--A shade and drought tolerant plant, these offer easy care for mass plantings and drought prone areas. They come in a range of leaf and flower color, making them valuable to many landscapes.
Browallia-- With bell-shaped flowers of blue or white, these bushy annuals make good container plants.
Calendula-- Also called Pot Marigold or African Marigold, these compact plants are good for a bright border or planter where water is abundant.
Celosia-- The unique flowers of Dwarf Celosia plants makes them a hot seller, but they are picky plants that will fail under less than ideal conditions. They like sun and heat, but need regular watering and plenty of food.
Cleome-- Easy to grow and self-seeding, Cleome is fun to watch grow to its full height and splendor. Also called Spider Flower, the flowers hang out on spindly stems at the top of the plant.
Coleus-- This annual is grown for its unique colorful foliage that can range from green and white to deep red and burgundy. It is easy to grow, adjusting to many conditions. Give it plenty of water but don't over do it and you should be able to successfully grow Coleus.
Cosmos-- The lacy leaves and bountiful flowers make Cosmos a showy plant in many areas of the yard. They are relatively easy to grow and will often reseed themselves. Sensation Cosmos can grow over 7 feet tall, but more commonly you will find the dwarf varieties.
Dahlias-- A tuberous annual with large showy flowers, Dahlias are a bushy plant that does well in a bed or planter. Allow good drainage and be sure to dead head the spent blooms and your Dahlias should do well in a mostly sunny location. Dig and Store tubers after frost and you can replant them in April.
Dianthus-- These, although sold as annuals, are often biennial or perennial plants. Many of the most common Dianthus species will perform better in their second and third year then in the first. Always trim back spent blooms and put in a sunny location and you will be surprised at how easy these are to grow.
Dusty Miller-- This plant is grown for its silvery foliage. It is tolerant of heat and drought and often will return for a second year and flower. Provide well drain soil in a sunny area and this makes a striking contrast plant.
Flowering Cabbage--A unique annual that produces a large flat bloom of foliage in shades of white, green and purple. It has a sturdy stalk to match and greatly resembles a colorful cabbage plant.
Flowering Kale-- Same as Flowering Cabbage but the leaves have a frilly, rather than flat edge.
Four O'Clock-- This mounding annual forms clusters of trumpet shaped blooms in mid to late summer. They come in a variety of colors and tend to reseed themselves. They perform well in most ordinary garden soil.
Gazanias-- These compact annuals sport a showy bloom and are tolerant to poor soil, heat and drought. The flowers will open and close with the sun so don't be surprised when they stay closed on cloudy days.
Golden Fleece Daisy-- A heat and drought tolerant annual that performs well in dry, sunny areas. This groundcover produces masses of ferny foliage and tiny yellow flowers.
Gomphrena-- The ball shaped flowers of this annual make a great addition to dried flower boquets and craft projects. They are quite easy to grow once established with good heat and drought tolerance. Plant them in a sunny area and keep them well watered until established.
Imaptiens-- Probably the most commonly planted annual due to its tolerance to shady areas. Most species only grow around 8 inches tall and adjust well to sunnier areas as long as they do not get too hot. Provide plenty of water during hot spells and you should have good luck.
Lobelia-- This compact annual sports thin leaves and small blue, burgundy or white flowers. They tend to fade out in beds but do quite well in planter boxes under closer care. Plant them in shady areas with very rich soil and good drainage.
Marigolds-- Another of the most popular annuals, Marigolds love heat and water. They come in all different heights and flower sizes and flowers in shades of yellow, orange and red. Plant Marigold anywhere that has decent soil and access to plenty of water.
Mimulus-- This shade loving annual will perform wonderfully so long as it doesn't get too hot. Its unique flowers and tender foliage make it stand out in a shady area, but it must be kept out of prolonged sunlight and should always be well watered. Also called Monkey-Flower.
Morning Glory-- Most often planted for its climbing habit, this reseeding vine will fill up trellises and fences in a single season. The large, trumpet shaped flowers come in deep blue, pinks and whites and open with the sun in the morning, and close in the evening.
Moonflower-- This ground vine is highly sought after because of its huge white bloom that opens as the sun sets each night. They are very hardy and will reseed invasively under ideal conditions. Plant them in full sun where the soil is not too hard packed.
Moss Rose-- This popular annual, also called Portulaca, has bright, rose-like blooms in a range of colors. It can be planted as a groundcover or low border in any sunny location with good drainage.
Pansies-- A spring favorite because of its cold tolerance, you can find Pansies for sale long before it is safe to plant other annuals.They come in a multitude of colors and thrive in full sun but cannot handle much heat and tend to lose blossom during the middle of summer. They will always perform best in spring and fall.
Periwinkle-- The queen of drought tolerance, Periwinkle, or Vinca Rosa, is an excellent choice for the hottest, driest areas of the yard. The blossoms resemble Impatiens and come in a range of pastel colors.
Petunias-- Another of the most popular annuals, Petunias offer large showy blooms in a variety of colors. They perform well in sunny areas and require only a moderate amount of water to do well. Dead head spent blossoms to encourage bushier growth.
Phlox-- Dwarf annual Phlox are not commonly found in plant form, but are unique and bright when planted in pots and planters. They like partial sun and good drainage and sport neon bright flowers in shades of pink and red.
Polka Dot Plant-- The spotted leaves of this foliage annual are flecked with dark spots, giving them their name. They thrive in partially sunny areas with good drainage and come in shades of pink with dark spots and white with green spots.
Salvia-- This annual supplies sprays of small flowers, usually red, that are great for attracting hummingbirds. They grow anywhere from 8 inches for dwarfs, to 36 inches or more for tall varieties. Give them full sun and lots of water and pinch back spent sprays for best performance.
Snapdragons-- These are cold tolerant annuals often found early in the season. They come in many colors and sizes from red to white and 8 to 36 inches. Give them plenty of sunshine and water.
Snowland Daisy-- This cool season annual has a traditional white petal/yellow center flower, but stays compact, only growing about 8 inches. They will generally fade out when the weather heats up, so give them a cooler location where water is abundant.
Statice-- Annual Statice is probably the most common dried flower variety grown. They do well in sunny, semi-dry areas, and produce bright flowers on tall stems, great for cutting and drying. The foliage stays in a low mat, making them great for mass planting.
Stocks-- One of the few scented annuals, Stocks are another cold tolerant plant that will perform best in the spring and fall. Cut the plant down to a few inches when blooms fade and they can regrow for fall bloom.
Strawflower-- These tall annuals are another that are good for drying. They come in a range of colors, but are more commonly found as seeds than plants. Give them a sunny location with good drainage and you will have good luck.
Torenia-- This shade loving annual is sensitive to heat and high humidity. Also called Wishbone Flower, Torenia sports a tubular bloom in colors that range from white to deep blue. Plant them in areas with good airflow to prevent fungal disease and overheating.
Verbena-- An upright annual with clusters of brightly colored blooms, these are one of the best annuals for attracting butterflies to the flower bed. They like a mostly sunny location and regular watering. So long as drainage is good and the spent flower heads are pinched off, they should perform well.
Violas-- These are a more natural version of the Pansy, with smaller flowers, a longer bloom season, more heat tolerance and a better chance to reseed themselves. Plant them in areas that receive plenty of indirect sunlight and keep them in good draining soil.
Zinnias-- A popular cut flower, giant Zinnias produce very large blossoms on four foot plants. They love the sun and prefer early waterings as they are susceptible to powdery mildew infection. Dwarf versions are available with both small and large blooms, in case you don't have room for the giants.
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SPECIALTY ANNUALS
We define Specialty Annuals as those we sell in 4.5" size pots, most of which you cannot get as a regular flat of annuals. Many of these annuals will be best used in planters, pots and hanging baskets.
Angel's Trumpets-- This shrubby plant has large, trumpet shaped flowers in lavender or white. It performs well in pots or beds with ordinary soil. The flowers open at night similar to a Moonflower.
Argyranthemum-- A cold tolerant selection with bright yellow or creamy white, daisy-like flowers, these are a great selection for window boxes and mixed planters. They perform best in cooler weather and will tolerate full sun.
Bacopa--This selection is most suited for hanging baskets or window boxes. It produces mats of small white flowers on long vines and will perform well in cooler conditions as it is not very tolerant of heat and drought. Water regularly and keep in a partially sunny location.
Begonia, Tuberous-- The need to control soil moisture makes these easiest in a pot, basket or planter. They prefer a shadier location and only want to be watered after completely drying out. They have a large, rose-like bloom and come in a variety of bright colors.
Black and Blue-- This Salvia species can grow very tall and makes an attractive specimen plant for your yard. It has small, deep blue flowers mounted on black sepals and is a hummingbird magnet. Plant in fertile, well drained soil and keep moist.
Brachycome-- Small, aster-like flowers adorn lacy foliage on this cool weather annual. Also called Swan River Daisy, they flowers are usually purple with a yellow center. Plant them in pots with good drainage and protection from too much heat.
Bracteantha-- Also called Yellow Strawflower, these are good planter and basket plants so long as you keep them well watered. They have a bushy shape and produce ball shaped flowers that open and close with the sun. Give them full sun but avoid letting them dry out as they do not come back well from severe drought.
Caladium-- These are tuberous, shade-loving foliage plants that have large arrowhead shaped leaves and come in many shades and patterns of white, green, pink and red. They prefer warm temperatures and cannot handle any frost. Put them in a well drained planter or pot in the shade and protect them from cold. The tuber can be stored or replanted in winter for continued growth.
Calceolaria-- Also known as Pouch Flower, the red or yellow speckled flowers look like little pouches. Keep them in bright but shady areas and always water from the bottom. The flowers can easily be damaged by water setting on them. For that reason, they sould always be kept under an overhang to prevent unwanted watering or rain from ruining the flowers.
Canna Lily-- The large tropical leaves of the canna make it an exotic specimen plant for any yard. They grow from a tuber so good drainage is necesary, but otherwise they are quite easy to maintain. They can be green leaf, which are usually the dwarf varieties, or red leaf, some of which can grow to six or seven feet. They flowers come late, on top of the stalk and can be any of several different colors.
Calibrachoa-- More commonly known as Million Bells, these are easy to care for and work best in baskets and window boxes. They prefer partial sun and well drained soil. Allow them to dry a bit between watering and you shouldn't have any trouble. They are great for attracting hummingbirds and come in all different shades.
Cigar Plant-- Another plant well suited to low light conditions, these perform well even in ordinary soil. They grow into bushy plants with small leaves and tubular orange flowers that resemble little cigars or firecrackers. Be careful not to overwater.
Coleus-- More popular every year, these foliage plants are coming in dozens of different shapes, colors and sizes. Easy to grow in planters and pots, keep them well watered and protected from frost. Pinch back crowns as flowers emerge to encourage bushiness.
Dahlietta-- A compact version of the popular annual, these will usually stay below 10 inches and have larger flowers than their cousins. They are tuberous, so good drainage is important. Plant them in pots or whiskey barrels in full sun and be careful about late day watering as they tend to get powdery mildew infections.
Dichondra-- The striking silvery foliage make this trailing vine a good contrast plant for boxes and baskets. It is a fast grower, and comes in green or silver. They will reseed themselves and can become invasive under ideal growing conditions.
Euphorbia, Diamond Frost-- The airy white flowers of this annual Euphorbia species make a striking constrast in any mixed planter. It likes sun or part shade, is drought tolerant, can be used in beds and is deer resistant, making it an excellent selection for many reasons.
Flowering Maple-- These get their name because of the maple shaped leaves, and have hibiscus shaped flowers in several pastel shades. Also called Abutilon, or Chinese Lantern, it prefers indirect but bright light and can be used as a houseplant.
Fuschia, Upright-- A bushy version of the more popular trailing Fuschia, these have the same bi-color flowers but grow into an 8 or 10 inch tall bush. They like shadier areas, plenty of fertilizer and regular watering, espeially when its hot.
Geranium, Ivy-- This succulent leaf version of the popular plant boasts a trailing habit and excellent heat and drought tolerance. Put them in baskets and planters in full sun and water sparingly when it is cool.
Geranium, Seed-- The Seed Geranium, as would be indicated by the name, is grown from a seed to produce taller plants the have smaller flower clusters. Geraniums prefer full sun and regular watering, especially during hot spells. Be sure to plant them where the drainage is good whether in a bed, basket or planter.
Geranium, Zonal-- The Zonal Geranium is grown from cuttings and produces a more compact plant with larger bloom clusters. They require the same care as Seed Geraniums, but are better suited for baskets and planters than beds.
Gerbera Daisy-- A very popular selection because of the large, daisy-like flowers that come in solid colors from creamy white to bright orange and pink. They need plenty of sun, but like good air flow and protection from too much heat. Planters and pots are best to keep them in bloom all summer and plenty of fertilizer is a must.
Grass, Ornamental-- There are literally dozens of types of grasses that are grown as ornamentals. They range in size from just a few inches to a towering twelve feet. A few of the more common ones are Blue Fescue, Ribbon Grass, Corkscrew Grass, Fountain Grass and Pampas Grass.
Heather-- This bushy plant has a unique shape and tiny lavender flowers. It grows to a foot or so tall and has masses of deep green leaves with flowers all along the stems. It is heat and drought tolerant and likes full sun and plenty of water.
Heliotrope-- Vanilla scented, deep purple blooms are the highlight of this bushy annual. It performs best in partial sun and enjoys plenty of water when hot. Plant them in pots and mixed boxes in places where you can enjoy the wonderful scent of their blossoms.
Impatiens, Double-- These bushy plants have small double flowers that resemble tiny roses. They like shadier areas and need plenty of water and fertilizer when its hot. Put them in pots, baskets or planters.
Impatiens, New Guinea-- This Impatien is known for its ability to tolerate more sun than other types and its richly colored, elongated leaves. Although they will tolerate more sun and heat, they need extra moisture to go along with it. Still they are a great choice with larger blooms than most Impatiens.
Joseph's Coat-- A vining plant grown for its striking foliage, you can find Joseph's Coat in several different styles. Easy to grow in good soil, it makes a nice addition to baskets and mixed planters.
Lantana-- These are a nice addition to any sunny planter or bed. They grow to around 16 inches and flower continuously with clusters of bi-color blooms of red, pink, orange or yellow. They love heat, but keep them well fed and watered. They are a great butterfly flower and the spent bloom clusters should be removed for best results.
Lavatera-- An annual version of a Tree Mallow, or Malva species, these have large flowers, usually in shades of lavender and look similar to single hollyhocks. The annual varieties are usually shorter, about 18 inches or so and have larger flowers then their perennial cousins.
Lisianthus-- This unique tubular flower comes in blue, pink or white and grows on a compact bush only about 8 or 10 inches high. A great specimen plant but they require some extra care as they are sensitive to overwatering, soil compaction and drought. Keep them in small containers where they receive a moderate amount of light and you can control the watering.
Lobelia-- The trailing version of this plant comes in shades of blue and white and produces sprays of flowers throughout the season. Avoid too much hot sun and try not to overwater when the weather is cool. Trimming back the vines is sometimes necessary to encourage more bloom.
Lotus Vine-- The silvery foliage of this trailing plant make it a great selection for contrast or night gardens. It will infrequently produce attractive flowers of fiery red and yellow, but is mostly planted for its foliage color. It thrives under many soil and light conditions, but does best in partial shade and well drained soil.
Magilla Perilla-- Similar to some of the specialty species of Coleus in appearance, this plant has several traits that make it superior to Coleus. It adjusts to sunnier conditions, takes the cold better and grows more prolifically than many of its Coleus cousins.
Moss Rose, Yubi-- This Portulaca is known for its drought tolerance and often used in areas where nothing else can stand the heat. It can survive long periods of time without water and will grow in very poor soil. If planted in a bed, watering will only be necessary early on while it is establishing.
Osteospermum-- A great selection for its cold tolerance, these come in a range of colors from creamy white to orange to deep purple. They have a daisy like flower and stand erect as sturdy bushing plants. Give them full sun and plenty of water when its hot and they will surprise you with blooms through Thanksgiving.
Pentas-- These are popular inthe south because of their love for heat and moisture, but may be grown successfully in Michigan. They like plenty of sunshine but will adjust to shade and still bloom. The flowers come in dense clusters of pink, red or white atop shrubby plants with deep green foliage.
Persian Shield-- This upright foliage plant is valued for its deep purple and silver foliage. It can grow up to 2 feet tall and bushes well. They are quite easy to care for, preferring sun or part shade and good drainage. They make a great accent for a mixed planter or whiskey barrel.
Scaveola Vine-- A prolific grower and bloomer, these are good in baskets, or trailing out of mixed planters. They come in blue, pink and white and like partial sun, plenty of water and ordinary soil. They will overtake other, slower growing plants so be careful how you pair them.
Shrimp Plant-- The flowers of this plant grow to resemble a shrimp in both shape and color. They should be planted in partial shade and can grow quite tall in a season given proper conditions. They make for a good specimen plant for large pots and whiskey barrels.
Supertunia-- A compact version of the traditional annual, these are more suited to hanging baskets and window boxes than their cousins. The bloom are a bit smaller, but the bushy growth gives them better mounding ability. They like full sun and ordinary, well drained soil.
Sweet Potato, Ornamental-- This vining annual is widely planted because of its prolific growth habit. It comes in several shades of green and purple with different shaped leaves on different varieties. They like lots of sun and water and cannot tolerate temperatures below 40F. Plant them in hanging baskets and window boxes for best effect.
Thunbergia-- These climbing vines are also called annual Black Eyed Susan. They have a delicate yellow flower with a deep brown or black center. They are shade lovers and cannot tolerate very much heat and drought. Keep them cool and well watered and give them a trellis or fence to climb.
Torenia, Trailing-- The tubular flowers of this shade lover are great for attracting hummingbirds to your planters or hanging basket. They need good drainage and plenty of water when its hot. They come in blue or pink and are easy to grow as long as you keep them from heat and drought.
Verbena, Trailing-- Dense clusters of bright flowers adorn this vining, sun-loving plant. They perform best with rich soil and good drainage. Put them in planters or window boxes in full sun, keep them well watered and pinch back spent blooms. They come in a variety of colors and will attract butterflies.
Verbena, Upright-- This is an upright version of theVerbena above. Care for them the same way, but expect a bushy, 8 to 10 inch tall plant.
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ACCENT PLANTS
We will define Accent Plants as those grown for their foliage texture, rather than a colorful flower. They can be Annual, Biennial, or Perennial.
Asparagus Fern-- This airy foliage plant has thin, needlelike leaves on stiff stems. It stands up to a foot or so high before drooping over in a mass of textured green stems. Give it plenty of sun, water, and good drainage.
Bonzo Vine-- Not much to say about this plant aside from the obvious. It is a varigated vining plant with a strong odor and stronger growing habit. None of these things are great selling points, but if you have sunny areas where little else will grow, try this likeable weed.
California Ivy-- This compact ivy has a pointier leaf shape than its hardy cousin, and is best used as an annual accent for mixed planters. Like most hedera, it will adjust to many less than ideal conditions, but prefers partial sun and good draining, ordinary soil.
Dracenea Spikes-- The classic centerpiece of any mixed planter is one of these guys. They are a grasslike foliage plant with long stiff leaves. Plant them pretty much anywhere and they grow, but they prefer sun and frequent watering, so long as drainage is good.
German Ivy-- A tender climbing vine with leaves that resemble those of a hedera in shape, but are greener and more succulent. It makes a great houseplant or accent for hanging baskets. They prefer part shade, as too much full sun will burn the foliage. Water regularly and fertilize sparingly.
Hardy Ivy--More commonly called English Ivy, this perennial vine will make a great groundcover under evergreens and atop rootbound landscaping. It is evergreen in Michigan and can be trained to climb. Avoid planting in sunny areas as the foliage can be burned.
Licorice-- The fuzzy leaved silver version of this is the most common, but it can be found in many shapes and colors. It resembles Eucalyptus with round leaves along a sturdy stalk, but it does not have the scent and grows more prolifically. Be careful how you pair this pot invader as it will choke out your more desirable plants if you are not careful. It can tolerate full sun and a fair amount of drought.
Lotus Vine-- Another silver foliage plant, the Lotus Vine has forms a beautiful, trailing mat of airy silver foliage. It will occasionally bloom with a tropical flower of bright red and is easy to grow. They prefer partial shade, good drainage, and rich soil, but can tolerate many conditions.
Vinca Vine-- This variegated vine is very commonly planted with Geraniums in baskets and planters. It is actually a perennial that blooms in bright lavender early in the season and is very easy to grow, if not invasive as a perennial. Use it as a vining accent under many light and soil conditions.
Wojo's Gem-- An excellent alternative to the traditional vinca vine, their leaves have more yellow and white in them and it grows more slowly and in a more compact vine. It is annual so you don't have to worry about it becoming invasive. They like sun or part shade and well-drained soil.
LARGE SPECIALTIES
This category is for the annuals and select perennials that only come in larger or smaller sized pots.
Calla Lily-- This unique lily has a cup shaped flower that can be white, yellow, or pink and tall, succulent foliage. They are usually found in 6 inch pots and are generally pretty expensive. They are a tuberous plant so good drainage and plenty of sun are best. Dig and store bulbs in winter to be replanted when danger of frost has past.
Castor Bean Plant-- A great specimen plant that has giant star shaped leaves, bright red flowers and spiky 'bean' pods. They enjoy bog-like conditions and will grow to extraordinary heights (up to 15 feet) when planted and cared for properly. Under less than ideal conditions, they will get several feet tall so long as they receive plenty of sun and moisture and the soil is not compacted. The oil in their roots is a mole repellant but the leaves and seeds contain ricin, and are extremely toxic. It is recommended that IF YOU HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND PETS YOU SHOULD NOT PLANT CASTOR BEAN PLANTS IN YOUR YARD.
Clematis-- This climbing perennial is sold as a second year start or a third year trellis plant, the former comes in a 2.5" pot and the latter is in a gallon size. Clematis likes sunny conditions so long as its roots are not exposed to too much heat or drought so it is recommended to put rocks at the base of your plant. They come in a multitude of colors, heights and flower sizes and we offer many different species. It rarely flowers the year it is planted and may take 2 or 3 years from planting to mature completely.
Cordyline Spike-- Also referred to as the Red Spike, these have a dark reddish burgundy leaves that resemble a traditional Dracenea Spike. They enjoy a sunny location and fertile soil, but do not have the cold tolerance that the green ones do. They work as a houseplant if you have a sunny window for them. Specimens of these can reach 4' to 5' tall and 4' wide. These are most often sold in six inch pots.
Dinnerplate Dahlias-- These tuberous annuals are usually found in large patio pots to get them in full bloom for retail sale. They work well for whiskey barrels and large pots in areas with plenty of sun. They must have good drainage as the tubers are susceptible to overwatering so monitor soil moisture during cool spells so as not to overdo it.
Martha Washington Geraniums-- This Geranium species is often gifted at Mother's Day because of its striking blooms. They are a compact, cutting Geranium that produce large bi-color flowers in shades of pink and red. They are more tolerant to drought and lack of sunshine than regular Geraniums, but more sensitive to overwatering. Plant them in small pots or mixed planters where they can be closely cared for.
Rex Begonias-- These unique foliage plants offer interesting colored and textured leaf patterns and are best suited in low light and shady locations. They come in numerous varieties and perform best when left in the pot they are sold in. This makes them ideal for low maintenance gardeners and gifts. Simply do not over-water your Rex Begonia and you will have a plant that gives back all season long. They can also be used indoors under a grow lamp or in a sunny window!
Rose Bushes-- We offer a limited supply of Everblooming Tea Roses and Climbing Roses early in the season. If they bloom out at the right time, which is Mother's Day, the stock will not last long as it is commonly gifted for this occasion. Rose bushes are perennials that are long lived once they become established and tend to adjust to many growing conditions. Tea Roses are susceptible to aphids and black spot so when left uncared for, they will struggle, especially during times of drought. Climbing roses seem to be a little more resiliant, but grow quite wildly in most cases, sending out several 6 to 10 foot canes each year.
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HANGING BASKETS
These are the different types of Annuals that you will find for sale in hanging 10" pots throughout the season. Some are more common than others and the popular Mother's Day baskets are usually in short supply before the end of May.
Begonia, Reiger-- A tuberous species, the Reiger is noted for its abundance of smaller flower clusters. Shade and drought tolerant, these are a great choice for under an awning or overhang.
Begonia, Tuberous-- Jumbo blossoms and the ability to live for long periods without water make this shade lover a good choice for the unattentive gardener. Don't completely forget about them though, the right amount of care will make them a beautiful addition to your yard.
Browalia-- This bushy plant has either blue or white, large bell-shaped flowers and grows around a foot tall. They will attract hummingbirds and can tolerate partial sun.
Chenille, Trailing-- A unique selection, these are going to perform best in a bright areas that do not receive much direct sunlight. They have long pink blossoms that are fuzzy like caterpillars and a trailing habit. Be careful not to overwater, allowing them to dry completely between waterings.
Combo, 10 Inch-- This indicates a ten inch size hanging basket that contains a mixture of plants. Growers have paired many different plants from the list above to find those that perform best together, and these often are very stunning and colorful selections.
Combo, 12 Inch-- Same as above, but in a larger, twelve inch hanging basket. The larger pot allows the plants to establish better and keeps you from having to water quite as much early in the season.
Fern, Boston-- This shade and water loving basket is easy to grow assuming you can keep its rootbound soil moist on those hot days. Put them in shady locations to help, but misting, or leaf watering is essential to keep them healthy when it is hot and dry. Setting them in a pan of water on the hottest days might be recommended.
Fuchsia, Trailing-- An extremely popular shade plant, the Trailing Fuchsia has a drooping, usually two-colored flower that attracts hummingbirds. They thrive when well fertilized and watered, but be careful not to over do it as they are sensitive to overwatering when the weather is cool.
Geranium, Ivy Leaf-- This succulent leaf version of the Geranium has a trailing habit, and smaller clusters of flowers than its more common cousin. However, it also has great heat and drought tolerance and performs well in poor soil. Full sun is best to encourage good bloom.
Geranium, Zonal--One of the most common hanging basket plants, the Zonal Geranium is easy to care for and tolerates full sun and high temperatures. They should be watered regularly during hot spells and the spent blooms need to be pinched off.
Houseplant, Misc.-- This could be any of several shade loving foliage plants including Swedish Ivy, Grapefruit Ivy, Bridal Veil, Green Jew and Purple Heart. All of these are considered houseplants because they perform best in full shade outdoors or a sunny window in the house.
Impatien, Double-- The rose-like flowers of this shade lover make it a showy basket for cooler, shadier areas. They like plenty of water when its hot and a moderate amount of sunshine. Impatiens in baskets will require more fertilizer than some other plants so feed them well to help them flower.
Impatien, New Guinea-- This Impatien species can tolerate more sun than the others, but be careful because along with seeing more sun, they will also consume more water. They will require a good daily watering, preferrably in the morning, for most of the summer. They have an elongated, sometimes bronze, leaf and larger flower than traditional Impatiens.
Impatien, Single-- Traditional Impatiens do not perform as well in baskets, but newer, trailing varieties fit the bill quite well. These have the same flower as a regular bedding Impatien, but will vine downwards to form a mat of flowers around the pot. Limited sun exposure, fertilizer, and plenty of water will keep these healthy all summer.
Jew, Wandering-- A popular houseplant type basket, the Wandering Jew sports bright purple, green and silver foliage that makes it quite attractive. They are easy to grow, just keep them out of the full sun and water them regularly. Cuttings from this vine are easy to propogate.
Lobelia, Blue-- The trailing version of this common annual makes a great looking hanging basket for a cooler, partially sunny location. They produce small, bright blue flowers in masses and thrive under many growing conditions.
Lobelia, White-- Similar to the blue variety, but with white flowers. These seem to be more sensitive to overwatering than the blue as well.
Million Bells-- These have become the stars of the hanging basket world over the past few years, resembling a miniature Petunia and easy to care for. They offer many qualities that make them desirable including drought tolerance, shade tolerance, they attract hummingbirds and they come in a variety of bright colors. They can keep bloom from May until December if protected from hard freezes. They are sensitive to overwatering, especially early in the season when the nights are still cool so let them dry out between waterings.
Moss Rose, Yubi-- This Portulaca is well known for its amazing tolerance to drought conditions and love for heat. They will produce a blanket of bright flowers from yellow to hot pink when the sun is at its hottest. Water them only sparingly, especially under cool conditions, for optimum growth. The flowers will only open under bright conditions.
Periwinkle, or Vinca Rosa-- The trailing version of this plant makes and excellent heat and drought tolerant hanging basket. They come in several shades of pink or white and are very easy care baskets. Avoid overwatering especially when temperatures are cool.
Petunia, Supertunia-- A compact version of the traditional bedding plant, these are much more suited for hanging baskets, their bushy habit keeps them from becoming leggy and breaking off on the pot edges. Give them full sun and regular feeeding and watering.
Petunia, Wave-- The Wave Petunia is bred for baskets, even more so than the Supertunia. They want to grow as a vine and will quickly trail downwards. Pinching them early allows for the mat of vines to make more flowers thus increasing the color appeal. Full sun and regular watering will keep them healthy all summer. Fertilizer and dead heading spent blossoms will help keep it looking good later in the season.
Spider Plant-- A popular houseplant, the Spider Plant usually has green and white variegated foliage and sends out trailing flowers that vegetate into 'babies' below the plant. Easy to grow, keep them in full shade outdoors or a sunny window in the house and water them regularly.
Yellow Strawflower-- Also referred to as Bracteantha, these showy baskets are great for a sunny area, as long as you are ready to water frequently during hot spells. They tolerate drying out, but will drink lots when its hot and will perform best if not allowed to dry out. They have medium sized yellow, round blooms that open and close with the sun.
Thunbergia--These are a delicate climbing vine, also known as Black Eyed Susan Vine. They need cool, partly shady conditions and plenty of water when its hot. They DO NOT tolerate drought and will die if allowed to dry out. The flowers are yellow or creamy colored and tubular with a dark brown or black center.
Torenia, Trailing-- This is a shade loving vine that has trumpet shaped blue, purple or pink flowers and attracts hummingbirds. Put them under an overhang or tree with filtered light, keep them well watered and protect them from extreme heat.
Columbine blooms early, spreads well by seed and grows in ordinary or sandy soil.
Sweet William Dianthus has attractive clusters of flowers, blooms relatively early, and can tolerate drought.
Liatris blooms mid to late summer, has featherlike plumes of tiny flowers and does well in partial shade.
Geum has very bright colored flowers, blooms mid summer and likes fertile soil.
Blanket Flower has unique bi-color flowers, grows in a nice compact bush and likes ordinary or sandy soil.
Balloon Flower is hardy, easy to grow in any soil with good drainage and has unique balloon like flower buds.
Yellow Jacob's Ladder has larger flowers than others, and has a strong fragrance but is not as hardy.
Primrose likes shady areas, blooms very early spring if not all winter, and stays very low to the ground.
Irish Moss is a very low growing groundcover, has tiny white flowers and can tolerate partial shade.
Bee Balm attracts hummingbirds, has bright, unique flowers, likes a lot of moisture, and is rather hardy.
Lupine has stunning flowers that stand up above the plant, blooms fairly early and likes fertile soil.
Forget-Me-Nots are early bloomers, spread well by seed and like shady areas with plenty of moisture.
Evening Primrose has large impressive flowers, likes fertile soil and sunshine, but is not extremely hardy.
Alpine Poppies are very hardy, reseed better than many other Poppies, and stay quite low.
Saxifrage makes a nice clumping groundcover, grows in partial shade, and makes tiny pink flowers early.
Scabiosa has unique shades of purple flowers, likes sunshine and fertile soil, and does well once established.
Sedum is a very hard family of plants, they usually grow very low and are tolerant of heat and drought.
Painted daisies have ferny foliage, brightly colored flowers and grow quite tall.
Veronica has unique spiking flowers, likes moist fertile soil, and does well in partial shade.
Meadow Rue likes full sun, grows up to four feet tall and performs well in ordinary soil.
Yarrow makes a great cut or dried flower, is easy to grow in sunny areas and is very hardy.
Hollyhocks grow tall, will reseed themselves and perform well in moist fertile soil.
Goat's Beard likes shady areas, grows quite tall and has large feathery flowers.
English Daisies are short compact plants, have small daisylike flowers and bloom early.