{"id":36288,"date":"2024-06-04T13:54:25","date_gmt":"2024-06-04T11:54:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/77fa5a77-a7e4-48d7-a969-45260a1a1391"},"modified":"2024-06-04T14:31:48","modified_gmt":"2024-06-04T12:31:48","slug":"our-guide-to-annual-plants-and-flower-and-33-of-the-best-to-grow","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/rss_feed\/our-guide-to-annual-plants-and-flower-and-33-of-the-best-to-grow\/","title":{"rendered":"Our guide to annual plants and flower and 33 of the best to grow"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\">For fast-growing, seasonal colour in your garden that won\u2019t cost a fortune and is fun to grow, one of the easiest things to do is sow some annuals from seed <\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By Sorrel Everton\n      <\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Tuesday, 04 June 2024 at 11:54 AM<\/p><hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><p>Many of our most familiar and favourite flowers are annuals \u2013 such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/best-cosmos-varieties\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cosmos<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/flowers\/zinnias-care-height-best\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">zinnia<\/a>, nigella, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/sweet-peas-how-to-grow\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sweetpeas<\/a>. An annual is a plant that completes its lifecycle within a year. It is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/garden-advice\/how-to\/planting-seeds-sowing-seeds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sown from seed<\/a>, germinates, grows, flowers and then dies \u2013 without growing back the next year. Annuals are divided into hardy and half-hardy.<\/p><p>Below you&#8217;ll find our guide to annual plants and flowers, along with a list of some of the best annual plants to grow, picked by experts.<\/p><p><strong>Jump to<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><a href=\"#link-name-a\">What is a hardy annual?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#link-name-b\">What are half hardy annuals?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#link-name-c\">What&#8217;s the difference between an annual and a biennial?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#link-name-d\">Why grow annual plants?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#link-name-e\">How to get the best out of your annual plants<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#link-name-f\">The best annual plants to grow<\/a><\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-annual-flowers-and-plants\">What are annual flowers and plants?<\/h2><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-hardy-annual\"><a id=\"link-name-a\"\/>What is a hardy annual?<\/h3><p>These are flowers that can cope with cooler spring temperatures and frosty conditions. Sown outside in early spring (or in the previous autumn), they will flower by mid summer and many will carry on flowering until the first frosts of autumn. Examples include: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/planting-ideas\/papaver\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">poppies<\/a>, nigella, orlaya, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/gardens\/calendula-candyman-orange-wins-peoples-choice-competition-2021\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">calendula<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/summer\/how-to-grow-sunflowers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sunflower<\/a><br\/>Often noted as HA in seed catalogues.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-half-hardy-annuals\"><a id=\"link-name-b\"\/>What are half hardy annuals?<\/h3><p>These don\u2019t cope with the cold and wet of winter and won\u2019t survive frost. Sow these seeds indoors or undercover where they can be protected and given a good start before planting out when risk of frost is passed. These should flower by mid summer. Alternatively, you can sow half hardy annuals later in spring direct in the ground but you\u2019ll then expect these to flower later. Like hardy annuals, these should flower well into early autumn before being killed off by the first frosts.<br\/>Examples include: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/best-cosmos-varieties\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cosmos<\/a>, nasturtiums, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/flowers\/zinnias-care-height-best\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">zinnias<\/a>, cleome, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/flowers\/nicotiana-tobacco-plant-how-to-grow\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">nicotiana<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/summer\/how-to-grow-dahlias\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dahlia<\/a><br\/>Often noted as HHA in seed catalogues.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Centaurea cyanus &#8216;Black Ball&#8217; (cornflower &#8211; Hardy Annual)<\/figcaption><\/figure><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-s-the-difference-between-an-annual-and-a-biennial\"><a id=\"link-name-c\"\/>What&#8217;s the difference between an annual and a biennial?<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/biennials-sowing-when-how\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Biennials<\/a> are plants that grow, set root and produce foliage in their first year, and then go on to flower, set seed and die in their second year. Biennials are usually sown in summer, placed into their flowering position in autumn and will then grow on to flower the following year.<br\/>Examples include: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/foxgloves-for-colour-and-structure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">foxgloves<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/summer\/verbascum-how-to-grow\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Verbascum<\/em><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/the-brightest-and-best-wallflowers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wallflowers<\/a>.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-grow-annual-plants\"><a id=\"link-name-d\"\/>Why grow annual plants?<\/h3><p>\u2022 Cost effective \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/our-favourite-seed-suppliers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">seeds<\/a> are cheap and you can grow lots of plants from one packet<br\/>\u2022 Versatile \u2013 annuals and biennials can be grown in a variety of ways \u2013 in border, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/planting-ideas\/planting-ideas-for-late-summer-container-display\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">containers<\/a>, in cutting beds, etc.<br\/>\u2022 Filling gaps \u2013 annuals are ideal for filling in the gaps and linking the planting between shrubs or perennials and bringing eye-catching splashes of colour within more permanent plantings.<br\/>\u2022 Trying something new \u2013 annual <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/garden-equipment\/tools\/best-seedling-trays\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">seed sowing<\/a> is a great way of extending your plant palette. For the price of packet of seeds, you can try a range of plants and cultivars. You might find new favourite and surprising combinations.<br\/>\u2022 A whole garden \u2013 if you are new to your garden and haven\u2019t yet had time to make big decisions \u2013 or perhaps you are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/garden-equipment\/gardening-books\/how-to-garden-rent-matthew-pottage-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">renting<\/a> so don\u2019t want to invest in anything too permanent, you can sow a whole garden from annuals for maximum impact.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/130370AJ-GM621883-v2-c04fa1e-edited-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'\" class=\"wp-image-173387\" title=\"Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cerinthe major &#8216;Purpurascens&#8217;<\/figcaption><\/figure><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-get-the-best-out-of-your-annual-plants\"><a id=\"link-name-e\"\/>How to get the best out of your annual plants<\/h3><p>Annuals may only have one year in flower but there are plenty of ways to maximise their worth:<br\/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/garden-advice\/how-to\/deadheading\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Deadheading<\/a> will prolong the production of flowers an keep the show going for months.<br\/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/garden-advice\/how-to\/make-your-own-seed-packet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seed collecting<\/a> \u2013 even if you deadhead most of the spent flowers it is worth leaving a few flowerheads to go to seed. You can then collect the seed and keep ready to sow the following year.<br\/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/self-sowers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Self seeding<\/a> \u2013 many annuals are known for their tendency to set lots of seed meaning you can potentially have lots of new plants that germinate where they fall to create new plants. Keep an eye out and simply <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/garden-equipment\/tools\/best-weeders\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">weed out<\/a> the ones you don\u2019t want, or move them to a different spot in the garden, or simply leave and enjoy the randomness of nature. Or pot up spares and pass them on to your friends and neighbours.<\/p><p>Find out more on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/garden-advice\/how-to\/planting-seeds-sowing-seeds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to sow your seed <\/a><\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-best-annual-plants-to-grow\"><a id=\"link-name-f\"\/>The best annual plants to grow<\/h2><p>Philippa Hodkinson gardens in England&#8217;s most northerly county, Northumberland. Here she picks her favourite annuals that grow successfully in her windswept garden.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-amberboa-moschata\"><strong><em>Amberboa moschata<\/em><\/strong><\/h3><p>A tall-stemmed plant with purple-violet flowers, rather like a delicate thistle-head. It\u2019s an easily grown, scented annual that makes an excellent cut flower. Best sown en masse to create a dramatic effect. H75cm.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ammi-visnaga\"><strong><em>Ammi visnaga<\/em><\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/1252264AJDSC4165-v2-33a4d35-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Ammi visnaga (Bisnaga, Bishop's weed, toothpickweed)\" class=\"wp-image-173388\" title=\"Ammi visnaga (Bisnaga, Bishop's weed, toothpickweed)\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ammi visnaga (Bisnaga, Bishop&#8217;s weed, toothpickweed)<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Don\u2019t be put off by its common name of bishop\u2019s weed. This voguish plant is like a super-charged cow parsley, but with much bigger, more dramatic flowers. It\u2019s nectar-rich so attracts butterflies and bees too. H1.2m.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-anethum-graveolens\"><strong><em>Anethum graveolens<\/em><\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4346\" height=\"2445\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2021\/06\/ag_2007_474-54b36b9.jpg?crop=1259px,671px,1848px,1231px\" alt=\"Anethum graveolens\" class=\"wp-image-31759\"\/><\/figure><p><br\/>Better known as dill, this superb annual with lime-green foliage and yellow, umbel flowers looks good with virtually any other plant. It grows easily, self-seeds readily, and you can use the aniseed-flavoured leaves in cooking. H90cm.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-catananche-caerulea\"><strong><em>Catananche caerulea<\/em><\/strong><\/h3><p>Sometimes called cupid\u2019s dart, this short-lived perennial is treated like an annual in Philippa\u2019s northern garden. The flowers resemble a pretty, lilac-blue cornflower, which means it is a favourite of flower arrangers. Has little in the way of foliage, so plant in drifts for maximum effect. H75cm.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-calendula-officinalis-orange-king\"><strong><em>Calendula officinalis<\/em> \u2018Orange King\u2019<\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/1247745AJDSC5140-v2-a6f5a27-edited-2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Calendula officinalis 'Orange King' (English marigold 'Orange King' - Hardy Annual)\" class=\"wp-image-173407\" title=\"Calendula officinalis 'Orange King' (English marigold 'Orange King' - Hardy Annual)\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Calendula officinalis &#8216;Orange King&#8217; (English marigold &#8216;Orange King&#8217; &#8211; Hardy Annual)<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Bright-orange, double flower, which was a favourite of Gertrude Jekyll who used it in large drifts in the garden on Lindisfarne. Simple to grow, it self-seeds gently and keeps on producing flowers if it is regularly deadheaded. H45cm.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-centaurea-cyanus-black-ball\"><strong><em>Centaurea cyanus<\/em> \u2018Black Ball\u2019<\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/1247790AJDSC5172-v2-f9ce0c5-edited-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Centaurea cyanus 'Black Ball' (cornflower - Hardy Annual)\" class=\"wp-image-173406\" title=\"Centaurea cyanus 'Black Ball' (cornflower - Hardy Annual)\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Centaurea cyanus &#8216;Black Ball&#8217; (cornflower &#8211; Hardy Annual)<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>A dark, almost-black cornflower and a stunner, but best grown in drifts and supported with wire as it has a tendency to flop. The flowers are a bee magnet and last well out of water, making it good for decorating puddings and salads. H75cm.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bupleurum-rotundifolium\"><strong><em>Bupleurum rotundifolium<\/em><\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/1252222AJDSC4121-v2-de9890f-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Bupleurum rotundifolium 'Griffithii' (Hare's throw)\" class=\"wp-image-173392\" title=\"Bupleurum rotundifolium 'Griffithii' (Hare's throw)\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bupleurum rotundifolium &#8216;Griffithii&#8217; (Hare&#8217;s throw)<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>An elegant plant with bright-green flowers. It\u2019s excellent for flower arranging as it combines well with most colours, and has a long vase life \u2013 although you need to put it in water as soon as it\u2019s cut, otherwise it can wilt. H60-90cm. USDA 4a-9b.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cerinthe-major-purpurascens\"><strong><em>Cerinthe major<\/em> \u2018Purpurascens\u2019<\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/130370AJ-GM621883-v2-c04fa1e-edited-2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'\" class=\"wp-image-173393\" title=\"Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cerinthe major &#8216;Purpurascens&#8217;<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Although it looks quite exotic, with its glaucous blue-green foliage and droplets of dark-purple flowers, this honeywort is a truly tough character, and given dry soil and lots of sun will flower its head off for months. Flower arrangers and bees love it. H45-60cm.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-chrysanthemum-carinatum-polar-star\"><strong><em>Chrysanthemum carinatum<\/em> \u2018Polar Star\u2019<\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/1252285AJDSC4181-v2-5b41161-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Chrysanthemum carinatum 'Polar Star' (Hardy Annual)\" class=\"wp-image-173394\" title=\"Chrysanthemum carinatum 'Polar Star' (Hardy Annual)\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chrysanthemum carinatum &#8216;Polar Star&#8217; (Hardy Annual)<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>A showy, tri-coloured flower that resembles a child\u2019s drawing of a flower. Its white petals have a yellow inner halo surrounding a dark-brown centre. It also has good lacy foliage and makes a long-lasting cut flower.H75cm.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-chrysanthemum-coronarium-primrose-gem\"><strong><em>Chrysanthemum coronarium<\/em> \u2018Primrose Gem\u2019<\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/1247870AJDSC5224-v2-9122d29-edited-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Chrysanthemum coronarium 'Primrose Gem' (syn. Glebionis coronaria Common name; Crown daisy, Garland chrysanthemum - Hardy Annual - inspired by working at Lindisfarne where Gertrude Jekyll chose 'White Gem').\" class=\"wp-image-173405\" title=\"Chrysanthemum coronarium 'Primrose Gem' (syn. Glebionis coronaria Common name; Crown daisy, Garland chrysanthemum - Hardy Annual - inspired by working at Lindisfarne where Gertrude Jekyll chose 'White Gem').\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chrysanthemum coronarium &#8216;Primrose Gem&#8217; (syn. Glebionis coronaria Common name; Crown daisy, Garland chrysanthemum<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>This cheery, old-fashioned annual creates a neat dome of foliage bursting with buttons of primrose-yellow flowers with a golden centre. Another favourite of Gertrude Jekyll that she planted extensively on Lindisfarne and one that Philippa wouldn\u2019t be without. H30-45cm.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-crepis-rubra-snow-white\"><strong><em>Crepis rubra<\/em> \u2018Snow White\u2019<\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/430809AJDSC4349-2c93b85-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Crepis rubra 'Snow White' (Hawk's beard)\" class=\"wp-image-173396\" title=\"Crepis rubra 'Snow White' (Hawk's beard)\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Crepis rubra &#8216;Snow White&#8217; (Hawk&#8217;s beard)<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>This pinkish-white flower, a cross between a daisy and a dandelion, does best in full sun where it will bloom for months. Good for containers too as it likes being kept on the dry side.H60cm.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-centaurea-cyanus\"><strong><em>Centaurea cyanus<\/em><\/strong><\/h3><p>Cornflowers used to be common throughout British hay meadows, but now they\u2019re found mainly in gardens and urban meadow schemes. Easy to grow, it can work perfectly mid border, and is a perfect cut flower.Deadhead throughout the summer and it blooms itself to exhaustion. A great pollinator too. H75cm. RHS H7.<\/p><p><strong><em>Lathyrus odoratus<\/em> \u2018Black Knight\u2019<\/strong><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/1252332AJDSC4228-v3-d9e60ad-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Lathyrus odoratus 'Black Knight' (Sweet pea 'Black Knight')\" class=\"wp-image-173397\" title=\"Lathyrus odoratus 'Black Knight' (Sweet pea 'Black Knight')\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lathyrus odoratus &#8216;Black Knight&#8217; (Sweet pea &#8216;Black Knight&#8217;)<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>An old-fashioned sweet pea with delicate flowers in a dark-claret-colour and an unforgettable fragrance. The stems can be quite short so cut the flower stem and stalk when using as a cut flower. Grow in full sun up a trellis or wigwam. Best started off in root trainers and then planted out in soil with plenty of organic matter. Keep well watered and deadhead regularly. H2m.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lathyrus-odoratus-dave-s\"><strong><em>Lathyrus odoratus<\/em> \u2018Dave\u2019s\u2019<\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/1252315AJDSC4207-v2-e48b59c-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Lathyrus odoratus 'Dave's'\" class=\"wp-image-173398\" title=\"Lathyrus odoratus 'Dave's'\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lathyrus odoratus &#8216;Dave&#8217;s&#8217;<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>A late-flowering, dark-coloured sweet pea that was grown and bred by Philippa\u2019s late father, David, who grew it on his allotment. She\u2019s not sure if it\u2019s unique or not, but it\u2019s a poignant reminder of her gardening dad. Sow as for <em>L. odoratus<\/em> \u2018Black Knight\u2019. H2m.<\/p><p>Here&#8217;s more on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/sweet-peas-growing-tips-and-where-to-buy-the-best-range-of-seeds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">growing sweet peas<\/a><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lathyrus-odoratus-lilac-silk\"><strong><em>Lathyrus odoratus<\/em> \u2018Lilac Silk\u2019<\/strong><\/h3><p>A large, multi-flowered sweet pea in a delicate shade of lavender fading to a creamy base, with frilly flowers that last well in water, and long stems that make them good for cutting. Sow as above. H2m.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lavatera-trimestris-pink-beauty\"><strong><em>Lavatera trimestris<\/em> \u2018Pink Beauty\u2019<\/strong><\/h3><p>A hot-pink, trumpet-shaped, silky flower rather like another hardy annual, <em>Malope trifida<\/em>. Easy to grow and creates a large bushy plant. Although the flowers aren\u2019t good for cutting, as their stems are short, it makes a bold statement in the border. H1m.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-linum-grandiflorum-rubrum\"><strong><em>Linum grandiflorum<\/em> \u2018Rubrum\u2019<\/strong><\/h3><p>The blood-red flowering flax has a satin sheen to the petals. It is one of the easiest, and showiest of all annuals to grow, but best planted in full sun and sandy soil, as they will tolerate some dryness. Grow en masse for best effect. H30cm.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-linum-usitatissimum\"><strong><em>Linum usitatissimum<\/em><\/strong><\/h3><p>This sky-blue, common flax is harvested commercially for linen and linseed oil, so it is an incredibly useful and historically significant plant. Easily grown and a gentle self-seeder, it looks like a piece of summer sky has fallen into your garden. H1.5m.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nigella-damascena\"><strong><em>Nigella damascena<\/em><\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"6048\" height=\"4032\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/05\/311183AJ-DSC3867-v2-03cefd8.jpg\" alt=\"Nigella damascena (Love-in-a-mist)\" class=\"wp-image-109450\" title=\"Nigella damascena (Love-in-a-mist)\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nigella damascena (Love-in-a-mist) &#8211; \u00a9 Andrea Jones<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Better known as love-in-a-mist, this old-fashioned and easily grown plant also comes in white, purple and pink, although the traditional sky-blue version is arguably the most lovely. It self-seeds, and the dried seedheads make a striking winter display in a vase. H30cm.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-orlaya-grandiflora\"><strong><em>Orlaya grandiflora<\/em><\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/1247869AJDSC5223-v2-da944a8-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Orlaya grandiflora (Hardy Annual) with Salvia cv (Perennial)\" class=\"wp-image-173399\" title=\"Orlaya grandiflora (Hardy Annual) with Salvia cv (Perennial)\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Orlaya grandiflora (Hardy Annual) with Salvia cv (Perennial)<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>These umbellifers have become very fashionable in the past few years, for good reason. They\u2019re easy to grow, don\u2019t need staking and their white lacy flowers and ferny foliage look good in the border or a vase. Protect new growth from slugs. H60cm.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pisum-sativum-carouby-de-maussane\"><strong><em>Pisum sativum<\/em> \u2018Carouby de Maussane\u2019<\/strong><\/h3><p>A mangetout cultivar with dark-purple flowers that precede the sweet pods. Once the flowers are over the pods are delicious gently steamed or eaten raw in salads. H2m.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-reseda-odorata-grandiflora\"><strong><em>Reseda odorata<\/em> \u2018Grandiflora\u2019<\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/430813AJDSC4352-v2-2352922-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Reseda odorata grandiflora (Mignonette)\" class=\"wp-image-173400\" title=\"Reseda odorata grandiflora (Mignonette)\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reseda odorata grandiflora (Mignonette)<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Mignonette has been grown for centuries in British gardens for its sweet scent and lovely flower shape. It has a long vase life, while keeping its fragrance, making it ideal for cutting. It\u2019s best grown in dry soil and full sun. H45-H60cm.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ridolfia-segetum\"><strong><em>Ridolfia segetum<\/em><\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/1252226AJDSC4124-v2-854a158-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Ridolfia segetum (Corn parsely, false fennel)\" class=\"wp-image-173401\" title=\"Ridolfia segetum (Corn parsely, false fennel)\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ridolfia segetum (Corn parsely, false fennel)<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>A plant that looks a lot like dill but is even bigger, with more acid-yellow flowers that remind you of an exploding firework. It\u2019s a favourite among flower arrangers because of its height and long vase life, but it looks terrific in the border too. H1m.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-best-half-hardy-annual-plants-to-grow\">The best half hardy annual plants to grow<\/h3><p>Chosen by expert plantspeople<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rudbeckia-hirta-rustic-dwarf\"><strong><em>Rudbeckia hirta<\/em> \u2018Rustic Dwarf\u2019<\/strong><\/h4><p><strong>Philippa Hodkinson<\/strong>: This coneflower has flowers that look like a pumped-up daisy, but are in shades of bronze, yellow and mahogany. It makes a superb autumn cut flower alongside sunflowers and calendula. 60cm.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ipomoea-caprice\"><strong><em>Ipomoea<\/em> \u2018Caprice\u2019<\/strong><\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1597\" height=\"2400\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/04\/Ipomoea-Caprice-c-Jason-Ingram-9a5a791.jpg?crop=5px,391px,1587px,1057px\" alt=\"Ipomoea 'Caprice'\" class=\"wp-image-105145\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">c. Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>Tom Brown:<\/strong> I trialled several morning glories last year and they were surprisingly variable in their performance, but this was one of the best blues. Strong growth covered my 2m-high obelisk in foliage and pale-blue flowers erupted all over this plant. It was quite a spectacle, especially alongside some of the less floriferous forms. Avoid over feeding or you\u2019ll end up with lots of leaf and only a few flowers, but other than that, in a sunny position, ipomoeas will provide lots of colour and interest well into the summer and cover up some of those less attractive fences. H1.5-2.5m.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zinnia-elegans-benary-s-giant-wine\"><strong><em>Zinnia elegans<\/em> \u2018Benary&#8217;s Giant Wine&#8217;<\/strong><\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1597\" height=\"2400\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/04\/Zinnia-elegans-Benarys-Giant-Wine-c-Jason-Ingram-34c1167.jpg?crop=5px,493px,1587px,1057px\" alt=\"Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant Wine'\" class=\"wp-image-105151\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">c. Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>Tom Brown<\/strong>: I grew a number of taller-stemmed zinnias in 2017, and the ones that stood out head and shoulders above all the others were those from the wonderfully consistent Benary\u2019s range. They are available in a variety of colours, with one to suit almost every taste. This one from the Benary\u2019s Giant Series is a classy plant, with sultry mulberry-coloured flowers. It is perfect grown as a cut flower, but will also have a strong presence in your borders until the first frosts.H50cm-1m. Staggered sowing will produce flowers from July until first frosts.<\/p><p>Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/flowers\/zinnias-care-height-best\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">guide to growing zinnia<\/a><\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tithonia-rotundifolia-torch\"><strong><em>Tithonia rotundifolia<\/em> &#8216;Torch&#8217;<\/strong><\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1597\" height=\"2400\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/04\/Tithonia-rotundifolia-Torch-c-Jason-Ingram-8a726e0.jpg?crop=5px,855px,1587px,1057px\" alt=\"Tithonia rotundifolia 'Torch'\" class=\"wp-image-105150\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">c. Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>Tom Brown:<\/strong> Tall, vibrant and blisteringly bright- orange flowers appear on this Mexican sunflower as the summer warms up. Grow as an annual and plant in full sun in reasonable garden soil to achieve a strong two metres of growth. Tithonias will keep flowering until the frosts (don\u2019t forget to collect the seed). This is a strong cultivar with consistent dark-orange flowers that are hard to beat in mixed and exotic plantings. They detest the cold so resist planting them out until June. H1-2m.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cleome-senorita-rosalita-inncleosr\"><strong><em>Cleome<\/em> Se\u00f1orita Rosalita (= \u2018Inncleosr\u2019)<\/strong><\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4032\" height=\"6048\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/04\/Cleome-Senorita-Rosalita-c-Jason-Ingram-82b8b8c.jpg?crop=12px,1689px,4008px,2670px\" alt=\"Cleome 'Senorita Rosalita'\" class=\"wp-image-105143\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cleome &#8216;Senorita Rosalita&#8217; \u00a9 Jason Ingram &#8211; c. Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure><p><br\/><strong>Mat Reese:<\/strong> A fabulous, dense hybrid with typical spidery, rose-pink flowers and exotic- looking, dark-green, palmate leaves. Usefully, the flowers are sterile, so the energy that would have been spent on seed production goes into making a continuous string of flowers; this one is thornless too. Cleomes do best in a warm, sunny position. Incorporate humus on planting and feed through the growing season as they are hungry plants. It is a lovely alternative to the cosmos, salvias and dahlias normally seen in late-summer bedding. H80cm.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rudbeckia-hirta-prairie-sun\"><strong><em>Rudbeckia hirta<\/em> \u2018Prairie Sun\u2019<\/strong><\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4032\" height=\"6048\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/04\/Rudbeckia-hirta-Prairie-Sun-c-Jason-Ingram-ca5f25c.jpg?crop=12px,1232px,4008px,2670px\" alt=\"Rudbeckia hirta 'Prairie Sun'\" class=\"wp-image-105148\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">c Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure><p><br\/><strong>Mat Reese:<\/strong> This rudbeckia has huge, sumptuous, yellow flowers, each with a striking green central cone. It can be grown as either an annual or a biennial, and will bloom all summer, continuing to produce a succession of flowers well into autumn. If sown early in the year, it will flower from August, but I prefer to sow seed in July, over-winter the plants in a frame, and grow them on through the spring. I then have fat plants to put out in June, which will flower from July onwards. Grow alongside reds, perhaps <em>Salvia<\/em> <em>coccinea<\/em>, or white anemones, depending on your taste. H80cm.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/summer\/rudbeckia-growing-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rudbeckia: how to grow and care for rudbeckia<\/a><\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tagetes-cinnabar\"><strong><em>Tagetes<\/em> &#8216;Cinnabar&#8217;<\/strong><\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/SLP120822184709-2-e806a20-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Tagetes Cinnabar\" class=\"wp-image-173402\" title=\"Tagetes Cinnabar\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tagetes Cinnabar<\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>Fleur van Zonneveld, Kleine Plantage:<\/strong> It has everything we would could want in an annual plant \u2013 a beautiful, vivid colour, natural appearance, it\u2019s easy to grow and to combine with perennials, has a long and abundant flowering period and works well in a pot. One of our trainees brought us the seed from Great Dixter, where it was known as \u2018Dixter Strain\u2019. In the Netherlands it is often sold under the incorrect name of <em>T. patula<\/em> Linnaeus.<br\/>H60cm.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hibiscus-trionum\"><strong><em>Hibiscus trionum<\/em><\/strong><\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/MdR-31717-041-Hibiscus-trionumv2-7904594-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Hibiscus trionum\" class=\"wp-image-173403\" title=\"Hibiscus trionum\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hibiscus trionum<\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>Fleur van Zonneveld, Kleine Plantage:<\/strong> This pretty annual is sometimes known as flower-of-an-hour because its flowers bloom for only a few hours during the day before wilting. Even so it is a must for lovers of annuals, as every day, over a period of months, new large (5cm) flowers open, which are cream to soft-yellow coloured and have a dark heart containing a golden-yellow stamen and a dark-red pistil. It is a well-branched plant with deeply grooved leaves that combines well with perennials, but also looks good grown in a pot. The flowers are followed by hairy, bell-shaped seed capsules and are best left to self-seed. H1m.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lophospermum-erubescens-lofos-wine-red-sun-asaro\"><strong><em>Lophospermum erubescens<\/em> Lofos Wine Red (= \u2018Sun-Asaro\u2019)<\/strong><\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/06\/MdR-4717-19-Lophospermum-Wine-Redv2-54731d7-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Lophospermum Wine Red\" class=\"wp-image-173404\" title=\"Lophospermum Wine Red\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lophospermum Wine Red<\/figcaption><\/figure><p><strong>Fleur van Zonneveld, Kleine Plantage:<\/strong> A versatile plant that can work as a climber or for weaving through other plants in a border. Its triangular soft-green leaves have a quiet presence growing through other plants, and the large, trumpet-like, pink flowers appear on the tendrils in increasing numbers as the season progresses. If there are no frosts it will bloom until January. After flowering, it forms fresh-green seed capsules and can be overwintered in situ, provided it remains frost-free. H1.5m.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rudbeckia-hirta-cappuccino\"><strong><em>Rudbeckia hirta<\/em> \u2018Cappuccino\u2019<\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4032\" height=\"6048\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/04\/Rudbeckia-hirta-Cappuccino-c-Jason-Ingram-0891c0d.jpg?crop=12px,2477px,4008px,2670px\" alt=\"Rudbeckia hirta 'Cappuccino'\" class=\"wp-image-105147\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rudbeckia hirta &#8216;Cappuccino&#8217;. \u00a9 Jason Ingram &#8211; c. Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure><p><br\/><strong>Mat Reese:<\/strong> A fabulous selection that will make sturdy branching plants and will flower throughout the summer into autumn until colder days draw the show to a close. The huge daisy flowers are dark mahogany in the centre, bleeding to an amber yellow, and look absolutely divine in the soft autumnal sunshine, or cut for the house. Each flower will last for weeks and deadheading will help to keep the show clean and encourage more blooms. These are vigorous and greedy plants, it is important to feed the soil with good compost when planting and with fertiliser into autumn.<br\/>H1m.<\/p><p>Here&#8217;s our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/our-favourite-seed-suppliers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">favourite seed suppliers<\/a><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For fast-growing, seasonal colour in your garden that won\u2019t cost a fortune and is fun to grow, one of the easiest things to do is sow some annuals from seed <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":36289,"template":"","categories":[1,51],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"15"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/06\/our-guide-to-annual-plants-and-flower-and-33-of-the-best-to-grow-scaled.jpg",1707,2560,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/06\/our-guide-to-annual-plants-and-flower-and-33-of-the-best-to-grow-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/06\/our-guide-to-annual-plants-and-flower-and-33-of-the-best-to-grow-200x300.jpg",200,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/06\/our-guide-to-annual-plants-and-flower-and-33-of-the-best-to-grow-768x1152.jpg",768,1152,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/06\/our-guide-to-annual-plants-and-flower-and-33-of-the-best-to-grow-683x1024.jpg",683,1024,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/06\/our-guide-to-annual-plants-and-flower-and-33-of-the-best-to-grow-1024x1536.jpg",1024,1536,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/06\/our-guide-to-annual-plants-and-flower-and-33-of-the-best-to-grow-1365x2048.jpg",1365,2048,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"For fast-growing, seasonal colour in your garden that won\u2019t cost a fortune and is fun to grow, one of the easiest things to do is sow some annuals from seed","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/36288"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36289"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36288"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36288"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}