Annuals for Alabama

Begonia. Begonia X semperflorens-cultorum (Wax Begonia, Fibrous-rooted
Begonia). One of the most popular bedding plants grown, Begonias flower from
spring until frost. Colors range from white to pink to vivid red. Some varieties have
bronze foliage and some green variegated with white. Some varieties are more sun
tolerant than others. B. x tuberhybrida (Tuberous Begonia) is also grown but is not
as well-suited for landscape use in the south.

Celosia. Celosia cristata (Cockscomb). Many new varieties of Celosia have
been developed in recent years which far extend the use of the plant. Heights
range from one-half to two-and-a-half feet. Colors range from cream to
yellow, gold, pink and red. Flower types vary from fasciated convoluted
combs to feathery spikes. Some varieties also have bronze foliage.

Cleome. Cleome hasslerana (Spider Plant). The plant is useful for
background and screening. Varieties range in height from three to five feet,
and in color from white to pink to lilac. Plants grow under poor conditions
but require ample moisture and fertility for vigorous growth. Cleome
reseeds prolifically.

Coleus. Coleus X hyhridus. An excellent choice for shady locations,
although some varieties are sun tolerant. Heights range from one to three feet
depending on variety and conditions. Coleus is grown for its colorful foliage;
many varieties also have deeply lobed or cut margins. Flower spikes should
be removed as they appear.

Dusty Miller. Senecio cineraria. Dusty Miller is grown principally for its
whitish-silver, wooly leaves. Varieties range in height from six to 12 inches.
Daisy-like cream or yellow flowers are produced in late summer.

Gomphrena. Gomphrena globosa (Globe Amaranth). Gomphrena is a little-
used annual that deserves more widespread use. It is drought and weather
resistant. Plants range in height from eight to 24 inches. Colors range from white
to rose to purple.

Impatiens. Impatiens wallerana (Sultana). Impatiens balsamina (Balsam, Touch-Me-
Not). Impatiens are one of the most popular bedding plants in America. They provide
continuous flowering from spring until fall. Almost all colors except blue are available in
varieties ranging in height from six inches to two or three feet. Impatiens generally do best in
shade, but many varieties are sun tolerant if given adequate moisture. Balsam is erect in
growth habit, ranging in height from one to three feet. When ripe, the seed pods burst upon
touching, hence the common name, Touch-Me-Not.

Marigold. Tagetes erecta (African Marigold). T. patula (French Marigold). T. species and
hybrids. Marigolds are a staple annual in Georgia gardens. Many varieties are available primarily
in shades of yellow, gold, orange and mahogany red. The African Marigolds have larger flowers
than do the French Marigolds. Triploid Marigolds are hybrids between the two species. Heights
range from six to 36 inches.

Polka Dot Plant. Hypoestes phyllostachya (Pink Polka Dot Plant, Freckle Face). Polka
Dot plant is grown principally for its unique speckled foliage.

Vinca. Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Peri-winkle). With improved varieties and
additional colors, Vinca has become a very popular annual in the South. It is heat and
drought tolerant, and grows well on poor soils. Do not confuse Catharanthus with the true
Vincas, V. minor and V. Major, which are evergreen perennial ground covers.

Zinnia. Zinnia elegans. The Zinnia is a versatile annual. They range in height from six to 36
inches and are available in many different colors and flow-ers. Zinnias grow well under hot,
sunny conditions but need ample moisture to thrive. Creeping Zinnia is a reliable annual for
hot, dry areas. The yellow flow-ers resemble small Zinnias. Plants have a spreading habit of
growth and are useful annual groundcovers.

Petunia. Petunia X hydrida. Petunias remain a popular flowering annual. They are heat
tolerant, but require ample moisture and fertility to thrive. Virtually all colors are available.
Several flower forms are also available, including fully double types. The single multiflora
varieties are generally best for landscape use. A half-hardy annual that performs particularly
well along the coast.

Ornamental Kale (Cabbage). Brassica oleracea. Plants form nearly perfect circular
rosettes of leaves with centers tinged with pink, red or purple. It is grown for its foliage.
Plants are usually set in fall .

Pansy. Viola X wittrockiana. Pansies are the most popular hardy annual grown in Alabama
. Most are planted in the fall and flowers in fall and winter followed by peak flowering in
spring; established plants can be planted in early spring. Nearly all colors are available. The
smaller flowered multiflora types are generally more satisfactory for landscape use than the
giant flowered types.

Ageratum. Ageratum houstonianum (Floss flower). Most varieties now offered in
the trade are compact and range in height from six to 12 inches. Blues predominate,
but white and magenta varieties are available. Tall cutting varieties are also available.

Geranium. Pelargonium X hortorum. Pelargonium peltatum (Ivy-
Leaved Geranium). Geraniums have become very popular bedding plants,
particularly now that many seed-propagated varieties are available. Colors
range from white to pink, salmon and red. Ivy-Leaved Geraniums are
popular for hanging baskets and window boxes. Do not confuse
Pelargonium with the true Geraniums, many of which are also cultivated.