|
Enduring Summer Plants
By Hilda M. Morrill
 Several years ago, the National Gardening Bureau issued a list of flowers that will withstand dry, hot summers. If your flowers are brown and crunchy, looking more like a new bran cereal than the pictures in a mail order catalog, you need "durable" summer plants.
Long lasting annuals or perennials have many similar qualities. They are heat tolerant and drought tolerant. Some of these are best grown from seed. Some searching may be needed to find sources of seed or plants, but the search will reward you with enduring flowers next summer.
Among the best are:
Begonias fibrous rooted or wax begonias. Native to the tropics, these plants have either green or bronze foliage. Once established, these plants are durable and need less water than other annuals. They are reliable bloomers in full sun to partial shade. Flower colors are pink, rose, white and bicolors.
Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberosa. This perennial is native to North America, and gets its name because it is attractive to butterflies. It can tolerate the heat of the Deep South. Growing two to three feet tall, the blooms can be cut and used in arrangements.
Celosia Celosia plumosa. Children are attracted to these plants because the flowers dont look like ordinary flowers. For best garden performance it is better to grow them from seed or purchase green plants without blooms. Flower colors range from cream to pink to crimson. Height ranges from six inches to four feet, and the taller varieties may be used as cut flowers.
Cleome Spider plant. This tall plant is native to the Caribbean and thrives on hot, dry conditions. It can reach up to six feet tall in full sun if given enough water and nutrients. Colors are limited to violet, rose and white.
Coreopsis Pot of gold. Native to North America, these yellow or red daisy-like flowers will grace a garden during summer and fall.
Cosmos Mexican aster. Native to Mexico, these plants range from a dwarf form of 12 inches in height to a bushy six feet tall. Very heat and drought tolerant, cosmos prefers infertile but well drained soil for prolific blooms. Cosmos are available in a wide color range from yellow to scarlet, to pink, rose and white.
Globe Amaranth Gomphrena globosa. This annual is native to the tropics and is a wonderful everlasting flower. There are dwarf varieties, as well as taller ones that reach up to two feet. New colors include lavender, rose, pink, and strawberry.
Morning Glory Ipomoea. Native to the tropics, this annual vine is best grown from seed. A vigorous plant, Morning Glory needs a trellis or vertical support as it can reach eight to ten feet. The delicate-looking single flowers unfurl each day. Flower colors are white, blue, pink or red.
Nicotiana Flowering tobacco. Bursts of tubular, star-shaped blooms are held above the lush green foliage. Plant height can be dwarf, bushy bedding plants or up to six feet. Native to South America, Nicotiana is an annual to Zone10 where it is a perennial. Flower colors are pink, rose, red, lime, or white. Breeders are working on new colors.
Sunflowers Helianthus. Sometimes planted by squirrels or chipmunks, these native North American flowers are available in white, bronze and cream colors in addition to the traditional yellow. Heights range from one foot to ten feet tall. Sunflowers tolerate heat and poor soil. Easy to grow from seed, these are popular as cut flowers.
Zinnia. Native to Mexico, zinnia plants prefer hot and dry weather once they are established in the garden. A wide range of colors and height is available. Zinnias are easy to grow from seed.
If you are disappointed in your flower garden this summer, try some of these durable annuals or perennials next year. Some plants are more foolproof than others. Using this group of flowers should help you be more satisfied with the results of your garden dream.
Happy Gardening!
|
