11 Annuals That Can Handle The Heat

 

 

Vinca

 

Upright blooming plants in vivid colors that bloom non-stop. Don’t overwater them and make sure they are in well-drained soil and they won’t let you down. Here’s a hint, if they get too tall and leggy you can cut them back by half their height, feed them with water soluble fertilizer and they will come back compact and blooming.
 
 

 

Profusion Zinnias

 

Aptly named they bloom profusely until our first frost. Making mounds of blooms, these hardy plants are easy to care for. Requiring no trimming or cleaning. One of my favorites!
 
 

 

Sun Patiens

 

Bright flowers (neon orange, coral, white, lilac and violet) continue to bloom continuously throughout the season. They are heavy drinkers and require daily watering but are worth the effort! Perfect for containers, hanging baskets or in flower beds – they make a statement.
 
 

 

Bronze Leaf Begonias

 

The old standby. Leathery leafed plants that can even make it all the way through a mild winter. These grow in sun and shade so they are perfect for those “is it sun or is it shade” areas. These short, round mounds of blooms are so versatile – bedding plants, hanging baskets and containers.
 
 

 

Pentas

 

Excellent butterfly and hummingbird attractors. These plants are compact and bushier than most annuals and covered with clusters of red, pink, violet or white flowers. Perfect for beds and containers.
 
 

 

Sun Coleus

 

Known for it’s bright foliage colors in all colors and shapes. Another compact bushier annual that will handle the sun. If it gets too tall you can cut it back and it will grow out a new top. So many varieties to choose from – a go to plant of mine.
 
 

 

Purslane

 

This trailing plant will drape over retaining walls, hanging baskets, containers or spread along the ground. It’s bright flowers bloom throughout the season and its foliage is similar in texture to succulents. Great colorful “spiller” for arrangements.
 
 

 

Portulaca

 

Similar to Purslane with its trailing habit, except the leaves are longer and cylindrical. The flowers will close up after watering and at night. Another good “spiller for arrangements.
 
 

 

Annual Salvia

 

Several varieties available in blue, purple, red, & white. Great as mass plantings in a bed or thrillers in a container. Heat and drought resistant, they bloom from April through the first freeze.
 
 

 

Celosia

 

Multiple, brightly colored, feathery flowers in hot pink, bright yellow, red, orange and even iridescent purple blooms give punch to flower beds or containers.
Three main types – plumed feathers, crested brain-like fuzzy blooms or wheat’s spiky feathers – all thrive in full sun, well-drained soil.
 
 

 

Angelonia

 

Vertical spikes consisting of many small blossoms will bloom from spring through first frost. Available in purple, light blue, pink, rose, and white, there is a color that is perfect for everyone. Self- cleaning, almost no maintenance and loves our humidity and heat.