Part of the joy of gardening in summer is potting up planters of colorful annuals for my big front porch. Over the years, I’ve developed some favorites that I rely on for easy care and maximum color. Here are three that I can always count on for my garden:
1. Caladiums
Caladiums are my shade garden secret. These spade-shaped foliage beauties are my go-to for pots that need a pop of color.
You can buy caladiums in pots in the Garden Center and also caladium corms (you might call them bulbs) in bags. I purchase both each season. I like the instant gratification aspect of the finished plants. And I like popping the caladium corms in my shade pots and wait for them to emerge. It’s like planting surprises all over my garden.
2. Coleus
Coleus is just dead simple, ridiculously easy to grow. The hard part, seriously, is deciding on what varieties to bring home. They come in all kinds of shades of pink, peach, burgundy and chartreuse with frilly edges and interesting margins.
I’ve learned to pick varieties with thicker leaves because they tend to hold up better when we go through a drought. Still, no matter which I choose, coleus always brings the show.
3. Dipladenia
Dipladenia is like mandevilla and hibiscus, but I think it’s easier to grow. It’s certainly a tough, drought-resistant plant. It can handle the heat and inevitable mid-summer neglect, and still shine.
For me, dipladenia is a buy early and enjoy all season kind of plant. It looks great April to late September in my zone 8a, Atlanta area garden.
What about you? What are your favorite container garden annuals? Let me know in the comments.
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