 |
SWEET PEA (Lathyrus)
|
SWEET PEA(Lathyrus)Type: Annual and perennial
Blooms: Fall through spring; blue, scarlet, rose, salmon, cream and bi-colors
Soil: Well-amended; quick-draining
Light: Full sun
Water needs: Water when top 2 inches of soil are dry; soil should be moist but not soggy.
Maintenance: Fertilize twice monthly; protect seedlings from birds; support vining varieties with string.
Tip: To hasten germination, soak seeds in water or scratch seed coats before planting.
Pair with: Alyssum, lobelia, nasturtium, snapdragon
Why we like it: Sweetly scented, the dainty blossoms make pretty cut flowers. Sweet peas reseed readily and are ideal for growing up trellises, over rocks or in containers.
 |
MARIGOLD (Tagetes)
|
MARIGOLD(Tagetes)Type: Annual
Blooms: Fall to spring; pale yellow to gold, orange to maroon
Soil: Well-drained
Light: Full sun with afternoon shade
Water needs: Irrigate when top inch of soil is dry.
Maintenance: Apply all-purpose fertilizer according to label instructions.
Tip: This pretty bloomer can easily be grown from seed.
Pair with: Alyssum, bachelor’s button, dianthus, lobelia
Why we like it: An excellent border and container plant, it is a magnet for butterflies. Many marigold varieties are fragrant and produce double flower forms; most make long-lasting cut flowers. Attracts beneficial insects that prey on harmful insects.
 |
JOHNNY JUMP UP (Viola tricolor)
|
JOHNNY JUMP UP
(Viola tricolor)Type: Annual
Blooms: Winter through spring; purple/blue-and-yellow
Soil: Rich, moist and well-drained
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water needs: Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Maintenance: Fertilize every two months; remove spent blooms (along with some foliage) to extend flowering.
Tip: Avoid buying plants with open flowers, as they may soon fall off. Plants can take weeks to recover and bloom after transplanting.
Pair with: Geranium, marigold, nasturtium, stock
Why we like it: A profuse bloomer, its edible flowers create a carpet of color. It is a good choice for beds, borders, window boxes and containers.
 |
GERANIUM (Pelargonium x hortorum)
|
GERANIUM
(Pelargonium x hortorum)Type: Perennial, often grown as an annual
Blooms: Fall through spring; pink, red, orange, violet and white
Soil: Well-amended; fast-draining
Light: Full to filtered sun
Water needs: Water only when soil is dry to the touch.
Maintenance: Feed with well-balanced fertilizer; remove stems and faded flowers to encourage branching and new blooms.
Tip: Container plants flower best when roots are pot-bound (very tightly packed).
Pair with: Alyssum, johnny jump up, lobelia, petunia
Why we like it: With so many unusual varieties available—several with double flowers, variegated foliage and scented leaves—the common geranium isn’t so ordinary.