bedding plants for seasonal color

Bedding Plants for Seasonal Color

Eric Stormer, Extension Agent, ANR/Horticulture Virginia Cooperative Extension

830 Southampton Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23510

PH: (757) 683-2816

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Using Color in Landscape Design – Some Considerations

Chromatic Color – Hue Hue is the term used to answer the question, “What color is that?” Hue refers to the location of the color on the electromagnetic spectrum. Hue, as a quality of color is considered important because of the emotional content it is symbolically associated with. Hue is affected by the environment and its surroundings. Additive Color and Subtractive Color Additive Color – created with light. Three primary colors are red, blue and green. Subtractive Color – created with ink. Three primary colors are cyan, magenta and yellow. Hue Contrast

Contrast: the perception of differences between two or more effects.

Hue Contrast affects unity and balance of a composition.

High hue contrast levels are often exciting

Low hue contrast levels can be restful, and soothing. They can also be boring, dull. Value

Value describes the light or dark quality of a hue, determined by the amount of light the object reflects.

White reflects almost all light, so it has the highest value, and is lightest.

Black reflects almost no light, so it has the darkest value; it absorbs light. Saturation

Saturation is also referred to as a hues intensity, brilliance, purity or chroma.

Saturation is a measure of the color content, or strength, of a hue.

Pure hues are more saturated, while hues with gray, black or white are less saturated. Achromatic Colors Achromatic Colors are considered “neutral” hues. These hues work well with most other hues. Black, white and gray are considered neutral hues. Some landscape designers consider green as a “natural neutral”.

Variations in Chromatic Color Pastels Pastels possess both high value (white level) and comparatively high saturation, or color content. Pastels reflect a great deal of light, therefore draw the eye. Due to their high white level, pastels can “wash out” in bright sunlight. Pale Colors Pale colors (hues) possess high value and low saturation, or color content. Pale colors are most appropriately used as background and connecting colors. As with pastels, pale colors are difficult to use in bright sunlight; will “wash out”. Pastels are very useful in creating compositions of varying values. Vivid Colors Vivid colors possess high saturation (color content) at their natural levels. Each vivid color has a unique saturation. Vivid colors are usually the colors first noticed in any setting. Vivid colors work well as accents. As with all colors, vivid colors will appear grayer from a distance. Rich Colors Rich colors possess both low value (are dark) and high saturation (high color content). Because rich colors have low value, they generally show best close up. Rich colors provide an excellent foil (contrast or complement) to light colored backdrops. Rich colors may be mixed easily; the dark value of rich colors provides a strong sense of unity. Muted Colors Muted colors possess medium value (grayish) and low saturation (color content). Muted colors are darker than pale colors; pale colors possess higher value than do muted colors. Muted colors may be used alone, or as a contrast to brightly colored foliage and flowers. The medium value of muted colors makes them appear closer and larger than dark colors, and smaller and more

BEDDING PLANTS FOR SEASONAL COLOR

PLANT LIST

1. Angelonia 2. Ageratum – Flossflower 3. Amaranthus – Joseph’s Coat 4. Snapdragon 5. Wax Begonia, Fibrous Begonia 6. Tuberous Begonia 7. Flowering Kale, Ornamental Cabbage 8. Caladium 9. Canna Lily, Garden Canna 10. Ornamental Pepper 11. Madagascar Periwinkle 12. Celosia, Cockscomb 13. Cosmos bipinnatus 14. Cosmos sulphureus 15. Mexican Heather, False Heather 16. Dahlia 17. Garden Chrysanthemum 18. Dianthus, Pinks 19. Impatiens 20. Ornamental Sweet Potato 21. Lantana 22. Sweet Alyssum 23. Four O’ Clock, Marvel of Peru 24. Geranium, Zonal Geranium 25. Pentas, Starflower 26. Petunia 27. Mexican Petunia, Mexican Bluebell 28. Annual Phlox 29. Scarlet Salvia 30. Mealy-Cup Sage 31. Mexican Sage 32. Scarlet Sage 33. Dusty Miller 34. Coleus 35. African Marigold, American Marigold 36. French Marigold 37. Signet Marigold 38. Wishbone Flower, Torenia 39. Nasturtium, Watercress 40. Verbena 41. Pansy 42. Zinnia

Angelonia

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Botanical Name: Angelonia angustifolia

Height: 1 to 3 feet, depending on cultivar

Uses: containers; cut flowers; mass bedding displays

Cultivation:

Light requirement: full sun

Soil tolerances: acidic; loam; sand

Soil salt tolerance: unknown

Plant spacing: 12 to 16 inches

Other: Angelonia are heat-loving plants that will grow most vigorously

and bloom best when the heat is on. Plants will tolerate wet feet, but prefer moderate to dry

sites; established plants tolerate a fair amount of drought. Easy care with no deadheading needed.

A bit of fertilizer or some compost in a garden bed is usually all that is needed for these plants to

thrive. Due to their heat-loving nature they are one of the plants that can be planted even during

the heat of mid-summer. Patented, vegetatively propagated hybrids are available, as are plants

grown from seed.

Pests & Diseases: aphids; powdery mildew

Ageratum, Flossflower

Family: Asteraceae

Botanical Name: Ageratum houstonianum

Height: 6 to 18 inches, depending on cultivar

Uses: Ageratum may be used for massing, container planting and edging. Plants

bear fluffy looking flowers in shades of blue, lavender, pink and white. Growth rate is moderate.

Taller varieties may be used for cut flowers.

Cultivation:

Light requirement: full sun to partial shade

Soil tolerances: medium rich, well-drained soil

Soil salt tolerance: poor


Other: does not tolerate dryness well

Pests & Diseases: Greenhouse leaftier moth ties leaves together and feeds on foliage; Corn

earworm sometimes tunnels in stems and feeds on foliage, but no serious pests normally are

normally observed; powdery mildew on foliage may occur, primarily late in the season, and can

be largely ignored.

Amaranthus – Joseph’s Coat

Family: Amaranthaceae

Botanical Name: Amaranthus tricolor

Height: 1 to 4 feet

Uses: May be used in borders, mass plantings or as a specimen plant.

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: clay; sand; acidic loam



Other: A rapidly growing annual noted for its brilliantly colored foliage,

variegated in shades of red, green, orange or yellow. Moderate drought tolerance. Perform best

in moderate soil; leaves lose vibrant color in rich soil. Plants usually need staking to hold them

upright. Cultivars include: “Early Splendor’, ‘Flaming Fountain’, ‘Molten Fire’, ‘Perfecta’,

‘Splendens’ and ‘Tricolor’.

Pests & Diseases: no pests or diseases of consequence

Snapdragon

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Botanical Name: Antirrhinum majus

Height: 6 to 36 inches

Uses: May be used in borders containers, for cut flowers and edging.

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: acidic; slightly alkaline; clay; sand; loam



Other: Snapdragons have been bred for a variety of purposes. Tall types

(2’ – 3’) are excellent for cutting; intermediate types (6” – 15”) work well as bedding plants and

for cutting; rock garden types (about 6” tall) can be used for edging, mass bedding. Plants

tolerate cool weather well. Remove dead flower to encourage new buds. On taller varieties,

plants may be cut back to 5 or 6 buds after first blossoms have faded.

Pests & Diseases: aphids; mites; rust (plant disease resistant varieties); Anthracnose attacks

leaves and stems in late summer, causing older stems to develop spots that are sunken,

yellowish-green to gray, with a narrow border. Leaves will develop spots that are yellowish-

green, turning gray, with a narrow brown border. When stems have been girdled they will die.

Destroy diseased plants, and use wider spacings in subsequent plantings. Gray mold causes

flower spikes to wilt and light brown areas form on the lower stem of the flower cluster.

Infected plants break over below their flowers. The disease is worse in wet weather. Cut off

infected flower stalks and keep beds free of any disease carrying debris. Stem rot can be

detected by the presence of cottony growth on stems of infected plants near the soil line.

Infected plants die and should be destroyed.

Wax Begonia, Fibrous Begonia

Family: Begoniaceae

Botanical Name: Begonia semperflorens-cultorum


Uses: masses; edging; bedding; containers

Cultivation:




Plant spacing: 6’ – 12”

Other: Resilient compact plants, usually reaching no more than one foot

in height, providing continuous color in full sun or partial shade during warm months. Flowers

are single or double in shades of white, pink and red. Leaves are shiny, and may be green or

bronze. Wax begonias perform well in mass plantings and in containers. Bronze-leaved

cultivars may tolerate full sun better than green leaved cultivars.

Pests & Diseases: Thrips cause reddish-brown lines on upper sides of leaves. Spots form on

leaf undersides, especially along the main veins. Leaves may be deformed. Black vine weevil

grub eats the roots, causing wilting and death. Mites stunt new growth, and form webbing in

foliage. Begonias may be infected with powdery mildew, especially when grown in shade. Stem

rots cause stalks to rot and collapse. Rotted areas are usually black. Avoid crowding plants, and

remove any infected plants.

Tuberous Begonia

Family: Begoniaceae

Botanical Name: Begonia tuberhybrida


Uses: Potted plants; hanging baskets, edging.

Cultivation:

Light requirement: best in partial shade




Other: Tuberous begonias prefer well-drained soil, and grow best in

partial shade. Plants require frequent watering and fertilization, but an excess of either will

cause flower buds to drop. Plant are brittle, and may require staking to aid them in tolerant

weather. Single female flowers are best removed to keep plants from forming seeds. Female

flowers form on either side of double male flowers. Begonia flowers may be white, pink, red

orange, yellow and multi-colored.

Pests & Diseases: Thrips cause irregular reddish-brown lines on the upper sides of leaves.

Spots form on the undersides of leaves, especially along the main stems. Black vine weevil grub

eats plant roots, causing wilting and death. Mites stunt new growth. Powdery mildew may be

problematic, especially on plants grown in shade. Stem rot will cause plant stalks to rot and

collapse. Rotted stems should be promptly removed. Plants should not be crowded.

Flowering Kale, Ornamental Cabbage

Family: Brassicaceae

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea


Uses: Ornamental Cabbage, though edible, is most commonly grown for it

colorful, loose, showy rosettes of foliage. Leaf coloration patterns vary, and may be red and

green, solid blue, or green and white. Good coloration is brought about by exposure to

temperatures below 60 degrees F. Therefore, this cold tolerant plant is best utilized for fall,

winter and spring plantings.

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam


Plant spacing: 12” – 18”

Other: moderate drought tolerance

Pests & Diseases: Caterpillars may eat holes in leaves. While this will not kill plants, it will

make them less attractive.

Caladium

Family: Areaceae

Botanical Name: Caladium bicolor, Syn. Caladium x hortulanum


Uses: mass planting; accent color; pots; borders

Cultivation:

Light requirement: dappled or moderate shade

Soil tolerances: loam, sand; slightly acidic; alkaline


Plant spacing: 14 inches

Other: Tuberous rooted plants possessing distinctive, arrow-shaped

foliage in a variety of color combinations and heights. Plants look best when massed together,

grown in partial shade, but will tolerate full conditions when provided rich soil and sufficient

moisture. Some cultivars will perform better in full sun than others.

Pests & Diseases: Caladium may attract mealy bugs, slugs, snails, caterpillars, mites and

grasshoppers, none of which are normally of serious concern. Caladium tubers are susceptible to

fungal diseases. Tubers dug for overwintering should be dusted with insecticide-fungicide prior

to being stored in dry peat moss or vermiculite at temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees F. to

discourage rot.

Canna, Garden Canna

Family: Cannaceae

Botanical Name: Canna X generalis

Height: 2 to 5 feet

Uses: mass plantings, in containers

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: slightly alkaline; clay; sand; acidic; medium rich, well-drained soil



Other: Cannas are fast growing, large plants, growing to 6’ in height, with

18” to 36” leaves. Plants are commonly grown for their flowers, though foliage of some

cultivars is particularly attractive. As herbaceous perennials, they are hardy from zones 5 – 11.

Pests & Diseases: Japanese beetles feed on young leaves and flower buds. Bud rot can cause

numerous spots on unfolding leaves. Infected buds will turn black and die before opening. The

disease will then move down the leaf stalk, killing young stems and buds. Canna mosaic virus

causes leaves to have pale, yellow stripes from the mid-rib to the margin. Affected plants should

be destroyed. Aster yellows, carried by aphids, causes, irregular, dull yellowing of young leaves

which turn brown with age. Destroy infected plants.

Ornamental Pepper

Family: Solanaceae

Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum


Uses: Ornamental Peppers reach 10 to 20 inches in height, depending on

cultivar.

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: clay; sand; acidic; loam


Plant spacing: 6” – 12”

Other: Ornamental Pepper does not tolerate dryness well; plants grow best

in medium rich, well drained, moist soil. Cultivars vary, producing fruit in

several colors – red, yellow, orange, purple and white. Fruit in several colors, at

differing states of maturation, are often present on plants.

Pests & Diseases: none of consequence

Madagascar Periwinkle, Vinca

Family: Apocynaceae

Botanical Name: Catharanthus roseus


Uses: Containers, hanging baskets, massing and edging.

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: clay; sand; acidic; slightly alkaline; loam



Other: Cultivars are available in upright and spreading growth habits.

Plants flower prolifically in hot weather. Flowers are in various hues of crimson, pink, lavender

and white. Plants require full sunlight, and flower for a long time.

Pests & Diseases: Madagascar Periwinkle, when established, is very extremely heat and

drought, tolerant. In situations where irrigation occurs too frequently, plants will quickly

develop root rot. Fungal diseases, including Fusarium and Alternaria may occur in the presence

of high humidity and precipitation. Canker and dieback cause shoot tips to become dark brown,

wilt and die to the soil surface. These issues are most common during rainy weather. Well

drained soil and adequate spacing can diminish the likelihood of these diseases. Some gardeners

experience great success by growing periwinkle on a raised beds comprised of sandy, well

drained soil.

Celosia, Cockscomb

Family: Amaranthaceae

Botanical Name: Celosia cristata, C. plumosa


Uses: edging; massing; container or above-ground planter

Cultivation:

Light requirement: full sun, but tolerate light shade




Other: Celosia occurs in to types. Cockscomb (Celosia cristata), which

bears tight, velvety textured flowers reminiscent of the comb on a rooster’s head,

and the plume type, (Celosia plumosa). Fluffy, light airy textured plumes

flowered types are more commonly planted in beds. Both plants are available in a

variety of flower colors including red, apricot, pink and purple, and foliage in

each may vary from shades of green to orange or red. Plants have a moderate

growth habit. Plants perform best in fertile, moist soil amended with plenty of

organic matter. Any check in growth of young plants will result in premature

flowering, which spoils later performance. Causes of premature flowering

include exposure to cold temperatures and confined roots (leaving plants in trays

too long). Flowers may be dried.

Pests & Diseases: Mites and leaf spot, but neither are common.

Celosia cristata Celosia plumosa

Cosmos, Mexican Aster, Sensation Cosmos

Family: Asteraceae

Botanical Name: Cosmos bipinnatus


Uses: border; attracts butterflies; cutting

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: sand; acidic; slightly alkaline; loam; clay



Other: Bears 2” – 3” showy flowers in a number of pastel colors including

crimson, lavender, pink, rose, violet and white. Staking of taller types may be required; early

pinching encourages branching. Plants tolerate dry, porous soils and will produce an abundance

of foliage at the expense of flowering if over-fertilized.

Pests & Diseases: Occasionally bothered by bacterial wilt, canker, powdery mildew, leaf spots,

aphids and Japanese Beetles.

Orange Cosmos

Family: Asteraceae

Botanical Name: Cosmos sulphureus

Height: 1 to 3 feet

Uses: Cutting; borders

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: sand; acidic; clay; loam; slightly alkaline



Other: Plants are largely used for cutting but may be employed in the

perennial border. Tolerant of dry soils and will produce heavy foliage at the expense of

flowering if over fertilized. Taller plants may require staking. Early pinching encourages

branching and can increase the density of plants. Propagate by seed.

Pests & Diseases: Occasionally may be bothered by bacterial wilt, canker, powdery mildew,

leaf spots, aphids and Japanese Beetles.

Mexican Heather, False Heather

Family: Lythraceae

Botanical Name: Cuphea hyssopifolia


Uses: edging, borders, mass plantings, to attract butterflies

Cultivation:

Light requirement: full sun to part shade

Soil tolerances: loam; acidic; clay; sand; acidic; alkaline


Plant spacing: 12 – 14 inches

Other: A compact, low growing shrublet, whose branches produce an

abundance of small flowers in shades of purple, pink and white. Tolerates many soil types;

requires ample moisture to establish in full sun or partial shade. Frequent light fertilization is

recommended, as is mulching with organic matter. Propagate by seed or tip cuttings.

Pests & Diseases: Can include nematodes, mites and occasional caterpillars. A flea beetle is

known to defoliate plants.

Dahlia

Family: Asteraceae

Botanical Name: Dahlia X


Uses: containers, above-ground planters, cut flowers, borders

Cultivation:

Light requirement: full sun is preferable, but will tolerate light shade



Plant spacing: 18 to 24 inches, depending on cultivar

Other: Dahlias grow best in fertile, well-drained soil with a constant

supply of moisture. Beds should be mulched, and fertilizer should not contain high nitrogen. On

poor sites, plants will become leggy. Set plants after soil has warmed; roots will rot in cold wet

soil. Tall varieties may require support (staking). Removal of side buds will result in larger

flowers.

Pests & Diseases: Aphids; mites; thrips; leafhoppers; European corn borers; crown gall ;

bacterial wilt; Botrytis blight; powdery mildew; Verticillium wilt; dahlia mosaic virus.

Garden Mum, Chrysanthemum

Family: Asteraceae

Botanical Name: Dendranthema X morifolium, Syn. Chrysanthemum X morifolium


Uses: mass plantings, edging, attract butterflies

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay



Other: Garden mums, perennial plants, proper in full sun, and prefer well-

drained soils amended with organic matter. In sandy soils, a 3 to 4 inch layer of peat or compost

should be worked into the top 6 inches of soil. From late spring through mid-August, lightly

prune stems without flower buds whenever they exceed 6 inches in length, removing 2 inches of

growth. Beautiful flowers appear in spring and fall seasons. Hues include red, white, orange,

pink, lilac and intermediates.

Pests & Diseases: Relatively pest free. Leaf blight is probably the biggest concern.

Dianthus, Chinese Pinks

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Botanical Name: Dianthus chinensis


Uses: borders, edging, container plants, cutting, massing

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay



Other: Low growing herbaceous plants used for their slightly fragrant,

colorful blossoms. Bushy plants bear single, semi-double or double flowers, each with a white

fringe along the edge. Flowers may be lavender, pink, purple, scarlet, salmon or white. Plants

grow best in full sun, with well drained soil of medium fertility. Plants tolerate cool weather.

Pests & Diseases: Dianthus are subject to attach from a number of insects and fungi, including:

bacterial wilt, bacterial spot, Alternaria, Botrytis, Fusarium Pythium, Rhizoctonia, aphids, mites

and cutworms.

Impatiens

Family: Balsaminaceae

Botanical Name: Impatiens wallerana; Impatiens hawkeri


Uses: containers; massing; edging; hanging baskets

Cultivation:

Light requirement: shade to full sun, depending on species and cultivar

Soil tolerances: loam; clay, acidic; sand



Other: Impatiens hybrids of I. wallerana, the best known species, possess

a mounding growth habit and are self-cleaning, profuse blooming, easily grown plants available

in an many hues. These plants thrive in filtered light or partial shade. New Guinea Impatiens,

I. hawkeri, produce leaves that may be sold green, or brightly colored with bronze, purple,

yellow or pink midribs. Flowers are larger than those of I. wallerana, and tolerate full sun when

provided adequate moisture. New Guineas perform best when they receive morning sun and

afternoon shade.

Pests & Diseases: Pests are not normally problematic, but may include aphids; mites;

leafminers; thrips; whiteflies and weevils. Diseases may include bacterial leaf spot and soft rot;

mildew; gray mold; viral diseases; Verticillium; and root, crown and stem rot.

Impatiens wallerana Impatiens hawkeri

Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine

Family: Convolvulaceae

Botanical Name: Ipomoea batatus


Uses: hanging baskets; massing; groundcover; accent plant

Cultivation:

Light requirement: full sun; light shade

Soil tolerances: sand; loam; clay; slightly acidic to alkaline



Other: Derived from the ancient food crop of the tropics, ornamental

sweet potato, while edible, is not desirable for human consumption; these plants are selected for

their ornamental uses, and possess poor flavor and even bitter tasting tubers. Plants tolerate heat

very well, and look their best when grown in full sun. Keep soil evenly moist, or plants will wilt

quickly. Popular cultivars include ‘Blackie’, ‘Marguerite’, ‘Tricolor’ and ‘Carolina Purple’.

Pests & Diseases: no major pests to speak of

Lantana

Family: Verbenaceae

Botanical Name: Lantana camara; L. montevidensis; L. hybrida


Uses: accent; ground cover; massing; attracts butterflies

Cultivation:

Light requirement: sun

Soil tolerances: acidic; alkaline; clay; sand; loam

Soil salt tolerance: somewhat tolerant


Other: A sun loving, drought tolerant, free-flowering nectar plant for

butterflies, Lantana is valued for its long bloom season and durability. Plants may required

periodic pruning to control size. Sterile cultivars are available – a desirable trait, as they will not

produce seed. Common Lantana, (Lantana camara) is widely grown; many cultivars exist.

Plants tend to be large, spreading in growth habit. Weeping Lantana, (L. montevidensis)

produces low, vine-like stems, and grows 8 to 12 inches tall and 4 feet wide.

Pests & Diseases: Lantana leafblotch miner; whitefly; Botrytis blight

Lantana camara cv. Lantana montevidensis

Sweet Alyssum

Family: Brassicaceae

Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima


Uses: containers, mass plantings, attracts butterflies

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: clay; sand; loam; acidic



Other: An excellent, low-growing plant useful for edging, Sweet Alyssum

performs best in cool weather, producing flowers in hues of purple, white or pink. Sweet

Alyssum prefers full sun and well-drained soil. In July or August, if plants are starting to

produce seed, shear back.

Pests & Diseases: Downy mildew is favored by warm days and cool nights. Some wilt diseases

attack plants during periods of wet weather. Parts of plants infected will wilt and die. White rust

causes pale yellow leaf lesions, and deforms stems and flowers. Club root causes deformation

and stunts development of infected roots. Avoid planting where club roots has been a problem.

Powdery mildew causes a white coating on the leaves.

Four O’ Clock, Marvel of Peru

Family: Nytaginaceae

Botanical Name: Mirabilis jalapa


Uses: massing; edging; borders; containers

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: sand; loam; clay; acidic



Other: Tropical perennials often treated as annuals, Four O’ Clocks

develop fleshy tuberous roots weighing as much as 40 pounds (in warm climates). Originally

cultivated and selected for various colors and forms by the Aztecs many years prior to the

Spanish Conquest, plants arrived in England by way of Spain some 200 years before Linnaeus

first described the species in 1753. Established plants exhibit extreme heat and drought

tolerance. Fragrant blossoms open in late afternoon and remain so until morning. Attract

hummingbirds.

Pests & Diseases: no significant pests or diseases; Japanese beetles may feed on plants.

Geranium

Family: Geraniaceae

Botanical Name: Pelargonium X hortorum, Syn. Pelargonium X zonale


Uses: mass planting, hanging baskets, border, attracts hummingbirds

Cultivation:





Other: Plants have been bred in many colors. Dead blossoms should be

removed to promote flowering. Excellent potted plants, but lower leaves will turn yellow and

drop if plants are too dry. Plants perform best in loamy, well-drained soil. May become

established more quickly if flowers and buds are removed when planted. Fertilize at regular

intervals.

Pests & Diseases: Aphids, Four-lined bug, Greenhouse Whitefly, Sweet Potato Whitefly,

Bacterial leaf spot, Botrytis.

Pentas, Starflower

Family: Rubiaceae

Botanical Name: Pentas lanceolata


Uses: bedding, cutting, planters, accent plant, attract hummingbirds

Cultivation:





Other: An upright evergreen shrub, Pentas produces flowers in a variety

of hues including white, pink, red and lavender. Plants attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and

tolerate a wide range of soils, but prefer fertile, well-drained soils and regular moisture. Dwarf

cultivars grow to about 14 inches in height.

Pests & Diseases: No pests or diseases are of major concern, but plants occasionally suffer

mites. Caterpillars sometimes chew foliage.

Petunia Family: Solanaceae

Botanical Name: Petunia x hybrida


Uses: groundcover; flower boxes; hanging baskets; massing; edging

Cultivation:

Light requirement: full sun; partial shade

Soil tolerances: sand; loam; clay-loam



Other: One of the best selling bedding plants. Grandiflora petunias bear

3” – 4” single or double ruffled flowers well suited to hanging baskets and porch boxes.

Grandifloras are used for mass bedding, but in hot, humid climates, their blossoms are prone to

damage and rot. Grandiflora series well suited to southern climates include: ‘Storm’, ‘Ultra’ and

‘Daddy’. Multiflora petunias are generally compact plants which bear smaller flowers than

grandifloras, but compensate for this by producing huge numbers of blossoms. Milliflora

petunias, also durable, prolific bloomers, exhibit petal-blight resistance and grow vigorously.

The ‘Fantasy’ series produce neat, compact plants well suited to containers and baskets.

Floribundas represent an intermediate group between grandifloras and multiflora types. They

are free flowering, and produce medium sized blossoms. Spreading, or Trailing Petunias are

low-growing plants, 3 to 4 feet across, bearing flowers along the length of each stem. They are

excellent as groundcovers, in hanging baskets and window boxes. Petunias perform best in full

sun, tolerate heat well, and when established, are reasonably tolerant of drought. Deadheading,

where practical, is recommended.

Pests & Diseases: normally not seriously affected by pests, but aphids and mealybugs may

occur. Phytopthora and Botrytris may develop, but proper cultural conditions diminish

likelihood.

Mexican Petunia, Mexican Bluebell

Family: Acanthaceae

Botanical Name: Ruellia brittoniana


Uses: mass bedding, ground cover, attract butterflies

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: occasionally wet; acidic; sand; loam; clay



Other: Attractive, free flowering perennial, 18 to 30 inches in height,

bearing blue, white or pink flowers spring through fall. Performs best in full sun, but will

tolerate partial shade, as well as limited salt spray. Has escaped from cultivation in the southeast

U. S. Plant self-seeds readily and spreads somewhat aggressively by way of stolons.

Pests & Diseases: no pests or diseases of major concern

Annual Phlox

Family: Polemoniaceae

Botanical Name: Phlox drummondii


Uses: ground cover, massing, edging, rock gardens, naturalizing, containers

Cultivation:

Light requirement: full fun




Other: A native of Texas, Annual Phlox cultivars have been bred in a

variety of sizes (6 – 18 inches tall) and colors (red, white, lavender, pink). Phlox is well suited to

naturalizing. Its fragrant blossoms also make it an attractive cut flower. Plants will bloom

readily from spring until frost, though flowering may decline in the hottest summer months.

Phlox perform best in full sun, on well-drained, rich soil with plenty of moisture.

Pests & Diseases: no pests or diseases of major concern; care should be taken to keep foliage as

dry as possible, especially at night, to avoid problems with powdery mildew and crown rot.

Scarlet Salvia, Scarlet Sage

Family: Lamiaceae

Botanical Name: Salvia coccinea


Uses: cutting; massing; borders; edging; attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Cultivation:

Light requirement: full sun to light shade

Soil tolerances: acidic; alkaline; sand; loam; clay; occasionally wet



Other: A native of the southeast U.S. Plants bear red, white, or pink

flowers late spring through fall. Grows best in full sun on moist, well-drained soil, and is very

drought tolerant. Remove spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. ‘Lady in Red’ is one

popular cultivar.

Pests & Diseases: None of major concern

Mealy-Cup Sage

Family: Lamiaceae

Botanical Name: Salvia farinacea

Height: 18 – 36 inches, depending in cultivar

Uses: border; massing; cut flowers; attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: acidic; clay; loam; sand



Other: Native to the southwest U. S. Plants bear flowers in bluish-purple

or white. Cultivars of special note include: ‘Rhea’, ‘Victoria’ and ‘Argent White’.

Pests & Diseases: aphids, whitefly, powdery mildew, Fusarium

Mexican Sage

Family: Lamiaceae

Botanical Name: Salvia leucantha


Uses: borders; cut flowers; edging; containers; mass plantings; to attract

butterflies and hummingbirds

Cultivation:

Light requirement: full sunlight to partial shade; perform best in full sun

Soil tolerances: acidic; alkaline; sand; loam; clay



Other: Mexican Sage, a herbaceous perennial, produces tufts of grey-

green foliage on wooly stems. Flower color ranges from rose-purple and white to uniform rose-

purple. Plants bloom summer through fall, and are very attractive to hummingbirds. Cut flowers

last several days. Plants perform best in rich, sandy, well-drained soil. Grows best and stays

thick with regular watering, but will tolerate periods of drought. Plants may be cut back to

encourage branching.

Pests & Diseases: no pests or diseases of major concern; leafspot may be an occasional problem

Scarlet Sage, Scarlet Salvia

Family: Lamiaceae

Botanical Name: Salvia splendens

Height: 12 to 36 inches, depending on cultivar.

Uses: massing; containers; planters

Cultivation:





Other: A popular bedding plant bearing spikes of flowers in varied hues

including red, purple, pink, white, salmon and bi-colors. Red is most common. Flowers are held

well above foliage. To ensure almost continuous flowering, plants must be routinely

deadheaded.

Pests & Diseases: may suffer slugs, whitefly and aphids

Dusty Miller

Family: Asteraceae

Botanical Name: Senecio cineraria


Uses: masses; containers; borders

Cultivation:

Light requirement: full sun, very light shade




Other: Grown primarily for its ornamental foliage. Performs best in well-

drained soil. Plants are fairly drought tolerant and should not be over-watered.

Pests & Diseases: None of particular concern

Coleus

Family: Lamiaceae

Botanical Name: Solenstemon scutellarioides, syn. Coleus X hybridus


Uses: Mass plantings; accent color; indoor plant

Cultivation:

Light requirement: full sun to partial shade; cultivars have been bred for various

conditions.

Soil tolerances: clay; loam; sand; acidic



Other: Moderate growth rate. Plants are cultivated for attractive foliage.

Flower spikes are not particularly attractive; some plants have been bred for minimal flowering

and are asexually propagated. Pinching plants will encourage development of lateral branches,

increasing fullness of plants. Cold, wet soils and poor cultural practices can result in leaf drop.

Vegetatively produced varieties selected for bloom-resistance, heat and sun tolerance may reach

up to 3 feet in height.

Pests & Diseases: long-term health is not usually affected by pests

African Marigold

Family: Asteraceae

Botanical Name: Tagetes erecta


Uses: massing; cutting; edging; containers; attracts butterflies

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: clay; loam; acidic; sand



Other: African Marigolds produce showy flowers in hues of gold, orange,

yellow and in bicolors. Deadheading of spent flowers will keep plants looking well, and

encourage new flowering, rather than formation of seed. Plants perform best in full sun (6 or

more hours a day) on fertile, well-drained soil.

Pests & Diseases: mites; leafhopper; slugs; greenhouse leaf tier; Botrytis blight; wilt; leaf spot;

aster yellows

French Marigold

Family: Asteraceae

Botanical Name: Tagetes patula

Height: 12 – 14 inches

Uses: containers; above-ground planters; edging; cut flowers; borders

Cultivation:





Other: Excellent plants for mass plantings and containers. French

Marigolds are available in warm hues including yellow, orange, gold and bi-colors.

Deadheading ensures continued blooming. Plants perform best with at least 6 hours of full sun

daily, on fertile soil.

Pests & Diseases: mites may be problematic in hot, dry weather; leafhoppers; Botrytis blight;

leaf spot; Aster yellows

Signet Marigold

Family: Asteraceae

Botanical Name: Tagetes tenuifolia

Height: 8 to 12 inches tall and wide

Uses: masses, containers, accent color

Cultivation:

Light requirement: full sun, at least 6 hours per day



Plant spacing: 12 inches

Other: Small spreading plants with lacy foliage, in warm yellow, red,

orange and gold hues. Easily cultivated.

Pests & Diseases: Too much water will encourage fungi. Mites can be a problem, particularly

in hot, dry weather. Leafhoppers, leafminers and slugs may feed on foliage. Greenhouse leaftier

may web leaves or flower buds together. Aster yellows may be a problem.

Wishbone Flower

Family: Linderniaceae

Botanical Name: Torenia fournieri


Uses: containers; massing; edging; borders

Cultivation:





Other: Wishbone flower, a perennial grown as an annual, flowers in hues

of blue, white or pink with yellow markings. An excellent bedding plant, Torenia grows well in

shade or semi-shade, but flowers best in full sun with adequate soil moisture. Plants perform

best in soil containing ample organic matter.

Pests & Diseases: Torenia may suffer moderate to severe whitefly infestations.

Nasturtium

Family: Tropaeolacae

Botanical Name: Tropaeolum spp.


Uses: planters; mass plantings; edging; borders; culinary; attracts hummingbirds;

hanging baskets

Cultivation:

Light requirement: part shade/part sun

Soil tolerances: occasionally wet; acidic; sand; loam; clay



Other: Uncommon plant that bears bright, showy flowers in hues

including red, orange and yellow. Flowers are often partially hidden by foliage. Foliage in some

cultivars is variegated green and white. Plants should not be given excessive nitrogen, as this

will encourage leaf and stem growth, at the expense of flowering. Afternoon shade is

appreciated. Nasturtium flowers are useful in salads; both foliage and flowers are edible and

pleasant to consume.

Pests & Diseases: long term health not usually bothered by pests

Verbena

Family: Verbenaceae

Botanical Name: Verbena canadensis, V. tenuisecta and hybrids


Uses: mass planting; ground cover; attracts butterflies

Cultivation:


Soil tolerances: acidic; alkaline; sand; loam



Other: Verbena canadensis, native from Virginia to Florida, naturally

occurs in sunny, well drained areas. V. tenuisecta, is native to South America, but naturalized in

the southern U.S. Unlike bedding type annual Verbena (V. x hybrida) grown from seed, most

perennial, asexually propagated types are well adapted to growing in hot, humid climates. Soil

must be well-drained. V. canadensis cultivars of note: ‘Summer Blaze’, ‘Abbeville’,

‘Appleblossom’, ‘Greystone Daphne’, ‘Silver Anne’, ‘Taylortown Red’ and ‘Snowflurry’.

V. tenuisecta cultivars include: ‘Edith’, ‘Imagination’, ‘Sissinghurst’ and the Tapien series,

which is noted for its resistance to powdery mildew.

Pests & Diseases: Most problems occur when grown in low light situations, or in poorly

drained soil. Poor air circulation may also lead to problems. Powdery mildew, Botrytis blight,

root rot caused by Pythium or Rhizoctonia may occur. Insects are seldom problematic. Aphids,

mites, whitefly, thrips and leafminers are most commonly observed pests. Snails and slugs may

feed on plants.

Pansy

Family: Violaceae

Botanical Name: Viola x wittrockiana


Uses: containers; planters; massing; edging; cut flowers

Cultivation:





Other: Biennial plant typically grown as an annual. Numerous cultivars

exist, some bred specifically for heat, cold tolerance; plants perform best during cool weather. In

hot weather, pansy benefits from some shade. Rich soil and ample moisture are needed for

production of large flowers. Deadheading encourages new blossoms. Fertilize during growing

season. Plants may be grown from seed, or by cuttings taken and rooted in fall.

Pests & Diseases: Long-term health of pansies is usually not affected by pests. However,

aphids, mites, cutworms, violet gall midge larvae, violet sawfly larvae, and slugs may occur.

Anthracnose causes browning and blotching of leaves, and severely affected plants may die.

Several leaf spot organisms may occur, and are controlled by removing affected leaves.

Powdery mildew, scab, stem rot, rust and smut may also occur.

Zinnia

Family: Asteraceae

Botanical Name: Zinnia spp.

Height: 24 – 36 inches, depending on cultivar

Uses: mass planting; containers; planters; cut flowers; edging

Cultivation:





Other: Zinnia hybrids, fast growing plants that occur in a multitude of

sizes and colors, are well suited to many uses. Some types will grow to a height of only 6

inches, while others exceed 3 feet. Zinnia require exposure to full sun, and are tolerant of all but

wet soils. Tall varieties may be pinched when young to encourage branching. Deadheading

(removal of old flowers) will encourage continued blooming. Dwarf Zinnias less than 10 inches

tall include the ‘Dasher’, ‘Dreamland’ and ‘Thumbellina’ series. Intermediate sized plants

include the ‘Pulcino’, ‘Pumila’ and ‘Starlight’ series. The tallest Zinnias include the ‘State Fair’,

‘Splendor’ and ‘Ruffles’ series.

Pests & Diseases: Zinnia may suffer aphids, mites and four-lined plant bug. Alternaria leaf

spot causes reddish-brown spots with graying centers, as well as dark brown cankers on stems

and flowers. Powdery mildew is often observed on Zinnia, particularly late in the season.

Bacterial leaf spot causes reddish-brown, angular leaf spots on leaves, and can cause plants to die

out.

bedding plants for seasonal color

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