These annuals deserve more attention in gardens and arrangements:
- Bells-of-Ireland (Moluccella laevis) – Columns of apple-green bells on long stems. Unusual color and shape; long bloom season. Excellent dried (best dried right in the vase).
- Cleome (C. hasslerana) – Large, rounded heads of pink or white flowers with long, protruding stamens. Dramatic flower, long season. Foliage has strong, haylike scent. Dried seed capsules useful in arrangements.
- Cosmos (C. bipinnatus) – Daisy-like flowers, 3–4 inches wide, with tufted yellow centers; white, pink, and dark rose. Charming, prolific, long season. For longer vase life, cut while yellow center florets are still closed.
- Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena) – Spurred, 1-inch flowers in blue, white, pink; followed by decorative seedpods. Quick reward but short season—in mild-winter areas, resow in fall for a second crop.
- Love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) – Long (to 18 inches), pendulous ropes of red flower clusters. Handsome with bold companions like zinnias and sunflowers. Good dried flower.
- Phlox (P. drummondii) – Large clusters of small flowers in pastel and bright colors, some with contrasting eyes. Great mixer; long season; clean, pleasant fragrance. Select tall (1½-foot) rather than dwarf (6–8 inch) strains.
- Strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum) – 2½-inch papery flowers like prickly pompons. Pearly pastels and brights. Interesting shape, long season, excellent dried. Cut before fully open or centers turn brown.
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – Large (4–8 inch) daisy-like flowers with black centers, plus chrysanthemum-like forms; mostly yellows, also bronzes and chestnut reds. Bold blooms, long season. Select pollenless varieties like 'Valentine' to avoid pollen stains.
- Zinnia (Z. elegans) – Large (3–5 inch) dahlia-like blooms in every color but blue, plus peppermint stripes. Long season. Prevent powdery mildew with air circulation and no overhead watering.
