Annual Full-Sun Flowers for Beds, Containers, and Borders

Introduction

Annuals complete their life cycle in one year. Sun-loving annuals are among the easiest plants to grow, offering a wide color range for beds, containers, window boxes, and borders, plus excellent cutting flowers. Enjoyable for novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Cockscomb (Celosia argentea plumosa)

Mass for showy borders. Fertile, moist, well-drained soil, full sun (tolerates some shade). Water regularly, especially in dry climates. ~36 inches tall. Red, pink, yellow, cream, orange flowers. Prone to spider mites and leaf spots.

Garden Petunia (Petunia × hybrida)

Classic for beds and window boxes. Excessive heat may harm, but they love sunny spots. Well-drained soil, regular water. 12–15 inches tall. Large blooms 2–5 inches, delicate. Colors: white, bright pinks, deep reds, variegated stripes, dark velvety purples. Rabbits love them.

Jersey Beauty Dahlia (Dahlia hybrida)

Tall annual (5–6 ft) with long-lasting large pink flowers. Sandy loam soil, sunny to partial sun. Moist but well-drained. Blooms midsummer to frost. Prone to rot, mildews, leaf spots.

Marguerite Daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens)

Often mistaken for chrysanthemum. Great in containers or beds with full sun. 1–3 ft tall. Water regularly—dislikes dry soil. Orange, salmon, pink, white, yellow flowers from early spring to fall. Attracts birds, bees, butterflies.

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Native American hardy annual, 6–40 inches. Tall varieties need staking. Full sun, well-drained soil. Best in beds and borders. Excellent cut flowers. Blooms early summer to early fall. Bright yellow, hot pink, deep reds, and blends. Attract butterflies. Prone to mildew in humid, wet conditions.