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  HOME:    HERBACEOUS ORNAMENTALS :   ANNUALS

  ANNUALS
Introduction
Plant Selection
Hardy, Semi-hardy, Tender 
Heat and Drought Tolerant
Shade Tolerant Annuals
Fragrant Annuals
Ornamental Foliage
Climbing Annuals
Hanging Baskets
Cut Flowers
Planting
Starting Plants
Maintenance
Insects Problems
Disease Problems

PERENNIALS
Introduction
Plant Selection
Plant Dimension Characteristics
Specific Site Conditions
Classification by Bloom Periods
Perennials That Attract Wildlife
Planting
Starting Plants
Care and Maintenance

BULB FLOWERS
Introduction
Plant Selection
Planting Bulbs
Purchasing Bulbs
Care & Maintenance

ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
Introduction
Plant Selection
Mature Size
Grasses for Specific Uses
Planting Ornamental Grasses
Obtaining Plants
Care & Maintenance

CONTAINER GARDENING
Introduction
Container Selection
Soil Mixes
Container Placement
Plant Selection
Plant Care


Plant Selection

Selection of the proper plant species and cultivars determine your ultimate success with annuals. Care must be taken to choose plants that complement their surroundings, are adapted to the local climate and situation, and provide the intended effect.

 

Plant selectionAnnuals can be categorized based on growth characteristics or intended use, making selection easier. Useful groupings include hardiness, drought and heat tolerance, shade tolerance, fragrance, exhibition of ornamental foliage, ability to vine or climb, utility for hanging baskets, or use for cut flowers.

Additional outstanding information designed to provide assistance with selection of annual flowers is available from a number of sources. These include:

A University of Nebraska listing of “Annual Flowers for Nebraska”, publication G84-739-A that provides descriptions of flowers that should be adapted to much of Idaho, published at: http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/live/g739/build/g739.pdf.

A Mississippi State University quick reference list for annual flowers and their uses, found at: http://msucares.com/lawn/garden/flowers/annual/select-chart.html.

A University of Missouri web site with detailed descriptions and suggested uses for annual flowers, at: http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/hort/g06629.htm.

There are several internet sites with excellent pictures of annual flowers. Here are some of the best.

Site maintained by the University of Minnesota, at: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/components/DG4023.pdf.

North Carolina State University annual common name database at: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/annuals/common_names.html.

Or the North Carolina State University scientific name database at :http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/annuals/scientific_names.html.

One of the best personal sites with beautiful pictures of annuals is maintained by Glen and Maureen in Regina, SK, Canada, at: http://em.ca/garden/ann_photos.html.



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