Summertime is finally here, which means it’s time to get started on your annual garden (if you haven’t already). This can come in any form: from standard in-ground planting to full assorted planters to colorful window boxes.
There’s a lot to take into consideration before planting your annuals. But don’t let that overwhelm or discourage you. Let’s break it down.
First, and most importantly, think of the area you’re planting in. Is it mostly sunny? Mostly shady? A combination of both?
The answers to these questions are critical for the success of your garden. You want to make sure you choose the right plants for each specific location of your yard to ensure they flourish.
What exactly does “full sun” or “full shade” mean?
This may seem like a simple question - full sun plants like the sun and full shade plants like the shade - but often these terms are understood differently.
Sun-loving plants require at least 6 hours of sunlight every day. This includes early morning to afternoon sunlight. Flowers and plants that take partial shade take 3 to 6 hours of sunlight during the day. Full-sun flowers will suffer with too much shade, the same way that shade to partial shade plants will burn and dry out with too much sun.
We’ve put together a list to give you a better idea of which popular summer annuals prefer what type of environment.
Sun: Vinca, Angelonia, Wave Petunia, Marigold, Lantana, Geranium, Dracaena Spike, Potato Vince, Vinca Vine, Canna Lily
Shade/Partial Shade: Impatiens, Begonia, Caladium, Coleus, New Guinea Impatiens, Lobelia, Wax Begonia