Low-maintenance annuals put on colorful shows

Recently, annuals have gotten rather a bad rap, thought of by some as too demanding, requiring frequent attention in the form of pruning, deadheading, replanting and fertilizing.

While this may be true in some cases, many annuals are low-maintenance, undemanding plants, unbeatable for nonstop color and interest in the garden. What's more, annuals are a quick-growing and inexpensive choice to fill in the gaps between immature perennials, and they are essential for containers.

Here are some easy-care annuals to try:

• Annual vinca (Catharanthus rosea) is a great choice for a place in the sun, be it in the garden border or in containers. Sometimes referred to as "impatiens for the sun," these heat-loving beauties are the perfect pick for those who love the look of impatiens, but have a sunny spot to fill. Their pretty flowers closely resemble those of impatiens, and the plants typically grow to a similar height of about 10 to 12 inches. Although they may not produce flowers as prolifically as impatiens, typically the flowers are bigger, and the shiny, mounding foliage is attractive as well. Flowers are in shades of white, pink, red and violet, many with attractive, contrasting eyes. Best of all, like impatiens, these plants are self-cleaning, no deadheading required. Give them lots of sun, good drainage and a monthly shot of fertilizer, and they will thrive. Pacifica Burgundy Halo, a particularly stunning variety, has wine-colored flowers with contrasting eyes.

• Scaevola (Fan Flower) makes a good companion for vinca in containers or along the garden's edge. Like vinca, it thrives in sunny, warm locations and it doesn't need deadheading. It has a rambling, trailing habit, great for filling in empty spots in the border or softening container edges. As its common name suggests, the unusual, flat flowers of this plant resemble fans, and they are available in shades of blue, purple and white.

• Calibrachoa is an ideal choice for sunny containers. It has a long, cascading habit, and it is covered with hundreds of tiny, petunialike flowers all summer long. Breeders have gone crazy with this plant, and there are many colors to choose from, including red, yellow, pink, white, purple and terra-cotta shades. Plant some in a hanging basket or window box, and let them go. They won't need any deadheading.

• Pentas (Egyptian Star Clusters) are one of my favorite summer annuals. Their showy clusters of starlike flowers bloom in shades of red, pink, lavender and white, over attractive, green or variegated foliage. Easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil, these pretty plants have an upright, mounding habit that mixes well with other annuals or with perennials in containers or borders. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds, too. They do require some deadheading, but the blooms are long lasting, so this is not a time-consuming task.

• For extra easy care, consider some annual grasses, which will look good all summer with no need to deadhead. Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum rubrum) is a graceful, red-purple favorite, a classic for containers. Purple Millet, a coarse, burgundy-foliaged grass, adds a bolder, upright element. For a delicate touch, plant some Fiber Optic Grass to tumble around a container's edge, and let the fine, bright green blades and tiny, starlike blooms soften the effect.

• Check out the many new coleus for your containers. There are a staggering number to choose from, in just about any size or color you could want. There are even trailing varieties suitable for hanging baskets. Many have been bred specifically for the sun, but there are plenty for the shade as well. Check out the "wow" factor of the huge-leafed Kong series. Water regularly and pick off any flowers that may form for the best performance.

• Don't overlook begonias. With their shiny, bronze or green leaves and delicate flowers, wax begonias are good for borders or small containers, and they are drought resistant as well as shade tolerant. Dragon wing begonias thrive in sun to shade, and their weather-resistant, vigorous, spreading habit and pendulous red or pink flowers make them a good choice for hanging baskets.

• Fill in a protected corner with some splashy, colorful caladiums. Available in various combinations of green, white and pink, these tropical beauties lend a leafy, upright effect and they require little care other than regular watering and occasional fertilizer.

• For vertical interest, hanging baskets or windowboxes, or even as a ground cover, quick-growing annual vines are versatile choices. They are easy to start from seed, or, for a head start, they can be purchased as potted plants. Morning glories are now available in purple, red, white, pink and bi-colored varieties, as well as the traditional blue. Cardinal climber lends a tropical feel with its lush, ferny green foliage and delicate, bright red flowers, and it's a favorite with hummingbirds, too. Black-eyed Susan Vine adds a cheery look to baskets, window boxes and containers with its bright, dark-eyed flowers in shades of yellow and orange. For best results, give these vines a place in the sun and watch them go.

• Maureen Safarik is a horticulturalist affiliated with The Planter's Palette, 28W571 Roosevelt Road, Winfield, Ill, 60190. Call (630) 293-1040, ext. 2, or visit their Web site at planterspalette.com.