Annuals good garden companions for perennials
The plants we choose to include in our gardens change with the times. Abundant annuals in intricate bedding displays were once in vogue; then they fell out of favor and T-shirts with the slogan “Friends don't let friends plant annuals” displayed the sentiment on gardeners' chests.
Perennials, once given little consideration, became royalty of the garden where they provided continual color through the skillful design of combining these reliable plants with shorter bloom times. These perennial purists wouldn't have thought of including annuals in their plans. They saved annuals for container plantings.
Thankfully, today's gardener aims for peaceful harmony between annuals and perennials. They both have much to offer to the landscape. If you've ever noticed colorless gaps in your garden, annuals will provide the color you're missing, and there are more reasons to include them in the perennial border. They can fill up space in newly planted perennial gardens while you wait for the perennials to reach their mature width. Annuals can temporarily fill in spots created by the disappearance of ephemerals (plants that completely disappear after they bloom), and they can mark the spots where late-to-emerge varieties are planted.
Here's an example. Perennial ageratum (Eupatorium coelestinum) is a gorgeous perennial with fringed periwinkle blue flowers. It's beautiful blooming beside asters and mums in the fall. Unfortunately, this perennial is late to show itself in the garden — sometimes languishing in dormancy until mid June.
This early-season vacancy can be solved with an annual like bachelor's buttons. They are very easy to grow from seed and will reseed freely. A cottage garden plant that loves cool weather, it will quickly reach maturity and fill the space with beautiful blue blooms.
By the time the perennial ageratum is ready to claim its territory, the bachelor's buttons are beginning to decline — a perfect marriage of an annual and a perennial.
When choosing an annual companion, select varieties that have similar cultural requirements to the perennials. Annuals that require lots of supplemental watering or heavy fertilizing may be inappropriate perennial partners.
Some large annuals can also serve a valuable role in the garden. Planting a few huge annuals allows you to postpone decisions in a first-year garden space. Castor beans are easy to grow and explode up to 6 feet tall in summer. They can create the impact of a shrub at a fraction of the cost.
Here are some more annuals to try as perennial companions:
ŸCleome: These bold plants fall into the “love them or hate them” category for many, but their stature and late-season bloom can't be denied.
ŸColeus: There are varieties glowing in tones from soft and elegant to bold and deep. Some types grow best in sun; others perform best in shade.
ŸCosmos: Cheerful, bright and full of flowers, cosmos are beautiful in the perennial garden.
ŸDianthus: The annual varieties of this carnation relative offer season-long bloom at the front of the border.
ŸImpatiens: Nothing can beat the color that impatiens offer in a shade garden. From soft pastel shades to bold vivid hues, there is a variety perfect for your garden.
ŸNicotiana: Many varieties of this reliable bloomer are available. The larger varieties are beautiful at the back of the border.
ŸPoppies: Annual poppies reseed with abandon, have ornamental seed heads and are every bit as colorful as their perennial cousins.
ŸSalvias: As a group, salvias may be the most versatile of all annuals as perennial planting partners. In sizes from tiny to tall, you'll find a salvia for any spot in the border. Some of the finest annual “true blues” are found in the salvia family.
Look to annuals as valuable problem-solvers in the perennial border this summer. Your garden will sparkle with color like never before!
ŸDiana Stoll is a horticulturist and the retail manager at The Planter's Palette, 28W571 Roosevelt Road, Winfield. Call (630) 293-1040 or visit planterspalette.com.