In Your Garden: Annuals to Plant RIght Now

Mother’s Day has come and gone which, for gardeners, means that all danger of frost has officially passed and it is now safe to plant, well, just about anything you like!

The nurseries are receiving stock on a regular basis and will soon be overflowing with colorful annuals, perennials, herbs and shrubs.

And while you’re probably already familiar with impatiens, begonias, geraniums and petunias, I’d like to introduce you to two of my favorite annuals: Osteospurmum (commonly known as African Daisy) and Lantana.

Osteospurmum is a daisy-like plant that is very low-maintenance. It requires simply a sunny spot and regular watering. It comes in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, lilac and purple. When choosing them at the nursery, avoid plants that are lanky, leggy and already in full bloom. Instead, look for those with a more compact shape and covered with lots of tight buds. This is a great plant for right now, as it prefers warmer days and still-cool nights. Once the heat of summer kicks in, the plant tends to go dormant. Dead-heading (removing the spent blooms at the base of the stem) is not necessary but will result in prolonged blooming.  And don’t worry if you notice that the flowers have “closed up” at night; this is just the nature of the plant, and it will open back up in the morning.

Lantana is a striking plant with a tropical feel, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds all season long. It blooms in tiny clusters of solid or multi-colored flowers, and has a trailing nature that makes it a striking addition to your hanging baskets and planters. It is also deer-resistant. Lantana is low-maintenance, and once established requires little water. To get the most profuse blooms, plant in a sunny spot and regularly remove the spent flowers. As it prefers both warm soil and air temperatures, Lantana is perfect to plant right now – to ensure that it will be in “full swing” once summer gets here.

Happy planting!

Sheri Silver owns fiori garden design (www.fiorigarden.com). She also writes the blog Donuts, Dresses and Dirt (www.sherisilver.com).