In Your Garden: When Planting Annuals in April, Choose Wisely

Despite the (finally!) spring-like weather, choose your plants with caution, as the nights can still dip to below-normal temperatures. From now until Mother’s Day (when danger of frost is highly unlikely), plant only cold-tolerant annuals in your containers and garden beds.

Two of my favorites are Ranunculus and Regal geranium.

Ranunculus boasts large, rose-like blooms that start flowering early in the season. It is available in a wide range of colors – red, pink, yellow, orange, white and purple – and sits atop sturdy stems, so staking is almost never needed. Ranunculus has a look that is modern yet charming, so it is as appropriate for a cottage garden as it is in a more contemporary setting.

Don’t confuse Regal geraniums with the traditional variety you plant in summer. Also known as “Martha Washington” geraniums, these thrive in a colder climate - making them a great choice for your containers and beds right now. They are covered in pink, purple or burgundy blooms with attractive foliage too – leaves have a stiff, “pleated” form. Regal geraniums are low maintenance, and remain clean and neat throughout the season.

Both plants tolerate sun to partial shade and will look great and bloom continuously if the spent flowers and dying foliage are promptly removed (cut stems of finished blooms and leaves at their base).

With minimal care, Ranunculus and Regal Geranium will last till the heat of summer kicks in. Best of all, they are a refreshing change from the traditional pansies that are used to death this time of year.

Happy planting!

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