Myosotis sylvatica

Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not is a shortlived perennial often grown as an annual. It produces profuse numbers of small blue flowers in spring. Easy to start from seed; plant seeds where you want plants to grow in the fall.

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Papaver rhoeas

Flanders Field Poppy

Wildflower annual, start from seeds in fall, particularly if you live in a hot-summer climate. Large, dramatic poppy flowers in many bright colors light up the garden in spring.

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Pelargonium x hortorum

Garden Geranium

Geraniums are perennials typically grown as annuals in hot-summer or cold-winter regions. Plant from containers or packs in spring. These are old-fashioned plants that are grown as bedding plants, hanging baskets or even houseplants. Also look for scented geraniums, which are available in many rich fragrances.

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Petunia hybrids

Petunia

There are so many choices available when it comes to Petunias—it is one of the best bedding plants. Select from many flower colors and color combinations. Check soil moisture before irrigating; petunias are sensitive to overwatering.

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Phacelia campanularia

Desert Bluebell

Wildflower annual, start from seeds in fall or plant from containers or nursery packs in early spring. Brilliant blue flowers are bell-shaped. Be aware that leaves can irritate the skin.

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Salvia coccinea

Scarlet Sage

Scarlet Sage is a flowering perennial most commonly grown as an annual. Plants are perennial and short-lived, but reseed vigorously. Strong winds can snap the brittle branches so locate in protected locations.

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Silene armeria

Catchfly

Wildflower annual, sow seeds where you want plants to grow in the fall. Flowers are borne in tight clusters on small plants. Provides striking color during summer months. Stems are sticky and sometimes snare small insects, thus its name.

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Tagetes erecta

Marigold

Marigolds thrive in the heat, and are valuable summer color plants. Set out plants from containers or nursery packs in the spring. Many sizes are available, from dwarf forms 6 inches high to tall selections reaching 1-1/2 feet high.

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Tithonia rotundifolia

Mexican Sunflower

Wildflower annual, start from seeds where you want plants to grow in spring. It grows up to 6 feet high with large daisylike flowers up to 4 inches across, so locate it in the background.

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Viola cornuta

Tufted Viola

Viola is low-growing, 6 to 9 inches high, so it makes a nice foreground border plant or thrives in containers. Summer heat typically brings blooming to a halt but it provides excellent color early in the year.

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Viola x wittrockiana

Pansy

Pansies are low-growing bedding plants to less than 1 foot high. They are among the first flowering annuals available at the nursery to set out in the garden late fall into winter. Flower colors are too numerous to mention; select desirable flower colors at your local nurseries.

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Zinnia elegans

Zinnia

Zinnias come in range of sizes to accommodate any size garden. Plants can grow to 3 feet high; dwarf varieties to less than 1 foot high. Zinnias love the heat, which makes them star performers in hot-summer regions. Set out from containers or packs in the spring.

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