Here are three unusual annuals you might not of experimented with yet in your summer planters. If you have already created your planters: is something not working? Pull it out and try Calibrachoa, Ageratum or Wishbone Flowers which will all attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden! Go down to your local garden centre and have a nose around. If they are not in stock – see if they can special order these living gems for you.
Calibrachoa is easily mistaken for its’ relative the petunia as its’ sweet little blooms look just like mini petunias! They come in a range of gorgeous uplifting summer colors. Millions bells, another name for calibrachoa, particularly love window boxes and planters in full sun. One of the loveliest things about this subtle stunner is the way it can trail down the side of your pots. They are compact and full of blooms making them easy on the eyes.
Ageratum is another sweet annual that comes in blues, purples, whites and lavenders. Its’ blooms are unique as their petals form fuzzy playful clusters. They need a little deadheading from time to time, but in general they are happy little guys steadily producing their interesting flowers all summer long. They also add rare blue color to your garden.
Have you grown tired of impatiens over the years? Have you heard of the wishbone flower? These enchantresses look a like snapdragon but thrive in the shade. They come in all sorts of beautiful contrasting colors with their mouths and throats in different tones. Their leaves are heart shaped ovals. They are impossible to kill making them ideal for many types of gardens and gardeners.
Photos via: L’herbier en photos, dbgg1979
