portalaca ... moss rose

ken

One of my favorites for a full sun location is Angelonia. Wouldn't need many to make a big impression. It's an amazing performer in my blistering western exposure, even in red Alabama clay soil. Very little watering needed.

Also love portulaca, and zinnia.

How about vinca?

Yes to Catharanthus roseus ("vinca ")!

Dmoore, so far, these suggestions have been amongst the most carefree of plants....none require deadheading or tons of water.

A little bit of Sunflowers, Zinnia's, Snapdragons and some white campanula's.

Californian poppies (Escholtzia), corncockles (agrostemma githago), Baby Blue Eyes (nemophila - various types), zinnia, calandrina, tidy tips (layia), ursinia, osteospermum, orlaya, calendula. tithonia, sunflowers, flax - either blue or red, omphalodes linifolia, venus's looking glass (legousia), tickseed,
nigella, sweet peas, nasturtium, poppies -opium (somniferum), shirley (P.rhoeas) and ladybird (P.commutatum).

just a few I could remember having sown at my allotment - also in full sun. Can all be sown directly in the soil.

I agree with rhizo about Angelonia, one of my very favorite plants! Also, add Melampodium to the easy care 'no deadheading required' list.

Art

Amaranthus as the tallest thing with the sunflowers in back. Beautiful fresh and dried flowers. You can eat tender leaves like spinach, and use the seeds as a grain.

Suzi

I have been planting annual vinca as my full sun annual choice. It thrives with no care. No deadheading needed. The plants always look healthy and neat into November.

I think the best annual is the one that works best for you... i love begonia's but they hate me...petunia's are now becoming my friends....