Gardening Guides
Native Plants
Plant Native Annual Flowers for a Garden Surprise Every Year
These 15 well-adapted native annuals can add spontaneity to gardens around the country
Native annuals and biennials are gaining traction in gardens, as using native trees, shrubs and perennials continues to be a trend. While they live only for a season or two, annuals put their resources into producing large quantities of flowers and seeds. In addition to securing their continued presence in the garden, this also benefits wildlife. When these seeds find suitable conditions, they germinate and grow to bloom again. Their tendency to roam around the garden adds an element of surprise. It lets nature decide the best location for the plant to grow.
To successfully establish native annuals in your landscape, you need to match them to the appropriate conditions. The following are a few native annuals representative of the various climatic regions of the United States. Some of these plants have broad tolerances and can be found in many areas, while others are more particular about where they grow.
To successfully establish native annuals in your landscape, you need to match them to the appropriate conditions. The following are a few native annuals representative of the various climatic regions of the United States. Some of these plants have broad tolerances and can be found in many areas, while others are more particular about where they grow.
These Rock Harlequins are being grown in a pot. Note the long, skinny seedpod with flowers to the left.
1. Rock Harlequin
(Corydalis sempervirens)
Native all across Canada and south to Minnesota and to the higher elevations of Georgia
Rock harlequin is not so much an annual as a biennial or short-lived perennial, producing a large amount of seed and moving around the garden. Like an annual, it will flower in its first year from seed. The deeply cut gray-green leaves occur all along the upright, branched stem. The three-quarter-inch-long pink and yellow tubular flowers are borne in clusters at the ends of the branches. Blooming time begins as early as May, for year-old plants, and continues sporadically though September.
These plants do very well in harsh conditions, such as next to exposed stone walls and in shallow, dry soil, but they do not like too much heat. Rock harlequin is often found on sites after a disturbance. It seems as if it can deal with poor soil better than it can handle competition from other plants on a richer site.
Planting notes: Fresh seed, or seed kept cool and moist, is best for starting this plant. Sow fresh seed shallowly in the fall. Seeds started indoors should first be moist-stratified for 60 days. They should then be sown near the surface of the planting mix by early spring. Light is needed for germination. Rock harlequin grows well in poor and gravelly, dry soils in partial sun where there is little competition from other plants.
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1. Rock Harlequin
(Corydalis sempervirens)
Native all across Canada and south to Minnesota and to the higher elevations of Georgia
Rock harlequin is not so much an annual as a biennial or short-lived perennial, producing a large amount of seed and moving around the garden. Like an annual, it will flower in its first year from seed. The deeply cut gray-green leaves occur all along the upright, branched stem. The three-quarter-inch-long pink and yellow tubular flowers are borne in clusters at the ends of the branches. Blooming time begins as early as May, for year-old plants, and continues sporadically though September.
These plants do very well in harsh conditions, such as next to exposed stone walls and in shallow, dry soil, but they do not like too much heat. Rock harlequin is often found on sites after a disturbance. It seems as if it can deal with poor soil better than it can handle competition from other plants on a richer site.
Planting notes: Fresh seed, or seed kept cool and moist, is best for starting this plant. Sow fresh seed shallowly in the fall. Seeds started indoors should first be moist-stratified for 60 days. They should then be sown near the surface of the planting mix by early spring. Light is needed for germination. Rock harlequin grows well in poor and gravelly, dry soils in partial sun where there is little competition from other plants.
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These false pennyroyal plants are growing in compacted soil next to a sidewalk.
2. American False Pennyroyal
(Hedeoma pulegioides)
Native from eastern Canada and Maine south to the northern half of Georgia and west to Kansas and eastern Minnesota
In the wild, American false pennyroyal is often found along pathways and, despite its small size, is noticed for its strong minty scent when brushed against or stepped on. In a garden setting, its scent acts as a repellent for many insects, including mosquitoes, ticks and gnats.
False pennyroyal will grow in a wide range of soils; however, it is often found in poor soils. Habitats include dry upland woods, roadsides, rocky woodlands and disturbed sites, such as along paths and railroad beds.
Planting notes: Seeds are easy to start indoors without pretreatment; however, cold, moist stratification for 30 days improves germination. They can also be sown directly in the garden in the fall. False pennyroyal does best in partial or open shade, but can survive full sunlight given adequate moisture.
Caution: Do not consume plant parts or apply concentrated oils or plant extracts directly to skin.
Learn more about growing American false pennyroyal
2. American False Pennyroyal
(Hedeoma pulegioides)
Native from eastern Canada and Maine south to the northern half of Georgia and west to Kansas and eastern Minnesota
In the wild, American false pennyroyal is often found along pathways and, despite its small size, is noticed for its strong minty scent when brushed against or stepped on. In a garden setting, its scent acts as a repellent for many insects, including mosquitoes, ticks and gnats.
False pennyroyal will grow in a wide range of soils; however, it is often found in poor soils. Habitats include dry upland woods, roadsides, rocky woodlands and disturbed sites, such as along paths and railroad beds.
Planting notes: Seeds are easy to start indoors without pretreatment; however, cold, moist stratification for 30 days improves germination. They can also be sown directly in the garden in the fall. False pennyroyal does best in partial or open shade, but can survive full sunlight given adequate moisture.
Caution: Do not consume plant parts or apply concentrated oils or plant extracts directly to skin.
Learn more about growing American false pennyroyal
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This patch of rabbit tobacco self-seeded in the gaps of some old mulch.
3. Rabbit Tobacco
(Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium)
Native to the east coast of North America and westward to Texas and Nebraska
Rabbit tobacco is also called sweet everlasting, as it has flowers that look good for a long time, even after the seed is released. It typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall as a single, erect stem with many white, woolly, oval-shaped leaves. The small white flowers, tinged with yellow, are borne in clusters at the end of the stems. The bloom period is midsummer to fall. In addition to looking good outdoors, these flowers can be cut and brought indoors for use in dried flower arrangements.
Rabbit tobacco is found in old fields, on woodland edges and in poor, sandy soils, being well-adapted to growing in disturbed sites. It tolerates dry conditions well.
Planting notes: The seeds need a period of cold, moist storage before they will germinate. You can give them that by sowing them outdoors from fall until midwinter. If starting the plants indoors, store seeds in moist, not wet, fine sand for two months in a refrigerator at 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1.7 to 4.4 degrees Celsius, before sowing into a soilless potting mix.
Learn more about growing rabbit tobacco
3. Rabbit Tobacco
(Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium)
Native to the east coast of North America and westward to Texas and Nebraska
Rabbit tobacco is also called sweet everlasting, as it has flowers that look good for a long time, even after the seed is released. It typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall as a single, erect stem with many white, woolly, oval-shaped leaves. The small white flowers, tinged with yellow, are borne in clusters at the end of the stems. The bloom period is midsummer to fall. In addition to looking good outdoors, these flowers can be cut and brought indoors for use in dried flower arrangements.
Rabbit tobacco is found in old fields, on woodland edges and in poor, sandy soils, being well-adapted to growing in disturbed sites. It tolerates dry conditions well.
Planting notes: The seeds need a period of cold, moist storage before they will germinate. You can give them that by sowing them outdoors from fall until midwinter. If starting the plants indoors, store seeds in moist, not wet, fine sand for two months in a refrigerator at 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1.7 to 4.4 degrees Celsius, before sowing into a soilless potting mix.
Learn more about growing rabbit tobacco
Photo by Steven Polunsky
4. Standing Cypress
(Ipomopsis rubra)
Native to the southeastern United States, from South Carolina to Florida and west into Texas
Standing cypress is appropriately named in that it stands as a 3-foot-tall spike in the garden, with frilly, cypress-like leaves. What the name doesn’t tell you is that the top of the spike is covered with blazing scarlet trumpets through midsummer. Each plant produces a single flower stalk, so it’s best to plant in close groups, about 6 inches apart. The red trumpet-shaped flowers provide an excellent nectar source for hummingbirds.
It is usually found growing in dry, sandy or rocky soils in full to partial sun. It does not take excessive heat well.
Planting notes: Seeds given an early start indoors may bloom in their first year, but standing cypress is by nature a biennial, forming a leafy rosette the first year and a flowering stalk the second. The seedlings do not like root disturbance, and they may be damaged quite a bit in the process of transplanting. Sowing in place in the fall or early spring — or starting in peat pots, which can be planted directly into soil — should work out better than transplanting.
4. Standing Cypress
(Ipomopsis rubra)
Native to the southeastern United States, from South Carolina to Florida and west into Texas
Standing cypress is appropriately named in that it stands as a 3-foot-tall spike in the garden, with frilly, cypress-like leaves. What the name doesn’t tell you is that the top of the spike is covered with blazing scarlet trumpets through midsummer. Each plant produces a single flower stalk, so it’s best to plant in close groups, about 6 inches apart. The red trumpet-shaped flowers provide an excellent nectar source for hummingbirds.
It is usually found growing in dry, sandy or rocky soils in full to partial sun. It does not take excessive heat well.
Planting notes: Seeds given an early start indoors may bloom in their first year, but standing cypress is by nature a biennial, forming a leafy rosette the first year and a flowering stalk the second. The seedlings do not like root disturbance, and they may be damaged quite a bit in the process of transplanting. Sowing in place in the fall or early spring — or starting in peat pots, which can be planted directly into soil — should work out better than transplanting.
This bed combines the larger scarlet flowers of annual phlox with the smaller magenta ones of dianthus.
5. Annual Phlox
(Phlox drummondii)
Native from Central and East Texas into the southeastern U.S.; populations of annual phlox are also scattered in northern areas from Minnesota to New Brunswick, Canada
Despite its Texas origin, annual phlox performs better as a garden plant in cooler regions like the U.S. Northeast and Canada. The cooler summers allow for extended bloom time. In the North, it likes full sun and rich, well-drained soil. In hotter gardens, afternoon shade is advised. Bloom time can be extended by deadheading or shearing back about one-third of the plant. Powdery mildew can be a problem, especially in the second half of the summer.
Depending on the variety, plants grow as a branching mound to about 9 inches tall, and some to about 18 inches. In the wild, annual phlox is found in grasslands and open woods with well-drained, acidic soils.
Planting notes: Seeds can be planted outside as soon as the ground thaws. Plants started indoors should be put in place early, as older plants do not like root disturbance. The seed is widely available, though many of the named varieties come from growers in Europe. If you are in search of the native species, you will need to carefully question your supplier.
5. Annual Phlox
(Phlox drummondii)
Native from Central and East Texas into the southeastern U.S.; populations of annual phlox are also scattered in northern areas from Minnesota to New Brunswick, Canada
Despite its Texas origin, annual phlox performs better as a garden plant in cooler regions like the U.S. Northeast and Canada. The cooler summers allow for extended bloom time. In the North, it likes full sun and rich, well-drained soil. In hotter gardens, afternoon shade is advised. Bloom time can be extended by deadheading or shearing back about one-third of the plant. Powdery mildew can be a problem, especially in the second half of the summer.
Depending on the variety, plants grow as a branching mound to about 9 inches tall, and some to about 18 inches. In the wild, annual phlox is found in grasslands and open woods with well-drained, acidic soils.
Planting notes: Seeds can be planted outside as soon as the ground thaws. Plants started indoors should be put in place early, as older plants do not like root disturbance. The seed is widely available, though many of the named varieties come from growers in Europe. If you are in search of the native species, you will need to carefully question your supplier.
This blood sage self-seeded on the edge of a driveway in Maryland, after a very mild winter.
6. Blood Sage
(Salvia coccinea)
Native from South Carolina to Florida and west to Texas
This native annual sage produces scarlet flowers on stalks up to 3 feet tall that are a favorite of hummingbirds. Depending on climate, bloom time can start as early as February and extend throughout the summer. In cooler climates blooming does not begin until August. Deadheading encourages bushier growth and more flowers. In favorable locations, blood sage reseeds readily.
Blood sage grows in sandy soils in thickets, open woods and woodland edges. It is adaptable to garden soils with good drainage in full to partial sun.
Planting notes: In USDA zones 8 to 10 (find your zone), blood sage is a perennial. Seeds can be surface-sown in fall in warmer climates or in early spring in colder areas (Zone 7 and below). In colder areas, seeds started indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date will benefit from 30 days of cold, moist stratification. Surface-sow seeds, as they need light for germination.
6. Blood Sage
(Salvia coccinea)
Native from South Carolina to Florida and west to Texas
This native annual sage produces scarlet flowers on stalks up to 3 feet tall that are a favorite of hummingbirds. Depending on climate, bloom time can start as early as February and extend throughout the summer. In cooler climates blooming does not begin until August. Deadheading encourages bushier growth and more flowers. In favorable locations, blood sage reseeds readily.
Blood sage grows in sandy soils in thickets, open woods and woodland edges. It is adaptable to garden soils with good drainage in full to partial sun.
Planting notes: In USDA zones 8 to 10 (find your zone), blood sage is a perennial. Seeds can be surface-sown in fall in warmer climates or in early spring in colder areas (Zone 7 and below). In colder areas, seeds started indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date will benefit from 30 days of cold, moist stratification. Surface-sow seeds, as they need light for germination.
Bumblebees enjoy the large yellow flowers of partridge pea.
7. Partridge Pea
(Chamaecrista fasciculata)
Native range extends south from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Minnesota
The finely divided compound leaves of partridge pea make one think of more tropical locations; however, its native range covers the eastern half of the U.S. The plant grows to about 2 feet tall, with some branching. The 1-inch-wide yellow flowers grow in clusters of two to four from the leaf axils, appearing between July and September. When disturbed, the leaves will fold together along the leaf axis, and then unfold later.
This plant is recommended for use as a soil stabilizer in disturbed sites. As a legume, it has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. To do that, it requires the presence of the proper microorganisms in the soil. The proper inoculum is available from some seed suppliers. Partridge pea will return each year from its own seed, but as soil quality improves, other species may displace it.
Natural habitats include open woodlands, prairies, meadows and pastures.
Planting notes: Sow seeds outside in fall or store them inside over winter to be planted in spring. For seeds started indoors, scratching each seed (scarification) improves germination rates. Partridge pea grows in a variety of soil types in full to partial sun.
Learn more about growing partridge pea
7. Partridge Pea
(Chamaecrista fasciculata)
Native range extends south from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Minnesota
The finely divided compound leaves of partridge pea make one think of more tropical locations; however, its native range covers the eastern half of the U.S. The plant grows to about 2 feet tall, with some branching. The 1-inch-wide yellow flowers grow in clusters of two to four from the leaf axils, appearing between July and September. When disturbed, the leaves will fold together along the leaf axis, and then unfold later.
This plant is recommended for use as a soil stabilizer in disturbed sites. As a legume, it has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. To do that, it requires the presence of the proper microorganisms in the soil. The proper inoculum is available from some seed suppliers. Partridge pea will return each year from its own seed, but as soil quality improves, other species may displace it.
Natural habitats include open woodlands, prairies, meadows and pastures.
Planting notes: Sow seeds outside in fall or store them inside over winter to be planted in spring. For seeds started indoors, scratching each seed (scarification) improves germination rates. Partridge pea grows in a variety of soil types in full to partial sun.
Learn more about growing partridge pea
The yellow and red flowers of golden tickseed stand out, hovering above its finely divided foliage.
8. Golden Tickseed
(Coreopsis tinctoria)
Native to the central and southern Great Plains, although populations have been reported in the wild in nearly every state, with the exception of New Hampshire, Nevada and Utah
The golden yellow 1½-inch-wide daisy-like flowers of golden tickseed, also called plains coreopsis, typically have a deep red color in the center that is highly variable in size. The blooming period is from June to August. The flowers are held on thin stems above the plants, which are highly branched and covered with finely cut foliage. Deadheading increases blooms, and you can cut the plant back early in the season for a more compact size. Allow some flowers to set seed to have plants the following year.
It behaves as an annual in most gardens, but in some climates and locations it may live for two to three years. It will reseed aggressively and can get out of control. Native habitats include open areas like prairies, meadows, pastures, roadsides and banks of ponds.
The easy growth and intense flowering make it an excellent cottage garden plant. With careful maintenance, it can work in a more refined border as well. Also, since its native habitat includes pond banks, this may be a good choice for a rain garden. Seeds are widely available, and there are several cultivars with different colors and sizes.
Planting notes: Seeds started indoors require no pretreatment, but they should be planted shallowly, as light is required for germination. The plants prefer full sun and moist but well-drained soil. It is recommended not to fertilize this plant, as it makes for floppy growth.
8. Golden Tickseed
(Coreopsis tinctoria)
Native to the central and southern Great Plains, although populations have been reported in the wild in nearly every state, with the exception of New Hampshire, Nevada and Utah
The golden yellow 1½-inch-wide daisy-like flowers of golden tickseed, also called plains coreopsis, typically have a deep red color in the center that is highly variable in size. The blooming period is from June to August. The flowers are held on thin stems above the plants, which are highly branched and covered with finely cut foliage. Deadheading increases blooms, and you can cut the plant back early in the season for a more compact size. Allow some flowers to set seed to have plants the following year.
It behaves as an annual in most gardens, but in some climates and locations it may live for two to three years. It will reseed aggressively and can get out of control. Native habitats include open areas like prairies, meadows, pastures, roadsides and banks of ponds.
The easy growth and intense flowering make it an excellent cottage garden plant. With careful maintenance, it can work in a more refined border as well. Also, since its native habitat includes pond banks, this may be a good choice for a rain garden. Seeds are widely available, and there are several cultivars with different colors and sizes.
Planting notes: Seeds started indoors require no pretreatment, but they should be planted shallowly, as light is required for germination. The plants prefer full sun and moist but well-drained soil. It is recommended not to fertilize this plant, as it makes for floppy growth.
Here’s the iconic black-eyed Susan with its coppery central disk surrounded by bright yellow petals. You can see the hairs covering the stem and leaves, thus the “hirta” part of the Latin name.
9. Black-Eyed Susan
(Rudbeckia hirta)
The original native range was most likely in the Midwest and Great Plains; it has since been naturalized to every state and southern Canada, except Arizona and Nevada
The life cycle of black-eyed Susan ranges from that of an annual to that of a short-lived perennial. Some plants will bloom the first year, while adjacent plants will develop only a leafy rosette, with bloom occurring the following season. Plants generally die off after a season of heavy flowering. From the basal rosette, the plant puts up leafy, branched flowering stems. The blooming period is from June to October, with a later start for plants started that season. The flowers have the typical daisy-like form with a dark center surrounded by yellow rays, measuring 2 to 3 inches across.
Black-eyed Susan is juglone-tolerant, meaning it will grow near or under walnut trees, where many other plants will not. Powdery mildew can be a problem in rich soil if plants are too crowded. It is found in many habitats — prairies, meadows, fields and woodland edges — as long as there is sufficient sun exposure. It prefers well-drained, somewhat acidic soils and can tolerate some drought.
Most of the plants and seeds for black-eyed Susan available in nurseries are for cultivars bred for selected flower colors and shapes or different habits. Seeds for the straight species can be found from native-seed suppliers.
Planting notes: Plant directly outdoors in fall or early spring. Seeds can also be started indoors under lights; a one-month period of cold, moist stratification before sowing improves germination rates.
Learn more about growing black-eyed Susan
9. Black-Eyed Susan
(Rudbeckia hirta)
The original native range was most likely in the Midwest and Great Plains; it has since been naturalized to every state and southern Canada, except Arizona and Nevada
The life cycle of black-eyed Susan ranges from that of an annual to that of a short-lived perennial. Some plants will bloom the first year, while adjacent plants will develop only a leafy rosette, with bloom occurring the following season. Plants generally die off after a season of heavy flowering. From the basal rosette, the plant puts up leafy, branched flowering stems. The blooming period is from June to October, with a later start for plants started that season. The flowers have the typical daisy-like form with a dark center surrounded by yellow rays, measuring 2 to 3 inches across.
Black-eyed Susan is juglone-tolerant, meaning it will grow near or under walnut trees, where many other plants will not. Powdery mildew can be a problem in rich soil if plants are too crowded. It is found in many habitats — prairies, meadows, fields and woodland edges — as long as there is sufficient sun exposure. It prefers well-drained, somewhat acidic soils and can tolerate some drought.
Most of the plants and seeds for black-eyed Susan available in nurseries are for cultivars bred for selected flower colors and shapes or different habits. Seeds for the straight species can be found from native-seed suppliers.
Planting notes: Plant directly outdoors in fall or early spring. Seeds can also be started indoors under lights; a one-month period of cold, moist stratification before sowing improves germination rates.
Learn more about growing black-eyed Susan
These Apache beggarticks, in the foreground, are a great choice in this drought-tolerant planting in San Diego.
10. Apache Beggarticks
(Bidens ferulifolia)
Native to Southern Arizona
Apache beggarticks is a low-growing perennial originally found growing in open fields in southern Arizona. The species plant has small yellow flowers; however, a number of larger-flowered cultivars that perform well in gardens have been developed. These plants perform well on the front edges of a border and in hanging baskets.
Apache beggarticks has become popular in the nursery trade with the introduction of several new cultivars over the past couple of years. The plants are perennial in zones 9 and 10, and I have seen plants returning from seed in the Boston area.
Planting notes: Seeds can be planted directly in spring or started under lights without pretreatment. Native to open fields, Apache beggarticks likes full sun and average soil moisture (mesic). In well-drained soils it will tolerate droughty conditions.
10. Apache Beggarticks
(Bidens ferulifolia)
Native to Southern Arizona
Apache beggarticks is a low-growing perennial originally found growing in open fields in southern Arizona. The species plant has small yellow flowers; however, a number of larger-flowered cultivars that perform well in gardens have been developed. These plants perform well on the front edges of a border and in hanging baskets.
Apache beggarticks has become popular in the nursery trade with the introduction of several new cultivars over the past couple of years. The plants are perennial in zones 9 and 10, and I have seen plants returning from seed in the Boston area.
Planting notes: Seeds can be planted directly in spring or started under lights without pretreatment. Native to open fields, Apache beggarticks likes full sun and average soil moisture (mesic). In well-drained soils it will tolerate droughty conditions.
A close look reveals the long stamen that insects encounter on beeplants; photo by lostinfog
11. Rocky Mountain Beeplant
(Cleome serrulata)
Native from eastern Washington to Saskatchewan and south to Arizona and northeast Texas; has spread as scattered populations throughout most of the U.S. except the Southeast
Flowers for this annual appear as 4-to-5-inch-wide terminal clusters in shades of pink, fading to white. The stamens extend far from the petals, giving a spidery look. Rocky Mountain beeplant’s bloom period starts in July and continues until the frost. It is differentiated from the garden-variety cleome in that its leaves are three-lobed rather than five- to seven-lobed, and it is less spiny. Both species have an unpleasant odor when bruised. All things considered, this plant is best used toward the back of a border, where the flowers can tower over smaller plants and one is less likely experience the scent of the leaves. They make an excellent choice for a cottage garden.
Rocky Mountain beeplant is naturally found in prairies, open woods and other disturbed areas. It grows well in dry soils in full to partial sun, where it generally reseeds well.
Planting notes: Sow seeds outdoors in fall or early spring. Seeds can also be started indoors under lights; one to two weeks of cold, moist stratification is preferred before sowing. Based on its native distribution, Rocky Mountain beeplant prefers well-drained neutral to alkaline soils. Seeds are available from several sources.
Learn more about growing Rocky Mountain beeplant
11. Rocky Mountain Beeplant
(Cleome serrulata)
Native from eastern Washington to Saskatchewan and south to Arizona and northeast Texas; has spread as scattered populations throughout most of the U.S. except the Southeast
Flowers for this annual appear as 4-to-5-inch-wide terminal clusters in shades of pink, fading to white. The stamens extend far from the petals, giving a spidery look. Rocky Mountain beeplant’s bloom period starts in July and continues until the frost. It is differentiated from the garden-variety cleome in that its leaves are three-lobed rather than five- to seven-lobed, and it is less spiny. Both species have an unpleasant odor when bruised. All things considered, this plant is best used toward the back of a border, where the flowers can tower over smaller plants and one is less likely experience the scent of the leaves. They make an excellent choice for a cottage garden.
Rocky Mountain beeplant is naturally found in prairies, open woods and other disturbed areas. It grows well in dry soils in full to partial sun, where it generally reseeds well.
Planting notes: Sow seeds outdoors in fall or early spring. Seeds can also be started indoors under lights; one to two weeks of cold, moist stratification is preferred before sowing. Based on its native distribution, Rocky Mountain beeplant prefers well-drained neutral to alkaline soils. Seeds are available from several sources.
Learn more about growing Rocky Mountain beeplant
These Indian blanket flowers growing in rich garden soil need some support.
12. Indian Blanket
(Gaillardia pulchella)
Native from South Dakota and Kansas south to Louisiana and Arizona; populations are found throughout the U.S., with the exception of the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Northwest and a narrow band from Kentucky to New Jersey
Indian blanket is one of the more common wildflowers seen along roadsides in the spring in the Southwest. The trademark daisy-like flowers with big red centers surrounded by yellow bands appear from June to September. Earlier bloom may be possible for plants started in fall as winter annuals. Deadheading will extend the bloom period, but you need to use restraint to ensure a healthy supply of seed for the following year. The plant has a freely branching habit, forming a mound that is dense with somewhat fuzzy, medium-green leaves.
Its natural habitat includes dry plains and open areas, particularly with calcareous soils. It is occasionally seen on coastal sites.
Planting notes: Seeds are easy to start without pretreatment, either under lights or sown directly in the garden in early spring or fall. Sow seeds shallowly, as they need light for germination. Overfertilization or rich soils, which are common in the home garden, will result in floppy plants with fewer blooms.
12. Indian Blanket
(Gaillardia pulchella)
Native from South Dakota and Kansas south to Louisiana and Arizona; populations are found throughout the U.S., with the exception of the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Northwest and a narrow band from Kentucky to New Jersey
Indian blanket is one of the more common wildflowers seen along roadsides in the spring in the Southwest. The trademark daisy-like flowers with big red centers surrounded by yellow bands appear from June to September. Earlier bloom may be possible for plants started in fall as winter annuals. Deadheading will extend the bloom period, but you need to use restraint to ensure a healthy supply of seed for the following year. The plant has a freely branching habit, forming a mound that is dense with somewhat fuzzy, medium-green leaves.
Its natural habitat includes dry plains and open areas, particularly with calcareous soils. It is occasionally seen on coastal sites.
Planting notes: Seeds are easy to start without pretreatment, either under lights or sown directly in the garden in early spring or fall. Sow seeds shallowly, as they need light for germination. Overfertilization or rich soils, which are common in the home garden, will result in floppy plants with fewer blooms.
Note the red spots on each of the petals of farewell to spring.
13. Farewell to Spring
(Clarkia amoena)
Native to coastal areas from British Columbia to Central California
Farewell to spring bears large, showy flowers, usually in shades of pink with darker markings on each petal; it blooms from late spring to early summer. Plants may grow upright from 6 inches to 3 feet tall, or may be sprawling, depending on the variety.
Species of the genus Clarkia are named for Captain William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Many have their native origins in the Pacific Northwest. Farewell to spring is native to coastal slopes in dry, nutrient-poor, sandy-loam soils. It’s also found in meadows and on forest edges and roadsides.
Planting notes: Seeds can be started in pots or flats without pretreatment, but these can be tricky to transplant. Stronger plants result from sowing directly in the fall to early spring. Overfertilization results in leggy plants and fewer blossoms. Farewell to spring prefers full sun but will take some shade in hot locations.
13. Farewell to Spring
(Clarkia amoena)
Native to coastal areas from British Columbia to Central California
Farewell to spring bears large, showy flowers, usually in shades of pink with darker markings on each petal; it blooms from late spring to early summer. Plants may grow upright from 6 inches to 3 feet tall, or may be sprawling, depending on the variety.
Species of the genus Clarkia are named for Captain William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Many have their native origins in the Pacific Northwest. Farewell to spring is native to coastal slopes in dry, nutrient-poor, sandy-loam soils. It’s also found in meadows and on forest edges and roadsides.
Planting notes: Seeds can be started in pots or flats without pretreatment, but these can be tricky to transplant. Stronger plants result from sowing directly in the fall to early spring. Overfertilization results in leggy plants and fewer blossoms. Farewell to spring prefers full sun but will take some shade in hot locations.
Iconic orange California poppies play off well against purple lupine.
14. California Poppy
(Eschscholzia californica)
Native to California and Oregon, but has naturalized throughout much of the U.S.
California poppy is more tolerant of growing conditions than some plants of the West Coast. In its native habitat it is a short-lived perennial, but it is an annual in most other locations. The plant forms a taproot, so it does not like to be transplanted. In its native environment the bloom time is from April to May. In the garden the blooming period can be extended into the fall with supplemental watering (but not too much) and deadheading. Seed sources are too numerous to mention. Read the descriptions carefully, especially if you desire the straight species and not a cultivar.
The plants grow as 1-to 2-foot clumps, with highly dissected, feathery blue-green foliage. This foliage alone is quite attractive. The orange cup-like flowers are borne singly on long stems. The typical flower color is orange to yellow; however, there are cultivars in many shades from white to red and purple, including some with variegated petals.
California poppy is native to open and disturbed areas, grassy areas, mountainsides, coastal areas and deserts.
Planting notes: California poppy is best sown in place in fall in lean, well-drained soil. Overfertilization results in more leaves and few flowers, with poor coloration. It tends to do well in windy, exposed locations, so siting it in a roadside planting should be successful. It prefers lean, well-drained soils in full sun.
Learn more about growing California poppy
14. California Poppy
(Eschscholzia californica)
Native to California and Oregon, but has naturalized throughout much of the U.S.
California poppy is more tolerant of growing conditions than some plants of the West Coast. In its native habitat it is a short-lived perennial, but it is an annual in most other locations. The plant forms a taproot, so it does not like to be transplanted. In its native environment the bloom time is from April to May. In the garden the blooming period can be extended into the fall with supplemental watering (but not too much) and deadheading. Seed sources are too numerous to mention. Read the descriptions carefully, especially if you desire the straight species and not a cultivar.
The plants grow as 1-to 2-foot clumps, with highly dissected, feathery blue-green foliage. This foliage alone is quite attractive. The orange cup-like flowers are borne singly on long stems. The typical flower color is orange to yellow; however, there are cultivars in many shades from white to red and purple, including some with variegated petals.
California poppy is native to open and disturbed areas, grassy areas, mountainsides, coastal areas and deserts.
Planting notes: California poppy is best sown in place in fall in lean, well-drained soil. Overfertilization results in more leaves and few flowers, with poor coloration. It tends to do well in windy, exposed locations, so siting it in a roadside planting should be successful. It prefers lean, well-drained soils in full sun.
Learn more about growing California poppy
The long stamen and finely cut foliage contribute to the lacy appearance of this phacelia.
15. Lacy Phacelia
(Phacelia tanacetifolia)
Native to the California and Arizona deserts; however, populations have been found across North America as far east as Massachusetts and Maine
Lacy phacelia grows to 3 feet tall. The purple-blue flowers with long stamens are held closely together as a curled cluster, giving the overall effect of a globe or ball rather than of individual flowers. Flowering time is throughout the summer. It has found use as a cover crop, providing habitat for predatory insects, and the flowers are very popular with bees.
Planting notes: Seeds can be sown in fall or early spring without pretreatment. They should be well-covered with soil, as they germinate better in darkness. Lacy phacelia grows in open lands and slopes; it prefers well-drained, dryish soils in full to partial sun but is adaptable.
Learn more about growing annual phacelias
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15. Lacy Phacelia
(Phacelia tanacetifolia)
Native to the California and Arizona deserts; however, populations have been found across North America as far east as Massachusetts and Maine
Lacy phacelia grows to 3 feet tall. The purple-blue flowers with long stamens are held closely together as a curled cluster, giving the overall effect of a globe or ball rather than of individual flowers. Flowering time is throughout the summer. It has found use as a cover crop, providing habitat for predatory insects, and the flowers are very popular with bees.
Planting notes: Seeds can be sown in fall or early spring without pretreatment. They should be well-covered with soil, as they germinate better in darkness. Lacy phacelia grows in open lands and slopes; it prefers well-drained, dryish soils in full to partial sun but is adaptable.
Learn more about growing annual phacelias
More on Houzz
Read more about earth-friendly design
Work with a drought-tolerant landscape pro near you
Shop for gardening tools
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In the garden, openings are created by weeding, pulling back some mulch to expose bare soil, and cutting back spreading shrubs or perennials. Also, many annuals are adapted to grow in poor soil, where there is little competition from other species. Since they are always looking for the best place to grow, these species can turn up in a new location each year. This is a boon for those who celebrate spontaneity and a bane for those in search of order and predictability.