Add a Burst of Color to Your Nashville Property with Summer Annuals

Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias are bushy, brightly colored annuals with dahlia-like blooms. They are a favorite amongst gardeners, butterflies, and birds. Zinnias are extremely easy to grow and thrive in the hot summer sun. These flowers typically grow about 1-3 feet tall and are perfect for flower beds, borders, or containers. Zinnias typically come in a variety of colors including red, yellow, orange, pink, lavender, green, and white. June is a great time of year to plant these summer annuals in the Nashville area.

Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex)

The Ruellia simplex, also called a Mexican Petunia, is a herbaceous perennial that is typically grown as an annual in the Nashville area (or any area north of USDA Zone 8). The Mexican Petunia comes in a variety of colors including blues, purples, pinks, and whites. This flower typically grows about 3 feet tall in gardens, up to 4 feet in the wild. This showy, yet tough flower is tolerant of most soil conditions, grows best in full sun, and is a must-have for any butterfly garden. Although there are many benefits, the Mexican Petunia is considered an aggressive species and should be planted where it can be controlled because it is self-seeding and will quickly spread wherever it’s planted.

Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana)

The Viola x wittrockiana, also known as the Pansy, is a brightly colored short-lived perennial that is typically grown as an annual. The Pansy is a favorite amongst gardeners for its long bloom times ranging from 4 to 6 months. These flowers come in a variety of colors including blues, purples, reds, yellows, maroons, and other bi-colors, and typically grow about 6-8 inches tall. The Pansy grows best in moist soil and full sun and also attracts butterflies with their fragrant petals. Pansies are tough little flowers that grow very well in cooler weather.

Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)

The Catharanthus roseus, also known as the Madagascar periwinkle, is one of the best plants for hot summer gardens. These flowers can be grown as ground covers, in garden beds, window boxes, or in containers. The Madagascar periwinkle typically grows about 0.5 -1.5 feet tall with the same width. This annual has dark green foliage with pinkish-white petals and a dark maroon center. These flowers thrive in hot humid summer and will grow well in full to partial sun. As long as it has well-drained soil, the Madagascar periwinkle is a great low-maintenance option for almost any garden.

Wax Begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum)

Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum, also known as wax begonias, are popular, compact annuals that come in white, red, or pink single or double flowers and have dark green bushy leaves. The wax begonia group is one of the most popular garden annuals known for its durability and its bright blooms. They grow best in full to partial sun and typically grow 6-12 inches tall. Wax begonias are a great choice for garden beds, borders, window boxes, or indoor containers. Nashville residents can view several different Begonias at the Cheekwood Botanical Garden this summer.

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