Annuals
The
following is a listing of unusual annuals we grow as a complement to the
perennials.
Many are unique and hard-to-find. Grown in 4-packs, priced $2.00
per pack. See p. 41-42 for annuals in pots.
Please note:
We are primarily perennial growers - our annuals are grown in limited quantity,
and sold by the pack, not by the flat.
No full flat discount. Some varieties
will sell out quickly!
Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon)
► ‘Black Prince’ – Heirloom variety, unsurpassed for its gorgeous, deep velvety red flowers. Foliage is reddish purple in cool weather. Listed in the 1932 Burpee catalog. [18”]
‘Cinnamon Bronze’ - No ordinary snapdragon! Unique double azalea form flowers. An unusual
color -- hard to describe, but easy to use in mixed borders. A real hit in our gardens! [24"]
‘Pink Azalea’ – Beautiful pink counterpart to the above. Perfect for pastel garden schemes. [24’]
► ‘Frosted Sunset’ – A new dwarf variegated snapdragon. Green leaves splashed with green, flowers
are a blend of rich orange, golden and raspberry pink. [12”]
Cleome hassleriana (Spider Flower)
‘Queen’ Series - Stately tall plants with airy flowers in large trusses. Plant at the back of the border,
or mix with tall perennials. Available in Rose, Purple or White. Will re-seed in the garden. [4-5']
Coleus
‘Limelight’ – Popular lime green fluorescent color. Great in combination pots. [15-20”]
‘Palisandra’ - Beautiful huge black-purple leaves with soft velvety texture. [15-20”]
‘Rainbow Blend’ – A taller garden type in a rainbow mixture of colors. [18”]
‘Wizard Coral Sunrise’ – Shades of coral and pink with olive green, bordered in lime. [12-14”]
‘Wizard Scarlet’ – Large red leaves bordered with lemon-lime. [12-14”]
‘Wizard Sunset’ – Apricot/orange. [12-14”]
► ‘Wizard Velvet’- Deep velvety red, compact habit. [12-14”]
Consolida regalis (Larkspur)
‘King Size Mix’ - A superior new Larkspur specifically bred for use as a cut flower, and
highly regarded by florists as the best for drying. Wide range of soft and bright colors. [36-48"]
Cosmos bipinnatus (Cosmos)
Easy, elegant addition to borders. Excellent cut flowers and attractive to butterflies.
‘Daydream’ – Bicolored flowers, pale shell pink petals with a deep rose-pink eye. [36"]
‘Double Click’ – Stunning bright blooms with extra layers of petals. Range of colors from
white to pink and shades of rose to nearly red. [36-40”]
‘Gazebo Mix’ - New large-flowered mix; assorted colors. Tall but bushy growth habit. [48"]
‘Picotee’ - White flowers bordered in red. Uniquely different. [36"]
‘Sea Shells’ – Fluted petals curl inward like seashells. Assorted colors; white, pink, and rose [4-5’]
‘Sonata Mix’ - A dwarf Cosmos. Mixture of white, pale blush pink, rose-pink, and carmine. [24"]
‘Sonata White’ - Dwarf, pure white. Mixes well with all colors in the garden. [24"]
‘Versailles Tetra Carmine’ - Exceptionally rich deep rose-red. Very large flowered. [36-42"]
Euphorbia marginata
‘Kilimanjaro’ - Young foliage is solid green, but becomes brilliantly variegated with white
as the season progresses. Amazing “bushes” of white and green give rise to the common
name of Snow on the Mountain. Excellent color contrast in the garden. [36"]
Gazania
► ‘Dynastar Inferno Mix’ – Large daisy-shaped flowers in a fiery blend of gold, orange and red shades, many with dark bands in the centers. Great heat and drought tolerance. [8”]
Molucella laevis (Bells of Ireland)
Flower spikes of interesting green bells, tightly packed along the stems. Unusual cut flower. [24"]
Nasella tenuissima (Pony Tail Grass) aka Stipa tenuissima
Lovely annual grass with very fine textured blades and airy tan plumes. Great in containers. [16"]
Nicotiana x sanderae (Flowering Tobacco)
‘Domino Lime’ – Pale lemon-lime color adds interest to bed and containers. Dwarf plants [12”]
‘Fragrant Cloud’ - An old-fashioned variety with powerful, rich evening fragrance. Semi-pendant
white flowers. Very attractive to hummingbirds and hummingbird moths. [30-36"]
‘Lime Green’ - Uniquely different, adds a cool, subtle touch to beds and borders. [36"]
‘Perfume Purple’- AAS winner for 2006. Very fragrant deep purple flowers. A new color. [16”]
Nicotiana sylvestris
(Woodland Tobacco, Only the Lonely)
A tall flowering tobacco with narrow, pendant, tubular white flowers above broad green leaves.
Striking in the late summer garden. Grows in sun or shade. [4-5']
Nigella damascena (Love-in-a-Mist)
Ferny foliage and flowers in shades of blue, white, and rose. Loose airy foliage blends
inconspicuously in the garden. Enlarged seed pods are useful in dried arrangements. [12-18"]
Pansy
► ‘Clear Crystal Mix’ – Medium-sized flowers in assorted clear colors without blotches. Excellent weather tolerance. [6-9”]
► ‘Ocean Mix’ – Uniquely shaded flowers with overlays of green, olive, aqua and purple, some highlighted with yellow edges and deeper blotches. [6-8”]
Papaver rhoeas
► ‘Mother of Pearl’ - Crepe-textured flowers in misty shades of lilac, mauve, pink, and white, with an occasional soft orange. Wonderful in drifts, self-sows where happy. [18-24”]
Perilla frutescens
Useful as a colorful foliage accent in the summer garden. Deep reddish-purple foliage resembles
a tall coleus or purple basil. We grow this among the daylilies at Specialty Growers. [36"]
Rudbeckia hirta (Gloriosa Daisy)
‘Cherokee Sunset’ - A breakthrough in Rudbeckia flower form; double and semi-double flowers
packed with petals. A blend of sunset colors, including gold, orange, russet and mahogany. [24"]
‘Chim Chiminee’ - Fantastic new flower shape for Rudbeckia! Spiky, quilled petals form a collar
around the pronounced deep brown cones. Shades of bronze, yellow, gold and mahogany. [28"]
‘Prairie Sun’ - Tricolored flowers with lime green cone, surrounded by bright gold, then shading to
lemon yellow at the petal tips. Very striking and showy, makes an excellent cut flower. [24-36"]
In June through September, these Rudbeckia selections will also be available in larger pots.
Salvia coccinea (Texas Sage) Open, lacy flower spikes bearing intricately-shaped florets. Lovely
addition to beds, providing season-long sprays of color in the garden. Heat tolerant. [24"]
‘Coral Nymph’ - Delicate bicolor of coral-salmon and white.
‘Lady in Red’ - Bright scarlet, attracts hummingbirds. Much more elegant than common red salvia.
‘Snow Nymph’ - Fine-textured white flowers provide wonderful contrast for bold colors and shapes.
Salvia farinacea (Mealycup Sage)
‘Victoria’- A component of our gardens here at Specialty Growers for over 15 years, this variety is essential for all-summer blue color in the garden. It will complement any color scheme. [18”]
Salvia viridis (Painted Sage) - Colorful bracts of purplish-blue, pink, or white. Nice dried flower or
addition to fresh cut arrangements. Blends well in the perennial garden. Self-sows. [18"]
Verbena bonariensis (Brazilian Verbena)
Rapidly becoming a classic addition to perennial borders because of its ability to blend
unobtrusively and provide much-needed late summer color. Thin, upright but branching plants
bear clusters of purple flower heads from late July till hard frost. Often re-seeds. [4-5']
Viola cornuta
These little violas are quite hardy – in a good year, they may overwinter. Cute addition to beds, borders and combination pots. [6”]
► ‘Skippy XL Red and Gold’ – Large flowers are ruby red with a gold whiskered face. Upper petals
vibrant violet-red. Blooms continuously under a wide range of temperatures. AAS Winner in 2006
‘Sorbet Orange Duet’ – Orange face with purple whiskers and cap.
► ‘Sorbet Purple Duet’ – Light violet-blue face with a dark purple cap.
► ‘Sorbet Yellow Frost’ – Primrose yellow whiskered face, with frosted violet cap.
Zinnia linearis
‘White Star’ - Very unlike typical tall zinnias, these plants form mounds of fine-textured
foliage, covered with small creamy white single flowers. Perfect to edge beds and borders. [12"]
‘Starbright Mix’ - The white form of this little zinnia has proven so popular, we decided to also grow the mixture, for those who prefer more color. In addition to white, expect gold and orange. [12"]
Zinnia hybrid
‘Profusion Series’
Another great series of dwarf zinnias, ideally suited as edging plants. They bloom all summer without dead-heading, on mound shaped plants that eventually reach 12” x 12”. Available in Apricot, Deep Apricot, Coral Pink, Fire, Orange,White and a Five-Color Mixture.
► Indicates NEW in our catalog for 2008!
The following Annuals are grown in individual pots - $2.25 to $5.00, depending on pot size and season
Alternanthera (Alternanthera dentate)
► ‘Purple Knight’- Regal purple foliage adds drama to beds, borders and containers. Foliage is nearly black in full sun, burgundy-bronze in partial shade. [16”-20”]
Angel’s Trumpet (Datura metel)
‘Ballerina’ - Huge, flaring double trumpet flowers on shapely, well branched plants. Makes a
dramatic patio plant, or grow in the garden in full sun. Available in white, yellow and purple [36”]
Blue Star (Laurentia)
► ‘Avant-Garde Blue’-Sweet scented, starry blue 1” flowers in profusion over fine textured foliage.
Blooms all summer on rounded plants that are carefree and vigorous. Tolerates heat as well as cold. Perfect for containers or the garden. Fleuroselect Gold Medal Winner. [18”]
Bunny Tail Grass (Lagurus ovatus)
Popular with children, the fuzzy beige tassels are as soft as their namesake. Fun in containers! [12]
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
‘Bon Bon’ – Wonderful color for spring and early summer. Plants are frost tolerant. Large brightly colored flowers on dwarf plants, good in the garden or in containers. Yellow or Orange. [12”]
Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)
‘Carmencita Red’ – Large palmate red-brown leaves on red stems create a striking effect.
Flowers and seed pods are bright red. Huge plants grow to 5’ tall. Poisonous.
Dahlia
► ‘Bloody Mary’ – Beautiful mixture of double and semi-double flowers on attractive bronze-red foliage. Plants have a compact, rounded habit. [12-14”]
Eyeball Plant (Spilanthes oleracea)
Unusual gold and brown gumdrop shaped “flowers” mimic an eyeball! Fascinating for children, and
a unique addition to containers. Attractive, semi-trailing habit, blooms all summer long. [8-12"]
Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa) - Old-fashioned favorite, with orange-blossom scented flowers which
open in late afternoon. Bushy plants are loaded with flowers in mid to late summer. [24"]
‘Broken Colors’ - Fascinating splashed and striped colors, including hot pink, yellow and white.
‘Limelight’ - Shocking pink flowers and chartreuse-green foliage with some marbling.
‘Red Glow’ – Vibrant coral-red flowers release a delicate perfume in early morning and evenings.
Geranium (Pelargonium)
► ‘Bull’s Eye Mix’ – A new series of Geranium with dark leaves zoned in rich chocolate brown.
Flower colors include scarlet, salmon, cherry, and light pink. [12-15”]
Hyacinth Bean (Dolichos lablab)
Burgundy tinted foliage and purple stems, with fabulous large flower clusters of rosy lavender.
Pods are shiny purple, and all parts of the plant are edible. Provide support for this climbing vine, and grow in full sun for best color and flowering. Will grow 10-20’ under warm conditions.
Marigold ‘Gem Series’ - Referred to as the “salad marigold”, these cute, single lemon-yellow flowers
are edible. Plants are bushy, with fine-textured, fragrant foliage and grow to 14" in full sun. They make a great addition to combination pots. Available in Lemon (yellow) or Tangerine (orange).
Millet
‘Jester’ – New in 2006. Leaves start off chartreuse and mature through shades of red, bronze, and deep purple. Burgundy “cattail” seed spikes in summer. Stocky, symmetrical plants reach 42”
‘Purple Majesty’ - Deep purple, corn-like foliage, with “cattail” seed spikes. Very dramatic,
perfect for background or mass planting. Destined for great popularity. [4-5’]
Morning Glory - Popular vines for training on fences, trellises, and poles. Flowers open in the A.M.
► ‘Blue Star’ – Heirloom variety with large pale teal blue flowers with an inner “star” of deeper blue.
‘Cameo Elegance - Beautiful variegated leaves, rose flowers with white centers. More restrained
growth habit; also suitable for hanging baskets and trailing over containers.
‘Flying Saucers’ – Spectacular large flowers, streaked with blue and white. Tall vines.
‘Heavenly Blue’ - Everyone’s favorite morning glory color! Traditional tall climber, to 8 ft.
‘Scarlet O’Hara’ - Rosy red flowers with white centers. Traditional tall vine.
► ‘Split Personality’ – Rosy red flowers with white centers have gently “split” petals, which gives the flowers and interesting ruffled look. Tall climbing vine.
Nasturtium - Brilliantly colored, fragrant flowers. Semi-trailing habit, useful in containers.
Leaves and flowers have peppery flavor, for salads and garnish. Annual [12-16"]
‘Alaska’ - Variegated foliage, compact growth habit.
Beautiful variegated leaves, rose flowers with white centers. More restrained
growth habit; also suitable for hanging baskets and trailing over containers.
► ‘Black Velvet’ – Velvety black-red flowers, on plants with short, semi-trailing habit
‘Jewel Mix’ - Solid green foliage. Large, very bright flowers in a wide range of colors.
► ‘Peach Melba’ – Creamy peach flowers with a dramatic raspberry splash in the center.
► ‘Vesuvius’-Unusual salmon-rose blooms surrounded by dark bluish green foliage
Ornamental Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
‘Black Pearl’ – Deep purplish-black foliage is attractive all season. In midsummer, black pearl-shaped peppers develop in a cluster at the top of the plant, eventually turning red.
‘Tri-color Variegata’ - Marbled purple, green and white foliage! Small, edible hot black peppers.
Ponytail Grass (Nassela tenuissima, aka Stipa tennuissima)
Very fine textured silky pale green grass develops a ponytail of tan feathery plumes in summer. Excellent addition to containers and useful in the garden. Not a hardy grass. [18”]
Rudbeckia hirta (Gloriosa Daisy)
‘Cherokee Sunset’ - A breakthrough in Rudbeckia flower form; double and semi-double flowers
packed with petals. A blend of sunset colors, including gold, orange, russet and mahogany. [24"]
‘Chim Chiminee’ - Fantastic new flower shape for Rudbeckia! Spiky, quilled petals form a collar
around the pronounced deep brown cones. Shades of bronze, yellow, gold and mahogany. [28"]
‘Prairie Sun’ - Tricolored flowers with lime green cone, surrounded by bright gold, then shading to
lemon yellow at the petal tips. Very striking and showy, make excellent cut flowers. [24-36"]
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus oertendehlii)
►‘Emerald Lace’ – Gorgeous, silver and green variegated leaves add colorful, textural interest to
combination planters, containers and baskets. Can also be grown as a houseplant. In late summer, spikes of bluish-white flowers add to the appeal. Prefers partial to full shade.
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus argentatus)
‘Silver Shield’- A great addition to combination pots, the large soft silvery leaves add both texture and contrasting color. Arresting with bright colors like magenta and purple. These large plants look and grow best in big pots. Also excellent in the garden. Full sun to partial shade.
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus discolor
‘Green and Gold’ - Over the years this has been one of our favorite additions to hanging baskets and container plantings. Green and gold variegated leaves on fuzzy purple stems. Best in partial shade.
Stipa (Stipa arundinacea)
‘Sirocco’ – Soft textured, variegated grass with coppery-mauve and pink blades. A fantastic addition to container gardens, and useful in the garden as well. May return as a perennial in protected areas. [12-14”]
► Indicates NEW in our catalog for 2008!
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