Beautiful Spring-Blooming Annuals

Annual flowers are plants that grow from seed to seed and need to be replanted each year. They provide year round color when interplanted between perennials and are great accents in containers. You may think why plant annuals when I already have a great perennial garden? Well even perennial gardens have times of the year when something isn’t in bloom, annuals do a great job of filling in a space and providing color during any lag times.

When you use both perennial and annuals in your flower garden there should never be a time when something is not in bloom. One of the great things about annuals is there is no long term commitment to them. Your garden can have a new look each year with a minimum investment.

Many annuals have a long growing season here in Phoenix. While in most parts of the country you’ll have to worry about frost, here you worry about the summer heat. Most annuals do pretty well. Providing them with some shade in the hotter months, and cover them during frosts and this will extend their bloom time.

Backyards with pools are already immediately beautiful because of the awesome focal point being the pool. But for homeowners who really want to maximize the beauty and interest of their backyard pool and spa area, here are a few gorgeous spring annuals that are perfect for the Arizona weather.

Diascia

Meet a cousin of the snapdragon: diascia. This pretty bloomer unfurls tangerine-orange flowers that look great in pots or planting beds. The flower show continues through late spring frosts, offering early season pollinators a nectar source. Plants shift out of bloom when night temperatures stay above 70°F. (HGTV)

Marigold

As a native of Mexico, Marigolds do well here in Phoenix and thrive most of the year including most of summer. To prolong their growing season cover during frosts. They are also beneficial to plant near many vegetables to deter pests.

Zinnias

Zinnias are blooming even when many other annuals have ceased. They are a great flower for summer as they love the sun. They are available in some stunning bold colors and are attractive to the butterflies.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a fantastic annual for kids to plant. These tall hardy plants show growth within the week and get as tall as 10 feet within a couple months. You can also buy shorter varieties of sunflowers. Kids absolutely love growing these flowers and the birds enjoy gathering all the seeds. They can provide needed shade to other plants as well.

Wallflower

One of spring’s strongest bloomers, wallflower pumps out the flowers from early spring until summer starts knocking on the garden gate. The sunny yellow blossoms beckon butterflies and bees. Use this pretty annual in pots or planting beds.