Kinds of Annual Plants

Shade Annuals

• Annuals that thrive in the shade are perfect for containers that will sit on a porch or for a planting bed underneath a tree. One of the most commonly planted shade annuals is the impatien. These small, colorful flowers thrive even in shady locations and come in 15 colors. They range in size from 6 to 24 inches and grow easily with very little care. Another annual that does well in the shade is the begonia. These flowers are also easy to grow and thrive in moist, rich soil.

Sun Annuals

• The large majority of flowering annuals need at least six hours of sunlight per day. Dahlias are large, showy flowers that thrive in the hot summer sun, and they also make excellent cut flowers. Moss roses are desirable for their cascading habit and thrive in periods of drought, which makes them an excellent choice for dry landscapes. Cosmos, which come in a rainbow of colors, are not only drought tolerant but will even thrive in nutrient-poor soils.

Foliage Annuals

• While most annuals are desirable for their flowers, a few are coveted for their interesting foliage. Coleus, for example, is an annual that features brilliantly colored leaves. The leaves come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Many are heavily ruffled. Ornamental kale, which is green and a lovely purple color, is another annual grown for its foliage. Kale is often planted in the fall, as it cannot tolerate summer heat.

Annual Herbs

• Annual plants are not just flowering or foliage plants. Many herbs are also annuals. These fragrant, attractive plants are also useful in baking and cooking. Basil is an annual herb used in Italian cooking. It is usually sprinkled fresh over the dish after it is prepared. Cilantro is another annual herb. It is one of the staples in Latin cooking. Like most herbs, these annuals grow best in rich, organic, well-draining soil with at least a half-day's worth of sun exposure. Dill and borage are two also annual herbs.