Annual Plants Beginning With C

Coleus

• Although technically not a flower, coleus is grown for its striking multicolored foliage and is treated as a flower. Coleus varieties vary in their lighting requirements. Some varieties thriving in full sun, while others prefer shade. Coleus prefers moist well-drained soil with high fertility. This attractive annual grows to heights of 3 feet or more, but is easily controlled by pinching and pruning.

Cosmos

• Cosmos produces delicate daisy-like blooms atop tall slender stems and frilly foliage. Reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet, these colorful flowers prefer full sun. Cosmos thrive in soil with low fertility as long as it is well-drained. Colors range from pastel pinks and whites to fiery reds, orange and yellow. Deadhead cosmos for continued bloom.

California Poppy

• Poppies open into cup-shaped, papery blooms that appear to float above the ground. California poppies range in color from shades of white and yellow to brilliant orange and red. Grow California poppies in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.

Candytuft

• Candytuft produces blooms in the spring and grows to heights of 9 to 12 inches. Colors range from white to pinks and reds to mauve. This flower prefers well-drained soil and thrives in sun to partial shade. Water only when soil dries.

Cockscomb

• Cockcomb flowers vary in shape and color, but typically produce a plume of color above dense foliage. Colors range from yellow and orange to deep red. This flower prefers full sun and dry soil. Expect cockscomb to grow to heights of 8 to 24 inches, depending on the variety.