What Are Some Annual Plants for Zone 5?

Strawflower

• Native to Australia, strawflower (Bracteantha bracteata) grows as a summer annual in zone 5. Resembling a daisy, strawflower's petals are actually long-lasting papery bracts. Throughout the late spring and fall, strawflower blooms in hues of yellow, peach, pink or purple. This plant can reach 3 to 4 feet in height. Plant in zone 5 in full sun.

Calendula

• Calendula or pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) has been a popular summer annual since the Elizabethan period, notes Floridata. This is a spring to summer annual in zone 5; hot summer weather tends to cause wilting. With bright yellow and orange tones, calendula resembles a daisy. Plant in part shade to full sun. Plants may reach 12 to 30 inches tall.

Moss Rose

• Native to South America, moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora) grows as a summer annual in zone 5. The fuchsia, orange and yellow flowers open in sunlight and remain closed on cloudy days. Moss rose grows 6 inches tall and spreads up to 12 inches, making it a good annual for hanging baskets or containers. Plant in full sun; it won't flower otherwise.

Petunia

• Grown as an annual in zone 5, petunia (Petunia x hybrida) comes in shades of red, pink, purple and white. The trumpet-shaped blooms may be bi-colored or variegated. Petunias enjoy full sun. Trailing varieties work well in hanging baskets, while standard varieties do best in garden beds. Petunia blooms range in size from 2 inches to 5 inches.