Annual Flowers That Drape

Wave Petunias

• For waves of gorgeous summer color, you can't beat the wave petunia. These annuals have large flowers and bloom in a variety of colors. Wave petunias are heat tolerant and require full sun. Cut back the plant midseason for increased flower production. Wave petunias grow quickly and tolerate a variety of soils but prefer well-drained, moist soil. They grow to 10 inches tall and will bloom from spring until the first frost.

Nasturtiums

• Nasturtium is a tough but beautiful annual for your summer garden. This draping annual flowers better in poor, slightly sandy soil. Though it thrives in full sun, it does require protection for intense afternoon sun in hotter climates. Pale green, almost round leaves complement the large, five-petaled yellow or orange flowers.

Lantana

• This heat-tolerant annual is perfect for the location in your garden that receives hot afternoon sun. Blooming in shades of yellow, orange, white or purple, often on the same plant, lantana drapes to 36 inches and makes an excellent ground cover. Lantana thrives in all types of well-drained soil and will bloom until the first frost. All parts of this plant are poisonous.

Lobelia

• This beautiful purple or white flowering plant prefers partial sun in hot climates. Growing to 6 inches tall and then trailing over the side of it's container, lobelia is perfect in hanging baskets and window boxes. Keep the soil moist--lobelia is not drought-tolerant. The tiny, long leaves of this plant can be either green or tinted bronze. Lobelia is sold in trailing and compact varieties. Regatta Hybrids is an example of trailing lobelia. Lobelia will flower all summer long and benefits from regular applications of fertilizer.

Sweet Alyssum

• This annual has tiny clusters of sweet smelling flowers that bloom all summer. It will self-seed and naturalizes quickly. Growing to 12 inches tall, sweet alyssum will spill down the side of a container or spread as a ground cover. It thrives in partial or full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil.