If the horticultural fervor of the pandemic has faded a little, the number of new followers remains important and the clientele of garden centers has rejuvenated. After the vegetable garden, neophytes have even begun to learn about flowers – to the delight of nurserymen! Here are some suggestions for annuals that will brighten up your environment all summer long. Tough, low-maintenance plants with an impressive color palette.
Five months of flowering
Benoît Champagne, of the Quebec Institute for the Development of Ornamental Horticulture (IQDHO), which criss-crosses Quebec to assist plant growers, says that more than ever, enthusiasts demand a garden or a terrace full of flowers as soon as they leave nursery. The goal is to produce a plant that can satisfy the gardener all season long with as little effort as possible.
For Mr. Champagne, the ideal annual is not very prone to diseases and insects, withstands short periods of drought and blooms continuously until frost. For best results, a soil rich in organic matter is essential.
Easy care, blooms all summer
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PHOTO GASPAR ALVES, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
The lantana is a very resistant mini-shrub, with small, compact flowers and various colors. Fragrant foliage to the touch (but allergenic for some). Increasingly popular, it blooms until frost and is suitable for both flowerbeds and pots.
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PHOTO PIERRE MCCANN, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Geranium or pelargonium, its real name, is one of the best-selling annuals in the world. Recommended for those without a green hand or thumb. Few or no diseases, it supports a short drought. Multiple colors, very diversified foliage; there are hundreds of varieties.
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY LES EXCEPTIONELLES, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Zinnias of the “Profusion” line offer a considerable range of colors and are resistant to common diseases of the species. For the flower bed.
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
The vegetative petunia is usually sold under the name “Surfinia”. Many varieties and colors. Falling foliage ideal for planter or pot. Crawling in the flower bed.
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PHOTO ARMAND TROTTIER, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
The Reiger begonia is a very popular compact plant (hundreds of thousands sold in Quebec). Countless varieties. Very floriferous, withstands a short drought. Sun or partial shade. Grown mainly in pots, planters or flower boxes.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
New Guinea impatiens is resistant to downy mildew (a disease caused by a water fungus), unlike other impatiens species. Large flowers, several colors, innumerable varieties, little appreciated by pests. Prefers a lightly shaded area, but some varieties tolerate the sun. Does well in the flower bed.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Marigolds, a species considered “old”, are not very prone to diseases. Colors in variations of yellow, orange or brown; flowers of various shapes, including pompom. Resistant to early and late season cold. Flowerbed and vegetable garden.
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PHOTO PIERRE MCCANN, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Alocasias are popular because of their large, uniquely patterned leaves.
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Do it yourself!
If the fashion is “ready to plant”, several annuals remain easy to obtain by sowing directly in the flower bed or in a planter. Obviously, you will have to assume the few requirements of the experience, but your satisfaction will be all the greater and the bill, ridiculous.
PHOTO ED JONES, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
Delicate foliage, flowers of various shapes in multiple colors: cosmos are also easy to obtain from sowing at home or in the ground. They do best in flowerbeds.
You can proceed as soon as the ground temperature exceeds 10 or 15 ohvs. As much to tell you right away, a little patience will be required. Among the species that guarantee success and in bloom most of the summer are cosmos, marigolds, marigolds, calendula and, of course, the sunflower. In cosmos and marigolds, for example, germination requires around a week and, depending on the variety, it will also take 8 to 12 weeks before flowering, in optimal conditions. For sunflower, the wait will be 8 to 18 weeks, with smaller hybrids being faster.