Flowering Annuals That Can Grow in Average Conditions
Below you will find a list of flowering annuals from our database that can grow in average climates. If you click on any of the photos, you will see a Virtual Plant Tag that may contain photos, plant descriptions, usage suggestions and a link to where you can buy that plant.
Many annuals that flower can flourish in years of average temperatures, average rainfall, or an overall average climate although many of these same plants can also do quite well in years with below average and above average temperatures, below and above average rainfall. Some of these bedding plants are native plants and have evolved to handle a fairly wide range of weather extremes for short periods of time, have a wider tolerance for diseases, and are generally more insect resistant. A lovely group of native plants can be used as annuals or perennials, depending on where you live in the country. Black-eyed Susan is also know as English Bulls-eye, or Rudbeckia hirta. Native from the plains east to the Carolinas, they prefer to be kept on the dry side, so growing in containers works well. A number of introductions has now added more color selection including Mahogany, Bi-color and double flowers and a range of heights from dwarf or compact to 3-4' tall.
While many plants have varying degrees of resistance to deer, often depending on the part of the country you live in, a dependable flowering plant seems be largely unattractive to deer everywhere. Floss Flower or Ageratum houstonianum, while native to Mexico, the flowering Floss Flower can be safely planted to withstand deer browse. Flowers come in shades of purples, lavenders and blue, but also white and pink. They are surprisingly cold tolerant in fall and winter in the Southern US.
As gardeners look for something different to use, bored with the tried and true, a plant that wouldn't normally be thought of can be recommended that will thrive in moderate conditions. Rex Begonia is a fantastic plant known mostly for its beautifully shaped and wonderfully colored foliage. While often thought of exclusively as a conservatory plant, why not consider adding this stunning plant to your flower beds, window boxes and mixed containers? The silvery and raspberry accents to the rich mahogany green will reward you all season.
An up-and-coming flowering plant is Treasure Flower, Gazania rigens and hybrids. Tolerant of a wide range of moisture conditions from dry to wet, Treasure Flower is also adaptable to partial sun or full sun. Gazania needs to dry out between between rain and waterings, so growing in containers is ideal.
