DUSTY MILLER "Silver Dust":

Dusty Miller is commonly grown as an annual. It has a mounding habit, and is used for its silvery gray leaves. It tolerates heat and drought, but likes water if the drought is prolonged. Great accent plant for beds, and containers. Compact habit. Cut back when plants get leggy. Needs good air circulation. Best if not mulched. Great for blending groups of brightly colored flowers. Attractive at night, good in a "white garden". Will tolerate a light frost.

Height: 7"
Color: Silvery white foliage
Soil: Ordinary, well drained, poor, sandy soil
Season of Interest: Summer, Fall
Spacing: 18"
Heat Zone: 12-8

IMPATIENS, SHADE "Super Elfin & Dazzler":

Aka "Touch me not". Plant outside once danger of frost has passed. Their great branching habit and long blooming season make them a must for the shady garden. Flowers come in a wide variety of colors and bicolors. Will tolerate part to light sun. Keep soil moist, but keep note that overwatering & fertilizing will cause excessive foliage and few flowers. Plants will wilt when they need water, but will bounce back quickly when watered. Use in beds, borders, hanging baskets or as a house plant. Red flowers will attract hummingbirds. Use with Caladium, Begonia or Coleus.

Height: 8-10"
Color: Pink, Red, White, Orange, Purple, Lilac, Melon, bi-colors
Soil: Rich, well drained soil
Season of Interest: Summer, Fall
Heat Zone: 12-1

HYPOESTES:

Also known as the "Polka dot plant", this annual has green leaves that are splashed with cream or pink color. Grown primarily for it's foliage. It produces a mounded shape and should be trimmed to maintain height. Looks striking when combined with begonias or in massed plantings. Pinch plants back to promote fullness. Plant after danger of frost has passed. Great as a houseplant. Easy to grow!

Height: 5-12"
Color: Rose, Pink or white with contrasting spots
Soil: Average, well drained soil
Season of Interest: Summer, Fall
Heat Zone: 12-1

French

American

MARIGOLD:

FRENCH "Bonanza": These are shorter than the American variety, and often bloom earlier. They bear single or double flowers in shades of orange, yellow, burgundy and rust. Marigolds have a strong odor that some people like. Great in beds, borders, containers and as a cut flower. They will tolerate drought but grow best when evenly moist.

Height: 6-10"
Soil: Well drained to dry soil, not too rich
Season of Interest: Summer, Fall
Spacing: 6-12"
Heat Zone: 12-1

AMERICAN "Discovery": American or African marigolds are durable annuals with a bushy, medium to tall growth habit. They produce an abundance of flowers from midsummer to fall in shades of yellow, orange and white. Will tolerate some dryness, remove old flowers to promote re-bloom. Will not tolerate frost.

Height: 10-14"
Soil: Well drained to dry soil, not too rich
Season of Interest: Summer, Fall
Spacing 12"
Heat Zone: 12-1