Hearty Mid-West Annuals for Your Garden

There are many annuals to choose from to plant in your garden, but if you live in the Mid-West you may find that there are some that fair much better. The summer heat is the true test to see what will survive since there is rarely any rain during that time. You can dabble planting many types of plants or you can pinch your pennies and try out just a few.

One popular annual are the Elephant Ears, which can grow up to eight feet tall and give you that tropical feel in your yard. Bordered with Choleus, Caladums, or some Hibiscus bushes will really set them off as the giants they really are. Elephant Ears are also known by the botanical name of Colocasia.

Another popular and gorgeous flower that is very showy as a border plant is the Lavender. Although finicky to direct sun, depending on which variety, this flowering wonder will take your breath away once it is established well. You may find getting it to start from seed is easier since they will be more accustomed to your environment as they mature. Lavender can grow from 18" up to three feet high depending on the variety and soil it is growing in.

Angelonia is yet another annual that will be a show stopper in your sunny garden. Growing up to 24", this flower ranges in colors from pink to lavender to purple. Many gardeners use it as a border. Tall trees that branch out high could benefit from a bed of these around their trunk. The foliage will keep just enough moisture in the ground, keeping the tree from becoming infested with all sorts of insects. The flower on this plant looks like a small orchid and is becoming a more widely used commercial plant.

Verbena is a lovely flower that likes to be in hanging baskets. The summer breezes seem to keep it going as you mist them in early morning or late evening. Although, this plant can suffer from being over-watered. Verbenas do well in a sandy loamy soil and need little feeding. Maybe once or twice a month is all they need. The flowers on then are similar to those on Lantanas.