Summer Annuals
You may be thinking what exactly defines a summer annual? Summer annuals are considered the florals and foliage that will either bloom or look their very best during the summer months. They’ll burst with colours and scents that invigorate the senses. They’ll attract pollinators and bring an elevated curb appeal to your spaces as they trail with lush foliage. Now, there are a lot of annuals, it may be overwhelming at times. But at Emerson Wild we’re committed to making your gardening experience rewarding (and easy) and so our selections are not only personal favourites, but are plants that we know can help you be successful.
Gardener’s Tip: Keep in mind that when we speak about plant roles in container gardens, the following are included: fillers (these plants will fill the extra spaces, while still letting others shine), thrillers (plants bring the drama, either with height, colour, texture or a combination of the three) and spillers (plants that will gently spill out of your containers, weeping over the sides for extra character and charm).
When referring to light requirements two terms are used: Full-Sun (at least 6-hours of sun a day) and Part-Sun (at least 3-6 hours of sun a day, with morning/evening sun preferred).
1. Summer Snapdragon (Angelonia angustifolia)
Why we love it: heat/drought tolerant, sweet fragrance and deadheading is not necessary
Exposure: Full-Sun
Container Role: Thriller for small pots, filler for larger pots (capable of supporting a main thriller in more grandeur designs)
2. Million Bells (Genus Calibrachoa)
Why we love it: attracts hummingbirds, considered to be “self-cleaning”, so no deadheading needed & drought tolerant
Exposure: Part-Sun to Full-Sun
Container Role: Spiller
3. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Why we love it: provides a stunning foliage interest and can provide a variety of soft colours to your colour palette (other than the classic soft lime green), while growing full quickly
Exposure: Part-Sun to Full-Sun
Container Role: Spiller
4. Verbena Hybrid (Genus Verbena)
Why we love it: large amount of small flowers clustered together that attract butterflies, heat/drought tolerant and self-cleaning for ease of care
Exposure: Part-Sun to Full-Sun
Container Role: Spiller
5. Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
Why we love it: attracts, bees, moths & butterflies with delicate flowers
Exposure: Full-Sun
Container Role: Filler
6. Sun Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides)
Why we love it: large variety of colours and patterns providing a beautiful foliage interest, heat tolerant and it grows quickly
Exposure: Full-Sun
Container Role: Thriller for smaller pots, Filler for larger pots
7. Euphorbia (Genus Euphorbia)
Why we love it: heat/drought tolerant, we particularly love the diamond series from Proven Winners for the lush, tiny florals
Exposure: Part-Sun to Full-Sun
Container Role: Filler
8. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Why we love it: considered to be a pollinator haven as it attracts birds, butterflies and hummingbirds all while producing a soft fragrance and being heat/drought tolerant. And, it’s available in a variety of colour combinations too (bi-colour vibrants can make a big statement)
Exposure: Full-Sun
Container Role: Filler
9. Fan Flower (Scaevola aemula)
Why we love it: heat/drought tolerant, attracts bees and is self-cleaning
Exposure: Full-Sun
Container Role: Spiller
10. Ornamental Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum)
Why we love it: tall foliage with graceful arches of seeded heads and heat/drought tolerant.
Exposure: Part-Sun to Full-Sun
Container Role: Thriller
As you race off to purchase all your new plants for the season, we wish a wonderful and fulfilling growing season. If you’re new to container gardening or are looking to upgrade your containers, read our post on how to choose a container for gardening. Plus if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out The Wild Blog, for more garden and design inspiration. Lastly, we’d love to connect, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest!
