Farrill’s Floral Features
In this blog, we are excited to introduce you to nine of our dedicated employees and their favorite annual flowers.
Each employee has chosen a flower that holds a special place in their heart. You'll learn why they love it, along with their personal tips on how to care for and display these beautiful blooms. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this blog is packed with inspiration and practical advice to help you make the most of your garden.
From vibrant Begonais to delicate Petunias, you'll discover a variety of annuals that can bring color and joy to your outdoor spaces. Our employees' insights and experiences with these flowers will offer you a unique perspective and gardening wisdom.
Annual Flower: Lantana
Employee: Bev
Bev’s favorite annual flower is Lantana. She adores these vibrant beauties for their pink, orange, and yellow colors that add a burst of life to her garden. Not only do they brighten up any space, but their unique flower shapes also attract hummingbirds, creating a lively and dynamic garden scene. One of the best things about Lantana is their hardiness—they can withstand dry conditions, making them a perfect choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance yet stunning
Care Tips for Lantana
Sunlight: Give them plenty of sunlight—at least 6-8 hours of direct sun each day.
Watering: Water regularly, but let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Soil: Plant in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Annual Flower: Drumstick Flower
Employee: Alex
Alexs’ favorite annual flower is the drumstick flower because of its unique shape. “Not many plants have a little yellow balls as the flower! Who doesn’t like little yellow balls?” They bring a distinctive charm to Alex's garden, adding a pop of vibrant color.
Care Tips for Drumstick Flower (Craspedia)
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Watering: Water moderately. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering.
Soil: Prefers well-draining soil. They can tolerate poor soils but do best in sandy or loamy conditions.
Annual Flower: Double Impatiens
Employee: Cindy
Cindy's favorite annual is the double impatiens. She describes them as” tiny roses”. She loves how they keep growing bigger all summer, making her garden more beautiful with each passing day.
Care Tips for Double Impatiens
Sunlight: Plant double impatiens in partial to full shade. They prefer indirect sunlight and can scorch in intense sun.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Soil: Use well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A potting mix designed for flowering plants works well.
Annual Flower: Alyssum
Employee: Elli
Elli's favorite is white alyssum, though they also come in purple! Despite their small size, these flowers smell sweet and make planters look pretty. They're tough and versatile, adding simple beauty to Elli's garden. Their dainty blooms also attract butterflies and bees, bringing extra life to her outdoor space.
Care Tips for Alyssum
Sunlight: Plant alyssum in full sun to partial shade. They thrive in bright light but can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, especially during hot and dry periods.
Soil: Plant alyssum in well-draining soil with good fertility. They prefer slightly alkaline soil but are adaptable to various soil types.
Annual Flower: Begonia
Employee: Grace
Grace's favorite annual flower is the Begonia. With their distinct leaves and flower shapes, they stand out in her garden. Grace appreciates that Begonias thrive in shade, ensuring every corner of her garden is able to have bright color. Given her fondness for pink, she particularly enjoys the range of pink and red hues available in these flowers.
Care Tips for Begonias
Light: Plant begonias in areas with partial to full shade. They prefer indirect sunlight or filtered light, especially in hot climates.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Soil: Use well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A peat-based potting mix works well for container-grown begonias.
Annual Flower: Succulents
Employee: Cameron
Cameron's go-to annuals are succulents. He appreciates their versatility, as they can be brought indoors during winter to serve as houseplants. They add a touch of desert flair to his Midwest garden. He describes them simply as "cool," enamored by their unique charm.
Care Tips for Succulent Annuals
Light: Place succulents in bright, indirect sunlight. They thrive in sunny locations, but too much direct sun can cause sunburn.
Watering: Water succulents sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common issue, so it's best to err on the side of underwatering.
Soil: Plant succulents in well-draining soil specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. A mixture of potting soil, sand, and perlite works well to ensure proper drainage.
Annual Flower: Bidens Blazing Star
Employee: Maya
Maya's favorite annual is the Bidens Blazing Star. She is drawn to these flowers because of their vibrant colors, particularly the striking pop of orange in the middle.
Care Tips for Bidens Blazing Star
Sunlight: Plant Bidens Blazing Star in full sun for best results. They thrive in bright sunlight and require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering: Water Bidens regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Soil: Plant Bidens in well-draining soil with good fertility. They can tolerate various soil types but prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Annual Flower: Black and Bloom Salvia
Employee: Aimee
Aimee's favorite annual is the Black and Bloom Salvia. She is fond of the deep blue color of the blooms and loves how they draw hummingbirds to her garden!
Care Tips for Black and Bloom Salvia
Sunlight: Plant Black and Bloom Salvia in full sun for optimal growth and blooming. They require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Soil: Plant in well-draining soil with good fertility. Salvia prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Amending the soil with compost can improve drainage and fertility.
Annual Flower: Herbs and Veggies
Employee: Jack
Jack's favorite annuals aren't flowers at all. He loves all our herbs and veggies! Their versatility is what he appreciates most. Plus, our herb and veggie sales are starting soon, so keep an eye out for great deals!
Care Tips for Veggie and Herb Gardens
Sunlight: Ensure your garden gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Most vegetables and herbs thrive in full sun.
Watering: Water consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist. Early morning watering is best to allow foliage to dry during the day, reducing the risk of disease.
Soil: Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Compost or aged manure can improve soil fertility and structure.
Whether you're a fan of Bev's vibrant and hardy Lantanas, Alex's quirky drumstick flowers, Cindy's charming double impatiens, Elli's fragrant alyssums, Cameron's cool succulents, or Grace's elegant begonias, there's an annual flower out there to bring joy and color to your garden. Each of these plants has unique characteristics and care requirements, making them special in their way.
At Farrill's Sunrise Nursery, we're here to help you find the perfect plants to match your garden dreams and lifestyle. And don't forget to keep an eye out for future sales on annuals and veggies! Click on our sales page to see all of our current deals and promotions. Happy planting!
