Through the years I've experimented with all sorts of annuals and I try to plant different ones every Spring. One of my favorites, Dianthus, is below . It's a member of the carnation family.
Not only is Dianthus gorgeous and available in many colors, but it's a very hardy annual for Chicago and will return , sometimes for up to 4 years, if the winter is mild. And it blooms right after the tulips and daffodils in early May.
So if you're reluctant to spend money on annuals that won't return next year, look for the tried and true Dianthus.
Written by Carolyngail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago All rights reserved
All Dianthus are among my faves. The annual one that you grow from May to November -- we grow from November to May. They are versatile. Sweet William and perennial Pinks are grand, too. They all smell good. Great choice.
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of annuals that produce seeds to collect for the next year (or self-sow). Verbena bonariensis, larkspur, California poppies, rose campion and nigella. If not for these annuals, my garden would be pretty bare right now while waiting for the herbaceous perennials to bloom.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Dianthus will last and bloom all year long here in Austin. They bloomed right through the little bit of snow that we did get.
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn, My dianthus return year after year, and the clumps get larger and larger. I've not investigated the matter, but I wonder if some varieties are a little "hardier" than others?
ReplyDeleteLet us wish that Dianthus should be blooming all the year in the Austin.
ReplyDeleteGreat site, I think we can all learn something from your idea.this is fantastic looking blog..and I love the way you write!
ReplyDeleteNewbies frequently head for the perennials, wanting something that 'comes back every year.' They often don't realize that means weeks, not months of bloom in most cases, and that they can buy a whole bunch of annuals (cell paks) for the cost of one perennial. Pretty dianthus Carolyn - looks great with the coleus.
ReplyDeleteI was amazed when my dianthus came back (for about 4 years and then caput). I think if it's planted in the right spot, even the cold Chicago winters can't kill it!
ReplyDelete