Using Annuals As Fillers
If you are needing plants to fill the gaps between newly planted perennials, shrubs, or ground covers for that first year or two, you should purchase some annuals. When planting any plants, always space them out so that they have enough space to mature. Buying more plants and spacing them closer may fill things out faster, but you risk overcrowding them.The best annual fillers are compact plants that grow only 6 to 10 in. Tall. These plants will hide the soil or mulch and make a colorful carpet. Avoid taller annuals, because they can shade or smother your permanent plantings.
The following annuals are all compact, easy to grow readily available, and inexpensive. If you are planting seeds, be sure to check if they can be planted directly into the garden. Some may need to be started in small pots.
Here is a list of annuals that will do well as fillers, as well as the colors associated with them.
Annual phlox: Red, pink, or white flowers. Good for hot dry sites.
China pink: Red, pink, white, or bi-color flowers. These will bloom all summer.
Dusty miller: Silvery foliage,often, often lacy-textured. (Foliage plant only)
Annual phlox: Red, pink, or white flowers. Good for hot dry sites.
China pink: Red, pink, white, or bicolor flowers. These will bloom all summer.
Dusty miller: Silvery foliage,often, often lacy-textured. (Foliage plant only)
Edging lobelia: Dark blue, magenta,or white flowers. These like afternoon shade.
Floss flower: Fluffy blue,lavender, or white flowers. Choose dwarf types.
Garden verbena: Bright red, pink, purple, or white flowers. Good for sunny dry sites.
Indian blanket: Bright red-and -yellow flowers. Blooms all summer.
Moss rose: Bright flowers in many colors. Good for sunny dry sites.
Pansy and viola: Multicolored flowers that grow best in cool weather.
Sweet alyssum: Fragrant white or lilac flowers that blooms for many months.
Wax begonia: Rose, pink,or white flowers. Good for shady sites but will also take sun.
Be sure to try to add some colorful annuals to your flower bed. You can also use them in clumps next to a bench picnic table to add a little color to the landscape. More info can be found at yard and garden rescue.com.