Fall is upon us and before your thoughts turn toward fall planting we want to share with you our 5 favorite summer annuals for 2017. Some of these we have grown ourselves and some of them are new varieties that were available for the first time this year. We would love to have your feedback on our selections and if you have any summer annuals that were your favorite this year please leave a comment below or let us know on the Blooming Secrets’ Facebook Page.

Bidens Cupcake Strawberry is Number 5 on our list of top annuals. Introduced in 2016, this Bidens is the world’s first bi-colored variety of this plant. Its daisy-like flower is bi-colored in strawberry pink and white and the nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinating insects.  The plant prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.  It is ideal for containers, hanging baskets and it also makes a nice groundcover.

Coming in at Number 4 is Lucky Red Lantana. Lucky Red was a new introduction for 2017 and the dark green foliage contrasts beautifully with its bright flower colors. The plant stands up well to heat, humidity and other stressful conditions. The gold, orange, and red flowers bloom continuously for months and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Lucky Red stays upright which makes it ideal for small-space gardens and containers. This Lantana is one tough, resilient plant.

Number 3 on our list is Odessa Calla Lily. This Calla Lily has dark purple (almost black) flowers and will add drama to your garden or liven up a cut flower arrangement.  Plant this flower in full sun or in a container for optimal blooms.  Darker color flowers have become popular the last few years and this one would make a great addition to any garden. Calla Lilies are considered an annual in colder zones but are hardy in Zones 8-11.

Proven Winners’ Supertunia Picasso in Blue Petunia comes in at number 2 on our list this year. Each year there are numerous new petunia varieties introduced to the market but this is one of our favorites.  Its unique bicolor petals are purple-blue with a lime green edge.  Proven Winners’ Supertunia petunias can be a filler or a spiller in a container and this plant also looks great in the front of a flower border.  There is no need to deadhead its flowers and pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds can’t stay away from it.  

Drum roll please…we know you have been waiting for our top selection. The #1 Blooming Secrets annual is the Fire Pot Dahlia. We have grown this Dahlia ourselves and have fallen in love with it.  Our customers seem to agree as this has been one of our best-selling Dahlias for several years now. Fire Pot is a Semi-Dinnerplate Dahlia with flowers that are up to 4-inches wide. The flower petals showcase outstanding shades of pink and yellow and it will be one of the brightest blooms in your yard. In the garden or in a floral bouquet, this flower is magnificent. 

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