Hello, Color!

Make a big statement by letting your annuals do the talking.

Listen up. Your flowers have something to say: Pick one color, and send a sure message. These eye-catching 'Super Olympia Red' begonias in Ben Spencer's garden shout out a welcome.

To make the hearty greeting even bolder, Ben didn't stop with a single line of wax begonias (Begonia semperflorens-cultorum). He purchased flats of 36 and planted the versatile annuals 8 inches apart in meandering drifts. Then he repeated the color in all of the containers on his front terrace. "Though I've tried darker shades, nothing seems to sing quite like red," says Ben.

Do you have to plant a lot of flowers to make a big impression? Not if you follow this rule: Plant one flower in one color en masse.

Speak to Me

Sometimes it takes several seasons to figure out what you want your garden to say. This is why annuals are a good choice. If you don't like the look, there's always the opportunity to try a new selection next year. Here's what some colors communicate.

* White: "I'm elegant and shine at night." This is a great choice for a formal home or a garden enjoyed after dark. In sunny areas, try 'Helen Campbell' cleome or 'Profusion White' zinnia. In shade, opt for'Dazzler White' impatiens and 'White Christmas' caladium.

* Pink: "Cottage is my middle name." Synonymous with pretty and sweet, pink conjures images of a cozy home. In a sunny border or container, use 'Easy Wave Rosy Dawn' petunia or 'New Look Pink' pentas. In shade, doubleflowered 'Fiesta Rose' impatiens is a winner.

* Blue and purple: "To you, I'll always be true." Cool in tone, these flowers blend with other colors in the landscape. In sunny spots, plant 'AngleMist Purple Improved' angelonia or 'Purple Wave' petunia. For full sun to partial shade, try floss flower (Ageratum houstonianum). Shady corners of the yard will look alive if you add a trailing torenia such as 'Blue Moon.'

* Yellow, orange, and red: "Won't you be my friend?" Sun-loving 'True Yellow' Joseph's coat (Alternanthera ficoidea 'True Yellow') will perk up a border. 'Lady in Red' Texas sage is another good choice for sun. In shade, give 'Jungle Gold' impatiens a try. Though not as floriferous as trailing 'Fanfare Orange,' its unique yellow flowers brighten dark beds. -REBECCA BULL REED

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation May 2006
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