Winning Annuals

Every year the plants that put on superior performances at trial gardens throughout the U.S. and Canada win All-America Selections awards. Here's how to use some of the 2003 winners in your garden:

Purple-Leaved Millet
A plant that's usually associated with farm crops morphed into a new ornamental for the garden. Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty' grows three to five feet high and produces plumes that change from yellow to purple as the seeds mature. Sow 'Purple Majesty' seeds in warm, organically rich soil and full sun. Length of time from sowing seed to flower: 60 to 70 days. Transplant container plants into the garden before the plants get root-bound. Use this plant where its dark foliage and statuesque form can add some drama to the garden; it looks best in masses of five to nine plants, paired with plants of contrasting color such as rudbeckia or Russian sage. The 1- to 12-inch spikes can be used in flower arrangements, or if left on the plant, will thrill seed-eating birds. Lightly fertilize after planting and keep it well watered. Save the seeds from this summer's crop for next year; they'll come back true to type.

Blanket Flower
Gaillardia pulchella is a bushy, drought-tolerant wildflower that produces fringed flowers in warm colors (also called Indian blanket). 'Sundance Bicolor' has fully-double mahogany red and yellow blooms loosely arranged on a foot-tall and slightly wider mounding plant. This plant requires 12 to 13 weeks to reach maturity; bedding plants may be available in local garden centers or specialty nurseries. Because of its irregular habit, the best spot for this plant is in native-plant areas, hanging baskets or patio containers. It needs full sun.

Green-Eyed Susan
Well, that's not its real name, but the black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) has other looks as well. Like 'Irish Eyes', 'Prairie Sun' has green eyes but its gold petals also have yellow tips. 'Prairie Sun' blooms prolifically on three-foot stems from midsummer to frost. Plant in full sun. It takes 15 weeks to get from seed to flower, so your best bet is to find bedding plants. This plant is a half-hardy annual; you may find that it comes back from the roots.

Anise Hyssop
This no-fuss plant (Agastache foeniculum) is virtually pest-free and requires no pinching to look good. Plant in sun or partial shade. 'Golden Jubilee' has yellow to lime-green foliage and lavender-blue spikes that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Crushed, the leaves emit a minty fragrance and are used in teas. Hardy in Zones 5 to 9. Self-sows freely. Looks great in masses in the perennial border.

'Corona Cherry Magic' Dianthus
Dianthus chinensis offers lots of reliable color, and this winner proved itself across the country. In the south, 'Corona Cherry Magic' can be grown as a winter flowering annual. In the north, it flowers throughout the summer season. The two- to three-inch single flowers are a mix of red and lavender (photo right, center). Give this plant full sun and moderately fertile soil. Plant height: 7 to 9 inches.