Q. Please recommend colorful annuals for Tucson, Arizona. --M.D., Tucson, AZ
A. The Sonoran Desert can be a riot of colorful blossoms almost year- round. Some of my favorite annuals are the wildflowers (desert bluebells, California poppy, firewheel, tidy tips, five-spot, lupine, red flax and Mexican hat.)
If you want to attract birds try blackfoot daisy, prickly poppy, desert sunflower, arroyo lupine, birdcage evening primrose, desert verbena, Mexican gold poppy, globe mallow and butterfly weed.
For cut flowers try desert marigold, scarlet sage, red coneflower, rocket larkspur, desert globe mallow, aster, purple coneflower, toad flax, yarrow, firewheel and arroyo lupine.
Botanical gardens in your area can offer a wealth of other ideas, as well as give you a chance to visit these plants before you decide to buy them. The Tucson Botanical Garden, Tohono Chul Park and Sonora Desert Museum all have great annual flower displays. Take a pad and write down the names of the ones you like (be sure to visit during different seasons so you can plan for year-round color).
For more information, consult with your local extension agent or with the University of Arizona College of Agriculture. Both offer free information on this topic.
--National Gardening Association
