Very popular ground cover. It spreads quickly by runners, making a mat of dark green leaves that grow 2 to 3 inches wide in full sun and 4 to 5 inches wide in part shade. Selections with bronze- or metallic-tinted leaves keep color best in full sun. The flowers, usually blue, are borne on 4 to 5 inch high spikes. The plant flowers in early May to mid-June. If established plants are set apart in the spring, they will cover the soil in one growing season. Do not set the plants too deep. The crown should never be covered. In the spring or early fall, rooted "runner plants" can be dug from established plantings and replanted elsewhere. Want a beautiful answer to erosion problems, Ajuga is your solution, due to its extensive root system in no time you will have a thick carpet of foilage to camoflauge any erosion problems.

Striking dark purple-leafed accent plant with a vigorous, upright and spreading habit that arches over the edge of containers. With exceptional heat tolerance, ‘Purple Knight’ can thrive in subtropical summers and is an excellent mid-height filler in mixed containers or in beds and borders. Performs best and has darkest foliage in full sun.

Cool and crisp even on the hottest days. Excellent for borders and a natural for containers. They are heat hardy with delicate flowers and will even do well during hot, humid conditions with slightly less blooms in the heat of August.
Drought tolerant once established…be careful not to overwater them in containers. Pinch back in late summer if they become leggy and enjoy more blooms throughout the fall.
Bronze leafed will take more sun than the green leaf varieties.

Compact feathery plants covered with sprays of buds that open and bloom non-stop all summer long. The blossoms 2” satiny petals in shades of magenta, clear white, soft pastel pink and pure rose surround the cheerful yellow centers . Reliable and long lasting,free blooming Sonatas are perfect for containers, beds or borders and fill the garden with dainty gaiety all summer.Own a few cosmos plants and you may feel as if the universe is in your hands. Gorgeous flowers of South American decent; they were grown in the mission gardens of the Spanish priest. Since their petals were uniformly placed, the priest christened the flower by the name of "Cosmos". In Greek the meaning represents ordered universe or harmony.
Following are some positive features of Cosmos: They are great plants for poor soil. Perfect for cut flower arrangements and can last for 7 to 10 days, be sure to cut flowers in early morning and place in deep container with water at room temperature, strip all foliage from stem or your arrangement will decay prematurely. Suitable for drying, this will give you a flower you can enjoy year round. Want to attract butterflies and birds, Cosmos will all season. Last but not least growing Cosmos will be the closest your garden will come to creating a "cosmic experience"!

Max height: 20" - 24" Spread: 10" - 12"         Loves the full sun.

Height: 10 to 14”
Spacing: 8 to 10”
Bloom time: Summer
Care Tips: Fertilize every 2 weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer for best growth. Keep soil moderately moist

True sun lovers with daisy like flowers on compact plants. They will grow even in poor soil and flower all summer long. With moderate water and fertilizer they can cover the ground with their wild colored blooms. Need a flowering plant for window boxes or to grace a windy balcony then Gazania is perfect it thrives in windy conditions. Drought tolerant. To enjoy your plants all season long be sure to pinch off dead or wilted blooms and it will perk back up and you will enjoy its beautiful blossoms.

These beautiful flowers are native to Southern Africa, your grandmother may have called the white ones storksbill and the red and pink ones cranesbill. Why would our grandparents call geraniums by these names, well believe it or not this refers to the greek and latin names for these plants. Latin from cranesbill and the greek dimunitive of crane. Geraniums are brightly colored blooms that grow in clusters on long stems that stand above abundant foilage. They do well in containers and will thrive in full sun, but they will enjoy some afternoon shade. May slow down in the heat of summer,but keep watering and fertilizing and you will enjoy massive blooms again in mid August when the evening temperatures start to cool. Please do not over water just keep them moist. Geraniums may remind you of a fragance you have encountered before, the reason their oil is used for perfumes, ointments, and soaps. The oil of geranium smells similar to roses, and their foilage is used in flavorings.

These beautiful flowers were discovered near Barberton, South Africa by a Scotsman by the name of Robert Jameson, and their name is in honor of a medical doctor and botonist from Germany by the name of Traugott Gerber. Dr. Gerber, travled Europe and other sites to collect plants for Tsarina Anna of Russia, so he had the honor of being the namesake for what would become the world's fifth favorite flower. Want something that will catch everyones eye as they walk by your planters, then the gerber daisy with its gorgeous blooms is a must! They may be used to beauity a room but be sure they have adequate light. Gerbers do not care for afternoon heat and they will convey this to you by becoming droopy. Keep their soil moist and well drained, and if you follow the above tips your gerbers will be extremely happy. When your blooms are spent just pinch off as far down as you can and they will continue to bloom all season long.

Native to Panama and Guatemala and have an interesting history. There is documented evidence these flowers were used by Native Americans for different purposes and were featured in early American settlers flower beds and gardens. Our ancestors from the Old World used the phrase "everlastings" in reference to globe amaranth, because they dried so beautifully, and were used in emblems to represent immortality and immutability in times of old! These plants are prized for their ability to produce hundreds of colorful, cloverlike blooms that hardly ever fade, even in mid-summer. It is undaunted by high heat and they are excellent choices for containers, window boxes, flowerbeds, and edging. Compact plants and are drought tolerant and the blooms also attract butterflies. When cut at their peak color and dried, their depth and richness of color can last a year or more. After cutting hang upside down in cool dry place until all moisture is gone from cuttings. After completely dry place in vase our use to decorate a wreath that you may enjoy for months to come!

Impatiens are known by some as busy Lizzie or sultana. These beautiful shade loving plants
do what few annuals can and that is bloom in such a wide range of brilliant colors. Available in white, lavender, pink, oranges and reds, deep hued and their colors do not fade. Double Impatiens are now quite popular and their flower resembles a petite rose, the leaves are available in a varigated variety and look fabulous in beds or hanging baskets. You may also wish to add New Guinea to your shade garden or window boxes and baskets, these plants are also rich in color and there leaves are an extremely dark green and some also come with varigated leaves. All impatiens varieties as stated above are shade dwelling, they like well drained moist soil and will bloom until first frost. Be sure to transplant your plants when cloudy, in the evening or after the heat of the day, planting in noon day sun will put them into shock and some may not survive. If they become too leggy just cut back and they will thicken up and become gorgeuos in no time!

Add an abundance of brilliant "roses" to your shady garden beds, baskets and containers 'til the first frost with this easy-to-grow double impatiens.
Nonstop blooms from spring until first frost. Low-maintenance flowers for 5 to 7 months. Great in containers and baskets. No need to pinch off blooms. Be sure to provide adequate moisture for continual blooms into the fall.

Lantana is a beautiful plant that is native to the tropics and sub-tropics of the Americas and to parts of the Old World. European settlers found the New World variety to be a medicinal wonder! The colonist from Spain used them for medicines and bath products, they called Lantana "camaras". Some of Spanish decent still use the plant for medical treatments. The people of Sinaloa use Lantana for a remedy to cure snake bites, they make a tonic from the leaves and a poultice from the crushed leaves to be applied to the bite. Adding Lantana to your garden will add color and elegance that will last until the first frost. The colors range from bright yellow, orange, rose, lavender, and white, some may even act like a chameleon and change color from day to day. Be sure your plants are placed in well drained soil and they will tolerate poor soil such as sandy or clay. Even on the hottest days your Lantana will bloom profusely due to its tropical heritage. It will also attract butterflies to your garden adding more beauty. Depending on where you plant your Lantanas,they may be cut and mulched ,so in the spring you can enjoy them again. Please remember in the zone we reside in they are annuals, but some have been known to resurrect the next season following the above instructions.

Lobelia is a beautiful flower with petite, but darling blooms, it was discovered near the Cape of Good Hope over two hundred years ago and through different cultivations we are able to enjoy it today. Intense blue flowers and a semi-trailing habit create a lovely cascading effect in baskets and containers. Lobelia is prized for window boxes, hanging baskets, planters, and ground covers. Although the plants grow in full sun and moist, rich soil where summers are cool, they will grow surprisingly well in hot areas if given partial shade.
Annual Height: 8”
Spacing: 6 to 8”
Bloom time: Summer
Care Tips Fertilize monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer for best growth. Keep soil moderately moist.

Golden Globes are part of a large family called Lysimachia. They are found through out Europe, Russia, Central Asia, Australia, and North America. According to Irish folklore the plants were a symbol of peace and goodwill, they believed it would ease discord between family members and friends with in the home and ease bad feelings in an individual. Many stories that were handed down through the ages tell us that if you burn the plants, the smoke will repel snakes and insects. The yellow bloom helped make yellow hair dye, and the plant could help stop hemorrhaging and used as a sedative. Accupunturists sell a type of Lysimachia supplement that helps digestive disorders and to cure gall and kidney stones.
The flowers are upturned and cup-shaped, yellow with red throats and are borne in the leaf terminal. The plant flowers from spring to summer and is 4 inches in height and 12 inches in width. It makes an excellent groundcover and is happiest in full sun or partial shade. This plant also likes damp or moist places but not areas with water that stands. It is very important not to let this plant dry out severely during the summer or damage will occur. This variety has dark green leaves with yellow flowers.
Prefers partial shade or partial sun to full sun; soil should be moist
Mature Height: 6" to 8"

This beautiful plant hit the retail scene in 2002, since then it has wowed gardeners and admirers with its beauty and majesty. Many find its name musical and even comical, we owe that to a company in Chicago by the name of Ball Flora Plant. Who discovered it, a Japanese company who specialize in breeding, Myoshi. Costa Rica is its home for cuttings to grow in the lush and tropical climate. Magilla Perilla is a member of the Mint family, but because its a clone, it lacks the fragrance and some other characteristics of its cousins. Introduced in 2007 was the Magilla Vanilla which is fabulous with a mint green leaf that has a cream center down its foliage. This plant will add a dash of extravagance to any flower bed!
Brightly-colored foliage plants are hot this summer and Magilla Perilla is one of the hottest. This terrific heat-loving, drought and cold-tolerant plant features showy coleus-like foliage and performs well in sun or shade, developing its most vibrant color in the sun.
The spectacular, bold hues of this whimsically-named plant will add a tropical flare to your garden. Magilla Purple Perilla has dark accents of black/red edged magenta leaves, while Vanilla is edged in lime green. This ornamental grows up to 36” tall and should be planted 18” apart. Grown for its stunning color and amazing vigor, it develops into a dense shrub, making it an ideal container plant. But you can also mass it in the border. Plant this beauty in moist, well-drained soil. Pinch it back a couple of times in the growing season to keep it bushy. And feed it lightly, either with a liquid fertilizer every few weeks or with a slow release fertilizer applied when planting, and again in midsummer. With stronger stems than its cousin coleus, Magilla Perilla should thrive outdoors until frost.

Marigolds are native to southern Europe and are documented in sources that date back to the 5th century. Old tales and fables hint that its name originated in reference to the Virgin Mary, it was associated to the Virgin, and in the late 17th century Queen Mary was believed to be its namesake. The authors of Old English would often call marigolds Golds or Ruddes. Herbalist of old used this flower in medicines and food. Their rich colored blooms helped in the production of hair dyes and gave cheese its beautiful golden color. Documentation from 1655 and 1699 mention these uses: jaundice, toothaches, red eyes, ague, and headaches. One aristocrat even suggested to his peasants to drie the flowers and use them to strengthen and comfort their hearts! The following historical uses I found facinating: made with sugar in conserve if taken in the morning would help one to fast, aided in times of pestilence, and believed to help combat symptoms of the plague. During the winter people used the dried flowers to make hearty stews. Some believed gazing at the flowers would restore eyesight or draw evil thoughts and humors form the brain.
   
Modern admirers of marigolds still find uses for the bloom, rubbing the flower in a wasp or bee sting will sooth and lower the pain. Some sinus sufferers take the leaves and stuff them up the nose to induce sneezing to clear away congestion. Others rub the leaves on warts and they say it really works to help them disappear.

Marigolds are a popular and well recognizable plant that can be added to any garden. Whether in the garden or in containers they quickly brighten any area. The younger the plant, the better the transplant. Moderately drought tolerant and easy to grow. Keep them blooming by pinching off faded flowers for vibrant color well into fall. Please remember they do enjoy full sun.

Melmpodiums are a beautiful plant that originated from the new world tropics including the Caribbean and South America, also from the southwestern tip of the United States through Central America. Members of the daisy family they are a beautiful plant with small dainty yellow flowers that are unbelievably hardy in hot full sun and will bloom until first frost. They like well drained soil and should be planted 10 to 15 inches apart.

A beautiful addition to your groundcover or you may add them to baskets, window boxes, or deco gardens. This way even on the cloudiest day you will have your own spot of sunshine in your garden. Best feature of the Melampodium "Showstar" is not having to dead head the blooms they kick off their own dead ones and continue to rebloom. Allowing you continuous
clouds of cheerful blooms with rich green foilage to enjoy all summer.

Common name: Daisy   Exposure: Full Sun
Bloom time: All summer long Height: 16"+

Mexican Heather is native to Mexico, Guatemale and its name is somewhat misleading. It does hale from Mexico but definately not a member of the heather family. Petite green leaves that are 1/4 to 1/2 inch long cover the entire plant and they are complimented by tiny lavender or white blooms. Considered a deer resistant plant they will make a great border outlining any flowerbed. They do attract butterflies and hummingbirds, so use them anywhere you want a splash of color in window boxes, baskets, or walkways. When using them for borders or walkways be sure to plant 10 to 12 inches apart in well drained soil. Lighting is not a problem they like morning sun with afternoon shade, but will thrive in full sun if kept well watered. Make sure not to leave in poor drained soil because their roots will rot and you will lose a beautiful plant. If we did not have winter hear in Arkansas these little plants would bloom indefinately, by chance if there is a mild winter and planted in a protected part of the yard they may survive. Please remember in the deep south they are sold as perenniels but here in Arkansas they are annuals. To keep your plants shapely and full shear as needed.

Both are drought-tolerant with succulent leaves. They do not grow or bloom will until the weather warms up in late spring. Extremely tolerant of summer heat they open their flowers in the morning and close them in the heat of late afternoon.
They tolerate sun and poor, rocky or sandy soils. Cut them back by about one-third if they creep out of bounds. They also do well in hanging baskets.

Known as "nose tickler or nose tweaker" native to South America and Cental America. A self seeding annual that will thrive in sun and partial shade. Interestingly these plants are edible from their tubular roots to their exotic flowers. If you are a caper fan and want to try something different pickle the unrippened seeds and you will have a new twist on the caper. Having a dinner party and want to impress the most discriminating of guest make a salad and use the flower of the nastutium and it will add and exotic peppery taste to complement any dressing. Stir fry is also popular with this plant it will enhance any oriental dish. An interesting fact is in parts of the Andes they use the tubular root as a major food source.

They make fabulous companion plants for any garden and will ramble all over your garden, you will enjoy their blooms all summer until first frost. Beautiful in baskets and deco gardens. Be sure when planting in the ground to space 12 inches apart.

Old-Fashioned type. Rambles all over the garden. Beautiful in baskets. Blooms all season long. Plant in full sun to part shade. Peppery leaves & flowers made a tasty addition to salads!
Height/length: 6-10 feet.
Spacing: 12 in.
Bloom time: Summer & Fall

Derived from plants found in New Guinea in 1970, these hybrids, with lush variegated foliage, big cheerful flowers on attractive bronze-green foliage and the ability to tolerate full sun all season long. Remember to keep these beauties watered. Vigorous and extremely well-branched, New Guineas find their way into flowerbeds, borders, and baskets.

If you have Hummingbirds in your area, or want to attract them...the brightly colored 1" to 2" flowers of the 'Hummingbird' series is sure to attract them. These compact plants are excellent for containers or beds. 
Plant in full sun to light shade in moist well drained soil in beds or containers. Space plants 10" - 12" apart. Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Nicotiana tends to struggle a bit during the heat of the summer... planting in an area with midday shade, and keeping their soil moist will help extend the flower season. 

Beautiful plants that add a splash of color to any garden or container. If you wish to use them as a border plant please remember to plant 9 to 12 inches apart. They enjoy full sun and some light shade. Planted in containers during the summer you may bring them in the winter before the first frost and enjoy their fruits all winter long. Remember while wintering in the house they need to be in a sunny spot with even moisture and fertilize as needed. Need a beautiful centerpiece for a table these plants are the perfect choice. Many people dry the pappers for arrangements or wreaths.

Pansies are a wonderful addition to any garden or container, because not only will they thrive in sun and partial shade they love cool weather. Surprisingly they will survive an occasional dusting of snow and a few freezes, this is why they are popular in northern urban areas. Many say the pansie resembles a human face hence the French version of its name means thought. The story behind the name refers to how the flower looks in August, it nods its head down and appears to be deep in thought. Referenced in "A Midsummer Nights Dream" by Shakespeare and said to be mentioned in other plays by the bard in matters of love and the heart.

Delicious candied the entire foilage is edible, it has a mild minty flavor and often used to complement and garnish desserts and appetizers. Versatile plants you can use them as edging, gardens, hanging baskets and deco pots. These beautifl flowers are a mainstay and have stayed popular through the years.

Light: full sun or semi-shade Flower Color: various Bloom Time: depends on climate Height: 6-10 inches Width: 12 inches Soil Requirements: moist, compost enriched, well drained Zones: all Uses: flowerboxes, pots, edgings

Need a beautiful plant that thrives in full sun and high humidity, with the additional benefit of attracting butterflies and hummingbirds then pentas are your flowers! Pentas originated in the tropics of Arabia and East Africa, and also called by many as Egyption Star Cluster. Their name derives from Latin meaning five because of their five floral petals. Once planted you will enjoy their blooms until first frost. For their upkeep you want them planted in a sunny location and kept moist, trimming their dead heads and back to keep their bushy shape will ensure you of a magnificent plant that will complement any flower bed or container. Pentas also make a beautiful border plant for walkways or gardens!

Petunias are a wonderful addition to any part of your yard, deck, or porch their requirements, water only when they feel or appear to be dry and give them full sun. Some growers suggest at least a full seven hours of sunlight, but remember if they do get shade be sure to keep it to a minimum. These beauties originated in South America and came by their name in a most interesting way. In the botanical world they are related to the tobacco plant so the French word for tobacco is 'petun' which somehow came to the French from the Tupi-Guarani langauage, from 'petun' today we have a strong and versatile plant we call petunias! Where is the petunia capitol of the world, it is Dixon, Illinois and every year people travel from afar to attend the festivities that include a mascot named Pinky Petunia.

There is a wide selection of hybrids and varieties of petunias and all of them grow wonderfully in your flower beds, gardens, along borders, hanging baskets, window boxes, and any type of container planting. To keep your petunias blooming all summer long, dead head spent blooms, cut back if plants become too leggy, and be sure to water your plants at soil level the blooms do not like having water on them.

Petunias can be found in every color of the rainbow in solids, contrasting veins or edges, and star patterns. The flowers may be large or small, ruffled, fringed, or double. They bloom from spring until frost. Many petunias, especially white and lavender have a very sweet fragrance and the purple, rose and blue ones have a light cinnamon fragrance. Many of the smaller-flowered cultivars are self-cleaning. Petunis often reseed in the garden, but will not return true to type. They usually revert to a mix of small white, lavender and rose flowers.

Wave petunias can do much more than their sister the petunia. What you may ask, well, planted twelve inches apart they will cover a large area hiding an ugly fence or other item in your yard you need to camoflauge. Ground huggers that grow only 4-6” high but may be 36” wide. Popular for hanging baskets, containers or ground cover. Constant bloomers that are able to survive the summer heat their pastel and white colors reflect in the moonlight. Trim them back when they become too leggy for continuous blooms. Hummingbirds love these beauties.

Newer hybrid that branches and grows vigorously... yet remains compact. It's very weather and cold tolerant flowering from early spring until first frost. A good choice for the annual rock garden. The brightly colored flowers of Phlox are excellent for attracting Hummingbirds and Butterflies.
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well drained soil in either beds or containers. 21st Century Phlox requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for best growth. Space plants 8" to 10" apart. Pinching is not required. Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Plant Type: Annual Uses: Cutting Bed, Border, Fragrance Propagation: Seeds Habit: Upright Light: Full Sun, Part Shade Flower Color: Various Blooms: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer Width: .5 - .75 ft.; Height: .5 - 4 ft. Fertility: Rich Soil: Neutral, Well-Drained, High, Medium Zone: 1 - 11 Attracts: Butterflies

A true southern native, Verbena shakes off the heat and humidity. Covered with clusters of tiny, velvety, pink, white or purple flowers from mid-spring to fall with finely cut dark leaves. A true sun-lover that will also grow in part shade. Verbena is great in the landscape or in patio containers. With its bushy and slightly upright plant habit, it overflows out of the container and features deep-colored blossoms throughout. Until established, keep soil moist.

Johnny-jump-ups do just as its common name insists. They will seed themselves and “jump-up” all around the garden. Planted in late summer or early fall, you'll enjoy blooms until the snow flies and again in early spring. Bred for cold climates, they survive the harshest winters.

Uses: Bed, Border, mass plantings, containers Propagation: Seeds Habit: Clumper sometimes with spreading stems. Light: Full Sun, Part Shade Flower Color: Various Blooms: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer Width: 4-6” ; Height: 3-5” Soil: Fertile, humus-rich Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Pruning Methods: Cut back plant halfway after first flush of flowers to keep plant from getting lanky.