Annual Flower Variety Names
Use Named Varieties to Help You Grow the Exact Annual Size Shape or Color You Want or Need in Your flower Garden
Select the right named variety of annual flower to grow a specific color or height flower, complete a theme garden, or to try something new and improved -- or different.
(Continued from part one, Annual Flower Varieties ; If you are unsure about the difference, see What's An Annual, What's A Perennial.)
Or how about Marigold "Jaguar" as described in the 2006 Burpee catalog: "Beautiful dwarf plants, for the front of beds and all kinds of containers. Jaguar. Neat mounds of delicate foliage are covered all summer with yellow flowers dabbed with maroon. Rain tolerant. Ht. 10". Burpee Exclusive. Annual, Sun." (Photo above courtesy of W. Atlee Burpee & Company.)
Shopping for Varieties
It doesn't hurt to remember that the glowing catalog descriptions are written to sell the plants, so each variety sounds more wonderful than the last. It helps to have some key characteristics in mind when you shop, such as needing a specific color in a certain size so you can narrow your choices.
These types of variation and selection are true for most kinds of annuals. Sometimes the selection is vast, such as with marigolds and petunias. You will find the widest choices if you purchase seed to grow yourself rather than purchase started plants or transplants.
Note that some varieties are sold only by certain companies, such as the "Burpee exclusive" above, so you may have to check several sources to find a certain one. (Hint: if you are into seed saving, note that hybrids will not come true from seed you save.)
Read the plant tag or seed packet or catalog description for each different variety. It should tell you the expected mature size for each one as well as the flower color and any special characteristics such as improved pest or disease resistance or enhanced fragrance and possibly also suggested uses such as beds, borders, or containers. Keep in mind that color shown in a photograph may vary from the actual color of the flower in your garden. Pick the one that meets your needs best -- and of course, be sure to pick a pretty one!
Varieties for Theme Gardens
Cultivar names can also be useful in doing theme gardens. For instance, if you wanted to plant an animal theme, a cat theme, or a jungle theme, "Jaguar" would be a great choice. And just think what you could do with a white flower called "Snowman"! (Hint: Flowers for the White Garden or Annuals with Blue Flowers.)
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"Jaguar" Marigold photo courtesy of W. Atlee Burpee & Company.
Copyright 2006 Barbara Martin
