Heat-loving and disease tolerant describes this Southern favorite, now that modern genetics have provided us with 'Cora' Vinca. Available in several bright colors, 'Cora' Vinca has become the standard when choosing Summer annual plants. New for 2009 are Trailing varieties that spread nicely through a flower bed as well as cascade over the sides of containers and hanging baskets.

Attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, Pentas is a versatile annual available in an array of colors including pink, red, lavender, white, purple and in-between shades. Depending on the variety, growth habit may be shrublike and upright to about 3 feet, or low and mounding. Plants that overwinter can become woody at the base. Older varieties are often sprawling, and tall stems will topple over. Newer varieties, however, are being bred to be more compact, making them ideal in urns and planters.

Modern Geraniums are a far cry from the original African species. Origins obscured by hybridization, these colorful workhorses of our Spring Summer and Fall gardens are wildly popular and perform better with each new series. We now have varieties that are low and mounding, some that are somewhat trailing, and some that actually have somewhat upright, climbing aspects.

Geraniums prefer bright sunlight and good drainage. When grown in containers they can be moved around as the seasons dictate for best exposure and best display.

Hailed for many years as the most popular annual bedding plant in the world, Impatiens are one of our most popular shade-loving annuals. Available in colors ranging from bright and loud to soft and pastel, colors are available to complement any home style and garden design.

Ideal for mixed containers and for garden beds, Impatiens need good drainage. And while most suited for shady locations, in the cooler months of early Spring they can often be seen tolerating full sun until temperatures begin to rise.

One of our best and most popular Winter-blooming annuals, Cyclamen have provided us with an array of color possibilities at a time when very little is blooming. And to make them even more desirable, Cyclamen do best in shady locations. Just provide them with a well-drained soil and an occasional frost protection to keep blooms from burning, and you'll have color all Winter long.