Our Freshest Annuals for a Fabulous Spring 2023
With our spring cleaning pretty well wrapped up, it’s time to start looking forward to all those awesome annuals you’ll be planting in your Powell River garden this year. We’re fortunate enough to have some of the best spring climates here in BC, with the luxury of an extended growing season in some parts, making this the perfect time to begin rounding up some stunning annual blooms that’ll take your landscape to the next level this year. Keep reading for our top picks!
Alyssum
If you’re looking for a cool-weather tolerant, ground-covering annual that will captivate for months, try this little beauty in your garden this spring! Alyssum’s tiny flowers sprawl across any space effortlessly, and its dazzling shades of purple and white are sure to add a touch of personality to your garden this spring! Just be mindful of potential dangers, like heavy foot traffic, kids playing, and pets in the garden. As a groundcover, alyssum can quickly become trampled underfoot!
Dahlias
No gardener ever regretted growing dahlias, and here’s why! Dahlias are among the most treasured spring annuals, prized for their stunning colour varieties (like this year’s Pantone colour, Viva Magenta), large flowers, and regal beauty. If you’re after the perfect cut flower for your Powell River garden this year, give dahlias a go. They’re also one of the best spring annuals for pots and make stunning container arrangements.
Marigolds
A superior pollinator-friendly spring annual, marigolds are often seen adorning most BC gardens over the spring and summer months. With bright oranges, yellows, and reds, these must-have annuals love a full sun location and need plenty of water if you want to fully enjoy their brilliant blooms, but they’re definitely worth the extra love. Marigolds also make excellent companion plants for tomatoes!
Pansies
One of the best spring annuals to plant in Powell River, pansies enjoy cool weather and bloom for several months in BC’s milder climates. Because they come in a wide range of colours and bi-colours, pansies make great additions to hanging baskets, containers, and garden beds.
Zinnias
This drought-tolerant annual likes it hot and is the perfect bloom for those long summer months. Similar in appearance to many dahlia varieties, zinnias also make great cut-flower choices and come in several shades and hues to complement any garden design. Because of their height, they also look great growing next to wildflowers! Keep their soil on the dryer side for best results—zinnias hate wet feet!
Petunias
Increasing a garden’s pollinator count is crucial for long-term success, which is why petunias are one of our annual faves! The tube shape of this flower makes it attractive for hummingbirds and butterflies, and you’ll often see hanging baskets stuffed with petunias on many of the patios across BC during the summer. These spring and summer annuals thrive in the heat but will keep blooming into the early fall.
Impatiens
Native to Africa and New Guinea, impatiens have become a favourite flower worldwide. These beautiful annuals produce abundant blooms in vibrant colours and make great fillers for containers or hanging baskets but also suit garden beds as a ground cover. Give these delicate spring annuals a shady or partially-shady spot in your garden this spring.
Violas
These sizzling spring annuals are often a go-to flower for gardeners—and we don’t blame them! Violas are celebrated for their ease of maintenance and colourful hues, and grow profusely to fill any garden style with charisma. With over 500 varieties, we know you’ll find the one to make your spring garden pop!
Celosia
Adding this annual into your spring garden mix will definitely create some buzz. With striking textures and bold colours, celosia is one of our favourite ways to elevate a garden! Being heat-loving plants, expect their best during the warmest summer months. You can also use this tall spiky plant in your cut-flower arrangements to add flair to any occasion!
Dianthus
If you’re after a cottage-style appeal in your Powell River garden this spring, add in some dianthus! With an abundance of deep rich colours, this annual will fit just about anywhere—from rock gardens to the spaces between your established perennials. Dianthus varieties attract a host of pollinators, too, including hummingbirds, butterflies, and other important pollinating insects.
Whatever your colour scheme is this year, we’ve got a bounty of spring annuals for your Powell River garden. Come visit us at Mother Nature today for all your annual flower needs, and be sure to check out our home decor and pet items alongside a fresh assortment of veggie plants and perennials!