Online Reporter
Andrew Mangwarara
THIS beautiful week, let us take stock of our summer red annuals that can do wonders for your garden, transforming it into a lively environment.
Red, often associated with love, is also known for its ability to bring life to any space.
One annual to remember above others is begonia semperflorens.
Although technically a biennial, it lasts for a long time.
Hardy as it is, it rewards extra care with small flowers, but its main attraction lies in its foliage.
It thrives in shade but can adapt well to other conditions.
Next comes the coleus genus, which offers many cultivars in different colours. Of particular note is the coleus blumei.
These plants prefer shade to semi-shade areas and look especially striking when planted in groups.
Marigolds are another versatile group of annuals.
Plant them not only for their vibrant colour but also for their ability to control nematodes when used in crop rotation.
Some varieties are dwarf, while others grow tall.
Moving on, the celosia species is a sun-loving plant with striking red flowers that
sometimes have a shiny appearance.
It propagates easily from seed, making it a reliable choice.
We cannot leave out the red salvia, salvia splendens.
While other colours exist, the red variety makes a spectacular display when planted in mass beds.
Then there is periwinkle, or vinca major, originally from Madagascar.
This hardy red-flowering plant can withstand neglect and still thrive.
One of my favourites is the busy lizzie (impatiens), a delicate yet beautiful addition to any garden.
It works wonderfully in hanging baskets, adding charm and vibrancy.
Use these reds to transform the outward appearance of your garden into a lively, welcoming space.
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