Sun-loving annual bedding plants are useful to add vibrant splashes of seasonal color and beauty in the sunny areas of your landscape. The term "bedding" refers to the use of annual plants in garden beds, often called "flower beds" or "raised flower beds," which are specifically prepared for annuals. Gardening with sun-loving annuals gives you endless possibilities for beautifying your home and property. You are only limited by your imagination!

Since annual bedding plants are most useful to provide color throughout the landscape, color selection can be very important. Color can be used to visually change distance perspective and to set a certain mood:

• Warm colors and light tints - Shades of red, orange, yellow and white are warm colors that can be used to effectively advance an object or area toward the observer. For example, these colors and tints placed near the foundation of a house would make the house appear closer to the street.
• Cool colors and deep shades - Shades of blue, green and black recede and can be used to make a house or other structure appear farther from the street. Cool colors are restful while warm colors express action and are best used in filtered light or against a green or dark background.

There are endless colors and textures of sun-loving annuals to choose from.

Below is a list of some of the more common annual plants which are useful for planting in annual flower beds.

Sun-loving Annuals for the Warm Season (Spring & Summer)

Ageratum
Angelonia
Celosia
Cocktail Begonias
Dragonwing Begonia
Dusty Miller
Fountain Grass (Purple or Green)
Geraniums
Joseph's Coat
Lantana
Marigolds
Melampodium
Million Bells (Calibrachoa)
Petunias
Portulaca
Purslane
Salvia
Shade Coleus
Sun Coleus
Sweet Potato Vine
Verbena
Vinca
Zinnias

Sun-loving Annuals for Fall & Winter

Pansies
Violas
Snapdragons
Flowering Cabbage
Flowering Kale
Ornamental Mustard