PARIS, Maine — Think beyond Petunias and Impatiens when you plant your flower boxes and containers. Ben Young of Young's Greenhouse in South Paris has some recommendations that will step up your flower game.
"They're not your common accent plant," Young stated.
Coleus get taller than impatiens and petunias and grow different textured leaves that come in various colors.
Zinnias and Dahlias come in many colors and can be a cut flower.
Young also highly recommends SunPatiens.
"They will get huge. You're talking two feet all the way around," the greenhouse owner revealed about just one SunPatien plant. "Landscapers love them because they can be neglected. That plant can be withered right over and you water it and it will pop right back up."
Potato Vine leaves come in various colors. The flower accents other flowers and trails over and down the container.
Torenia have purple blossoms and are profuse bloomers.
Scaevola have beautiful blossoms that are wind resilient.
Licorice and German Ivy have beautiful leaves that accent other flowering plants.
Silver Falls are dainty trailing plants.
While Geraniums are a very common annual, the Martha Washington variety is a standout.
"They will get about three times bigger than your regular Geranium," Young explained. "They've got a lot more options. They made a lot more colors and then they're just hardier. They do amazing. "
Once you purchase your annuals, you need to take care of your investment with fertilizing.
"We liquid fertilize at least twice a week," Young said. "If you can't liquid fertilize, definitely get some slow release. Sprinkle some slow release in there so whenever you water it's going to give it some more nutrients. If you want your plants to do well, they need the nutrients."
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