9 fiery annual flowers
Papaver commutatum ‘Ladybird’ AGM
This poppy has glossy scarlet petals with black blotches, like a ladybird, in summer and early autumn. Blooms can reach 3in (8cm) across. Sow directly in April or May in very well-drained soil in sheltered full sun. H: 18in (45cm).
Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’
The Mexican sunflower is a butterfly magnet with tangerine daisies atop tall stems from July to October. Sow under cover in early spring, direct in May, or buy as bedding plants. It likes well-drained, retentive soil in full sun. H: 5ft (1.5m).
Cosmos sulphureus ‘Cosmic Yellow’ (Cosmic Series)
Geum-like semi-double yellow flowers blaze like sunshine in the border for months and can be cut for the vase. Sow under cover in early spring or sow direct after frosts. Cover with a thin sprinkle of soil and don’t overwater. H: 1ft (30cm).
Linum grandiflorum var. rubrum
This flax has glorious bright-crimson flowers with a satin sheen, above delicate green foliage, throughout summer and into autumn. Direct sow this hardy annual in spring in light, well-drained soil in full sun. H: 1-1.5ft (30-45cm).
Eschscholzia californica
From June to September, the California poppy produces bright-apricot flowers above fine grey-green foliage. Sow direct in well-drained soil in full sun in April or May. It self-sows so deadhead to prevent self-seeding. H: 1-1½ft (30-45cm).
Ipomoea lobata AGM
From July to October the Spanish flag wows with spikes of yellow and red exotic blooms that resemble flames. Sow under cover now or direct in May, or buy ready-grown as a bedding climber. Happy in well-drained, poor soil in full sun. H: 3-12ft (1-4m).
Antirrhinum majus ‘Liberty Classic
Crimson’
This snapdragon looks great in a border and lures bees. Sow under cover in early spring or sow direct in May, in retentive, well-drained soil in sheltered sun. It makes a great cut flower. H: 2ft (60cm).
Tropaeolum majus ‘Empress of India’
This long-flowering nasturtium looks fabulous when allowed to trail. A cheap way to create a gorgeous display is to sow ‘Empress of India’ direct into a hanging basket outside in May where it will flower all summer. H: 1ft (30cm).
Thunbergia alata
Black-eyed Susan is usually grown as an annual climber. The rich-gold flowers have dark-chocolate centres and appear amid coarse heart-shaped leaves. Buy ready-grown seedlings and plant out in May or June in well-drained soil in sheltered sun. H: 6ft (1.8m).
Cosmos bipinnatus
‘Double Click Cranberries’
The delicate flowerhead of this cosmos is a stunning dark reddish-purple. Sow under cover in early spring or sow direct outside after frosts. Alternatively, buy as bedding plants. Cosmos like retentive, well-drained soil in full sun. H: 3ft (90cm).
Malope trifida ‘Vulcan’
This cottage-garden annual dazzles throughout summer and attracts bees. Sow under cover now or sow direct in May, in retentive, well-drained soil in full sun. It will flower for longer if regularly cut for the vase. H: 4ft (1.2m).