Nothing transforms a landscape quite like annual flowers. Whether you’re filling a front porch with colorful containers, refreshing your flower beds, or creating a welcoming entrance, annuals provide vibrant blooms from spring until the first frost.

With so many beautiful varieties to choose from, it can be
difficult to know where to begin. At Andy’s Creekside Nursery, we’re here to help you find the perfect plants for your home, your style, and your growing conditions.

What Are Annuals?

Annual flowers complete their entire life cycle in one growing season. They grow quickly, bloom continuously, and provide months of beautiful color before the season comes to an end.

Unlike perennials, which return year after year, annuals are planted each spring to give your landscape fresh, vibrant color throughout the growing season.

Start by Knowing Your Sunlight

The most important step in choosing annuals is understanding how much sunlight your planting area receives.

Full Sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight)

These locations receive direct sun for most of the day and are perfect for many of the most colorful annuals.

Great choices include:  

• Sunpatients
• Angelonia
• Lantana
• Pentas
• Vinca

Partial Sun (4–6 hours)

Areas with morning sun and afternoon
shade offer great flexibility.

Consider:

• Begonias
• Coleus
• Impatiens
• Caladiums

Full Shade

Shady porches and landscape beds can still be full of color when you choose plants that thrive with less sunlight.

Excellent options include:

• Impatiens
• Begonias
• Coleus
• Torenia

Our team is always happy to help identify which plants will perform best in your specific location.

Think About How You Want Your Garden to Feel

Before selecting flowers, imagine the look you’re trying to create.

Bright & Cheerful

Mix vibrant yellows, oranges, reds, and hot pinks for an energetic display.

Soft & Elegant

Combine whites, pale pinks, lavender, and soft blues for a timeless look.

Bold & Dramatic

Deep purples, burgundy foliage, and bright chartreuse plants create eye-catching contrast.

Choosing a consistent color palette helps
your containers and flower beds look professionally designed.

Don’t Forget Height and Texture

Beautiful gardens use more than just color.

Combine plants with different heights, leaf textures, and bloom sizes to create visual interest.

For containers, a simple rule is:

• Thrillers for height  
• Fillers for fullness
• Spillers to trail over the edge

This creates containers that look balanced and full all season long.

Consider How Much
Maintenance You Want

Some annuals bloom almost effortlessly, while others benefit from regular deadheading or trimming.

If you’re looking for lower-maintenance options, ask our team about varieties that continue blooming with minimal care.

Give Your Annuals the Best Start

Healthy plants begin with proper planting.

For the best results:

• Plant in quality soil.
• Water thoroughly after planting.
• Apply mulch around landscape beds to help retain moisture.
• Feed with a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season.
• Water consistently during hot Alabama summers.

A little care early in the season will reward you with months of beautiful blooms.

Visit Andy’s Creekside Nursery

Every yard is different, and choosing the right annuals doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Whether you’re planting a colorful flower bed, designing containers for your porch, or refreshing your landscape, our knowledgeable team is here to help you select plants that will thrive in your space.

Stop by Andy’s Creekside Nursery to explore our ever-changing selection of annuals, hanging baskets, and seasonal favorites. We’d love to help you create a garden that’s full of color all season long.