Top Ten Premium Annual Picks for 2008

 

When asked to come up with my 10 Top Ten Picks from our hundreds of varieties of premium annuals, I explained that was like picking which of my children was my favorite. These young un-rooted cuttings arrive from all over the world in the winter to awaiting our tender-loving care. Our growing team attentively plants and nurtures thousands of these cuttings. Each of them planted with the Grown by Al’s standard for quality; each growing quickly with the great expectation of becoming a beauty, ready to brighten homes in our neighborhoods. So with, way too much thought, but lots of heart, here are my picks for 2008.

 

   

We trialed this variety last year in our Al’s 16” Signature Hanging Baskets. It proved to be everything we wanted and more.  Very vigorous and outstanding foliage.

 

#9. Sun Coleus - OK, I can’t choose one, forgive me. Alabama, Electric Lime, Florida Sun Rose, Red Ruffles, and Rustic Orange coleus are foliage lovers’ favorites. Their foliage comes on strong in the summer and transitions into fall nicely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

#7. Calibrachoa Callie Purple – We grow many Calibrachoa but this one tops the list with it’s dark vivid color and a fantastic trailing habit.   Good on any edge container, basket or flower bed.  Love it!

 

 

 

 

#6. Brachycome Swan River Daisy – Oldie but goodie.  The ferny foliage makes this a must have to mix with almost anything.  Sun or shade this favorite will add a touch of texture to any combination.

 

 

#5. Lantana Landmark Sunrise Rose – This premium annual came in first place among our customer votes in last year’s trials.  The blooms like bright fireworks. It’s a heat lover and will be most spectacular in mid to late summer. 

 

 

#4. Osteospermum Summerdaisy Intensiz Gelb & Osteospermum Summerdaisy Dunkelorange – It’s a tie. New for our retail customer this year, we trialed them in our window boxes last summer and loved the way they bloomed all summer long.  The bold yellow and orange colors have a semi spreading habit and add a bright spot to any combination.

#3. Impatien Mini Firefly Series – Blush Pink, Orange, Red, Rose, and White - a color for everyone.  These shade lovers will provide huge bursts of color on a petite plant.  Perfect for shade containers to provide constant color without over growing your planter or basket.

 

 

#2. Bacopa Gulliver White – A huge hit last year!  Large white flowers that will last all summer long.  Great compliment to any container or basket and a great border flower with lots of flower power.  (Flowerfield)