Plant Wagon on Savannah, GA Street in Early July

In some parts of the U.S. summer is sizzling, and it may also be very dry. Several colorful annuals cope with summer heat and humidity better than others. Northeast U.S. cities are sweltering near 100°F.

A sure bet is that every summer will be hot and humid in Savannah, GA. Near a popular restaurant is a the wagon (photo) planted with a mix of sun-loving coleus, fanflower (scaevola), Egyptian star flowers (pentas), and cupheas. All are thriving.

Many other annuals can handle Southern heat and humidity. The following list is not complete: summer snapdragons (angelonia), moss rose (portulaca), celosia, salvia, lantana, marigold, star zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia), wax begonias, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), and periwinkles (vinca). Non-flowering annuals grown for lovely colorful foliage include sweet potato vine, coleus, canna, amaranthus, Caricature plant (Graptophyllum pictum), acalypha (Acalypha spp.), and variegated tapioca plant (Manihot esculenta ‘Variegata’).

It’s best to plant and establish annuals 5-6 weeks prior to the arrival of high heat and humidity. Flower beds should be properly mulched to conserve water loss. Plants in large containers may need to be watered daily or every other day during summer dry spells. Fertilize at planting time and in mid-summer with a water-soluble fertilizer products such as Miracle-Gro™, Jack’s™, or Daniels™.