What annuals grow well in the Pacific Northwest? The sheer number and variation of Pacific Northwest annual flowers available may surprise you.
Why Grow Pacific Northwest Annual Flowers?
Annuals are plants that germinate, bloom, set seed, then die back in a single season. Amongst Pacific Northwest garden flowers, you will find tender annuals such as marigolds and zinnias that can’t take chilly temps and hardier specimens like poppies and bachelor’s buttons which can handle a light frost. Annuals are easily sown from seed and can be direct sown into the garden before the last spring frost. They are usually available at a low cost in multiple packs which allow gardeners to create huge swaths of color without breaking the bank. Perennials develop complex root systems so they can survive winter temps. Annuals have no such qualm and, instead, throw all of their energy into making seed. This means they rapidly produce abundant flowers that can stand their own in the garden, in containers, or combined with perennials.
What Annuals Grow Well in the Pacific Northwest?
Due to the relatively mild climate, there are numerous options for Pacific Northwest annuals. Some northwest annual flowers, such as geraniums and snapdragons, are categorized as such but are actually perennials in warmer climates. Since they are suited for growing as annual flowers for northwestern states, they will be categorized as such here. With few exceptions, impatiens and begonias, for instance, northwest annual garden flowers are generally sun lovers. This is certainly not a comprehensive list available, but it will give you a good start when planning your annual garden.
African Daisy
Agapanthus
Ageratum
Aster
Bachelor’s buttons (cornflower)
Bee Balm
Begonia
Black-eyed Susan
Blanket flower
Calibrachoa
Celosia
Cleome
Cosmos
Calendula
Candytuft
Clarkia
Cuphea
Dahlia
Dianthus
Fan Flower
Foxglove
Geraniums
Globe Amaranth
Impatiens
Lantana
Larkspur
Lisianthus
Lobelia
Marigold
Morning Glory
Nasturtium
Nicotiana
Nigella
Pansy
Petunia
Poppy
Portulaca
Salvia
Snapdragon
Stock
Strawflower
Sunflower
Sweetpea
Sweet Potato Vine
Tithonia (Mexican sunflower)
Verbena
Zinnia
