Annual Blue Salvia

Blue Salvia
Salvia farinacea 'Victoria Blue'

Annual Salvia makes an attractive display in your garden or container and comes in a variety of colors. All have the same general characteristics and likes and dislikes. I will refer to only the blue Salvia pictured above, which has been thriving all summer outside our greenhouse complimented by yellow Gaillardia.
The Victoria Blue Salvia pictured is a true blue color which is a highly sought color in many gardens. It grows 18-24" tall and wide, and the flower spikes can be as long as 8-10". The gray green foliage complements the flowers nicely, and this plant once established is quite drought resistant. Planted in a sunny location in well drained soil, this annual will provide you with masses of color all summer long and well into the fall. As with all annuals, fertilization at least once a week will keep them looking outstanding.
These beautiful blue flowers are very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, but not at all to deer, and do not have to be deadheaded to continue flowering. They really do stand out strikingly in the middle of a container planter with Lantana, Lysimachia, or Calibrachoa around the outside. For easy care, deer resistant, continuous blooming, bright blue color in your gardens or containers next year, try this variety and be amazed at the compliments you get from the neighbors.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Annual Lantana

Lantana

Lantana plants are grown as annuals in zones 1-7, where they are quite prolific bloomers all summer long in full sun. They are very drought tolerant once established, and not picky about soil type as long as it is well drained. They come in a range of colors from reds, yellows and oranges, to pink, rose and lavender. For full plants with lots of blooms all summer, fertilize every week with a general purpose fertilizer, or a bloom booster formula.
These hard working, long blooming plants can be used as specimen plants, in containers, planted in masses, or some varieties are trailing and look great in hanging baskets. We have both varieties growing at the greenhouse, some in window boxes, others planted in flowing masses in our entrance garden and they are thriving! They attract lots of butterflies, but deer will avoid these plants completely, preferring more tender and tasty plants than Lantana. Customers who have fairly large herds grazing in their yards have told us the deer won't touch these plants, helping hold down frustration levels for our avid gardeners.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses