Annual Plants for Zone 9

Summer Snapdragons

• One of the newest arrivals on the annuals scene, summer snapdragons (Angelonia angustifolia) are one of 30 species of angelonias native to Mexico and the West Indies. The plants grow in Zone 9, where they can reach heights up to 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide. They have been bred for sturdiness, so no staking is required, although planting them 8 to 9 inches apart helps them lean on each other for support. A vigorous annual, the plan works well in gardens and landscapes as well as containers and window boxes. Showy flowers take up to seven weeks to completely unfold, making the blooms long lasting. These flowers, on their long, straight stems, also look great in indoor flower arrangements. Plant summer snapdragons in full sun in well-drained soil. The plant thrives in drought conditions.

Impatiens

• A native of East Africa's tropical forests, impatiens (wallerana) offers an abundance of vivid flowers in a wide variety of colors, The easy-to-grow plants form low mounds up to 24 inches in height and width. Colors range from pink, white and orange to red, salmon and blue. Some impatiens are striped or bi-colored. Rose impatiens offers double flowers that look similar to small roses. A more upright variety, New Guinea impatiens is a hybrid highly tolerant of hot sun. Impatiens prefers moist, rich soil in partially sunny areas. The plants tend to get overgrown in Zone 9, so pinch the plant back to induce more flowering.

Scarlet Flax

• A native of northern Africa and southern Europe, scarlet flax (Linum rubrum) is a hardy annual that thrives in Zone 9 gardens. The plant grows very well in hot temperatures and drought conditions. Scarlet flax produces a profusion of glossy, deep red flowers on plants that grow up to 24 inches in height. Plant seeds close together in a sunny location in well-drained soil to form a drift of color once the plants start to bloom. Plant seeds as early as April and as late as September in Zone 9. Once scarlet flax becomes established, it requires little maintenance.