# Unusual Fast-Growing Annual Plants
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Parrot Impatiens
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Parrot Impatiens (Impatiens niamniamensis) is a very unusual-looking impatiens whose wildly colored cornucopia-shaped flowers draw the eye. Each flower is a combination of yellow, scarlet red and lime green. This is a very rare, sought-after plant that will do as well in the garden as it will in a container. Grow it in organic-enriched, well-drained soil in shade. The average height of the plant ranges from 2 to 3 feet, although it can reach a mature height of 4 feet under ideal conditions.
Parrot's Beak
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Parrot's Beak (Clianthus) produces exotic-looking red or white blooms. In cool climates, this plant is an annual and will grow like a vine instead of a shrub. It is an endangered plant in its homeland of New Zealand. Grow this plant in part shade, fertilize it on a regular basis and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Parrot's beak is usually grown from seed, which can take up to 10 weeks to sprout, so start seeds indoors in early January. Parrot's beak reaches a mature height of 4 to 8 feet.
Supertunia Pretty Much Picasso
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Supertunia Pretty Much Picasso is a petunia that is ideal for those who like plants they are familiar with but want something unusual. The violet-purple flowers are edged in lime green. Butterflies and hummingbirds are drawn to this low-maintenance plant. Supertunia Pretty Much Picasso is drought- and heat-tolerant once established. It does not require deadheading and will bloom nonstop all summer. It is ideal for containers, where it will spill over the edges, or grow it as a border plant in the garden.
Kangaroo Paw
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Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthus) has grass-like foliage topped by velvet-looking red and green flowers. The plant is the floral emblem of Western Australia. Kangaroo paw grows best in well-drained soil in full sun. Always water this plant at root level and deadhead, or remove the faded flowers. Kangaroo paw flowers from July until the first fall frost. Sow seeds of kangaroo paw indoors 12 weeks before the last spring frost in your area. Kangaroo paw will reach a mature height of 2 to 4 feet.
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