Plant Name: Zinnia elegans Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: To 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide Zones: Annual Plant it with: Zinnia looks gorgeous with finer-textured cosmos or brightly colored marigolds.
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Plant Name: Papaver rhoeas Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil Size: To 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide Zones: Annual Plant it with: Other wildflowers, such as Texas bluebonnet or bachelor’s buttons. Plant Name: Rosa ‘Knock Out’ Growing Conditions: Full sun and moist, well-drained soil Size: To 3 feet tall and wide Zones: 4-9 Plant it with: Mix in some peonies (which are also virtually carefree) to extend the rose’s bloom season.
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Plant Name: Celosia selections Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: To 2 feet tall and wide Zones: 10, but usually grown as an annual Plant it with: White cosmos or zinnias for a perfect summer bouquet.
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Plant Name: Paeonia selections Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: To 4 feet tall and wide Zones: 3-7 Plant it with: Iris for a gorgeous, old-fashioned, fragrant perennial combo.
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Plant Name: Dianthus selections Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil Plant Size: To 3 feet tall and wide, depending on type Zones: 3-9, depending on type; some are commonly grown as annuals Grow it with: The silvery foliage of dusty miller or lamb’s ear is a great foil for boldly colored dianthus blooms.
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Here’s a hint: Don’t overwater tuberous begonias; they rot easily. Plant Name: Begonia selections Growing Conditions: Shade and well-drained soil Size: To 18 inches tall and wide Zones: 10; in colder areas, dig and save the tubers in a frost-free place for winter. Plant it with: Double impatiens are a perfect plant partner with their opulent flowers. Plant Name: Pentas lanceolata Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: To 3 feet tall and wide Zones: 10, but usually grown as an annual in colder areas Plant it with: Lantana is a perfect plant partner; both love hot, dry conditions and attract scores of butterflies.
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Plant Name: Dahlia selections Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: From 6 inches to 6 feet tall; to 2 feet wide Zones: 8-10; dig and store the tubers in a frost-free spot in colder areas Plant it with: Dahlias look great with gladiolus—both in the garden and in the vase.
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Plant Name: Aquilegia canadensis Growing Conditions: Shade and moist, well-drained soil Size: To 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide Zones: 3-8 Plant it with: Red columbines look fantastic with white-flowering perennial geraniums, which bloom at the same time.
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