Top 10 Winter Annuals for South Florida

The time has arrived to start planning your winter flower garden in South Florida. Here is my list of the ten best annuals for winter in Florida, based on beauty, reliability and low maintenance.

1. Impatiens - this annual is a perenial favorite! Colorful, versitile, and relatively problem free. It only has a couple of drawbacks. It takes above average water which could become an issue if the water restrictions are tightened again this year and it is not cold hardy. In the unlikely event that we get a bad freeze this year, they may not survive.
2. Begonias - Wax begonias run a close second in popularity. Not as many color choices as impatiens but a little more drought tolerant.
   
3. Geraniums - shouldn't be planted until later in the season when its cooler and dryer. Plant in full sun to avoid disease problems.
4. Petunias - A GREAT choice! They come in a wide range of colors, are cold hardy and drought tolerant. Plant in full sun and watch for caterpillars and snails early in the season.
5. Kalanchoe - Very colorful, very drought tolerant. Plant in full sun. When they finish blooming cut them back and they will rebloom. Actually a perenial. If nursed through the summer they will bloom again next winter.
6. Pansies - Again, wait for cooler weather. They do wonderful from December to April. Sun or light shade. Very cold tolerant.
7. New Guinea Impatiens - Kind of expensive and need a lot of water, but they are spectacular!
8. Alyssum - Sweet alyssum is usually overlooked by Florida gardeners but it grows very well and makes a great border. Available in white and purple.
9. Snapdragons - Like pansies and alyssum they do better after it gets cooler, but I had some last this year from December until June with very little attention.
10. Lobelia - The low mounding variety are becoming more available in South Florida. Their vibrant violet-blue color is spectacular. They make a great facer or border. Some years they seem to do better than others. I wouldn't make a big commitment to them but mix in a few for their bold color.