Heatwave Victory for AAS Champions
Brightening Up Sunny Gardens: 'Fiesta Del Sol' and 'Torch' Mexican Sunflowers, and 'Vanity' Verbena
Gardening enthusiasts seeking vibrant, pollinator-friendly plants for their sunny gardens can consider the 'Fiesta Del Sol' and 'Torch' Mexican sunflowers (Tithonia rotundifolia) and 'Vanity' verbena (Verbena bonariensis 'Vanity').
The 'Fiesta Del Sol' and 'Torch' Mexican sunflowers are cultivars of Tithonia rotundifolia, known for their showy, daisy-like flowers in shades of orange, red, and yellow. 'Fiesta Del Sol' reaches up to 36 inches tall, while 'Torch' can grow between four and six feet. Both varieties perform best in full sun and well-drained soil, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
'Vanity' verbena, an All-America Selections (AAS) winner, is a tall, airy perennial known for its clusters of small purple flowers. It thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and prefers moderate watering. With its ability to grow 3 to 5 feet tall, it makes an excellent choice for the hottest, driest days of summer. 'Vanity' verbena is also a good choice for a cutting garden to round out bouquets all season.
These plants offer vertical interest and bold color in sunny garden locations, and they generally require full sun, moderate watering with well-drained soil, and they flourish when deadheaded to extend blooming.
Reiman Gardens, a trial site for AAS, showcases ornamentals, edibles, and perennials in both in-ground and containerized trials, making it an ideal place to explore these plants and others. For detailed, cultivar-specific guidelines, you might consult specialized horticultural sources or seed suppliers for more precise information.
AAS has trial and display sites, winners, blogs, and more information available on their website. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can help attract pollinators and create a beautiful, colourful outdoor space.
Adding to your sunny garden, consider the 'Fiesta Del Sol' and 'Torch' Mexican sunflowers, not only for their vibrant, daisy-like flowers but also for their ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. A pollinator-friendly choice, 'Vanity' verbena, an All-America Selections winner, adds vertical interest and small purple flowers to your home-and-garden lifestyle. Whether you're designing a cutting garden or simply looking to brighten up your outdoor space, these plants from the gardening world could be the perfect addition.
