Annual flowers
A collection of annual flowers tested by K-State for the prairie climate.
Prairie Star annual flowers are varieties best adapted to the challenging prairie climate. Planting varieties in the Prairie Star collection is the best way to assure the eye-catching appearance gardeners hope for. The list contains annual flower varieties that have exhibited superior performances for two years or more in Kansas bedding-plant research trials. Prairie Star flowers are the best of the best — flowers that grow and bloom abundantly with minimal care.
Flowering plant research is headquartered at the Horticulture Research and Extension Center in Olathe with other flower trial sites in Wichita, Hays, and Colby. Research trial sites encompass two USDA cold hardiness zones (5, 6) and two American Horticulture Society heat tolerance zones (7, 8). All varieties on the list grow well across the state, east to west and north to south.
Plants are rated for vigor, defined as how fast and how strong they grow and how much substance they have. They are also rated on floriferousness, or total overall visual impact of the flower display. The number of flowers, size of flowers and how they are borne on the plant are important. Flowers that hang down with backs showing are not as pretty as those presented in profile. Ideally, flowers should tilt up to greet onlookers. Floriferousness ratings are a combination of the number and size of flowers and how they are borne on the plant.
On plants where the foliar display is paramount, the floriferousness rating is adapted to take into account the color and visual impact of the leaves, not flowers. These entries are listed in the “Plants for Foliage Display” section. All Prairie Star Flowers are recommended for use in both landscape and container plantings. However, the section with “Plants for Container Gardens” includes varieties that have excelled in the container trials, but may not grow well when planted in the flower bed.
Both vigor and floriferousness are rated on a scale of 1 to 7, with 1 being almost dead or no flowers, 4 being acceptable, and 7 excellent. All plants on the Prairie Star list have scored a 6 or higher for vigor and floriferousness combined, at all trial sites for at least two years. Plant height and width are measured from a mature plant in mid-August.
Flowering plant varieties in research trials are submitted by or collected from plant breeders and distributors from around the world. All varieties on the list are available from retail garden centers or mail-order plant companies. The list contains many varieties. No greenhouse, garden center, or nursery is likely to carry them all. The Prairie Star list is not a commercial brand or product line. Gardeners should look for the specific variety on the list, i.e. not generic geraniums but Rocky Mountain Dark Red Geranium. Not all geraniums grow well on the prairie. Varieties on the list are truly superior. Plants at garden centers may or may not be labeled Prairie Star, so take the list to shop for specific varieties.
Prairie Star annual flowers are varieties best adapted to the challenging prairie climate. Planting varieties in the Prairie Star collection is the best way to assure the eye-catching appearance gardeners hope for. The list contains annual flower varieties that have exhibited superior performances for two years or more in Kansas bedding-plant research trials. Prairie Star flowers are the best of the best — flowers that grow and bloom abundantly with minimal care.
Flowering plant research is headquartered at the Horticulture Research and Extension Center in Olathe with other flower trial sites in Wichita, Hays, and Colby. Research trial sites encompass two USDA cold hardiness zones (5, 6) and two American Horticulture Society heat tolerance zones (7, 8). All varieties on the list grow well across the state, east to west and north to south.
Plants are rated for vigor, defined as how fast and how strong they grow and how much substance they have. They are also rated on floriferousness, or total overall visual impact of the flower display. The number of flowers, size of flowers and how they are borne on the plant are important. Flowers that hang down with backs showing are not as pretty as those presented in profile. Ideally, flowers should tilt up to greet onlookers. Floriferousness ratings are a combination of the number and size of flowers and how they are borne on the plant.
On plants where the foliar display is paramount, the floriferousness rating is adapted to take into account the color and visual impact of the leaves, not flowers. These entries are listed in the “Plants for Foliage Display” section. All Prairie Star Flowers are recommended for use in both landscape and container plantings. However, the section with “Plants for Container Gardens” includes varieties that have excelled in the container trials, but may not grow well when planted in the flower bed.
Both vigor and floriferousness are rated on a scale of 1 to 7, with 1 being almost dead or no flowers, 4 being acceptable, and 7 excellent. All plants on the Prairie Star list have scored a 6 or higher for vigor and floriferousness combined, at all trial sites for at least two years. Plant height and width are measured from a mature plant in mid-August.
Flowering plant varieties in research trials are submitted by or collected from plant breeders and distributors from around the world. All varieties on the list are available from retail garden centers or mail-order plant companies. The list contains many varieties. No greenhouse, garden center, or nursery is likely to carry them all. The Prairie Star list is not a commercial brand or product line. Gardeners should look for the specific variety on the list, i.e. not generic geraniums but Rocky Mountain Dark Red Geranium. Not all geraniums grow well on the prairie. Varieties on the list are truly superior. Plants at garden centers may or may not be labeled Prairie Star, so take the list to shop for specific varieties.
plants for flower display
Flower |
Cultivar/Color |
Planting Location |
Height (in) |
Width (in) |
Ageratum |
Artist Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
12 |
14 |
Ageratum |
High Tide Blue |
Sun |
18 |
18 |
Angelonia |
Angelface Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
25 |
20 |
Angelonia |
Angelmist Spreading Purple Imp. |
Sun |
15 |
26 |
Angelonia |
Serena Blue |
Sun |
20 |
15 |
Angelonia |
Serena White |
Sun |
15 |
15 |
Angelonia |
Serenita Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
14 |
15 |
Angelonia |
Statuesque White |
Sun |
20 |
14 |
Angelonia |
Sungelonia Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
21 |
17 |
Alternanthera |
Purple Knight |
Sun |
24 |
34 |
Argyranthemum |
Golden Butterfly |
Sun |
18 |
15 |
Argyranthemum |
Pure White Butterfly |
Sun |
18 |
15 |
Argyranthemum |
Vanilla Butterfly (Improved) |
Sun |
17 |
16 |
Begonia |
Ambassador Pink |
Sun or Shade |
9 |
11 |
Begonia |
BabyWing Bicolor |
Sun or shade |
16 |
18 |
Begonia |
BabyWing White |
Sun or shade |
12 |
18 |
Begonia |
BIG Series (All Colors) |
Sun or shade |
16 |
16 |
Begonia |
Cocktail Brandy (Pink/Dark Leaves) |
Sun or shade |
11 |
11 |
Begonia |
Cocktail Vodka (Red/Dark Leaves) |
Sun or shade |
10 |
11 |
Begonia |
Cocktail Whiskey (White/Dark Leaves) |
Sun or shade |
11 |
10 |
Begonia |
Doublet Series (All Colors) |
Sun or shade |
11 |
12 |
Begonia |
Dragon Wing Red |
Sun or shade |
15 |
15 |
Begonia |
Surefire Series (All Colors) |
Sun or shade |
16 |
16 |
Begonia |
Whopper Series (All Colors) |
Sun or shade |
16 |
14 |
Bidens |
Goldilocks Rocks |
Sun |
10 |
12 |
Buddleia |
Buzz Ivory |
Sun |
19 |
15 |
Canna |
CannaSol |
Sun |
? |
32 |
Canna |
Cannova Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
45 |
17 |
Canna |
Chocolate Sunrise |
Sun |
38 |
36 |
Canna |
South Pacific Scarlet |
Sun |
33 |
15 |
Canna |
Toucan Orange |
Sun |
42 |
16 |
Celosia |
Asian Garden |
Sun |
32 |
24 |
Celosia |
Cramer's Amazon Magenta |
Sun |
32 |
24 |
Celosia |
Cramer's Burgundy |
Sun |
36 |
15 |
Celosia |
Flamingo Feather Purple |
Sun |
47 |
27 |
Celosia |
Fresh Look Red |
Sun |
18 |
13 |
Celosia |
Hi-Z (Purple) |
Sun |
46 |
25 |
Celosia |
Kelos Fire Scarlet (Improved) |
Sun |
26 |
22 |
Celosia |
New Look Red |
Sun |
19 |
13 |
Celosia |
WATCH (Hot Pink) |
Sun |
13 |
15 |
Cleome |
Pequena Rosalita |
Sun |
25 |
13 |
Cleome |
Senorita Blanca |
Sun |
30 |
20 |
Cleome |
Senorita Mi Amor |
Sun |
34 |
14 |
Cleome |
Senorita Rosalita |
Sun |
32 |
20 |
Cosmos |
Cosmic Mix |
Sun |
19 |
18 |
Cosmos |
Cosmic Orange |
Sun |
15 |
13 |
Cuphea |
Vermillionaire |
Sun |
24 |
24 |
Dahlia |
Mystic Illusion |
Sun |
25 |
13 |
Dahlia |
XXL Taxco |
Sun |
24 |
16 |
Dianthus |
Amazon Neon Cherry |
Sun |
20 |
15 |
Dianthus |
Amazon Neon Purple |
Sun |
23 |
13 |
Dianthus |
Jolt Pink |
Sun |
15 |
12 |
Echibeckia |
Summerina Orange |
Sun |
16 |
14 |
Echinacea |
Primadonna Deep Rose |
Sun |
24 |
13 |
Echinacea |
Primadonna White |
Sun |
19 |
12 |
Echinacea |
PowWow Wild Berry |
Sun |
21 |
19 |
Euphorbia |
Diamond Frost (White) |
Sun |
14 |
18 |
Euphorbia |
Glamour |
Sun |
18 |
20 |
Evolvulus |
Blue My Mind |
Sun |
8 |
16 |
Gaillardia |
Arizona Apricot |
Sun |
12 |
14 |
Gaillardia |
Mesa Bright Bicolor |
Sun |
16 |
18 |
Gaillardia |
Mesa Yellow |
Sun |
18 |
20 |
Geranium |
Americana Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
12 |
16 |
Geranium |
Big Ezee Fuschia Blue |
Sun |
9 |
10 |
Geranium |
Brocade FireNight |
Sun |
14 |
13 |
Geranium |
Brocade Salmon Night |
Sun |
10 |
13 |
Geranium |
Cascade Acapulco Compact (Pink/White) |
Sun |
8 |
21 |
Geranium |
Cascade Lila Compact (Lavender/Pink) |
Sun |
10 |
22 |
Geranium |
Cascade Sofie (Salmon/Pink) |
Sun |
12 |
21 |
Geranium |
Classic Dark Salmon |
Sun |
11 |
16 |
Geranium |
Classic Salmon |
Sun |
14 |
17 |
Geranium |
Fidelity Salmon |
Sun |
12 |
15 |
Geranium |
Fireworks Cherry |
Sun |
11 |
16 |
Geranium |
Glitterati Ice Queen |
Sun |
16 |
16 |
Geranium |
Patriot Bright Red |
Sun |
12 |
16 |
Geranium |
Patriot Watermelon |
Sun |
14 |
16 |
Geranium |
Patriot White |
Sun |
12 |
15 |
Geranium |
Rocky Mountain Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
13 |
17 |
Geranium |
Tango Rose Splash |
Sun |
12 |
13 |
Geranium (Exotic) |
Crystal Palace Gem (Red Flower, Yellow Leaves) |
Sun |
14 |
20 |
Geranium (Exotic) |
Caliente Coral |
Sun |
17 |
16 |
Geranium (Exotic) |
Caliente Rose |
Sun |
16 |
16 |
Geranium/ Pelargonium |
Timeless Lavender |
Sun |
13 |
13 |
Geranium (Seed) |
BullsEye Light Pink |
Sun |
16 |
16 |
Geranium (Seed) |
Maverick Star |
Sun |
15 |
18 |
Geranium (Seed) |
Ringo 2000 Lavender |
Sun |
12 |
13 |
Gomphrena |
Audray Purple Red |
Sun |
24 |
18 |
Gomphrena |
Audray White |
Sun |
30 |
22 |
Gomphrena |
Fireworks |
Sun |
46 |
30 |
Gomphrena |
Las Vegas Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
20 |
25 |
Gomphrena |
QIS Carmine |
Sun |
25 |
18 |
Gomphrena |
QIS Red |
Sun |
27 |
21 |
Helenium |
Dakota (Gold) |
Sun |
12 |
16 |
Helichrysum |
Silver Leaf Yellow |
Sun |
12 |
16 |
Impatiens |
Accent Coral |
Partial shade |
17 |
13 |
Impatiens |
Accent Lavender Blue |
Partial shade |
18 |
13 |
Impatiens |
Showstopper Tropical Flair Mix |
Partial shade |
12 |
13 |
Impatiens |
Super Elfin XP Rose Starburst |
Partial shade |
13 |
17 |
Impatiens |
Super Elfin XP Violet Starburst |
Partial shade |
18 |
21 |
plants for flower display (continued)
Flower |
Cultivar/Color |
Planting Location |
Height (in) |
Width (in) |
Impatiens (Hybrid) |
Bounce Pink Flame |
Sun or shade |
20 |
24 |
Impatiens (Double) |
Fiesta Series (All Color) |
Partial Shade |
22 |
21 |
Impatiens (Double) |
Rockapulco Series (All Colors) |
Partial Shade |
22 |
20 |
Impatiens (New Guinea) |
Infinity Series (All Colors) |
Partial Shade |
14 |
17 |
Lantana |
Ally Klaire |
Sun |
11 |
13 |
Lantana |
Bandana Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
16 |
28 |
Lantana |
Chipotle Flare |
Sun |
20 |
25 |
Lantana |
Havana Series |
Sun |
15 |
13 |
Lantana |
Landmark Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
32 |
43 |
Lantana |
Little Lucky Hot Pink |
Sun |
15 |
15 |
Lantana |
Little Lucky Pot of Gold |
Sun |
13 |
16 |
Lantana |
Little Lucky Red |
Sun |
13 |
16 |
Lantana |
Luscious Series (All Color) |
Sun |
23 |
32 |
Lantana |
New Gold |
Sun |
19 |
56 |
Lantana |
Patriot Classic Desert Sunset (Pink/Orange/Yellow) |
Sun |
28 |
35 |
Lantana |
Patriot Hot Country (Bright Pink/Orange) |
Sun |
18 |
25 |
Lantana |
South Beach Compact Coral |
Sun |
11 |
16 |
Lantana |
South Beach Purple Sky |
Sun |
15 |
16 |
Lantana |
Trailing Lavender |
Sun |
21 |
44 |
Lobelia |
Lucia Lavender Blush |
Sun |
9 |
16 |
Lobularia |
Snow Princess |
Sun |
12 |
24 |
Lobularia |
White Knight |
Sun |
9 |
13 |
Marigold |
Antigua Gold |
Sun |
15 |
14 |
Marigold |
Antigua Primrose |
Sun |
16 |
14 |
Marigold |
Bonanza Balero Improved |
Sun |
14 |
14 |
Marigold |
Bonanza Deep Orange |
Sun |
14 |
14 |
Marigold |
Bonanza Yellow |
Sun |
15 |
15 |
Marigold |
Disco Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
21 |
16 |
Marigold |
Discovery Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
22 |
19 |
Marigold |
Durango Bolero |
Sun |
14 |
14 |
Marigold |
Durango Tangerine |
Sun |
16 |
16 |
Marigold |
Durango Yellow |
Sun |
18 |
16 |
Marigold |
Hero Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
24 |
17 |
Marigold |
Inca II Primrose |
Sun |
22 |
16 |
Marigold |
Inca II Yellow |
Sun |
20 |
16 |
Marigold |
Little Duck Orange |
Sun |
11 |
13 |
Marigold |
Little Duck Yellow |
Sun |
12 |
12 |
Marigold |
Little Hero Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
19 |
15 |
Marigold |
Moonsong Deep Orange |
Sun |
20 |
10 |
Marigold |
Moonstruck Orange |
Sun |
18 |
12 |
Marigold |
Moonstruck Yellow |
Sun |
21 |
15 |
Marigold |
Perfection Mix |
Sun |
29 |
19 |
Marigold |
Perfection Yellow |
Sun |
29 |
19 |
Marigold |
Taishan Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
19 |
20 |
Marigold |
Safari Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
22 |
20 |
Mecardonia |
Gold Dust |
Sun |
8 |
17 |
Melampodium |
Derby (Orange) |
Sun |
20 |
17 |
Melampodium |
Million Gold |
Sun |
17 |
20 |
Melampodium |
Showstar Yellow |
Sun |
22 |
27 |
Melinis |
Savannah |
Sun |
37 |
22 |
Nicotiana |
Whisper Dark Pink |
Sun |
44 |
17 |
Nierembergia |
Augusta Blue Skies |
Sun |
12 |
14 |
Nierembergia |
Mont Blanc (White) |
Sun |
5 |
16 |
Ornamental Grass |
Melinis Savannah Ruby Grass |
Sun |
32 |
32 |
Pentas |
Graffiti Series |
Sun |
12 |
12 |
Pentas |
Northern Lights Lavender |
Sun |
18 |
15 |
Petunia |
Carpet Lilac |
Sun |
16 |
23 |
Petunia |
Cascadias Bicolor Cabernet |
Sun |
8 |
24 |
Petunia |
Cascadias Grape |
Sun |
8 |
24 |
Petunia |
Cascadias Rim Violet |
Sun |
8 |
24 |
Petunia |
Cascadias Violet Skirt |
Sun |
8 |
24 |
Petunia |
Dream Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
10 |
28 |
Petunia |
Easy Wave Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
7 |
45 |
Petunia |
Perfectunia Purple Picotee |
Sun |
7 |
13 |
Petunia |
Hurrah Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
17 |
22 |
Petunia |
Littletunia Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
12 |
30 |
Petunia |
Madness Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
12 |
32 |
Petunia |
Plush Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
9 |
36 |
Petunia |
Pop Rocks White |
Sun |
11 |
36 |
Petunia |
Ray Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
6 |
25 |
Petunia |
Shockwave Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
14 |
36 |
Petunia |
Storm Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
17 |
35 |
Petunia |
Suncatcher White |
Sun |
12 |
22 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Bordeaux |
Sun |
7 |
46 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Charm Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
8 |
30 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Daybreak Charm |
Sun |
9 |
14 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Citrus |
Sun |
11 |
32 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Giant Pink |
Sun |
6 |
45 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Honey |
Sun |
12 |
15 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Lavender Skies |
Sun |
10 |
32 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Lovie Dovie |
Sun |
12 |
14 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Mini Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
7 |
48 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Royal Magenta |
Sun |
8 |
33 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Royal Velvet |
Sun |
8 |
33 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Vista Bubble Gum (Pink) |
Sun |
18 |
45 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Vista Fuchsia |
Sun |
14 |
48 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Vista Silverberry |
Sun |
14 |
46 |
Petunia |
Supertunia White |
Sun |
5 |
39 |
Petunia |
Surprise Blue Sky |
Sun |
12 |
12 |
Petunia |
Surprise Magenta Halo |
Sun |
8 |
12 |
Petunia |
Surfinia Blue Veined |
Sun |
8 |
20 |
Petunia |
Surfinia White |
Sun |
7 |
17 |
Petunia |
Surfinia Wild Plum |
Sun |
9 |
21 |
Petunia |
Sweetunia Johnny Flame |
Sun |
12 |
34 |
Petunia |
Tidal Wave Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
14 |
36 |
Petunia |
Trilogy White |
Sun |
11 |
20 |
Petunia |
Wave Misty Lilac |
Sun |
12 |
36 |
PLANTS FOR FLOWER DISPLAY (CONTINUED)
Flower |
Cultivar/Color |
Planting Location |
Height (in) |
Width (in) |
Portaluca |
Cupcake Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
11 |
20 |
Portaluca |
Fairytale Series (All Colors |
Sun |
11 |
23 |
Portaluca |
Happy Hour Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
6 |
12 |
Portaluca |
Happy Trail Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
7 |
14 |
Portaluca |
Mojave Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
11 |
20 |
Portaluca |
Pazzaz Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
11 |
28 |
Rudbeckia |
Denver Daisy |
Sun |
18 |
18 |
Rudbeckia |
Prairie Sun |
Sun |
24 |
16 |
Rudbeckia |
Tiger Eye Gold |
Sun |
20 |
18 |
Salvia coccinea |
Summer Jewel Red |
Sun |
24 |
20 |
Salvia coccinea |
Summer Jewel White |
Sun |
24 |
20 |
Salvia farinacea |
Evolution |
Sun |
22 |
20 |
Salvia farinacea |
Evolution White |
Sun |
20 |
16 |
Salvia farinacea |
Mannequin Blue Mountain |
Sun |
26 |
15 |
Salvia farinacea |
Mystic Spires (Improved) |
Sun |
35 |
16 |
Salvia farinacea |
Mysty |
Sun |
18 |
13 |
Salvia farinacea |
Playin' the Blues |
Sun |
39 |
25 |
Salvia farinacea |
Reference Blue and White |
Sun |
25 |
20 |
Salvia farinacea |
SallyFun Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
25 |
22 |
Salvia farinacea |
Victoria (Blue) |
Sun |
27 |
23 |
Salvia splendens |
Salvano |
Sun |
17 |
13 |
Scaevola |
New Wonder (Purple) |
Sun |
10 |
22 |
Scaevola |
Surdiva Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
7 |
16 |
Scaevola |
Whirlwind Blue |
Sun |
10 |
18 |
Scaevola |
Whirlwind White |
Sun |
11 |
16 |
Snapdragon (Anthirrhinum) |
Rocket Cherry |
Sun |
28 |
10 |
Tithionia |
Fiesta De Sol Orange |
Sun |
31 |
20 |
Torenia |
Catalina Blue |
Sun or shade |
10 |
18 |
Torenia |
Catalina Pink |
Sun or shade |
10 |
20 |
Torenia |
Kauai Deep Blue |
Sun or shade |
16 |
16 |
Torenia |
Kauai Magenta |
Sun or shade |
16 |
16 |
Verbena bonariensis |
Finesse |
Sun |
38 |
17 |
Verbena |
Escapade Pink |
Sun |
14 |
24 |
Verbena |
Lanai Bright Pink |
Sun |
15 |
24 |
Verbena |
Lanai Lavender Star |
Sun |
15 |
24 |
Verbena |
Meteor Shower |
Sun |
24 |
15 |
Verbena |
Superbena Burgundy |
Sun |
18 |
24 |
Verbena |
Superbena Coral Red |
Sun |
12 |
24 |
Verbena |
Superbena Dark Blue |
Sun |
11 |
22 |
Verbena |
Superbena Large Lilac Blue |
Sun |
16 |
24 |
Verbena |
Superbena Pink Parfait |
Sun |
12 |
22 |
Verbena |
Superbena Pink Shades |
Sun |
14 |
30 |
Verbena |
Superbena Purple |
Sun |
13 |
30 |
Verbena |
Superbena Royale Chambray |
Sun |
11 |
24 |
Verbena |
Temari Blue |
Sun |
12 |
34 |
Verbena |
Temari Cherry Red |
Sun |
12 |
34 |
Verbena |
Temari Patio Blue |
Sun |
15 |
20 |
Verbena |
Temari Patio Hot Pink |
Sun |
15 |
20 |
Verbena |
Tukana Scarlet Star |
Sun |
12 |
20 |
Verbena |
Tukana White |
Sun |
8 |
32 |
Vinca (Catharanthus) |
Cooler Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
18 |
15 |
Vinca (Catharanthus) |
First Kiss Blueberry |
Sun |
8 |
10 |
Vinca (Catharanthus) |
Mediterranean Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
7 |
16 |
Vinca (Catharanthus) |
Mega Bloom Orchid Halo |
Sun |
17 |
13 |
Vinca (Catharanthus) |
Pacifica XP Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
16 |
20 |
Vinca (Catharanthus) |
Soiree Kawaii Coral |
Sun |
11 |
14 |
Vinca (Catharanthus) |
SunStorm White with Eye |
Sun |
14 |
18 |
Vinca (Catharanthus) |
Titan Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
15 |
23 |
Vinca (Catharanthus) |
Titan Polka Dot |
Sun |
15 |
15 |
Vinca (Catharanthus) |
Valiant Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
21 |
20 |
Zinnia |
Benary's Giant Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
34 |
24 |
Zinnia |
Bridesmaid |
Sun |
20 |
20 |
Zinnia |
Crystal White |
Sun |
15 |
24 |
Zinnia |
Dreamland Red |
Sun |
18 |
16 |
Zinnia |
Oklahoma Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
26 |
25 |
Zinnia |
Profusion Orange |
Sun |
16 |
22 |
Zinnia |
Profusion Red |
Sun |
11 |
16 |
Zinnia |
Profusion White |
Sun |
16 |
22 |
Zinnia |
Queen Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
30 |
30 |
Zinnia |
Short Stuff Orange |
Sun |
11 |
20 |
Zinnia |
Solmar Series |
Sun |
19 |
17 |
Zinnia |
Star Mix Star Bright |
Sun |
15 |
16 |
Zinnia |
Star Orange |
Sun |
17 |
24 |
Zinnia |
UpTown Grape |
Sun |
20 |
24 |
Zinnia |
Zahara Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
15 |
24 |
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
Plants for Foliage Display
Flower |
Cultivar/Color |
Planting Location |
Height (in) |
Width (in) |
Artemesia |
Silver Bullet |
Sun |
10 |
17 |
Basil (Ocimum) |
Boxwood |
Sun |
14 |
18 |
Basil (Ocimum) |
Pesto Perpetuo |
Sun or shade |
32 |
18 |
Canna |
Tropicana (Orange/ Variegated Leaves) |
Sun |
70 |
18 |
Coleus |
Aurora Black Cherry |
Sun or shade |
19 |
17 |
Coleus |
Color Blaze Series (All Colors) |
Sun or shade |
24 |
20 |
Coleus |
Flame Thrower Salsa Verde |
Sun |
12 |
13 |
Coleus |
Flame Thrower Spiced Curry |
Sun |
25 |
14 |
Coleus |
Kong Jr. Scarlet |
Sun or shade |
24 |
30 |
Coleus |
Main Street Series (All Colors) |
Sun or shade |
30 |
16 |
Coleus |
Premium Sun Dark Chocolate |
Sun or shade |
23 |
18 |
Coleus |
Premium Sun Lime Delight |
Sun or shade |
24 |
24 |
Coleus |
Premium Sun Mighty Mosaic |
Sun or shade |
24 |
18 |
Coleus |
Rainbow Mix |
Sun |
30 |
27 |
Coleus |
Saturn |
Sun or shade |
30 |
20 |
Coleus |
Under the Sea Gold Anemone |
Sun or shade |
24 |
16 |
Coleus |
Under the Sea Coral Copper |
Sun |
30 |
17 |
Coleus |
Under the Sea King Crab |
Sun or shade |
36 |
22 |
Coleus |
Under the Sea Sea Urchin Copper |
Sun |
9 |
11 |
Coleus |
Under the Sea Yellow Fin Tuna |
Sun |
22 |
13 |
Coleus |
Wasabi |
Sun or shade |
30 |
20 |
Colocasia |
Coffee Cups |
Sun or shade |
52 |
30 |
Colocasia |
Heart of the Jungle |
Sun or shade |
50 |
46 |
Cyperus papyrus |
Baby Tut |
Sun |
32 |
36 |
Cyperus papyrus |
King Tut |
Sun |
50 |
24 |
Dahlia |
Mystic Illusion |
Sun |
30 |
18 |
Hibiscus |
Mahogany Splendor |
Sun |
53 |
35 |
Manihot |
Variegata |
Sun |
40 |
22 |
Ornamental Grass |
Carex Toffee Twist |
Sun |
16 |
15 |
Ornamental Grass |
Juncus Blue Mohawk |
Sun |
25 |
20 |
Ornamental Grass |
Pennisetum Fireworks |
Sun |
40 |
30 |
Ornamental Grass |
Pennisetum Red Riding Hood |
Sun |
38 |
30 |
Ornamental Grass |
Pennisetum Rubrum |
Sun |
48 |
36 |
Ornamental Grass |
Pennisetum Sky Rocket |
Sun |
48 |
36 |
Ornamental Grass |
Pennisetum Vertigo |
Sun |
50 |
55 |
Ornamental Millet |
Copper Prince |
Sun |
37 |
20 |
Ornamental Millet |
Jade Princess |
Sun |
36 |
25 |
Ornamental Millet |
Jester |
Sun |
52 |
24 |
Ornamental Millet |
Purple Baron |
Sun |
56 |
14 |
Ornamental Millet |
Purple Majesty |
Sun |
48 |
28 |
Ornamental Pepper |
Black Olive |
Sun |
18 |
12 |
Ornamental Pepper |
Black Pearl |
Sun |
28 |
16 |
Ornamental Pepper |
Calico |
Sun |
19 |
15 |
Ornamental Pepper |
Chilly Chili (Red/Yellow) |
Sun |
14 |
17 |
Ornamental Pepper |
Medusa |
Sun |
7 |
6 |
Ornamental Pepper |
Midnight Fire |
Sun |
10 |
11 |
Ornamental Pepper |
Purple Flash |
Sun |
24 |
18 |
Perilla |
Magilla (Purple/Pink) |
Sun |
30 |
20 |
Plectranthus |
Silver Shield |
Sun |
30 |
20 |
Sedum |
Lemon Coral |
Sun |
5 |
20 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Ace of Spades |
Sun |
10 |
48 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Blackie |
Sun |
10 |
54 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Black Beans |
Sun |
17 |
19 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Desana Bronze |
Sun |
16 |
30 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Desana Lime |
Sun |
18 |
40 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Desana Maple |
Sun |
20 |
30 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Flora Mia Cameo |
Sun |
16 |
19 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Flora Mia Nero |
Sun |
9 |
20 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Flora Mia Rosso |
Sun |
15 |
17 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Flora Mia Verdino |
Sun |
17 |
18 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Illusion Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
16 |
48 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Marguerite |
Sun |
8 |
54 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Sidekick Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
15 |
46 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
SolarPower Black |
Sun |
14 |
25 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Sweet Caroline Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
15 |
52 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Tri Color |
Sun |
6 |
36 |
Talinum |
Limon |
Sun |
36 |
32 |
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
Plants for Container Gardens
Flower |
Cultivar/Color |
Planting Location |
Height (in) |
Width (in) |
Acalypha |
Lava Flow |
Sun |
24 |
18 |
Angelonia |
Sungelonia White |
Sun |
18 |
15 |
Angelonia |
Archangel Light Pink |
Sun |
26 |
16 |
Alternanthera |
Royal Tapestry |
Sun/Part Sun |
13 |
40 |
Begonia |
Gryphon |
Shade |
19 |
22 |
Begonia |
Pegasus |
Shade |
29 |
33 |
Begonia |
Santa Cruz |
Part Sun/Shade |
14 |
24 |
Begonia |
Sparkle Scarlet |
Sun or Shade |
12 |
22 |
Calibrachoa |
Aloha Tiki Neon |
Sun |
10 |
24 |
Calibrachoa |
Cabaret Purple |
Sun |
6 |
22 |
Calibrachoa |
Cabaret White |
Sun |
8 |
24 |
Calibrachoa |
Can-Can Dark Purple |
Sun |
12 |
36 |
Calibrachoa |
Can-Can Hot Pink Star |
Sun |
9 |
32 |
Calibrachoa |
Can-Can Peach |
Sun |
8 |
24 |
Calibrachoa |
Can-Can Purple Star |
Sun |
9 |
32 |
Calibrachoa |
Conga Orange |
Sun |
8 |
24 |
Calibrachoa |
Hula Cherry |
Sun |
11 |
22 |
Calibrachoa |
MiniFamous Neo Vampire |
Sun |
11 |
16 |
Calibrachoa |
Million Bells Trailing Magenta |
Sun |
6 |
12 |
Calibrachoa |
Noa Mega Pink |
Sun |
7 |
20 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Apricot Punch |
Sun |
9 |
27 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Blackberry Punch |
Sun |
8 |
32 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Blue |
Sun |
12 |
38 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Cherry Blossom |
Sun |
10 |
36 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Cherry Red |
Sun |
7 |
28 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Coralberry Punch |
Sun |
9 |
28 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Coralina |
Sun |
10 |
15 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Dreamsicle |
Sun |
10 |
38 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Evening Star |
Sun |
10 |
25 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Garden Rose |
Sun |
9 |
32 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Grape Punch |
Sun |
8 |
32 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Lemon Slice |
Sun |
8 |
32 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Miss Lilac |
Sun |
9 |
36 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Over Easy |
Sun |
13 |
17 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Pink |
Sun |
8 |
26 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Plum |
Sun |
9 |
36 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Pomegranate Punch |
Sun |
11 |
36 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Red |
Sun |
9 |
28 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Saffron |
Sun |
8 |
35 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Scarlet |
Sun |
8 |
30 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Sweet Tart |
Sun |
9 |
35 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Tropical Sunrise |
Sun |
10 |
16 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells White |
Sun |
6 |
29 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Yellow |
Sun |
10 |
34 |
Calibrachoa |
Superbells Yellow Chiffon |
Sun |
10 |
36 |
Calibrachoa |
Unique Yellow |
Sun |
9 |
14 |
Coleus |
Flame Thrower Chili Pepper |
Sun or shade |
34 |
31 |
Coleus |
Flame Thrower Chipotle |
Sun or shade |
28 |
22 |
Coleus |
Flame Thrower Spiced Curry |
Part Sun |
36 |
24 |
Coleus |
Kong Salmon Pink |
Shade |
22 |
15 |
Coleus |
Main Street Madison Ave |
Part Sun |
32 |
26 |
Coleus |
Main Street Michigan Ave |
Part Sun |
31 |
25 |
Coleus |
Main Street Riverwalk |
Part Sun |
25 |
22 |
Coleus |
Main Street Sunset Blvd |
Part Sun |
26 |
22 |
Coleus |
Main Street Wall Street |
Part Sun |
28 |
24 |
Coleus |
Premium Sun Crimson Gold |
Sun or shade |
18 |
14 |
Coleus |
Wizard Golden |
Shade |
17 |
16 |
Coleus |
Wizard Scarlet |
Shade |
20 |
14 |
Coleus |
Under the Sea Coral Copper |
Part Sun |
25 |
16 |
Coleus |
Zooey Mix |
Part Sun |
18 |
21 |
Dahlia |
XXL Durango |
Sun |
15 |
13 |
Dahlia |
XXL Sunset |
Sun |
15 |
16 |
Dichondra |
Silver Falls |
Sun |
3 |
28 |
Dipladenia |
Sundenia Red |
Sun |
17 |
22 |
Dipladenia |
Sundenia White |
Sun |
16 |
26 |
Euphorbia |
Diamond Delight |
Sun |
12 |
18 |
Geranium |
Brocade Fire Night |
Sun |
12 |
12 |
Geranium |
Lollipop Candy |
Sun |
12 |
16 |
Geranium |
Sarita Wild Salmon |
Sun |
13 |
13 |
Geranium |
Xtreme Night |
Sun |
12 |
11 |
Gerbera |
Garvinea Orangina |
Sun |
14 |
14 |
Impatiens |
Lollipop Series (All Colors) |
Sun |
17 |
20 |
Impatiens (New Guinea) |
Divine Orange |
Shade |
8 |
8 |
Impatiens (New Guinea) |
Divine Orange Bronze Leaf |
Shade |
10 |
12 |
Impatiens (New Guinea) |
Sun Harmony Magenta |
Sun or shade |
10 |
15 |
Lantana |
Havana Pink Sky |
Sun |
14 |
14 |
Lantana |
Havana Sunrise |
Sun |
15 |
14 |
Lantana |
Little Lucky Orange |
Sun |
15 |
18 |
Lobularia |
Frosty Knight |
Sun |
7 |
14 |
Lobularia |
Giga White |
Sun |
7 |
13 |
Lobularia |
Silver Stream |
Sun |
8 |
13 |
Lobularia |
White Knight |
Sun |
9 |
14 |
Mandevilla |
Sun Parasol Cream Pink |
Sun |
13 |
10 |
Mandevilla |
Sun Parasol Crimson |
Sun |
15 |
8 |
Mandevilla |
Sun Parasol Giant Crimson |
Sun |
42 |
9 |
Mandevilla |
Sun Parasol Giant Pink |
Sun |
58 |
11 |
Mandevilla |
Sun Parasol Giant White |
Sun |
46 |
13 |
Mandevilla |
Sun Parasol Pink |
Sun |
14 |
13 |
Otomeria |
O'Premiera Ruby |
Sun |
14 |
14 |
Pentas |
Kaleidoscope Pink |
Sun |
14 |
12 |
Petchoa |
SuperCal Neon Rose |
Sun |
12 |
30 |
Petunia |
Potunia Piccola Blue Ice |
Sun |
7 |
17 |
Petunia |
Potunia Piccola Purple Ice |
Sun |
9 |
22 |
Petunia |
Sophistica Lime Bicolor |
Sun |
8 |
18 |
Petunia |
Sophistica Twilight |
Sun |
11 |
30 |
Petunia |
Suncatcher Vintage Rose |
Sun |
10 |
36 |
Petunia |
Suntunia Blue Sky |
Sun |
9 |
16 |
Petunia |
Suntunia Purple |
Sun |
10 |
16 |
Petunia |
Perfectunia Coral Blast |
Sun |
8 |
13 |
Petunia |
Surfinia Summer Double Rose |
Sun |
10 |
14 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Black Cherry |
Sun |
12 |
36 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Honey |
Sun |
10 |
25 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Latte |
Sun |
10 |
16 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Lovie Dovie |
Sun |
6 |
Value |
Petunia |
Supertunia Morning Glory Charm |
Sun |
12 |
24 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Picasso in Pink |
Sun |
10 |
36 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Picasso in Purple |
Sun |
9 |
16 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Pink Star Charm |
Sun |
11 |
12 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Pretty Much Picasso |
Sun |
9 |
30 |
Petunia |
Supertunia Violet Star Charm |
Sun |
7 |
10 |
Petunia |
Supertunia White Russian |
Sun |
10 |
20 |
Petunia |
Success Coral |
Sun |
10 |
14 |
Petunia |
Success Pink |
Sun |
13 |
28 |
Petunia |
Success White |
Sun |
12 |
28 |
Phlox |
Gisele Hot Pink |
Sun |
9 |
12 |
Phlox |
Gisele Light Pink |
Sun |
12 |
12 |
Phlox |
Intensia Cabernet |
Sun |
8 |
18 |
Phlox |
Intensia Lavender Glow |
Sun |
10 |
20 |
Phlox |
Intensia Pink |
Sun |
9 |
20 |
Phlox |
Intensia White |
Sun |
12 |
14 |
Plectranthus |
Silver Crest |
Sun |
8 |
30 |
Salvia splendens |
Saucy Red |
Sun |
24 |
14 |
Scaveola |
Surdiva Blue Violet |
Sun |
8 |
11 |
Scaveola |
Surdiva Fashion Pink |
Sun |
8 |
12 |
Scaveola |
Pink Wonder |
Shade |
7 |
16 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Flora Mia Cameo |
Shade |
13 |
15 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Flora Mia Rosso |
Shade |
12 |
17 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Lime |
Shade |
19 |
17 |
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea) |
Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Jet Black |
Sun/Part Shade |
10 |
18 |
Torenia |
Summer Wave Bouquet Cream Yellow |
Sun |
12 |
18 |
Verbena |
Empress Sun Red |
Sun |
7 |
13 |
Vinca (Catharanthus) |
Soiree Kawaii Coral |
13 |
13 |
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
*All Prairie Star flowers are recommended for use in both containers and landscape plantings. The plants in this category displayed exemplary performance in the container trials, but some do not grow well in the flower bed.
*All Prairie Star flowers are recommended for use in both containers and landscape plantings. The plants in this category displayed exemplary performance in the container trials, but some do not grow well in the flower bed.