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Best in Show in Your Yard?

Best in Show in Your Yard? - Nature Hills Nursery

Nature Hills Nursery | February 14, 2026

It is kind of interesting how each growing season can affect your annuals and perennials as well as your trees and shrubs. Weather can affect plants greatly from year to year. New cultivars are released yearly so until you grow them yourself you will not know how they perform until you try them.

best in show

Usually by early July you know which plants you will want to use again.

Annuals are great plants to add color to any landscape or in your containers. Some annuals need to have the dead flowers cut off to have them continue making new flowers. Some annuals are sterile and will not make seed and will keep making flowers without deadheading. Some annuals get mildew or insect problems and others are powerful bloomers with little additional help.

Annuals grown in Denver CO will perform differently than they do in Mobile AL. Catalogs won’t show that, but you can be your own best source for what does well in your yard with your climate.

For today’s tip, we are suggesting you make a note of the best-looking annuals you have used in your yard so far, this year and shared then with us so we can see what is performing best in what region. Look at your neighbors, and what was planted in your local commercial plantings too.

Some of our favorites here in the Midwest are Dragon Wing and Big Whopper Begonias, SunPatiens, Angelonias, some of the new Coleus selections for sun or shade, and Calibrachoa. What do you like?

Frequently Asked Questions

What sun exposure works best for growing standout showstopper plants in a home garden?

Sun exposure needs vary by plant, so matching the right annual or perennial to your specific light conditions is key to standout performance. Full sun lovers like Angelonia, Calibrachoa, and SunPatiens thrive with 6 or more hours of direct sunlight daily, while selections like Coleus and Dragon Wing Begonias can be chosen specifically for sun or shade situations. Observe your yard throughout the day in early summer to map your light patterns, then choose plants rated for those exact conditions to get the best bloom performance in your region.

What soil conditions help garden showstoppers thrive and perform their best?

Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is the foundation for top-performing annuals and perennials alike. Most showstoppers like begonias, SunPatiens, and Calibrachoa thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Work 2 to 3 inches of compost into your beds before planting in spring, and supplement with a balanced slow-release fertilizer to keep blooms coming strong all season. Test your soil every few years and amend accordingly so your plants have the best possible foundation from day one.

How often should I water my best-performing garden plants to keep them looking their showiest?

Watering frequency depends heavily on your climate, soil type, and the specific plants you are growing, but most annuals and perennials perform best with about 1 inch of water per week from rainfall or supplemental irrigation. In hotter, drier regions like Denver, you may need to water container plants daily during summer heat, while gardeners in more humid climates like Mobile may need far less intervention. Always check soil moisture a few inches below the surface before watering, since overwatering is just as harmful as drought stress. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root development, and water at the base of plants in the morning to reduce the risk of fungal issues like powdery mildew.

When is the right time of year to plant showstopper varieties for maximum impact?

The best time to plant showstopper annuals is after your last frost date, typically from mid-April through late May depending on your USDA hardiness zone. Most high-impact varieties like Dragon Wing Begonias, SunPatiens, and Calibrachoa establish quickly and will be hitting their stride by early July, which is a great benchmark for evaluating their performance in your specific region. To get the most from your display, plant in well-prepared soil with good drainage and give each variety a full season before deciding whether to repeat it next year.

How far apart should I space eye-catching garden plants to get the best visual display?

Spacing depends on the mature size of each plant, but as a general rule, most showy annuals like Begonias, Calibrachoa, and Angelonia perform best when planted 8 to 12 inches apart, while larger selections like SunPatiens may need 18 to 24 inches to reach their full potential. Proper spacing improves air circulation, which helps reduce the mildew and disease problems that can plague crowded plantings. Check the plant tag or product description for the expected mature spread, and use that measurement as your spacing guide to create a full, lush look without sacrificing plant health.

Can showstopper garden plants be grown successfully in containers or pots on a patio?

Yes, many showstopping annuals like Calibrachoa, Dragon Wing Begonias, and SunPatiens thrive beautifully in containers and patio pots. Container growing actually gives you more control over soil quality, drainage, and sun exposure, which can help these plants perform at their best. Choose a high-quality potting mix, ensure your containers have adequate drainage holes, and plan to fertilize regularly since container plants deplete nutrients faster than in-ground plantings. Start with proven performers for your region and keep notes on what thrives so you can refine your container combinations each season.

How and when should I fertilize high-impact garden plants to encourage the best blooms?

For high-impact annuals and perennials, begin fertilizing at planting time with a slow-release granular fertilizer and follow up every two to three weeks with a water-soluble bloom booster, such as a 10-30-20 formula, throughout the growing season. In warmer zones like the Gulf South (Zones 8-10), plants may need more frequent feeding due to faster growth and heavier rainfall leaching nutrients from the soil. Deadhead spent blooms on varieties that require it to keep energy directed toward new flower production rather than seed set. Keep a seasonal journal noting which feeding schedules produced the strongest results in your specific garden, and adjust your approach each year based on what you observe.

How do I prune or deadhead showstopper plants to keep them looking their best all season?

Some annuals require regular deadheading, meaning you pinch or cut off spent blooms down to the next set of leaves or budding node, to encourage the plant to keep producing new flowers rather than going to seed. However, many modern cultivars like SunPatiens and Calibrachoa are sterile hybrids that will continue blooming all season without any deadheading at all. For plants that do need it, make deadheading part of your weekly garden routine from planting time through the first frost, using clean sharp scissors or pinching with your fingers. Check the tag or catalog description for your specific variety to know whether deadheading is needed, and when in doubt, give it a try and see how your plant responds in your local conditions.

Are the most impressive showstopper garden plants perennials, annuals, or biennials?

Both annuals and perennials can deliver showstopping results, and the best performers often depend on your specific region and climate conditions. Annuals like Dragon Wing Begonias, SunPatiens, Angelonias, and Calibrachoa are reliable heavy hitters because they bloom continuously throughout the season, especially sterile varieties that keep flowering without deadheading. Perennials offer the advantage of returning each year, but annuals give you the flexibility to experiment with new cultivars and rotate your color palette seasonally. Track what performs best in your yard each year, observe your neighbors' gardens and local commercial plantings, and keep notes by early July when you can clearly see which plants are thriving in your conditions.

How do I protect my best-performing garden plants from common pests and diseases?

Protecting your best performers starts with early intervention, so scout your plants weekly for signs of aphids, spider mites, or powdery mildew, especially during hot and humid stretches mid-summer. Choosing naturally resistant varieties like SunPatiens, Angelonias, and sterile Calibrachoa goes a long way toward reducing disease and pest pressure before it starts. For fungal issues, apply a neem oil or copper-based fungicide at the first sign of trouble, and always water at the base of plants in the morning to keep foliage dry. Keep a seasonal journal noting which plants stayed clean and vigorous in your specific region, since what thrives pest-free in Denver may struggle in the humidity of Mobile, and let that record guide your selections each year.