One-year flowering plants 120 species (Landscape plants practical illustrated guide Volume 4)

Author: Xue Congxian (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-06-01
Features: An annual herbaceous flower refers to a plant that completes its life cycle from sowing, growth, blooming, setting seeds, to aging and death within one year. Similar plants also include biennials, which have a lifespan of up to two years. In South China, most belong to annual herbaceous flowers, while biennials are difficult to bloom in flat areas. Annual herbaceous flowers have a short cultivation period, usually blooming within 2 to 6 months, and they naturally die after blooming and setting seeds. Examples include pansies, zinnias, cockscomb, salvia, marigolds, daisies, and marigolds. This book includes a total of 120 species of annual herbaceous flowers, nearly all existing cultivated varieties in South China are covered.
Annual herbaceous flowers are divided into spring-sown and autumn-sown varieties based on sowing season. Tropical plants, which prefer high temperatures, are suitable for sowing in spring in South China, blooming from late spring to summer, and dying in autumn. Temperate plants, which prefer cool or warm temperatures, are suitable for sowing in autumn in South China, blooming from winter to spring, and naturally dying in summer.
In terms of growth habits, annual herbaceous flowers are all sun-loving plants. Sufficient sunlight is essential for normal growth and blooming. Insufficient sunlight can lead to poor growth, etiolation, and difficulty blooming. Propagation of annual herbaceous flowers is primarily through sowing, with very few using cuttings. Since sowing is asexual reproduction, some varieties may exhibit degeneration in offspring (e.g., marigolds, petunias, and cockscomb), resulting in inferior blooming quality. To maintain high quality, hybrid seeds must be used for sowing.
Although annual herbaceous flowers have a short lifespan, they bloom brightly and beautifully, making them suitable for pot cultivation, cut flowers, or flower bed beautification. In landscape applications, their varieties can be changed with the seasons, providing people with fresh, vibrant, and spectacular visual enjoyment.