Some annual flowers behave almost like perennials because the seeds they drop at the end of the growing season germinate and grow the following year. It’s always a fun surprise to wait and see where they will pop up next, and you can manage the process a bit by shaking their seeds in those areas where you want to see them grow.
I love to include self-seeders in my garden, though I recommend asking around to make sure that you aren’t introducing something that might be invasive in your local area.
Here are my favorite self-seeding flowers:
- Verbena bonariensis: A beautiful, airy pinkish-purple flower that grows on tall stalks. Butterflies love it.
- ‘Dara’ laceflower: Actually, a form of carrot, this is like Queen Anne’s Lace but in beautiful pink and chocolate-brown colors.
- Viola: I love the old-fashioned viola commonly known as ‘Johnny-Jump-Up.’
- Cosmos: The return of these flowers is very hit-or-miss for me, but when they come back, I am always glad to welcome them.
- ‘Lauren’s Grape’ Poppy (papaver somniferum): A beautiful, purple poppy. Even the seedheads are gorgeous in the garden.