Can you recommend some annuals for partial sun that have nice flowers and a spreading habit that covers a relatively large area? Rather than plant a traditional groundcover, I would like to try annuals, since they have season-long blooms and I can change them each year.

There’s a good reason that impatiens are the number one variety of annuals grown today. Not only do they bloom all summer long, but they spread together which reduces the need to weed. Impatiens are very low maintenance and will grow in sun, part sun or shade. Wax begonias will also bloom all summer and grow in part sun but won’t spread quite as much as impatiens. The colorful leaves and spreading habit of coleus would add an interesting look to a flower bed. Coleus will also grow well in part sun or shade.

I bought an iris that I understood was a repeat bloomer. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a second set of blooms. Are there indeed iris that do have another bloom in late summer or fall? Are either the bearded or beardless types better for repeat blooming?

The iris is a wonderful and beautiful plant that graces many perennial borders. The bold, exquisite colors of the flowers and the magnificent texture of the foliage make the iris a staple in many gardens. The early-blooming varieties are some of the first splashes of color seen in spring and are much appreciated after a long, Michigan winter! Adding a repeat-blooming variety to your garden gives you a fresh taste of spring as it blooms in May and, when it blooms in the fall, also serves as a reminder that it will be back to delight you next season. The most common repeat-bloomers are indeed the German bearded varieties. “Enchanted One” and “Immortality” are two varieties that will rebloom in the fall. “Autumn Sunset” and “Kansas Inglesides” are potential rebloomers, although not as reliable as the two aforementioned varieties. Some dwarf irises will rebloom in the fall as well. “Eleanor Roosevelt,” “Sangreal” and “White Autumn King” are three wonderful selections.

I haven’t tried planting containers because I am not able to water them regularly. This summer, however, I would like to try a couple. Can you suggest some groupings of annuals that look good together and like to be on the dry side?

There are several varieties that can thrive in drought conditions. Try a few simple things to help insure success. Try to use large containers over 14 inches wide. More soil in the pot means a longer time between waterings. You can also add water-retaining crystals to your soil, which will help retain moisture and release it as needed (Soil Moist is one brand). Here is a list of annuals that are not only drought tolerant, but are compatible also: wax begonia (upright), Portulaca (trailing), blue Victoria salvia (upright), vinca vine (trailing), spike (upright), Dianthus (upright), English ivy (trailing), Nierembergia (trailing), Gomphrena (upright), Gazania (upright).