A Spectacular Summer Planting Idea with Dahlia, Zinnia, Rudbeckia and Ammi visnaga

Award-winning Dahlia 'David Howard' makes quite an impression on onlookers with its profuse and showy vibrant apricot-orange flowers set against the very dark purplish bronze foliage. The fully double flowers, up to 4 in. wide (10 cm) are not top-heavy and remain upright and straight, even when it rains. Grows up to 36 in. tall (90 cm) and doesn't need much staking or support. Great garden or container variety, lovely dark bronze foliage.

dding a delicate airiness to borders or fresh bouquets, Ammi visnaga (Toothpick Weed) is a lovely hardy annual or biennial plant with large domed umbels, up to 5 in. across (12 cm), of densely packed white flowers which mingle gracefully with the other plants in the border. The finely divided foliage is attractive and acts as a light but effective filler, making this plant one of the best filler foliage plants. Blooming over a reasonably long period, from early summer until fall, Ammi visnaga remains attractive in the cold season thanks to its dried flower heads, which will be visited in the fall and winter by birds that feed on the seeds.

Highly floriferous, Rudbeckia hirta 'Autumn Colors' is a compact, biennial or short-lived perennial, usually grown as an annual, boasting large, golden flowers flushed with red, rust and bronze, up to 5 in. across (12 cm) - one of the largest blooms among Rudbeckia. Blooming profusely from early summer to frost, it provides weeks of eye-catching color and makes a guaranteed garden attraction. The delightful blossoms rise atop sturdy, upright stems and clumps of dark green leaves. An outstanding cut flower, its seed heads have good winter interest unless they are used in dried arrangements.

A real breakthrough in the world of Zinnias, the hybrid 'Profusion' Series is a stunning cross between Zinnia angustifolia and Zinnia Elegans which combines the best traits of both species: disease resistance; drought, heat and humidity tolerance and easy maintenance (no deadheading). A vigorous and excellent performer in all climates, Profusion series blooms profusely over a lengthy season extending from early summer to frost. It typically forms dense, compact mounds up to 18 in. tall (45 cm) on upright, branching stems and spreads 24 in. (60 cm). It is a great choice for the front of borders, beds or large containers.