Proven Winners Annuals as Houseplants

Two for the price of one! I like to stretch my dollar – who doesn’t? That’s why I ‘double my pleasure’ with some Proven Winner annuals that are especially prized for their showy foliage. These entertain the eye from late spring through fall and then double as attractive houseplants during the winter months.

A few of my favorite multitaskers include Fiber Optic Grass (skinny green blades with ball-like tufts on their tips; 10”-14” tall); dwarf purple fountain grass (Pennisetum) ‘Red Riding Hood’ (burgundy blades with rosy-pink flower tufts; 18”-30” tall) and Cordyline ‘Red Star’ (strapping, sword-shaped burgundy-red leaves, 3’ – 6’ tall).

Before escorting plants inside, wash the leaves with a spray of water or insecticidal soap to remove any stowaway bugs. All of these annuals are sun-lovers so site them in the sunniest spot possible for their winter vacation.

Be on the lookout for these beauties, as well as others jaw-droppers like Begonia ‘Pegasus’ (12”-18” tall), during fall clearance sales at garden centers.