Don t overlook the tropical perennials when selecting bedding plants. They are well adapted to our warm, wet summers. Some local favorites include coleus, cannas, pentas, jacobinia, and African iris. Prepare beds by applying generous amounts of compost, manure or peat and till to incorporate to a depth of 8 inches. Set plants no deeper than the top of the root ball and mulch with a 2 to 3 inch layer of bark, leaves or pine needles.
Water is the most important ingredient during the establishment period.
Irrigate to thoroughly soak the bed, and decrease the frequency of watering as plants take root in new beds. Once established, plants should receive supplemental irrigation as needed. Daily watering is not required, nor recommended because too frequent irrigation can lead to disease problems. Most beds will need watering only two to three times per week in the absence of sufficient rainfall. Irrigate during the early morning hours, rather than evening, and apply enough to slowly and thoroughly soak the root zone.