Impatiens
The largest impatiens can grow up to be 30 inches tall, but most are less than half of that. The leaves are complete and shiny, their upper side has a thick, water-repellent cuticula that gives them a greasy feel. Tiny air bubbles are trapped over and under the leaf surface, giving them a silvery sheen that becomes pronounced when they are held under water. The flowers are up to 1" long, in most species they are made up by a shoe or horn-shaped spur for the most part, with at least the upper petals insignificant by comparison. Many colors are available.
Marigold
A common flower in most gardens, they are erect, herb-like annuals that range from 6" to 3' tall. The strong aromatic, fern-like leaves are opposite with serrate margins. Flowers have solitary dense heads up to 5" across. They may be single, semi-double or fully-double in yellow, orange, reddish-browns or multi-colored. Marigolds work well as a deer repellent.
Begonia
Begonia leaves can come in a variety of intriguing colors and patterns. they usually reach a height of 6 to 12". The leaves can be bronze, red or green. Much like the leaves, begonia flowers come in a wide variety of growing habits and colors. Flowers can be single or double, grow on tall stalks or close to the foliage. In some cases, such as with many begonias, the leaves may in fact hide many of the flowers. Colors of flowers can range from white, pink, red or yellow. However, combining leaf characteristics with flower colors and shape will help you identify your specific species of begonia.
Geranium
The long leaves are broadly circular in form. The flowers have five petals and are colored white, pink, purple or blue, often with distinctive veining. Geraniums height is 5" for the dwarf variety and up to 24" for the more common varieties. They will grow in any soil as long as it's not waterlogged. Propagation is by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, by seed, or by division in autumn or spring.
Petunia
These are available as either single or double flowers, including some with fringed petals or ruffled, carnation like blooms. The showy blooms measure up to 5" in diameter. Most multi-flora petunias have single blooms with diameters of about 2 to 3", although some multi-flora varieties have double flowers. The single blooms of milli-flora petunias measure only about 1.5" or less in diameter. Petunias come in single shades, jewel tones, soft pastels and bi-colored varieties in every hue of the rainbow except green.
Passion Flower
These flowers look extremely exotic, so it’s a surprise to find them growing in fields and along the sides of roads. There is a considerable variety between the species. Flowers have five or ten petals in a flat or reflex circle. The ovary and stamens are held on top of a tall distinctive stalk which is encircled by delicate filaments. The stigmas start out high and slowly bend backwards to come closer for pollination. Colors include blue, purple, pink, white and red. Most of these varieties are vines that can reach 15 to 30' high by 6 to 8' wide.
Zinnia
The plant's leaves are lance-shaped and sandpaper-like in texture. They come in an array of colors, multi-colors and hues such as yellow, orange, white, red, rose, pink, purple, lilac and multi-colored blooms. Zinnia varieties include both miniatures and giants that range from about a 1 to 3' tall. Flowers come in many appearances, from a single row of petals, to the dome shaped variety. Zinnias are hardy plants that have erect stems, opposite leaves and terminal flower heads.
