Very low maintenance annuals?

I am looking for a low maint. annual that doesn't require watering on a daily basis. The flowers are going in cement urns at the graveyard where my boyfriend is buried. His favorite color was purple and I found a lily but it is has to be watered everyday and I can't get up there everyday, I have a three month old son and I am lucky if I get there twice a week. I would like something pretty for him. Any ideas??

Very low maintenance annuals?
Something like petunias or impatiens would probably work, but your worst enemyis the fact that they will be growing in a cement container. The container means more water will be needed to compensate for the wind and exposure for all sides to weather, especially dry air. This will require more water. Then, since the cotnainer is made from cement, it will take in water more tha plastic or other type of container.

If you can water it twice weekly, then you may be able to provide just enough water to keep them going.



If all else fails, you could use some artifical flowers which would ensure low maintenance. Nowadays, there are some pretty realistic flowers out there.



good luck
Reply:That would depend on if the flowers would be in full sun and how strong the sun is. Flowers in pots can dry out in 1 day if it's hot.
Reply:I know a few that, once established could go a while without water

One that's kinda purple is Blue Ageratum (similar to crayola's cornflower blue).

If you can find Gazania, it has a purple flower, I only find it comes in a mixture with orange, yellow %26amp; white, but they're beautiful daisy like flowers with a contrasting stripe in the petal.

There's also Gomphrina or Purple Gnome unusual %26amp; very cool, reminds me of a clover flower but bright.

If you are O.K. with not purple, begonias are great low maitenance %26amp; low water needs.

Like the first person said they will need water to get established, so plant early next spring.

There are wetting agents for the soil %26amp;/or water, Soil Moist is a brand that you could find. Wetting agents help the soil hold moisture. Miracle-Gro %26amp; Shultz have potting soil with moisture control that already have a wetting agent in it.

It also helps if you top-dress the planter,(thin layer on top of the soil), use Spanish moss, leaf humus, mulch or peat, it acts like mulch, retaining moisture keeping the roots/soil cool.

Hope this is useful for you.
Reply:Most annuals will have to be watered very regularly. Is this in sun or is there shade?



There are purple petunias and geraniums if it is sunny, but again, they will need regular watering, especially at first.



There are purple impatiens that are very maintenance free, but they need shade, especially if they are not going to be watered often.



I think I would consult a local garden center, see what they have and if they have suggestions.
Reply:Low maintenance sun annuals (I have these):



1. Moss roses (Portulaca). No purples, but mahy other colors. Dry soil, lots of sun. http://www.jennlee.net/flowers/moss_rose...

http://www.beddingplants.com.au/download...



2. Periwinkles. http://www.sspictures.fsnet.co.uk/images... This also comes as a ground cover (like mine) in periwinkle vinca ground cover: http://www.flickr.com/photos/evinceshaun...



3. Indian blanket, blanket flower, Gaillardia. Full sun, dry soil. Might be a little too tall for an urn. Not purple, but easy care. http://www.flickr.com/photos/maynard/529...



4. Petunias. http://www.flickr.com/photos/cropwithann... These unfortunately need watered about weekly.



A water-retaining product in the urn's soil may help. These are granules that absorb water, swell up, then release the water slowly. Some brand names are Agrosoke, Watersave, and Water Mizer. Vermiculite, peat moss, grated bark, %26amp; charcoal can also help the soil in the urn retain water.



Or try these websites:



http://home.howstuffworks.com/full-sun-a...



http://home.howstuffworks.com/blue-to-pu...