Colorful flowers are essential for creating a vibrant and lively gardenย landscape. They offer a broad spectrum of colors, shapes, and sizes, each contributing its unique charm and personality. From the boldย bloomsย of dahlias to the delicateย petalsย of the cosmos and the sunny faces ofย sunflowers, these flowers bring diversity and beauty to any outdoor space.
Throughout theย growing season, theseย bloomsย provide ever-changing displays that captivate with their beauty and allure. Whether planted inย clustersย or interspersed amongย foliage, they breathe life into garden beds and attract essential pollinators likeย beesย andย butterflies, enhancing the natural ecosystem.
Here are my top picks for the best colorful flowers for your garden. Choose from a variety ofย bloomย types and colors to craft pleasing combinations that harmonize with your garden’s design.
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Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
- Botanical Name:ย Zinnia elegans
- Mature Size: 12-40 inches tall and wide
- Bloomย Time: Summer to fall
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Various colors, including pink, red,ย orange, yellow, and purple
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 3-10
- Deer Resistance: Moderate
Zinniaย is a genus of vibrant annual flowering plants known for their profusion ofย colorful blooms. They are easy to grow and are prized by gardeners for their long-lasting flowers, which attractย butterfliesย and hummingbirds. Zinnias come in various heights and flower forms, from dainty to large, dahlia-likeย blooms.
They are excellent for adding splashes of color to borders, containers, or cutting gardens. Regular deadheading prolongs theirย bloomingย period, making them a favorite for summer displays.
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Hydrangea (Hydrangea)
- Botanical Name:ย Hydrangeaย (various species)
- Mature Size: 3-12 feet tall and wide, depending on species
- Bloomย Time: Summer to fall, varies by species
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Pink, blue, white, or purple, depending on soil pH
- Light:ย Part shadeย toย full sun, varies by species
- Soil Needs: Moist,ย well-drained soil; pH affects flower color in some species
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 3-9, varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Moderate
Hydrangeasย are beloved for their large, showy flower heads that often change color as they age. They are versatile shrubs suitable for borders, hedges, or as specimen plants in gardens. Some species, likeย Hydrangea macrophylla, are known for their ability to change flower color based on soil pH, offering unique garden interest.
Hydrangeas can thrive for years with proper pruning and care, enhancing theย landscapeย with their lushย foliageย and bountifulย blooms.
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Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
- Botanical Name:ย Echinacea purpurea
- Mature Size: 2-5 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
- Bloomย Time: Summer to early fall
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Purple-pink with prominent spikyย orange-brown centers
- Light:ย Full sunย toย part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, average soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 3-9
- Deer Resistance: High
Coneflowersย are hardyย perennialsย known for their daisy-like flowers with distinctive raised centers. They attract pollinators and birds to the garden, especially goldfinches that feed on their seeds. Coneflowers areย drought-tolerant once established and require minimal maintenance.
Their robust nature makes them ideal for naturalized gardens, borders, or wildflower meadows, adding a splash of color fromย midsummerย into fall.
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Dahlia (Dahlia)
- Botanical Name:ย Dahliaย (various species andย cultivars)
- Mature Size: 1-6 feet tall and wide, depending on variety
- Bloomย Time: Summer to fall
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Various colors, including red, pink, yellow,ย orange, and bi-colors
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs: Rich,ย well-drained soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 8-11, treated asย annualsย in coolerย zones
- Deer Resistance: Moderate
Dahliasย are prized for their stunning, intricateย bloomsย that range from small pompons to large dinner plate sizes. They come in various colors and forms, making them popular choices for cut flower arrangements. Dahlias require regular watering and feeding to support their vigorous growth and prolific flowering.
Gardeners often stake taller varieties to support their heavyย blooms. Planting dahlias inย clustersย or mixed borders enhances their visual impact, creating a vibrant display fromย midsummerย untilย frost.
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Marigold (Tagetes)
- Botanical Name:ย Tagetesย (various species)
- Mature Size: 6 inches to 3 feet tall, depending on species
- Bloomย Time: Summer to fall
- Leaf Color: Green, sometimes aromatic
- Flower Color: Yellow,ย orange, or red
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, average soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 2-11, depending on species
- Deer Resistance: High
Marigoldsย are cheerfulย annualsย known for their bright, aromatic flowers and pest-repellent properties. They are easy to grow from seed and thrive in sunny locations with moderate water.
Marigolds are commonly used in borders, containers, or vegetable gardens to deter pests like nematodes. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuousย blooming.
Their vibrantย huesย add warmth and a traditional touch to gardens, making them popular for beginner and seasoned gardeners.
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Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
- Botanical Name:ย Lathyrus odoratus
- Mature Size: 6-8 feet tall
- Bloomย Time:ย Late springย toย early summer
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Various colors, including pink, purple, white, and blue
- Light:ย Full sunย toย part shade
- Soil Needs: Rich,ย well-drained soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 2-11 (usually grown asย annuals)
- Deer Resistance: Low
Sweet peasย are climbingย annualsย valued for their delicate, fragrant flowers, which are often used in bouquets. They require excellent conditions to thrive and benefit from regular watering to moisten the soil. Providing a trellis or support structure helps them climb and display their profuseย blooms.
Sweet peas add vertical interest to gardens, particularly along fences or trellises. Their sweet fragrance and pastel-colored flowers evoke nostalgia, making them a favorite among flower enthusiasts.
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Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
- Botanical Name:ย Platycodon grandiflorus
- Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide
- Bloomย Time: Summer
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Blue, white, or pink
- Light:ย Full sunย toย part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 3-9
- Deer Resistance: High
Balloon flowersย are charmingย perennialsย named for their balloon-like buds that burst open to reveal star-shaped flowers. Once established, they are low-maintenance and thrive in moist,ย well-drained soil.
Their unique flower shape makes balloon flowers suitable for borders, rock gardens, or containers, adding a whimsical touch. Deadheading spentย bloomsย promotes additional flowering. Their compact size and prolongedย bloomingย period make them valued additions to garden landscapes.
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Peony (Paeonia)
- Botanical Name:ย Paeoniaย (various species andย cultivars)
- Mature Size: 1.5-3 feet tall and wide
- Bloomย Time:ย Late springย toย early summer
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Various colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow
- Light:ย Full sunย toย part shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, fertile,ย well-drained soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 3-8, varies by species
- Deer Resistance: High
Peoniesย are perennial favorites prized for their large, fragrantย bloomsย and lushย foliage. They are long-lived and develop into substantial clumps over time, making them ideal as focal points or accents in gardens. Peonies prefer cool climates and requireย well-drained soilย to prevent root rot. Support may be needed for their heavy flower heads.
Peonies are cherished for their romantic, old-fashioned charm and are often featured in floral arrangements or used as cut flowers to bring their beauty indoors.
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Hibiscus (Hibiscus)
- Botanical Name:ย Hibiscusย (various species)
- Mature Size: 3-15 feet tall and wide, depending on species
- Bloomย Time: Summer to fall
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Various colors, including red, pink, yellow, and white
- Light:ย Full sunย toย part shade
- Soil Needs: Moist,ย well-drained soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 4-11, varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Low
Hibiscusย plants encompass a diverse group of shrubs and small trees known for their large,ย showy flowersย that attract hummingbirds andย butterflies. They thrive in warm climates and require regular watering during dry periods.
Depending on the species, hibiscus can be grown as ornamental specimens, hedges, or containers. Some varieties are hardy enough to withstand colder temperatures with proper winter protection. Their tropical flair and vibrantย bloomsย make them popular for adding color and exotic beauty to garden landscapes.
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Lantana (Lantana camara)
- Botanical Name:ย Lantana camara
- Mature Size: 1-6 feet tall and wide, depending on variety
- Bloomย Time: Spring to fall
- Leaf Color: Green, sometimes variegated
- Flower Color:ย Clustersย of red,ย orange, yellow, pink, or white
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 8-11, treated asย annualsย in coolerย zones
- Deer Resistance: High
Lantanasย are heat-tolerantย perennialsย or shrubs prized for theirย clustersย of colorful flowers that attractย butterflies. They areย drought-resistant once established and thrive in sunny locations with minimal water requirements.
Lantanas are excellent for borders, containers, or ground cover. They add a splash of vibrant color throughout theย growing season, and regular deadheading encourages continuousย blooming.
Their ability to withstand heat andย bloomย profusely makes them popular garden choices inย warmer climates.
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Rose (Rosa)
- Botanical Name:ย Rosaย (various species andย cultivars)
- Mature Size: 1-15 feet tall and wide, depending on variety
- Bloomย Time: Spring to fall, varies by type
- Leaf Color: Green, sometimes tinged with red or purple
- Flower Color: Various colors, including red, pink, yellow, white, and bi-colors
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs: Rich,ย well-drained soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 2-11, varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Low to moderate
Rosesย are classic flowering shrubs celebrated for their exquisite beauty and fragrance. They come in various sizes, shapes, and colors, from miniature roses to climbing varieties. Roses require regular watering and feeding to promote healthy growth and abundantย blooms. Pruning is essential to maintain shape and vigor.
They are prized for use in gardens as focal points, hedges, or mixed borders. Roses hold cultural significance and are often associated with romance and elegance, making them enduring favorites among gardeners.
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Lavender (Lavandula)
- Botanical Name:ย Lavandulaย (various species)
- Mature Size: 1-4 feet tall and wide, depending on species
- Bloomย Time: Summer
- Leaf Color: Gray-green
- Flower Color: Purple, blue, pink, or white
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, alkaline soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 5-9, varies by species
- Deer Resistance: High
Lavendersย are aromatic perennial herbs prized for their fragrantย foliageย and spikes of flowers. They areย drought-tolerant once established and prefer sunny, well-drained locations.
Lavenders are commonly used in herb gardens, rock gardens, or as border plants. Their aromatic oils are used in sachets, potpourris, and culinary dishes, adding versatility to their appeal.
Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain their compact shape and encourages bushy growth. Lavenders attractย beesย andย butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of garden ecosystems.
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Bearded Iris (Iris germanica)
- Botanical Name:ย Iris germanica
- Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall, depending on the variety
- Bloomย Time:ย Late springย toย early summer
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Various colors, including purple, blue, yellow, white, and bi-colors
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 3-9
- Deer Resistance: High
Bearded irisesย are perennial plants prized for their distinctive, iris-shaped flowers with prominent “beards” on the falls. They thrive in sunny locations andย well-drained soil, requiring minimal care once established.
Bearded irises are famous in flower borders, rock gardens, or as cut flowers due to their elegantย bloomsย and variety of colors. Regular division every few years helps rejuvenate plants and promote better flowering.
They add grace and sophistication to garden landscapes,ย bloomingย profusely inย late springย to herald the start of summer.
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Daylily (Hemerocallis)
- Botanical Name:ย Hemerocallisย (various species andย cultivars)
- Mature Size: 1-4 feet tall and wide, depending on variety
- Bloomย Time: Summer
- Leaf Color: Green, sometimes variegated
- Flower Color: Various colors, including yellow,ย orange, red, pink, and bi-colors
- Light:ย Full sunย toย part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 3-9, varies by species
- Deer Resistance: High
Dayliliesย are hardy perennial plants known for their graceful, trumpet-shaped flowers thatย bloomย for a single day before fading. They are prolific bloomers, with each flower stalk producing multiple buds over an extended period.
Daylilies are adaptable to various soil conditions and areย drought-tolerant once established. They are versatile in gardens and used as borders, ground cover, or mass plantings. Removing spent flower stalks encourages continuousย bloomingย throughout the summer.
Daylilies are valued for their reliable performance and vibrant colors, enhancing garden aesthetics with their cheerful presence.
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Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
- Botanical Name:ย Asclepias tuberosa
- Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide
- Bloomย Time: Summer
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color:ย Orange, sometimes yellow
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, dry to average soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 4-9
- Deer Resistance: High
Butterfly weedย is a perennial plant valued for its vibrantย orangeย flowers that attractย butterflies,ย bees, and other pollinators. It isย drought-tolerant once established and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations.
Butterfly weed is essential for supporting monarchย butterfliesย as a host plant for their larvae. It is suitable for native plant gardens, wildflower meadows, or as a colorful addition to pollinator gardens. Deadheading spent flowers promotes additionalย bloomsย and prevents self-seeding.
Butterfly weed adds ecological value and visual interest to landscapes, contributing to biodiversity and supporting local wildlife.
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Persian Buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus)
- Botanical Name:ย Ranunculus asiaticus
- Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall
- Bloomย Time: Spring toย early summer
- Leaf Color: Green, sometimes glossy
- Flower Color: Various colors, including red,ย orange, yellow, pink, and white
- Light:ย Full sunย toย part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 8-10, grown asย annualsย or lifted in colderย zones
- Deer Resistance: Moderate
Persian buttercupย is a cool-season perennial valued for its lush, rose-like flowers and glossyย foliage. It prefers cool, moist conditions andย blooms profusely in spring.
Persian buttercups are commonly grown from corms and are prevalent in containers, borders, or as cut flowers. They require regular watering and protection from hot afternoon sun inย warmer climates. Deadheading spentย bloomsย encourage prolonged flowering.
Persian buttercups add elegance and charm to garden beds with their bright, cheerfulย bloomsย and are a favorite among flower enthusiasts for their exquisite beauty and versatility.
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Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
- Botanical Name:ย Tropaeolum majus
- Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall and spreading
- Bloomย Time: Summer to fall
- Leaf Color: Blue-green
- Flower Color: Various colors, including yellow,ย orange, red, and bi-colors
- Light:ย Full sunย toย part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, average soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 9-11, often grown asย annualsย in coolerย zones
- Deer Resistance: High
Nasturtiumsย are annual plants prized for their edible flowers and peppery-flavored leaves. They thrive in poor soils and areย drought-tolerant once established.
Nasturtiums are excellent for containers, hangingย baskets, or ground cover, adding vibrant color and texture to gardens. Their cascading growth habit and cheerful flowers attract pollinators likeย beesย andย butterflies. Regular deadheading encourages continuousย bloomingย and prevents self-seeding.
Nasturtiums are valued for their culinary uses. They add a spicy zest to salads and garnishes, making them a dual-purpose addition to garden landscapes.
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Coral Bellsย (Heuchera sanguinea)
- Botanical Name:ย Heuchera sanguinea
- Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide
- Bloomย Time: Spring to summer
- Leaf Color: Green, often with maroon or purple veins
- Flower Color: Red, pink, or white
- Light:ย Part shadeย toย full shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 4-9
- Deer Resistance: Moderate
Coral bellsย are perennial plants valued for their attractiveย foliageย and delicate, bell-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds. They thrive in shady locations with moist,ย well-drained soil.ย Coral bellsย are versatile in garden landscapes, used as ground cover, edging plants, or mixed containers.
Theirย foliageย adds texture and color variation, with some varieties offering strikingย foliageย that changes color throughout the seasons. Regular deadheading of spent flowers promotes continuousย bloomingย and enhances their ornamental value.
Coral bellsย are cherished for their ability to thrive in challenging garden conditions and contribute to shaded garden aesthetics.
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Canna Lily (Canna)
- Botanical Name:ย Cannaย (various species)
- Mature Size: 2-8 feet tall, depending on variety
- Bloomย Time: Summer to fall
- Leaf Color: Green, sometimes with purple or bronze tinges
- Flower Color: Various colors, including red,ย orange, yellow, pink, and bi-colors
- Light:ย Full sunย toย part shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 7-11, varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Low
Canna liliesย are tropical and subtropical perennial plants known for their large, boldย foliageย and vibrant flowers. They prefer warm, sunny locations with rich, moist soil.
Canna lilies are prized for their architectural presence in garden beds or as pondside plants. They require regular watering during theย growing seasonย to support their vigorous growth and flowering. Deadheading spentย bloomsย encourage continuous flowering and prevent self-seeding.
Canna lilies create dramatic focal points or as background plants in garden landscapes, adding height, texture, and exotic flair with colorful bloomsย andย foliage.
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Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia virginica)
- Botanical Name:ย Mertensia virginica
- Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Blue, pink, or white
- Light:ย Part shadeย toย full shade
- Soil Needs: Moist,ย well-drained soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 3-8
- Deer Resistance: High
Virginia bluebellsย are native perennial wildflowers prized for theirย clustersย of bell-shaped flowers thatย bloomย inย early spring. They thrive in woodland settings or shaded gardens with moist, rich soil. Virginia bluebells naturalize easily and spread via self-seeding.
Virginia bluebells are valuable for attracting early pollinators likeย beesย andย butterflies. They are ideal for naturalizing in wooded areas, under deciduous trees, or along stream banks. Their delicateย bloomsย and gentle nodding habit add a touch of woodland charm to spring gardens, creating carpets of color beneath emergingย foliage.
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Daffodilย (Narcissus)
- Botanical Name:ย Narcissusย (various species andย cultivars)
- Mature Size: 6 inches to 1.5 feet tall, depending on variety
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Yellow, white,ย orange, or bi-colors
- Light:ย Full sunย toย part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 3-9, varies by species
- Deer Resistance: High
Daffodilsย are iconic spring-bloomingย bulbsย cherished for their cheerful yellow flowers and easy care. They naturalize well in gardens and spread over time to form impressive displays.
Daffodilsย thrive inย well-drained soilย and prefer locations withย full sunย toย partial shade. They are versatile in garden landscapes, used in borders, rock gardens, or as mass plantings under deciduous trees.
Daffodilsย are deer-resistant and offer early-season color, signaling the arrival of spring. Their long-lasting flowers and reliable performance make them perennial favorites among gardeners.
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Strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum)
- Botanical Name:ย Xerochrysum bracteatum
- Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall
- Bloomย Time: Summer to fall
- Leaf Color: Green, sometimes gray-green
- Flower Color: Various colors, including yellow,ย orange, pink, red, and white
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 8-11, often grown asย annualsย in coolerย zones
- Deer Resistance: High
Strawflowersย are annual plants valued for their papery, everlasting flowers that retain their color and shape when dried. They thrive in sunny locations withย well-drained soilย and areย drought-tolerant once established.
Strawflowers are popular in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and crafts due to their long-lastingย blooms. They are also suitable for borders, rock gardens, or containers, adding texture and vibrant colors throughout the summer and fall. Deadheading spent flowers promotes continuousย bloomingย and enhances their ornamental value in garden landscapes.
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Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale)
- Botanical Name:ย Papaver orientale
- Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall and wide
- Bloomย Time:ย Late springย toย early summer
- Leaf Color: Blue-green
- Flower Color: Various colors, including red,ย orange, pink, and white
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs: Rich,ย well-drained soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 3-7
- Deer Resistance: High
Oriental poppiesย are perennial plants prized for their large, bold flowers and deeply cutย foliage. They prefer sunny locations with fertile,ย well-drained soil. Oriental poppies are known for their spectacular springย blooms, which last for a short period but dramatically impact garden beds or borders.
Once established, Oriental poppies require minimal maintenance and areย drought-tolerant. Deadheading spent flowers prolongs theย bloomingย period and prevents self-seeding. Oriental poppies are valued for their vibrant colors and are excellent for creating focal points or adding a splash ofย early summerย color to garden landscapes.
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New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
- Botanical Name:ย Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
- Mature Size: 2-6 feet tall and wide
- Bloomย Time:ย Late summerย to fall
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Purple, pink, or white
- Light:ย Full sunย toย part shade
- Soil Needs: Moist,ย well-drained soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 4-8
- Deer Resistance: Moderate
New England astersย are perennial wildflowers known for their profusion of daisy-like flowers thatย bloomย inย late summerย to fall. They thrive in sunny locations with moist soil and tolerate various conditions.
New England asters are valuable for pollinators, attractingย butterfliesย andย beesย during their late-seasonย bloomย period. They are ideal for naturalized areas, cottage gardens, or backdrops in perennial borders. Cutting back stems inย early summerย promotes bushier growth and enhances flowering.
New England asters provide a burst of color late in theย growing season, extending the garden’s beauty into autumn.
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Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora)
- Botanical Name:ย Portulaca grandiflora
- Mature Size: 6 inches to 1 foot tall and spreading
- Bloomย Time: Summer to fall
- Leaf Color: Green, succulent
- Flower Color: Various colors, including pink, red, yellow,ย orange, and white
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 9-11, often grown asย annualsย in coolerย zones
- Deer Resistance: High
Moss rosesย are low-growing annual plants valued for their vibrant, colorful flowers and succulent-likeย foliage. They thrive in hot, sunny locations withย well-drained soilย and areย drought-tolerant once established.
Moss roses are ideal for rock gardens, containers, or ground cover, creating a carpet ofย bloomsย from summer into fall. They are easy to grow from seed or starter plants and require minimal maintenance. Deadheading spent flowers promotes continuousย bloomingย and maintains tidy growth.
Moss roses add cheerfulย huesย and a touch of texture to garden landscapes, making them popular choices for adding summer-long color and interest.
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Pansy (Violaย tricolor)
- Botanical Name:ย Violaย tricolor
- Mature Size: 6-9 inches tall and spreading
- Bloomย Time: Spring to fall
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Various colors, including purple, yellow,ย orange, white, and bi-colors
- Light:ย Full sunย toย part shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist,ย well-drained soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 4-8
- Deer Resistance: High
Pansiesย are cool-seasonย annualsย known for their cheerful “faces” and wide range of vibrant colors. They thrive in cooler temperatures and are often planted inย early springย or fall. Pansies prefer fertile soil and regular watering to maintain moisture levels. They are versatile in garden landscapes, used in containers, borders, or as ground cover.
Pansies are valued for their resilience and ability toย bloomย through mild frosts, providing color when other flowers may not. Deadheading spent flowers promotes continuousย bloomingย and enhances their ornamental value in garden beds.
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Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia)
- Botanical Name:ย Tithonia diversifolia
- Mature Size: 4-6 feet tall and wide
- Bloomย Time: Summer to fall
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Brightย orangeย or red-orange
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 9-11, often grown asย annualsย in coolerย zones
- Deer Resistance: Low
Mexicanย sunflowersย are annual plants valued for their large, daisy-like flowers and vigorous growth habit. They thrive in hot, sunny locations withย well-drained soilย and areย drought-tolerant once established.
Due to their abundant nectar, Mexicanย sunflowersย are excellent for attracting pollinators likeย butterfliesย andย bees. They are ideal for borders, cottage gardens, or as background plants in garden landscapes. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuousย bloomingย and prevents self-seeding.
Mexicanย sunflowersย add bold splashes of color and height to summer gardens, contributing to a vibrant and dynamicย landscape.
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Tulip (Tulipa)
- Botanical Name:ย Tulipaย (various species andย cultivars)
- Mature Size: 6 inches to 1.5 feet tall, depending on variety
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color:ย Green leaves
- Flower Color: Various colors, including red, pink, yellow,ย orange, white, and bi-colors
- Light:ย Full sunย to partialย shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 3-8, varies by species
- Deer Resistance: High
Tulipsย are spring-bloomingย bulbsย prized for their iconic cup-shaped flowers and vibrant colors. They thrive in cool climates andย well-drained soilย with good moisture retention.
Plus, they are versatile in garden landscapes, used in beds, borders, containers, or as cut flowers. They require planting in fall for springย bloomsย and benefit from a layer of mulch for winter protection.
Tulips are deer-resistant and add elegance and seasonal color to garden designs. They are beloved for their variety of forms and colors, ranging from early to lateย bloomingย varieties, ensuring a spectrum ofย huesย throughout spring.
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Fuchsia (Fuchsia)
- Botanical Name:ย Fuchsiaย (various species and hybrids)
- Mature Size: 6 inches to 3 feet tall and wide, depending on the variety
- Bloomย Time: Summer to fall
- Leaf Color: Green, sometimes variegated
- Flower Color: Various colors, including pink, purple, red, white, and bi-colors
- Light:ย Partial sunย toย full shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist,ย well-drained soil
- USDA Hardinessย Zones: 6-11, varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Low
Fuchsiasย are tender perennial plants valued for their elegant, pendulous flowers and attractiveย foliage. They thrive in shady locations with moist, fertile soil and benefit from regular watering to maintain soil moisture levels.
Fuchsias are popular in hangingย baskets, containers, or as bedding plants, providing continuousย bloomsย from summer into fall. They require protection from hot afternoon sun and may benefit from pruning to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Fuchsias are prized for their unique flower forms and vibrant colors, adding a touch of grace and charm to shaded garden spaces.
Other Guides from Planet Natural:
15 Poisonous Flowers to Avoid and Remove From Your Garden
Exotic Flowers: A Visual Guide to The Most Beautiful Varieties
15 Rare Flowers Around the World โ And Why They’re So Rare