40 Pretty Flowers for Your Home & Garden (With Names &Pictures)

Pretty flowers can transform any garden into a vibrant, colorful paradise. Incorporating these beautiful blooms into your landscape can make your outdoor space stunning. With so many varieties, deciding which ones to plant can be overwhelming.

From the towering beauty of sunflowers to the delicate allure of orchids, there’s a flower for every taste and garden setting. Some flowers thrive in full sunlight, while others prefer the cool shade. Understanding their growing conditions and care requirements is vital to keeping your garden looking its best throughout the seasons.

This guide will help you choose the perfect blooms by exploring their characteristics, native locations, and care tips. So, dig in and discover the 32 most beautiful flowers to add beauty and charm to your garden.

1. Rose (Rosa)

• Botanical Name: Rosa
• Mature Size: 1-20 feet tall, 2-15 feet wide
• Bloom Time: Spring to fall
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (red, pink, yellow, white, orange)
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-11
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Roses are known for their striking, layered petals and rich fragrance. Their leaves are typically glossy green and can produce flowers in almost any color. Roses are often used in perfumes, oils, and ornamental plants. They need regular pruning, watering, and feeding to thrive.

2. Tulip (Tulipa)

• Botanical Name:Tulipa
• Mature Size: 6-24 inches tall
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (red, yellow, pink, purple, white)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Deer Resistance: No

Tulips have smooth, lance-shaped leaves and come in a rainbow of colors. They are symbolic of spring and renewal. Plant bulbs in the fall for a beautiful display in spring. They prefer well-drained soil and can be grown in containers or garden beds.

3. Orchid (Orchidaceae)

• Botanical Name: Orchidaceae
• Mature Size: Varies by species
• Bloom Time: Varies by species
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (purple, white, pink, yellow)
• Light: Indirect light
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, orchid mix
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Orchids have thick, leathery leaves and aerial roots. Their flowers are diverse in color and shape. Orchids are often grown as houseplants and need high humidity, indirect light, and regular misting. They are prized for their exotic beauty and are used in floral arrangements and decor.

For gardeners seeking a beautiful addition to their landscape, Orchid is a top choice.

4. Lily (Lilium)

• Botanical Name: Lilium
• Mature Size: 2-6 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (white, pink, yellow, orange)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Deer Resistance: No

Lilies have tall stems with clusters of large, fragrant flowers. Their leaves are narrow and lance-shaped. Lilies are popular in cut flower arrangements and gardens. They need well-drained soil and regular watering, and mulch helps retain soil moisture.

5. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

• Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
• Mature Size: 3-10 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Summer to fall
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Yellow, orange, red
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Deer Resistance: No

Sunflowers have broad, rough leaves and large, sunny blooms. Their seeds are edible and nutritious. Sunflowers are easy to grow, needing full sun and well-drained soil. They are often grown for their beauty, and seeds are used in cooking and snacks.

Every gardener should consider planting sunflowers as it is easy to care for and have lots of nectar that can attract bees.

6. Daffodil (Narcissus)

• Botanical Name: Narcissus
• Mature Size: 6-20 inches tall
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Yellow, white, orange
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Daffodils have strap-shaped leaves in various yellow, white, and orange shades. They symbolize new beginnings and are often used in spring gardens and naturalized settings. Plant bulbs in the fall for spring blooms.

With its deer-resistant nature, gardeners should consider planting daffodils in their gardens.

7. Cherry Blossom (Prunus serrulata)

• Botanical Name: Prunus serrulata
• Mature Size: 15-25 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Pink, white
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
• Deer Resistance: No

Cherry Blossoms have ovate leaves that turn into vibrant colors in the fall. Their delicate blooms are short-lived but breathtaking. They are celebrated in festivals around the world, particularly in Japan. Cherry Blossom trees need well-drained soil and regular watering during dry periods.

8. Peony (Paeonia)

• Botanical Name: Paeonia
• Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (red, pink, or white)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Peonies have large, glossy leaves and produce stunning, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They are often used in floral arrangements and wedding bouquets. Peonies need well-drained soil and benefit from being divided every few years to promote healthy growth.

9. Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata)

• Botanical Name: Dahlia pinnata
• Mature Size: 1-6 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Summer to fall
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (red, orange, yellow, purple, white)
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
• Deer Resistance: No

Dahlias have dark green, serrated leaves in various colors and sizes. Their flowers can be single or double blooms and are perfect for cutting gardens. Dahlias need regular watering and staking for taller varieties. They are lifted and stored in colder climates during winter.

10. Iris (Iris)

• Botanical Name: Iris
• Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (purple, blue, yellow, white)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Irises have tall, slender leaves and produce intricate, ruffled flowers in various colors. They are often used in borders and water gardens. Irises need well-drained soil and benefit from division every few years. These hardy flowers are easy to grow and care for, making it a good addition to any garden.

11. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

• Botanical Name: Gardenia jasminoides
• Mature Size: 3-6 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: White
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Acidic, well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
• Deer Resistance: No

Gardenias have dark, glossy leaves and produce intensely fragrant, creamy white flowers. They are often grown as houseplants or in warm-climate gardens. Gardenias need acidic soil, high humidity, and regular watering. They are sensitive to cold and prefer partial shade.

12. Camellia (Camellia japonica)

• Botanical Name:Camellia japonica
• Mature Size: 6-12 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Winter to spring
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (red, pink, white)
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Acidic, well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
• Deer Resistance: No

 

Camellias have glossy, dark green leaves and produce large, rose-like flowers in pink, red, and white shades. They are often used as ornamental shrubs in shaded garden areas. Camellias need acidic soil, regular watering, and protection from direct afternoon sun.

13. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

• Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla
• Mature Size: 3-6 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Summer to fall
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Blue, pink, white, purple
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Deer Resistance: No

Hydrangeas have large, serrated leaves and showy flower clusters. Flower color can change depending on the soil’s pH, with acidic soil producing blue flowers and alkaline soil producing pink flowers. Hydrangeas need regular watering and benefit from mulching.

14. Lavender (Lavandula)

• Botanical Name: Lavandula
• Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Leaf Color: Silver-green
• Flower Color: Purple, blue, white
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Lavender has narrow, silver-green leaves and produces fragrant, purple flower spikes. It is often used in herbal remedies, perfumes, and for its calming properties. Lavender needs well-drained soil, full sun, and minimal watering once established. It is drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators.

15. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

• Botanical Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
• Mature Size: 3-10 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Summer to fall
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (red, pink, white, yellow, orange)
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
• Deer Resistance: No

Hibiscus plants have large, glossy leaves and produce spectacular, trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of colors. They are popular in tropical and subtropical gardens. Hibiscus needs regular watering, well-drained soil, and plenty of sunlight to thrive. They are often used as hedge plants or in containers.

16. Marigold (Tagetes)

• Botanical Name: Tagetes
• Mature Size: 6 inches to 3 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Summer to fall
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Yellow, orange, red
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Marigolds have finely divided, dark green leaves and produce vibrant, daisy-like flowers. They are often used in companion planting to deter pests. Marigolds need full sun and well-drained soil. Deadheading spent blooms encourage continuous flowering. They are drought-tolerant and attract beneficial insects.

17. Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)

• Botanical Name: Papaver rhoeas
• Mature Size: 12-36 inches tall
• Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Red, orange, pink, white
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Poppies have feathery, blue-green leaves and produce large, showy flowers with delicate petals. They are often used in wildflower gardens and meadows. Poppies need well-drained soil and full sun. They reseed easily, creating a beautiful, naturalized look. Poppies are also symbolic in many cultures and are used in ceremonies and remembrances.

18. Azalea (Rhododendron)

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron
• Mature Size: 2-6 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (red, pink, white, purple)
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Acidic, well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Deer Resistance: No

Azaleas have dense, glossy leaves and produce clusters of colorful, funnel-shaped flowers. They are often used in foundation plantings and woodland gardens. Azaleas need acidic soil, regular watering, and protection from direct afternoon sun. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

19. Begonia (Begonia)

• Botanical Name: Begonia
• Mature Size: 6 inches to 3 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Spring to fall
• Leaf Color: Green, bronze, variegated
• Flower Color: Various (white, pink, red, orange, yellow)
• Light: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Begonias have fleshy, asymmetrical leaves and produce various flower colors and forms. They are perfect for shaded garden areas, hanging baskets, and containers. Begonias need well-drained soil, regular watering, and protection from direct sunlight. They are relatively low-maintenance and can bloom continuously in the right conditions.

20. Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

• Botanical Name: Dianthus caryophyllus
• Mature Size: 12-30 inches tall
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Leaf Color: Blue-green
• Flower Color: Various (red, pink, white, yellow, purple)
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Carnations have narrow, bluish-green leaves and produce clove-scented flowers in various colors. They are often used in floral arrangements and as cut flowers. Carnations need well-drained soil, full sun, and regular deadheading to encourage continuous blooms. They are also relatively drought-tolerant once established.

21. Jasmine (Jasminum)

Jasmine is famous for its sweet, fragrant flowers and is often grown for its aromatic qualities.

• Botanical Name: Jasminum
• Mature Size: 10-15 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: White, yellow
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
• Deer Resistance: No

Jasmine has glossy green leaves and produces small, star-shaped flowers with a powerful fragrance. It is often grown on trellises, arbors, and as ground cover. Jasmine needs well-drained soil and regular watering. It thrives in warm climates and can also be grown indoors.

22. Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

• Botanical Name: Magnolia grandiflora
• Mature Size: 60-80 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: White
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Magnolias have large, leathery leaves and produce huge, creamy white flowers with a lemony fragrance. They are often used as specimen trees in landscapes. Magnolias need well-drained soil, regular watering, and ample space to grow. They are relatively low-maintenance and provide year-round interest.

23. Petunia (Petunia)

• Botanical Name: Petunia
• Mature Size: 6-18 inches tall
• Bloom Time: Spring to fall
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (red, white, pink, purple, blue)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Petunias have soft, green leaves and produce abundant, colorful flowers. They are often used in hanging baskets, containers, and garden beds. Petunias need well-drained soil and regular watering. Deadheading spent blooms encourage continuous flowering. They attract pollinators and add vibrant color to any garden.

24. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

• Botanical Name: Antirrhinum majus
• Mature Size: 6 inches to 3 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Spring to fall
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (yellow, pink, red, orange, purple, white)
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Snapdragons have narrow, lance-shaped leaves and produce tall spikes of colorful, dragon-shaped flowers. They are often used in borders and cut flower arrangements. Snapdragons need well-drained soil and regular watering. They prefer cooler temperatures and can bloom in both spring and fall.

25. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

• Botanical Name: Zinnia elegans
• Mature Size: 6 inches to 4 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Summer to fall
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (white, pink, red, orange, purple)
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Zinnias have oval, green leaves and produce bright, daisy-like flowers in a range of colors. They are often used in borders, containers, and as cut flowers. Zinnias need well-drained soil, full sun, and regular deadheading to encourage continuous blooms. They are drought-tolerant and attract butterflies.

26. Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)

• Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
• Mature Size: 3-8 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (violet, pink, red, white, blue)
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11
• Deer Resistance: No

Sweet Peas have soft, green leaves and produce clusters of fragrant, delicate flowers in various colors. They are often used in floral arrangements and cottage gardens. Sweet Peas need well-drained soil, regular watering, and support for climbing varieties. They thrive in cooler weather and can be grown as annuals in most climates.

27. Anemone (Anemone coronaria)

• Botanical Name: Anemone coronaria
• Mature Size: 6-18 inches tall
• Bloom Time: Spring to fall
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (red, pink, purple, blue, white, bicolor)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Anemones have finely divided, fern-like leaves and produce poppy-like flowers in various colors. They are often used in borders, containers, and as cut flowers. Anemones need well-drained soil and regular watering. They are relatively low-maintenance and can naturalize in suitable climates.

28. Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

• Botanical Name: Hyacinthoides non-scripta
• Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Blue, purple
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Bluebells have narrow, strap-shaped leaves and produce bell-shaped, blue, or purple flower clusters. They are often used in woodland gardens and naturalized settings. Bluebells need well-drained soil and partial shade. They are relatively low-maintenance and can spread over time to create a beautiful spring display.

29. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

• Botanical Name: Digitalis purpurea
• Mature Size: 2-5 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Pink, purple, white, yellow
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-10
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Foxgloves have large, hairy leaves and produce tall spikes of tubular flowers. They are often used in cottage gardens and borders. Foxgloves need well-drained soil and regular watering. They are biennials, blooming in their second year, and can reseed to create a continuous display.

They attract hummingbirds and other birds in the fall, who seek the seedheads. However, if consumed, they can be fatally poisonous.

30. Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)

• Botanical Name: Nelumbo nucifera
• Mature Size: 3-6 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Pink, white petals
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Clay soil, standing water
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-10
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Lotus plants have large, round leaves that float on water and produce stunning, fragrant flowers. They are often used in water gardens and ponds. Lotus need full sun and a water environment to thrive. They are symbolic in many cultures and require regular fertilization and maintenance of their water habitat.

31. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea)

• Botanical Name: Bougainvillea
• Mature Size: 10-40 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Year-round in warm climates
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Pink, purple, red, orange, white
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Bougainvillea has thorny stems and heart-shaped leaves. The true flowers are small and white, surrounded by colorful bracts that provide visual appeal. This plant is often used in hanging baskets, as ground cover, or trained to climb on trellises and walls. It needs full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering during the growing season. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage blooming.

32. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

• Botanical Name: Strelitzia reginae
• Mature Size: 3-5 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Orange, blue
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Bird of Paradise has large, banana-like leaves and produces stunning flowers with bright orange sepals and blue petals. It is often used as a focal point in tropical gardens or as a striking houseplant. Bird of Paradise needs well-drained soil, regular watering, and plenty of sunlight. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and benefits from occasional fertilization. Removing old leaves and spent flowers will keep the plant looking its best.

33. Freesia (Freesia spp.)

• Botanical Name: Freesia spp.
• Mature Size: 6-18 inches tall
• Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (commonly white, yellow, pink, purple)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Freesias have slender, sword-shaped leaves and produce fragrant flowers on slender stems. They are often used in borders, containers, and as cut flowers. Freesias need well-drained soil, regular watering, and protection from strong winds. They are relatively easy to grow and can be naturalized in suitable climates, spreading color and fragrance throughout the garden.

34. Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

• Botanical Name: Zantedeschia aethiopica
• Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: White, pink, yellow, orange
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Calla Lilies have broad, arrow-shaped leaves and produce large, showy flowers on tall stalks. They are often used in water gardens, borders, and as cut flowers. Calla Lilies need moist, well-drained soil and regular watering to thrive. They prefer partial shade in warmer climates but can tolerate full sun in cooler regions. Regular fertilization promotes healthy growth and flowering.

35. Clematis (Clematis spp.)

• Botanical Name: Clematis spp.
• Mature Size: Varies by species and cultivar (typically 3-20 feet tall)
• Bloom Time: Spring to fall, depending on variety
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (purple, blue, pink, white, red, yellow)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9, depending on species
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Clematis have compound leaves and produce large, colorful flowers in various shapes and sizes. They are versatile climbers that can be trained to cover fences, walls, and pergolas. Clematis prefer cool roots and benefit from mulching or shading their base. They need well-drained, fertile soil and regular watering. Pruning requirements vary by type, but generally, pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and promotes vigorous growth and blooming.

36. Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)

• Botanical Name: Wisteria sinensis
• Mature Size: Up to 30 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Lavender-blue, white
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Deer Resistance: No

Wisteria has pinnate, compound leaves and produces long, drooping clusters of flowers that can reach up to 12 inches in length. It is often used to create romantic, shaded retreats and can be trained to grow on walls or pergolas. Wisteria needs well-drained soil, regular watering, and structural support for its heavy vines. Pruning in late winter promotes flowering and maintains its shape.

37. Pansy (Viola tricolor)

• Botanical Name: Viola tricolor
• Mature Size: 6-9 inches tall
• Bloom Time: Spring to fall
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (purple, yellow, orange, white)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Pansies have heart-shaped leaves and produce single or multi-colored flowers with distinct “faces” marked by dark lines. They are often used in cool-season bedding plants, borders, and containers. Pansies prefer cooler temperatures and benefit from regular watering to moisten the soil. Deadheading spent blooms encourage continuous flowering. They are relatively low-maintenance and can self-seed in suitable climates.

38. Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus)

• Botanical Name: Ranunculus asiaticus
• Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (pink, red, orange, yellow, white)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Ranunculus have deeply lobed, dark green leaves and produce double-layered, petal-packed flowers that resemble roses. They are often used in borders, rock gardens, and as cut flowers. Ranunculus needs well-drained soil and regular watering to thrive. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. They benefit from dividing tubers every few years to rejuvenate growth and flowering.

39. Protea (Proteaceae)

• Botanical Name: Proteaceae
• Mature Size: Varies by species (typically 3-10 feet tall)
• Bloom Time: Winter to spring
• Leaf Color: Green, gray-green
• Flower Color: Various (pink, red, orange, white)
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Proteas have tough, leathery leaves and produce large, intricate flower heads with stiff, pointed bracts surrounding the central flower cluster. They are often used in xeriscape gardens, coastal landscapes, and as cut flowers. Proteas need well-drained, sandy soil and prefer full sun. Once established, they are drought-tolerant and benefit from minimal fertilization. Pruning after flowering promotes new growth and maintains a compact shape.

40. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

• Botanical Name: Cosmos bipinnatus
• Mature Size: 2-6 feet tall
• Bloom Time: Summer to fall
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various (pink, white, red, orange)
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11 (grown as annuals in colder zones)
• Deer Resistance: Yes

Cosmos have finely divided, fern-like leaves and produce single or double, daisy-like flowers with vibrant colors. They are often used in wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, and as cut flowers. Cosmos prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established and can self-seed prolifically. Deadheading spent blooms encourage continuous flowering. Cosmos attract pollinators and add a carefree, airy beauty to any garden.

 

Other Guides from Planet Natural:

15 Fall Flowers for a Strikingly Colorful Garden

25 Brilliant Summer Flowers for a Gorgeous Garden Bed

29 Types of Colorful Flowers to Brighten Up Your Garden