Gardening Plants & Flowers Flowers

30 Colorful Flowers and Foliage To Make Your Garden Pop

Colorful tulips with cream, pink and fuchsia petals in flower box

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

When it comes to colorful flowers and foliage, not all plants are equal. Some flowers come in muted pastel hues while others feature vibrant shades. And some colorful flowers even have an iridescence on the petals that catches the light and increases the richness of their hues. There are endless options to add color to your landscape. You can create a garden with a rainbow of tones, a few complementary colors, or even a single color in multiple shapes, such as a garden full of white blooms or red flowers. Remember that annuals grow faster than perennials, which last longer.

Here are 30 colorful flowers to help inspire you.

Warning

Some of the following flowers may be toxic to humans or animals.

  • 01 of 30

    Bearded Iris

    Bearded iris flowers with orange, dark red, white and blue colored petals in garden

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The bearded iris (Iris germanica) is a go-to colorful flower, as each part of the bloom's anatomy contributes something different to its appearance. This results in a harmonious appearance that looks like Mother Nature went to the paint store and brought home a color swatch palette. Take, for example, the cultivar 'In Town' with its lavender, purple, and tangerine coloring. Grow bearded iris in full sun and well-drained soil. Bearded iris is toxic to dogs and cats.

    • Name: Bearded iris (Iris germanica)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-10
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Humusy, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Purple
  • 02 of 30

    Blanket Flower

    Blanket flowers with yellow and bright orange colored petals in garden

    The Spruce / Autumn Wood

    Blanket flowers (Gaillardia x grandiflora) vary in height and form, but they all feature some brilliant combination of yellow, orange, and red on daisy-like flowers from June to September. The sun-loving perennials attract butterflies, and they tolerate rabbit nibbling and dry soil conditions. But make sure they have good drainage, as they don't perform well in heavy, wet soil. Blanket flowers are slightly toxic to humans.

    • Name: Blanket flower (Gaillardia x grandiflora)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-10
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Yellow, orange, red
  • 03 of 30

    Zinnia

    Zinnia flowers with colorful yellow, pink and red petals in garden

    The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

    Zinnias (Zinnia elegans) provide easy summer color from June all the way until frost in the fall. This annual flower comes in a wide array of bright shades. There are many zinnia cultivars, including new ones that are mildew-resistant, such as the 'Profusion' series. This is helpful because zinnias as a whole are susceptible to fungal diseases. Plant them in a spot with good air circulation to help prevent disease issues.

    • Name: Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11 (annual)
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Humusy, moist, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, white
  • 04 of 30

    Moss Rose

    Moss rose flowers with yellow, pink and red colored petals in garden

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    Moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora) plants don't ask for much in the garden besides as much sun as you can provide for the annual flowers. The blooms will close when clouds and nighttime steal their light. Gardeners looking to liven up a harsh environment, such as a curbside or sidewalk edge, should choose moss rose, as it can take the heat and drought that concrete and asphalt generate. All parts of the plant are toxic to dogs and cats.

    • Name: Moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11 (annual)
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, orange, yellow, white
    Continue to 5 of 30 below
  • 05 of 30

    Hibiscus

    Hibiscus flowers with large bright orange and red petals in garden closeup

    The Spruce / Pheobe Cheong

    Several hardy hibiscus varieties can add summer color to a sunny flower garden. But those who wish to take it up a notch know that the perennial tropical hibiscus delivers color like few others can. The huge flowers of this species (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) in neon shades send a shout-out to hummingbirds and other pollinators, and they give your patio that staycation feel. Be sure to protect your plants from temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • Name: Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
    • Light Full sun, partial shade
    • Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, white
  • 06 of 30

    Persian Buttercup

    Persian buttercup flowers with round pink, orange and salmon colored petals in garden closeup

    The Spruce / Kara Riley

    The glowing reds, oranges, and yellows of Persian buttercups  (Ranunculus asiaticus), which rival English roses in petal count, will certainly brighten up a garden. These late spring bloomers are hardy perennials to zone 8, but they are often grown as annuals outside of their hardiness zones. Plus, they do well in containers. Soil with good drainage is imperative for these plants, as they are prone to root rot. Buttercup is toxic to humans and animals.

    • Name: Persian buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Sandy, loamy, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, yellow, white
  • 07 of 30

    Strawflower

    Strawflower with deep pink, orange and copper colored petals clustered in garden closeup

    The Spruce / Autumn Wood

    The papery flowers of strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum) have fooled more than one person who thought the bright blooms were fake. Also known as paper daisies, the blooms of the strawflower can behave as a short-lived perennial in its hardiness zones, lasting for a long time both as cut flowers and as dried specimens for arrangements or potpourri. These plants generally grow without issues, though taller varieties might need staking to prevent them from flopping over.

    • Name: Strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, orange, yellow, white
  • 08 of 30

    Coleus

    Coleus plant with bright green, pink and purple leaves in garden

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) plants offer a kaleidoscope of colors for the garden, including 'Wizard Sunset' with its bright apricot foliage. These tropical plants are primarily planted as perennials in warmer climates and as annuals elsewhere and grown for their foliage, which comes in nearly every color. But they also bear blue or white flowers in the summertime. Pinch back the stems for a bushier growth habit. And make sure the plants aren’t getting too much sun, which can wilt the foliage. Coleus is toxic to animals.

    • Name: Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
    • Light: Partial sun, shade
    • Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Blue, white
    Continue to 9 of 30 below
  • 09 of 30

    Tulip

    Tulip flowers with yellow, red and pink colored petals in garden

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    When you think of colorful perennial flowers, tulips (Tulipa spp.) might come to mind. These spring bloomers are available in many vivid shades, and they look impressive in groups of 25 or more. Be sure to plant bulbs at least 6 inches beneath the soil's surface to increase the chances of them coming back the following year.

    All flowers in the lily family, including tulip bulbs, are mildly toxic to humans and are more seriously toxic to pets.

    • Name: Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
    • Light: Full
    • Soil: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: All colors except blue
  • 10 of 30

    Oriental Poppy

    Oriental poppy flowers with round bright orange colored petals in garden

    The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

    There is something magical about a flower that can pack so much pigment into tissue-thin petals. Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) take that magic a step further with a wide range of colors, including rich plum purples and juicy reds. Poppies have a long tap root that allows them to endure drought. But this perennial resents transplanting, so try not to disturb its roots. All parts of the plants are toxic to humans and animals.

    • Name: Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, orange, purple, white
  • 11 of 30

    Coral Bells

    Coral bell foliage with brown, red and copper colored leaves in garden closeup

    The Spruce / Kara Riley

    Coral bells (Heuchera spp.) species are grown as perennials for their colorful foliage that forms low, rounded mounds. But they also send up small bell-shaped flowers in the summertime on tall stems above the foliage. While the blooms are delicate, they can add lots of visual impact to a garden, especially when coral bells plants are grouped together. Divide mature clumps every few years to retain their vigor.

    • Name: Coral bells (Heuchera spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
    • Light: Full, partial
    • Soil: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, orange, green, white
  • 12 of 30

    Lantana

    Lantana flowers with small bright pink, yellow and red petals clustered in garden closeup

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    If you could ask a pollinator which colorful flowers to add to the garden next, lantana (Lantana camara) would be on the shortlist. The pretty little flower clusters come in several shades, sometimes all on the same plant. Lantana plants are easy to grow to a fault in some areas where they can become invasive. Look for cultivars such as 'New Gold' that don't form berries to prevent any unwanted spread. It's grown as a perennial in zones 9-11; otherwise, they are grown as annuals. Lantana is toxic to animals.

    • Name: Lantana (Lantana camara)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, white
    Continue to 13 of 30 below
  • 13 of 30

    Daylily

    Daylily flower with deep pink and yellow colored petals in garden closeup

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    As evidenced by their presence along roadsides, perennial daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) plants are as tough as nails. The many cultivars on the market, including the 'Chicago Royal Robe' pictured, are no more difficult to grow than the yellow and orange types growing wild in fields and farmsteads. Deadhead the flowers (remove the spent flower heads) to promote additional blooming. This plant is toxic to cats.

    • Name: Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
    • Light: Full, partial
    • Soil: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, orange, yellow, purple
  • 14 of 30

    Rose

    Rose bush with bright red flowers in backyard garden

    The Spruce / Candace Madonna

    Aside from the not-yet-fulfilled promise of a true blue bloom, perennial roses (Rosa spp.) come in every color to suit the garden palette. Hybrid tea roses deliver flowers with a perfect form for cutting. But don't overlook easy-to-grow shrub roses, which are just as vibrant. Deadheading will help to promote repeat blooming.

    • Name: Roses (Rosa spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-10 (depends on variety)
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Loamy, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, white
  • 15 of 30

    Fuchsia

    Fuchsia flowers with bright pink and purple petals surrounded by leaves closeup

    The Spruce / Kara Riley

    Every spring, garden centers wow shoppers with lush hanging baskets overflowing with fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.) plants. It's difficult to resist the bright pink, purple, and red flowers of this genus, but many of these annual plants are destined for the compost bin after a couple of months—they often succumb to the high heat of summer. Keep your fuchsias blooming with a partially shady location sheltered from wind, and provide plants with rich soil and regular irrigation.

    • Name: Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
    • Light: Partial sun, shade
    • Soil: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, purple, white, bi-colors
  • 16 of 30

    Coneflower

    Coneflowers with pink colored petals in garden closeup

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    Gone are the days of the washed-out mauve Echinacea plants that attracted butterflies but few compliments. A focus on breeding has given us coneflowers (Echinacea spp.) in bright corals, magentas, and more that wow people and pollinators. Although perennial coneflowers will tolerate drought, the new varieties fare better in loamy soil with regular irrigation.

    • Name: Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
    • Light: Full sun, partial shade
    • Soil: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Pink, purple, yellow, white, orange
    Continue to 17 of 30 below
  • 17 of 30

    Dahlia

    Dahlia flowers with deep pink colored petals in garden

    The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

    Dahlias (Dahlia spp.) are one of the darlings of the cut flower world. And these bright, showy perennial blooms with many petals are not particularly difficult to grow with a little pampering. Dahlias need regular water, lots of sun, and a flower fertilizer throughout the growing season to bloom prolifically. Tall varieties also might need staking to prevent them from flopping. This flower is toxic to both dogs and cats.

    • Name: Dahlia (Dahlia spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, white
  • 18 of 30

    Balloon Flower

    Balloon flower with deep purple colored and star-shaped petals in garden closeup

    The Spruce / Autumn Wood

    Balloon flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus) get their common name because the flower buds look like inflated balloons before they pop into their upward-facing, star-shaped flowers. The perennial has showy blooms stretching 2 to 3 inches across and they appear throughout the summer. Make sure to grow these plants in loose, well-draining soil, as they can easily rot in soil that’s too wet.

    • Name: Balloon flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
    • Light: Full sun, partial shade
    • Soil: Loamy, moist, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Purple-blue
  • 19 of 30

    Virginia Bluebell

    Virginia bluebell flowers with light lavender-colored trumpet-shaped petals in garden closeup

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) are a clump-forming perennial wildflower, growing naturally in woodlands and floodplains. In the spring, they feature clusters of trumpet- or bell-shaped flowers that stretch about an inch long. The flowers start with a pinkish tone before turning their trademark blue. This plant doesn’t require much maintenance besides providing it with at least a little shade. 

    • Name: Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
    • Light: Partial sun, shade
    • Soil: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Blue
  • 20 of 30

    New England Aster

    New England aster flowers with thin pink colored petals clustered in garden

    The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

    New England asters grow naturally in prairies, meadows, and low valleys. They prefer moist but not soggy soil. These perennial plants flower in the late summertime with daisy-like blooms that stretch almost 2 inches across. New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) have a bright pink-purple color with yellow centers. Make sure there is good air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases. 

    • Name: New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Pink-purple
    Continue to 21 of 30 below
  • 21 of 30

    Clematis

    Clematis flower with deep purple colored petals in garden closeup

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    Clematis (Clematis 'Jackmanii') flowers are bright and showy. In particular, the 'Jackmanii' cultivar features flowers that stretch 5 to 7 inches across in a vivid violet color. This perennial plant has a vining growth habit, so provide it with a support structure, such as a trellis. Also, apply a layer of mulch over the roots to keep them cool.

    • Name: Clematis (Clematis 'Jackmanii')
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
    • Light Full, partial
    • Soil: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Purple
  • 22 of 30

    Dianthus

    Dianthus flowers with white and bright pink colored petals in garden closeup

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    Dianthus (Dianthus spp.) flowers traditionally come in shades of pink, but there are other varieties as well. The interesting perennial blooms have petals with jagged edges. The plants begin flowering in the late spring to early summer and persist through most of the summer. Deadhead the spent blooms to prolong the flowering period. All dianthus are toxic to pets.

    • Name: Dianthus (Dianthus spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, purple, white
  • 23 of 30

    Canna Lily

    Canna lily flower with bright orange and yellow petals and blooms in garden

    The Spruce / K. Dave

    Canna lily (Canna × generalis) is a small genus of tropical and subtropical plants with colorful flowers. Depending on the climate, they can be perennial or annual and they bloom in the summertime with flower spikes that rise above the foliage. The spikes should be removed after the flowers are spent. Also, make sure the plant gets consistent moisture but isn’t sitting in waterlogged soil.

    • Name: Canna lily (Canna × generalis)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, orange, yellow, white, bi-colors
  • 24 of 30

    Peony

    Peony flower with deep red petals in garden closeup

    The Spruce / David Beaulieu

    Peonies (Paeonia officinalis) are long-lived perennial plants that resist rabbits and deer but attract pollinators. Their showy, lightly fragrant, cup-shaped flowers bloom in the late spring, stretching roughly 5 inches across. Plants should be cut to the ground after frost in the fall, as they go dormant for winter and regrow in the spring.

    • Name: Peonies (Paeonia officinalis)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
    • Light: Full sun, partial shade
    • Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red, pink, white
    Continue to 25 of 30 below
  • 25 of 30

    Lavender

    Lavender flowers with small purple petals on thin stems in garden

    The Spruce / Pheobe Cheong

    Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is familiar both for its fragrance and its beautiful spikes of purple flowers. The perennial will bloom throughout the summer, and the flowers are commonly harvested and dried for potpourri and sachets. Make sure the plant is in soil that has good drainage, as it is prone to root rot in soggy conditions. Lavender is toxic to pets.

    • Name: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Purple
  • 26 of 30

    Marigold

    Marigold flowers with red and yellow colored petals in garden closeup

    The Spruce / Pheobe Cheong

    Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are low-maintenance annuals that love the sun, coming in a variety of forms. These colorful flowers can bloom almost without ceasing from late spring or early summer until frost in the fall. To perpetuate the blooming, regularly deadhead the spent flower heads. 

    • Name: Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11 (annual)
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Average, moist, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Yellow, orange, red, white
  • 27 of 30

    Daffodil

    Daffodil flowers with yellow and orange colored petals in garden

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    When the daffodils (Narcissus spp.) are popping up, gardeners know spring has arrived. These perennial bulbs produce trumpet- or cup-shaped flowers in an array of bright colors, and they sometimes are fragrant as well. Plant your bulbs 3 to 6 inches deep, and you’ll likely be able to leave them in the ground for years to enjoy blooms each spring. Daffodils are toxic to humans and animals.

    • Name: Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
    • Light: Full sun, partial shade
    • Soil: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Pink, orange, yellow, white, bi-colors
  • 28 of 30

    Sweet Pea

    Sweat pea flowers with bright pink petals in garden in front of house

    The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

    Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) has a climbing or bushy growth habit. This annual blooms in the late spring into summer with clusters of very sweetly fragrant flowers. The main species plant typically has purple flowers, though it comes in many other varieties and even bi-colors. Deadheading will help to lengthen the blooming period. Sweet pea is toxic to humans and pets.

    • Name: Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11 (annual)
    • Light Full sun
    • Soil: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: All colors except yellow
    Continue to 29 of 30 below
  • 29 of 30

    Sunflower

    Large sunflower head with yellow colored petals closeup

    The Spruce / Pheobe Cheong

    Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) capture the brightness of the sunshine in their pretty petals. These annual blooms typically stretch 3 to 6 inches across, though some varieties have much more massive flowers. They flower in the summertime and then drop their seeds for the next season. Be sure to plant sunflowers somewhere that’s protected from strong winds, and stake tall plants as needed.

    • Name: Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11 (annual)
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Average, moist, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Yellow, red, mahogany
  • 30 of 30

    Mexican Sunflower

    Mexican flower with bright orange colored petals in garden closeup

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Mexican sunflowers (Tithonia rotundifolia) are fast-growing annuals that bloom with vivid, showy flowers stretching roughly 3 inches across. They begin flowering in the midsummer and continue into fall, and they make for a good cut flower. These plants are tolerant of poor soil, and in fact, rich soil can produce plants with weak stems and excess foliage. Tall plants might need staking to prevent flopping. 

    • Name: Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11 (annual)
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained
    • Flower Color: Red-orange with yellow center

Learn More

Once you've filled your garden with these beautiful blooms, take a look at other flowering shrubs, trees, and plants that you won't be able to resist!

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. IrisASPCA.

  2. Toxic Plants (By Common Name). University of California.

  3. Moss RoseASPCA.

  4. Ranunculus hybrids. North Carolina State University Extension Office.

  5. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Buttercup. ASPCA.

  6. Coleus. ASPCA.

  7. Tulip Bulb Toxicity. Poison Control.

  8. Tulips and Hyacinths. Pet Poison Helpline.

  9. Papaver orientale. NC State University Cooperative Extension.

  10. Poppy. Pet Poison Helpline.

  11. Lantana. ASPCA.

  12. Day Lilies. ASPCA.

  13. Dahlia. ASPCA Animal Poison Control.

  14. Dianthus deltoides. North Carolina State University Extension Gardeners Plant Toolbox.

  15. Lavender. ASPCA.

  16. Narcissus. North Carolina State University Extension.

  17. Lathyrus odoratus. North Carolina State University Extension.

  18. Sweet Pea. ASPCA.