When it comes to colorful flowers and foliage, not all plants are equal. There are over 400,000 kinds of flowers in the world that make a huge range of colors and textures, creating endless options to add color to your landscape and bouquets of cut flowers for your table. 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, red flowers, or petals bursting with purple, pink, blue, and yellow hues. Remember that annuals grow faster than perennials, which last longer. Find some noteworthy colorful flowers to inspire you below.
Warning
Some of the following flowers may be toxic to humans or animals. Toxic plants can cause symptoms such as rashes, swelling, and itching.
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Bearded Iris
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
- Mature Size: 2-4 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide
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Blanket Flower
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.
- 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
- Mature Size: 1-3 ft tall, 1-2 ft. wide
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Zinnia
Zinnias (Zinnia elegans) provide easy summer color from June 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
- Mature Size: 1-4 ft. high, 6-18 in. wide
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Moss Rose
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
- Mature Size: 8 in. high, 1 ft. wide
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Hibiscus
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
- Mature Size: 3-7 ft. tall, 2-5 ft. wide
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Persian Buttercup
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
- Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall and wide
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Strawflower
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, bouquets, 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
- Mature Size: 24-26 in. tall, 6-18 in. wide
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Coleus
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
- Mature Size: 6-42 in. tall, 1-3 ft. wide
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Tulip
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
- Mature Size: 9-24 in. high, 6-9 in. wide
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Oriental Poppy
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
- Mature Size: 12-36 in. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
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Coral Bells
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
- Mature Size: 6-16 in. tall, 1-3 ft. wide
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Lantana
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
- Mature Size: 2-6 ft. tall, 3-10 ft. wide
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Daylily
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
- Mature Size: 12-36 in. tall and wide
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Rose
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
- Mature Size: 2-15 ft. tall and wide
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Fuchsia
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
- Mature Size: 12-36 in. tall, 12-60 in. wide
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Coneflower
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
- Mature Size: 2-5 ft. tall, 18-24 in. wide
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Dahlia
Dahlias (Dahlia spp.) are the darlings of the cut flower and bouquet 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
- Mature Size: 15-72 in. tall, 2-10 in. wide
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Balloon Flower
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
- Mature Size: 12-18 in. tall and wide
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Virginia Bluebell
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
- Mature Size: 18-24 in. tall and wide
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New England Aster
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
- Mature Size: 3-6 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide
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Clematis
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. All clematis are toxic to humans and pets.
- Name: Clematis (Clematis 'Jackmanii')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Light Full, partial
- Soil: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained
- Flower Color: Purple
- Mature Size: 15-30 ft. tall, 10-15 ft. wide
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Dianthus
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
- Mature Size: 4-36 in. tall, 4-24 in. wide
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Canna Lily
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
- Mature Size: 18-96 in. tall, 18-72 in. wide
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Peony
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. Peonies are toxic to pets.
- Name: Peonies (Paeonia officinalis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
- Light: Full sun, partial shade
- Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
- Flower Color: Red, pink, white
- Mature Size: 3-4 ft. tall, 3-5 ft. wide
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Lavender
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
- Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall and wide
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Marigold
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
- Mature Size: 1-4 ft. tall, 6-12 in. wide
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Daffodil
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
- Mature Size: 6-30 in. tall, 6-12 in. wide
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Sweet Pea
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
- Mature Size: 4-6 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
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Sunflower
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
- Mature Size: 3-10 ft. tall, 18-36 in. wide
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Mexican Sunflower
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 for bouquets. 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
- Mature Size: 3-8 ft. tall, 24-26 in. wide
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Hydrangea
Versatile hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) come in a range of colors, from pretty pastels to bold hues, but all boast fluffy clusters of flowers. These perennial shrubs bloom from the summer to the fall and are speedy growers—gaining around two feet per year. They thrive in full or partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water them regularly to keep the soil moist in hot weather—and snip some of their stems for a summer table centerpiece. Hydrangeas are toxic to animals.
- Name: Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Light: Full sun, partial sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Flower Color: Pink, blue, purple, red, green, white
- Mature Size: 2-20 ft. tall, 2-6 ft. wide
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Hyacinth
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) flowers are known for their strong fragrance that wafts through gardens come springtime. The perennial bulbs yield plants with multiple, small star-shaped flowers. They grow best when planted in the fall in large groups—since the plants can support one another (otherwise, they can flop)—and come in a slew of bright, cheery colors. Hyacinth bulbs are toxic to humans and pets.
- Name: Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Light: Full sun, partial sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Flower Color: White, blue, purple, pink, red
- Mature Size: 1/2-1 ft. tall, 3-6 in. wide
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Butterfly Weed
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is simple to care for—since it is a native wildflower in many areas—and these perennials are also known to attract helpful insects to a garden. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds gravitate toward the flower, with its pollen- and nectar-rich blossoms. If your butterfly weed doesn’t bloom in the first year, that is entirely normal. Some plants will flower for the first time after three years, but the bright blooms will be worth the wait. Butterfly weed can be mildly toxic to humans and animals.
- Name: Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Dry, well-drained
- Flower Color: Orange, yellow
- Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall, 12-18 in. wide
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Pansy
Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) are known for their bi-colored, overlapping petals in contrasting colors like purple and yellow. The flowers, which grow fast and like well-drained, acidic soil, are short-season perennials but usually are grown as annuals. Pansies fare pretty well in the cold but struggle with intense heat. They do like the sun, though, they’ll be happiest in partial shade.
- Name: Pansy (viola x wittrockiana)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-11
- Light: Full sun, partial sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Flower Color: White, yellow, purple, blue, red, pink
- Mature Size: 4-8 in. tall, 4-6 in. wide
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Nasturium
Richly colored Nasturium (Tropaeolum spp.) comes in many shapes and sizes, so you will likely find a variety to suit your needs. They need very little care to thrive and are either perennial or annual, depending on the variety. They’re great for filling in gaps and adding interest to a garden’s edges, spilling over with blooms, and settling into spaces nicely. What’s more: The flowers are edible.
- Name: Nasturium (Tropaeolum spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Flower Color: Red, orange, pink, yellow, white
- Mature Size: 1-10 ft. tall, 1-3 ft. wide
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.