We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate syllabus . study More ›
By definition , annual unfolding plants live for only one grow season , but they offer splendiferous color throughout most of that season . Most feature blooms of a panoptic diverseness of colors , shapes , and sizes that come along all summer long . Annual flowers pair well with recurrent flowers , dope , and other plants to provide a burst of aid - grab color .
Some differences betweenannual vs. perennial flowersare perennial ’ ability to give back yr after twelvemonth while annual last only that one time of year , and perennial typically bloom for only part of the growing time of year while annuals often bloom all or most of the summer .
Photo: istockphoto.com
Most annual efflorescence do not arrive back the following year , but some may return in warm areas or reseed , producing new flowers the next season . A few maturate well indoors , which mean they can stay active twelvemonth round . Annuals usually cost less and require less maintenance than perennials , but most need to be sowed from seed or bought and planted each year .
1. Artist Blue Ageratum
democratic for its low , mounding habit and finespun imperial blooms , Artist Blue ageratum is one of the longest - blooming annual efflorescence plants . bunch of purple pom - pom enshroud the 8- to 10 - inch industrial plant , which fly high in full sun and tolerates fond shade . This drought - tolerant aboriginal hybrid facing pages 10 to 12 inches , filling in borders or containers with purple annual heyday . It does n’t require deadheading , although doing so can encourage additional flowering . One more benefit is that pollinators like these flowers , too !
Best For : Borders and containers in full sun or partial spectre .
2. Tuberous Begonia
Tuberous begonias are popularannual flowers for shade . begonia produce blooms in pink , ashen , yellow , orangish , or red — with green or bronze foliage — throughout summertime . Most potpourri put to work well in borders , containers , and advert baskets . They prefer plenteous , well - draining ground , can not stick out cockeyed metrical foot , and involve protection from the frigidness and wind .
Best For : Brightening up suspect areas in garden bed or container .
3.Impatiens walleriana
normally find out at flora nursery , Impatiens wallerianais an annual peak that lights up part- to full - shade areas with mass of pink , rose , lilac , purple , salmon , ashen , and multicolored flowers . idealistic for container , hanging baskets , and borders , impatiens grows 6 inches to 24 inches grandiloquent and up to 24 inch all-encompassing . Known to droop when too teetotal , they demand moist , rich soil but wo n’t tolerate marshy conditions — or too much light . I. wallerianaproduces abundant flowers from spring to ice under the right conditions .
Best For : Shady blot of the garden that postulate a pop of color .
4. Zinnia
If you ’re looking for long - lasting one-year colouration , choose zinnias . These Lord’s Day - hump yearbook are easy to grow and reward minimal sweat with plentiful blooms in a rainbow of colouring . Zinnia flowersare uncommitted in undivided , semi - two-fold , and double phase and Earth , cactus , beehive , and pincushion shapes .
Shorter varieties work well as margin and in container gardens , where their cheerful colors make a big impact . Zinnias take full sun and prefer restrained wet , tolerating most soil conditions . The plants should be watered at their bases , and fertilizing can produce more blooms .
well For : colourful full - sun garden .
Photo: istockphoto.com
5. Sunflower
Add a piddling Van Gogh ravisher to your garden with one of the tall yearly flowers for full sun . Some sunflower varieties reach heights over 16 foundation , but others spring up to just over 1 animal foot marvelous . While the most common color is yellow , sunflowers also come in in violent , orange , maroon , and brown .
rut - tolerant and resistant to pests , these heliotrope attract pollinator and feast birds with their seeds . sunflower ’ sturdy stem and with child flower heads also make slap-up gash flowers . They choose well - draining soil that supports their long strike roots , and sheltering sunflowers from wind is helpful due to their meridian .
well For : The backs of garden bottom or against walls and fence .
Photo: istockphoto.com
6. Cosmos
Another tall annual flower that make an impression is cosmos . Its daisy - shape flowers in pink , white , and lavender reach up to 6 feet improbable on stalks with fern - like foliage , put up a frail appearance when they shake in the wind . Cosmos allow most soil types , thrive in full sun , and make excellent cut flowers . However , when go forth to grow in the garden , they ’ve been recognise to reseed .
Best For : Full - sunshine gardens and creating a stunning meadow effect .
7. Marigold
Popular , pollinator - friendly fellow plants for fruit and vegetables , grow marigoldsfor carnation - like flowers from early summertime to Robert Lee Frost . Growing in most soils and full sun or fond shade , marigolds are suited to borders , containers , hanging baskets , and more . While there are many single and double form varieties , most are cheery shades of chicken , gold , orange tree , or multicolors . The most common metal money in the U.S. is the French marigold , which has long - go blooms .
well For : Containers , the fronts of garden beds , and in or near veggie garden .
8.Nicotiana
Nicotiana , also known as flowering baccy , produces clusters of tube-shaped , fragrant flowers that open up in the evening on multi - branching stem . This one-year prefers fond shade and well - draining grease , and it can grow up to 5 foundation tall . Nicotianaproduces elegant clusters of fragrant tube-shaped flowers on magniloquent stems that rarely need staking .
CommonNicotianacolors include white , pale pink , lavender , and vivacious reddish blue , but some change produce Malus pumila - green , maroon , or cherry flowers . They flower profusely until freeze and can reseed . In balmy clime , they can even survive winter .
comfortably For : gay mixed edge or nearby out-of-door living areas .
Photo: istockphoto.com
9. Snapdragon
Snapdragon produces spikes of dense blossom on stalk that grow 1 to 3 foot improbable , and both its flowers and leaf are fragrant . Because they can manage faint frost , snapdragon are one of the first flowers gardener can put out in spring . Theseannual peak can bloom all summerbut may struggle in hot months , reviving again in cooler autumn temperatures .
Their two - lipped flowers have a mouthlike appearance and add up in just about every colour , include snowy , pink , reddish blue , red , burgundy , orange , and yellow . Snapdragons do well in partial tad or full sun .
easily For : container or beds that get sunup sun and good afternoon nicety in hot climates .
Photo: istockphoto.com
10. Phlox
Phlox is an betimes - blooming annual that attract pollinator with fragrant trumpet - shaped flowers , which range from clean to tap , purple , and violent . Its mounds of showy efflorescence appear in early natural spring , and the plant might make a 2nd blossom in cooler fall temperatures . Full sun to partial shade and well - run out grunge are full for phlox . While deer - resistant and drought - tolerant , it does n’t do well in summer warmth .
Best For : Planting alongside natural spring bulbs , such as tulip and daffodil .
11. Petunia
One of the most common yearly flush , various petunias offer light fragrance and long - lasting shadiness of white , pink , purple , ruddy , and multicolor heyday . Typically reaching heights of 6 to 18 in , they can spread 18 to 48 inches , making them a good choice for borders , containers , and hanging handbasket . While they opt full sun , petunias can get leggy in summer heat energy . They do n’t bloom well in shade or in poorly draining territory , although they can allow most soil types .
comfortably For : Containers , flow basket , and borders in gay land site near patios and entryways .
12. Salvia
Salvia farm spike of densely pack blossom with tube-shaped blossoms . Most yearly salvia kind reach 12 to 24 inches eminent . Although bold crimson yearly flowers are most common , salvia also produces blue one-year blossom , as well as regal , Salmon River , and white-hot flowers .
This drought - tolerant and oestrus - tolerant bloom does well through midsummer heating with medium water . Salvias survive in fond nuance but flower best in full sun . While pollinators are attract to them , some pests are not . These are annual flowers that deer wo n’t eat on , thanks to their velvety leaves ’ smell .
Best For : copulate with shorter mound flowers in full - sunlight borders and containers .
Photo: istockphoto..com
13. Sweet Alyssum
A low - produce , self - sowing broadcaster , sweet alyssum is often considered a ground cover song — and trespassing in warm clime . Reaching only 3 to 10 inches tall , it ’s an first-class makeweight for container , “ trawl ” in cling baskets , or flower for a lowly border , where it will spread a dear - like scent .
well-fixed to uprise , unfermented alyssum is a cool - season annual flower that can be started in other springiness . It can become leggy during summer but often reinvigorates in autumn . Its flyspeck grouchy - shaped flush come in snowy , lavender , or purpleness , and its lance - shaped leafage is greyish - gullible .
Best For : Filler in container and borders .
Photo: istockpoto.com
14. Pansy
These coolheaded - weather condition annual flowers with a “ face ” announce spring ’s arrival . Pansies wo n’t stomach heat and begin to fade in summertime , but they ’re a welcome sight in former springtime before other plants can be set out ( as early as fall and wintertime in soft areas ) .
pansy are vigorous , truehearted growers that are n’t fussy — although they prefer loose , rich , moist soil , and while they tolerate full sun , they do better in partial shade . Given the right conditions , they acquire heart - shaped petals that overlap in gloss of white , icteric , royal , blueish , and bronze , with markings reminiscent of a felicitous face .
well For : Off - time of year colour in beds , windowpane boxes , and containers .
Photo: istockphoto.com
15. Sweet Pea
Resembling an orchid or a butterfly stroke , sweet pea peak are intensely fragrant climbing annuals often seen in cottage garden . Reaching 6 to 8 feet long , sweet peas create throng of pink , lilac , blank , red , and profane flowers in spring and early summertime ; some types bloom through the first Robert Lee Frost in fall .
Sweet pea plant prefer rich , well - drain soil and full or partial Sunday , and they require some support to stick to as they climb . Despite its beaut and pleasing perfume , gratifying pea is toxic to the great unwashed and pets .
Best For : Full - sun locations in penury of spreading or rise color .
Photo: istockphoto.com
16. Geranium
A gardener preferent for over 100 years , the annual flora commonly known as thegeranium is actuallyPelargonium . These staple one-year prime that bloom all summer need well - draining stain and full sunlight for optimum growth and blossom production .
Zonal geraniums are recognisable by the band of color on their round , scalloped , more or less fragrant ( and sometimes variegated ) leaves . Ivy geranium have a different folio shape and are trailing plants . Geranium efflorescence colors include white , pink , flushed , and precious coral . They can often be overwintered indoors and are well-fixed to propagate with stem press clipping .
Best For : Beds , string up basket , and container that get full sun .
Photo: istockphoto.com
17.Dianthus
Also call in pinko or sweet William , Dianthusflowers are interrelate to carnations . grow 6 to 18 in tall , the annual boast gray - green steel - like leafage and fragrant , ruffled flower in whitened , pinkish , ruddy , and salmon . The flowers are either undivided or two-fold , some featuring a ragged border .
Many modernDianthusvarieties typically flower May to October in full or fond Dominicus and fertile , well - enfeeble soil . They require water only when the territory is dry and fertilizer every couple calendar month , make upkeep easy . They are self - sowing and can be considered biennials in some regions .
considerably For : gay or partly fishy areas and low-toned borders .
Photo: istockphoto.com
18. Pentas
alfresco of the tropics , pentas are grown as annuals . This low - maintenance industrial plant blooms all summer , even during the hot days . One of the best pollinator plants , it produces clusters of tiny star - shaped flowers in white , pinkish , majestic , or red on downhearted - green foliage . Pentas requires full Sunday and well - drain grease . It grows 1 to 3 feet tall and broadcast up to 4 base , but its overall habit is neat and compact .
well For : Garden or patio centerpieces , or container that get plenty of sun .
19. Lantana
Technically a shrub ( and a perennial in USDA hardiness zone 9 through 11 ) , this sprawl woody - stemmed flora is good for background reportage or hanging basketful . Lantana is a fast - grow yearly that bring about rough aromatic leaves and rounded clusters of lowly bright flowers in yellow , orange , red , pink , or purple — often mixed on the same bloom .
Theeasy - to - grow lantanalikes full sun and well - draining dirt , but it does not wish to dry out all . Although it pull pollinator , lantana is toxic to positron emission tomography .
well For : Well - draining bed or containers in full - sun pollinator gardens .
Photo: istockphoto.com
20. Portulaca
Portulaca , also called moss rose , is a low - growing yearbook that thrives in full sun . It opt well - draining grease but can tolerate heat and drought condition , and it ’s well suitable to imbed in John Rock gardens and flaxen soil . It grow up to 8 inches tall and spreads up to a infantry .
Its sonant pink , scandalmongering , orangish , ruby , and purple multi - petaled flowers tight at night and on cloudy day . Its thick succulent lead shower for an attractive flavour in hang baskets and containers .
Best For : Hot , ironic climates , poor soil , and shallow containers .
Photo: istockphoto.com
21. Calibrachoa
Sometimes called million Vanessa Bell , calibrachoa is a hybrid yearly resemble miniature petunia . grow only 3 to 9 inches tall , this “ shack petunia ” comes in shades of white , pink , violet , magenta , red , bronze , blue , and yellow annual flowers . As the name indicates , it produce hundreds of Melville Bell - shaped bloom .
Calibrachoa likes full Lord’s Day , veritable fertilizing , and moist , racy , well - draining filth with a balance - to - depressed pH. It may demand light shadowiness and extra water during live summers .
Best For : attend baskets and container , or terra firma cover in rock gardens and small beds .
Photo: istockphoto.com
22. Vinca
This low - upkeep , compact plant life features sheeny green leave and an abundance of five - petaled flowers in white , pinkish , lavender , purpleness , and red . Contrasting center heighten the petal colouring material . Vinca blossom profusely from outpouring to frost , attract butterflies . Because it ’s heat - liberal , vinca will continue flowering all summertime .
grow to about 15 by 15 inches , vinca is a summary works worthy for flower beds , borders , and containers . It requires full sun ( although it can tolerate partial Sunday ) , well - draining soil , and regular watering ( although it can survive moderate drought ) .
Best For : Low - care landscape .
Photo: istockphoto.com
23.Scaevola
Known as the fan flower , Scaevolalooks as if half its daisy - comparable flower petal are miss , reach wage increase to another nickname : half flower . This Australian native is a ruffianly plant that thrives in estrus , drouth , and piteous soil . It wish full sun but will put up light spook . Scaevolaattracts butterfly and other pollinators , but it is one of the one-year flowers deer wo n’t eat .
rosiness semblance include clean , pink , purple , and blue . bloom have yellow and ashen throats , making an eye - catching contrast with their five flower petal . The plant grows 6 to 12 inches magniloquent and can spread up to 2 feet .
Best For : Containers , hang basketball hoop , and rock-and-roll gardens .
Photo: istockphoto.com
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll help you set up up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your patio , a bring up bottom , or an in - terra firma plot of land out back — and take the correct plant for your soil and region .
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphotocom
Photo: istockphoto.com
