Starting a flower garden can be daunting, but with the right choices, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Discover 20 easy-to-grow flowers perfect for beginner gardeners, along with tips on planting, care, and maintenance.
Creating a beautiful flower garden can be a delightful and rewarding experience, but it can also seem overwhelming, especially for those new to gardening. However, there are many flowers that are easy to grow and maintain, making them perfect for beginners. In this article, we’ll explore 20 easy-to-grow flowers that will add vibrant colors and lovely fragrances to your garden, while keeping your workload manageable.
1. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are cheerful and iconic annual plants known for their large, bright yellow flowers that resemble the sun. Here’s a short information chart about sunflowers:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Helianthus annuus |
Plant Type | Annual flowering plant |
Zones | 2-11 (varies by variety) |
Exposure | Full sun |
Bloom Time | Summer to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 2-12 feet Spread: 1-3 feet |
Sunflowers are a classic choice for beginner gardeners. They’re easy to grow from seed, and their cheerful, sun-like blooms are hard to miss. Sunflowers come in a range of sizes, from dwarf varieties that grow just a few feet tall to towering giants that can reach over 10 feet in height.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are vibrant and versatile annual flowers known for their bright colors and distinctive scent. Here’s a short information chart about marigolds:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Tagetes spp. |
Plant Type | Annual flowering plant |
Zones | 2-11 (varies by species) |
Exposure | Full sun |
Bloom Time | Spring to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 6 inches to 3 feet Spread: 6-18 inches |
Marigolds are another excellent option for beginners. These bright, cheerful flowers are available in shades of yellow, orange, and red, and they’re known for their ability to repel certain pests. Marigolds are easy to grow from seed and thrive in full sun.
3. Zinnias
Zinnias are colorful and easy-to-grow annual flowers prized for their bright blooms and long-lasting display. Here’s a short information chart about zinnias:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Zinnia elegans |
Plant Type | Annual flowering plant |
Zones | 3-10 (varies by variety) |
Exposure | Full sun |
Bloom Time | Summer to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 6 inches to 4 feet Spread: 6-18 inches |
Zinnias are a favorite among gardeners for their vibrant colors and long blooming season. These low-maintenance flowers come in a wide range of hues, including red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and make excellent cut flowers.
4. Cosmos
Cosmos are charming annual flowers known for their delicate, daisy-like blooms and airy foliage. Here’s a short information chart about cosmos:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Cosmos bipinnatus |
Plant Type | Annual flowering plant |
Zones | 2-11 (varies by variety) |
Exposure | Full sun |
Bloom Time | Summer to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 1-6 feet Spread: 1-3 feet |
Cosmos are beautiful, daisy-like flowers that add a touch of whimsy to any garden. They’re easy to grow from seed, and their airy, ferny foliage provides a lovely backdrop for their blooms. Cosmos come in shades of pink, white, and crimson, making them a versatile choice.
5. Petunias
Petunias are popular annual flowers cherished for their vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms. Here’s a concise information chart about petunias:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Petunia spp. |
Plant Type | Annual flowering plant |
Zones | 9-11 (typically grown as annuals in colder climates) |
Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
Bloom Time | Spring to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 6 inches to 2 feet Spread: 6-18 inches |
Petunias are a classic choice for hanging baskets, window boxes, and garden beds. These low-maintenance flowers come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, purple, and bi-colors. Petunias are easy to grow from seed or transplants, and they bloom prolifically throughout the growing season.
6. Impatiens
Impatiens are popular annual flowering plants known for their bright and colorful blooms. Here’s a concise information chart about impatiens:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Impatiens spp. |
Plant Type | Annual flowering plant |
Zones | 10-11 (typically grown as annuals in colder climates) |
Exposure | Shade to partial shade |
Bloom Time | Spring to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 6 inches to 2 feet Spread: 6-18 inches |
Impatiens are a great choice for shady areas of your garden. These vibrant, shade-loving flowers come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, white, and purple. Impatiens are easy to grow from transplants and require minimal maintenance once established.
7. Calendulas
Calendulas, also known as pot marigolds, are cheerful annual flowering plants admired for their bright and sunny blooms and their versatility in the garden. Here’s a concise information chart about calendulas:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Calendula officinalis |
Plant Type | Annual flowering plant |
Zones | 2-11 (typically grown as annuals in colder climates) |
Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
Bloom Time | Spring to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 1-2 feet Spread: 1-1.5 feet |
Calendulas, also known as pot marigolds, are cheerful, daisy-like flowers that add a burst of color to any garden. They’re easy to grow from seed and are often used in herbal remedies and culinary dishes. Calendulas come in shades of yellow, orange, and apricot.
8. Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are beloved annual climbing plants known for their delicate, fragrant flowers and elegant tendrils. Here’s a concise information chart about sweet peas:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Lathyrus odoratus |
Plant Type | Annual flowering vine |
Zones | 2-11 (typically grown as annuals in colder climates) |
Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
Bloom Time | Spring to early summer |
Height/Spread | Height: 6-8 feet Spread: 6-12 inches |
Sweet peas are not only beautiful but also fragrant. These climbing plants produce clusters of delicate, ruffled blooms in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white. Sweet peas are easy to grow from seed and make excellent cut flowers.
9. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are vibrant annual flowering plants appreciated for their colorful flowers, edible leaves, and trailing or bushy growth habits. Here’s a concise information chart about nasturtiums:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Tropaeolum majus |
Plant Type | Annual flowering plant |
Zones | 2-11 (typically grown as annuals in colder climates) |
Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
Bloom Time | Late spring to fall |
Nasturtiums are unique, edible flowers that add a peppery flavor to salads and dishes. They’re easy to grow from seed and come in a range of vibrant colors, including red, yellow, and orange. Nasturtiums are low-maintenance and thrive in full sun.
10. Snapdragons
Snapdragons are classic annual flowering plants admired for their colorful, uniquely shaped blooms and their ability to add vertical interest to garden beds and containers. Here’s a concise information chart about snapdragons:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Antirrhinum majus |
Plant Type | Annual flowering plant |
Zones | 7-10 (typically grown as annuals) |
Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
Bloom Time | Spring to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 6 inches to 3 feet Spread: 6-18 inches |
Snapdragons are a fun and whimsical addition to any garden. These tall, spiky flowers are easy to grow from seed or transplants and come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, pink, and white. Snapdragons are known for their unique, “dragon-like” blooms that children love.
11. Pansies
Pansies are delightful annual flowering plants admired for their cheerful “faces” and wide range of vibrant colors. Here’s a concise information chart about pansies:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Viola × wittrockiana |
Plant Type | Annual flowering plant |
Zones | 4-8 (typically grown as annuals) |
Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
Bloom Time | Spring to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 6-10 inches Spread: 6-9 inches |
Pansies are a great choice for cool-weather gardening. These cheerful, colorful flowers are easy to grow from transplants and come in a wide range of hues, including purple, yellow, white, and bi-colors. Pansies are perfect for adding color to your garden in early spring or late fall.
12. Dianthus
Dianthus, commonly known as “pinks” or “carnations,” are beloved perennial flowering plants admired for their fragrant blooms and compact growth habits. Here’s a concise information chart about dianthus:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Dianthus spp. |
Plant Type | Perennial flowering plant |
Zones | 3-9 (varies by species and cultivar) |
Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
Bloom Time | Spring to summer |
Height/Spread | Height: 6 inches to 2 feet Spread: 6-12 inches |
Dianthus, also known as pinks, are low-growing, fragrant flowers that add a delicate touch to any garden. They’re easy to grow from seed or transplants and come in shades of pink, white, and red. Dianthus are hardy and low-maintenance, making them a great choice for beginners.
13. California Poppies
California poppies, scientifically known as Eschscholzia californica, are iconic wildflowers native to California and the western United States. Here’s a concise information chart about California poppies:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Eschscholzia californica |
Plant Type | Annual flowering plant |
Zones | 6-11 (typically grown as annuals) |
Exposure | Full sun |
Bloom Time | Spring to early summer |
Height/Spread | Height: 12-18 inches Spread: 6-12 inches |
alifornia poppies are a true example of effortless beauty. These vibrant orange flowers are easy to grow from seed and thrive in full sun. California poppies are drought-tolerant and make a lovely addition to wildflower gardens or rock gardens.
14. Morning Glories
Morning glories, scientifically known as Ipomoea spp., are fast-growing annual or perennial vines appreciated for their stunning, trumpet-shaped flowers and heart-shaped leaves. Here’s a concise information chart about morning glories:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Ipomoea spp. |
Plant Type | Annual or perennial flowering vine |
Zones | 3-11 (varies by species and cultivar) |
Exposure | Full sun |
Bloom Time | Summer to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 6-10 feet (varies by species) Spread: 2-3 feet |
Morning glories are fast-growing, climbing vines that produce beautiful, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of blue, purple, and pink. They’re easy to grow from seed and can add a touch of vertical interest to your garden.
15. Moss Roses
Moss roses, also known as portulacas or purslanes, are colorful annual flowering plants admired for their vibrant blooms and succulent foliage. Here’s a concise information chart about moss roses:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Portulaca grandiflora |
Plant Type | Annual flowering plant |
Zones | 2-11 (typically grown as annuals) |
Exposure | Full sun |
Bloom Time | Summer to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 6-12 inches Spread: 6-18 inches |
Moss roses, or portulaca, are succulent-like plants that produce vibrant, rose-like blooms in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, and white. They’re easy to grow from seed and thrive in hot, dry conditions, making them a great choice for xeriscape gardens.
16. Celosia
Celosia, commonly known as cockscomb or woolflowers, are vibrant annual flowering plants admired for their unique and flamboyant blooms. Here’s a concise information chart about celosia:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Celosia spp. |
Plant Type | Annual flowering plant |
Zones | 2-11 (typically grown as annuals) |
Exposure | Full sun |
Bloom Time | Summer to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 6 inches to 3 feet Spread: 6-18 inches |
Celosia, or woolflowers, are unique, feathery blooms that add texture and visual interest to any garden. They’re easy to grow from seed and come in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Celosia is a great choice for adding height and drama to your flower beds.
17. Nicotiana
Nicotiana, commonly known as flowering tobacco or ornamental tobacco, are versatile annual or perennial flowering plants appreciated for their fragrant blooms and attractive foliage. Here’s a concise information chart about Nicotiana:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Nicotiana spp. |
Plant Type | Annual or perennial flowering plant |
Zones | 2-11 (varies by species and cultivar) |
Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
Bloom Time | Summer to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 1-5 feet Spread: 1-3 feet |
Nicotiana, or flowering tobacco, is a fragrant, evening-blooming flower that adds a touch of magic to your garden. These easy-to-grow plants produce clusters of tubular blooms in shades of white, pink, and purple. Nicotiana is perfect for attracting pollinators like moths and hummingbirds.
18. Gaillardia
Gaillardia, commonly known as blanket flower, is a colorful and resilient perennial flowering plant appreciated for its vibrant blooms and tolerance to various growing conditions. Here’s a concise information chart about gaillardia:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Gaillardia spp. |
Plant Type | Perennial flowering plant |
Zones | 3-10 (varies by species and cultivar) |
Exposure | Full sun |
Bloom Time | Spring to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 1-3 feet Spread: 1-2 feet |
Gaillardia, also known as blanket flowers, are hardy, drought-tolerant plants that produce vibrant, daisy-like blooms in shades of red, yellow, and orange. They’re easy to grow from seed and thrive in full sun, making them a great choice for low-maintenance gardens.
19. Cleome or Spider Flowers
Cleome, also known as spider flowers or spider plants, are striking annual flowering plants appreciated for their unique and showy blooms. Here’s a concise information chart about cleome:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Cleome hassleriana |
Plant Type | Annual flowering plant |
Zones | 2-11 (typically grown as annuals) |
Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
Bloom Time | Late spring to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 3-5 feet Spread: 1-2 feet |
Cleome, or spider flowers, are tall, unique plants that add a touch of whimsy to your garden. They’re easy to grow from seed and produce clusters of delicate, spidery blooms in shades of pink, white, and purple. Cleome is a great choice for adding height and interest to your flower beds.
20. Alyssum
Alyssum, also known as sweet alyssum, is a delicate and fragrant annual flowering plant cherished for its tiny blooms and spreading growth habit. Here’s a concise information chart about alyssum:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Lobularia maritima |
Plant Type | Annual flowering plant |
Zones | 3-11 (typically grown as annuals) |
Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
Bloom Time | Spring to fall |
Height/Spread | Height: 4-12 inches Spread: 6-12 inches |
Alyssum is a low-growing, spreading plant that produces clusters of tiny, fragrant blooms in shades of white, purple, and pink. It’s easy to grow from seed or transplants and makes an excellent ground cover or edging plant. Alyssum is a great choice for adding a touch of sweetness to your garden.
Starting a flower garden can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, and with these 20 easy-to-grow flowers, you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and low-maintenance garden. Remember to choose varieties that suit your climate and growing conditions, and don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your floral choices.
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