Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season, offering vibrant color and versatility in gardens. They’re ideal for filling gaps, creating borders, or adding seasonal flair to containers. Their quick growth and long bloom periods make them a favorite for instant impact.
These plants thrive in various conditions, from full sun to partial shade, depending on the variety. They’re often low-maintenance, requiring regular watering and occasional feeding to sustain their vigorous growth. Deadheading spent blooms can extend their display through the season.
Gardeners love annuals for their adaptability to different design styles, from formal beds to wild cottage gardens. They can be sown directly or started indoors for earlier blooms. Their temporary nature allows for fresh designs each year, keeping landscapes dynamic.
Popular for beginners and experts alike, annuals are budget-friendly and widely available at nurseries. They’re perfect for experimenting with color palettes and layouts. With proper care, they deliver consistent beauty until the first frost.
Annual Flowers
Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias offer daisy-like flowers in bright shades—pink, red, yellow, orange, white—from summer to frost. Growing 1–3 feet tall, they’re perfect for borders, containers, or cutting gardens, attracting butterflies. Zones 2–11, they thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, needing deadheading for continuous blooms.
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
With feathery foliage and pink, white, or red saucer-shaped flowers, cosmos bloom from midsummer to fall. Reaching 2–6 feet tall, they suit cottage gardens or wildflower mixes. Zones 2–11, they prefer full sun and average soil, tolerating drought and self-seeding for naturalized looks.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers produce iconic yellow blooms, 3–12 inches wide, from summer to early fall. Dwarf varieties (1–3 feet) fit containers; giants reach 10 feet. Ideal for back borders or kids’ gardens, they attract birds. Zones 2–11, they need full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in heat.
Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds display orange, yellow, or red pom-poms from late spring to frost, growing 6 inches–3 feet tall. Great for edging, pots, or pest-repelling companion planting, they’re low-maintenance. Zones 2–11, they love full sun and tolerate poor soil, needing occasional deadheading.
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Nasturtiums bear edible, spicy orange, yellow, or red flowers from summer to fall, with round leaves. Growing 1–2 feet tall or trailing, they’re ideal for borders or hanging baskets. Zones 2–11, they prefer full sun to part shade and well-drained, slightly poor soil.
Petunia (Petunia hybrida)
Petunias offer trumpet-shaped flowers in every color, blooming spring to frost. Growing 6–18 inches tall, they shine in beds, containers, or baskets, with spreading types covering ground. Zones 9–11, they need full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, benefiting from regular deadheading.
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
With tiny, fragrant white, pink, or purple flower clusters from spring to fall, alyssum grows 4–8 inches tall. Perfect for edging or rock gardens, it attracts pollinators. Zones 5–9, it thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, tolerating light frost.
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons produce spikes of pink, white, yellow, or red flowers from spring to fall, growing 1–3 feet tall. Ideal for borders or cut flowers, they attract bees. Zones 7–11, they prefer full sun to part shade and rich, well-drained soil, needing pinching for bushiness.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Known as pot marigold, calendula has yellow or orange daisy-like blooms from spring to frost. Growing 1–2 feet tall, it suits herb gardens or borders, with edible petals. Zones 2–11, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating cool weather and poor conditions.
Salvia (Salvia splendens)
Salvia’s vibrant red, purple, or white flower spikes bloom summer to frost, growing 1–3 feet tall. Great for beds or containers, it attracts hummingbirds. Zones 10–11, it needs full sun and well-drained soil, with regular watering to maintain its vivid display.
Cleome (Cleome hassleriana)
Spider flowers bear pink, white, or purple clusters from summer to frost, reaching 3–5 feet tall. Ideal for back borders or cottage gardens, they self-seed readily. Zones 2–11, they thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat and drought with minimal care.
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana’s multicolored flower clusters—yellow, orange, pink—bloom spring to frost, growing 1–3 feet tall. Perfect for containers or butterfly gardens, it’s heat-tolerant. Zones 8–11, it needs full sun and well-drained soil, with pruning to control spread in warm climates.
Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora)
Also called moss rose, portulaca offers rose-like flowers in bright colors from summer to frost, growing 4–8 inches tall. Suited for rock gardens or groundcovers, it’s drought-tolerant. Zones 2–11, it loves full sun and sandy, well-drained soil, thriving in hot conditions.
Tithonia (Tithonia rotundifolia)
Mexican sunflower produces orange-red or yellow daisy-like blooms from midsummer to frost, growing 4–6 feet tall. Great for back borders or pollinator gardens, it attracts butterflies. Zones 2–11, it needs full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat and poor soil.
Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)
Impatiens bloom in pink, red, white, or orange from spring to frost, growing 6–24 inches tall. Ideal for shady beds or containers, they add color to low-light areas. Zones 10–11, they prefer part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil, needing consistent watering.
Begonia (Begonia semperflorens)
Wax begonias offer white, pink, or red flowers with glossy leaves, blooming spring to frost. Growing 6–18 inches tall, they suit borders or pots in shade. Zones 9–11, they thrive in part shade and rich, moist soil, requiring protection from intense sun.
Geranium (Pelargonium hortorum)
Zonal geraniums display red, pink, or white flower clusters from spring to frost, growing 1–2 feet tall. Perfect for containers or bedding, they’re heat-tolerant. Zones 9–11, they need full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, with deadheading to prolong blooms.
Amaranthus (Amaranthus caudatus)
Love-lies-bleeding has cascading red, green, or purple flower tassels from summer to fall, growing 2–4 feet tall. Striking in borders or containers, it adds drama. Zones 2–11, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat and moderate drought.
Celosia (Celosia argentea)
Cockscomb or feather flowers bear vibrant red, yellow, or pink heads from summer to frost, growing 6 inches–3 feet tall. Ideal for beds or pots, they’re eye-catching. Zones 2–11, they need full sun and well-drained soil, with regular watering for best color.
Pansy (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)
Pansies offer multicolored flowers—yellow, blue, purple—from spring to early summer or fall in cooler climates, growing 6–9 inches tall. Great for edging or containers, they’re cold-tolerant. Zones 6–10, they prefer full sun to part shade and rich, moist soil.
Flowering Tobacco (Nicotiana alata)
With star-shaped, fragrant flowers in white, pink, or red, blooming from summer to frost, this annual grows 1–3 feet tall. Ideal for evening gardens or borders, it attracts hummingbirds. Zones 2–11, it thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, preferring consistent moisture.
Stock (Matthiola incana)
Stock produces dense spikes of fragrant pink, white, or purple flowers from spring to summer, growing 1–3 feet tall. Perfect for cut flowers or cottage gardens, it adds charm. Zones 2–10, it prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil, tolerating cool weather best.
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Known as bachelor’s buttons, cornflowers offer blue, pink, or white blooms from late spring to summer, growing 1–3 feet tall. Great for wildflower mixes or borders, they attract bees. Zones 2–11, they need full sun and average soil, with deadheading to extend flowering.
Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella damascena)
This annual bears delicate blue, white, or pink flowers surrounded by feathery foliage, blooming early to midsummer, growing 1–2 feet tall. Suited for cottage gardens, it self-seeds. Zones 2–11, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in cooler conditions.
Mexican Zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia)
With small, orange, yellow, or white daisy-like flowers from summer to frost, this compact zinnia grows 6–18 inches tall. Ideal for edging or containers, it’s drought-tolerant. Zones 2–11, it loves full sun and well-drained soil, needing minimal care and resisting pests.
Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Sweet peas produce fragrant, butterfly-like flowers in pink, purple, or white from spring to early summer, climbing 3–6 feet. Perfect for trellises or cut flowers, they’re romantic. Zones 2–11, they prefer full sun to part shade and rich, moist soil, needing cool temperatures.
Dianthus (Dianthus chinensis)
China pinks offer fringed pink, red, or white flowers from late spring to summer, growing 6–12 inches tall. Great for borders or rock gardens, they’re lightly fragrant. Zones 6–9, they thrive in full sun and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil, with deadheading for reblooming.
Strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum)
With papery, yellow, pink, or red blooms from summer to frost, strawflowers grow 1–3 feet tall. Ideal for dried arrangements or sunny beds, they’re heat-tolerant. Zones 8–11, they need full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and poor conditions.
Gazania (Gazania rigens)
Gazanias display daisy-like orange, yellow, or pink flowers that close at night, blooming summer to frost, growing 6–12 inches tall. Suited for groundcovers or containers, they’re vibrant. Zones 8–11, they love full sun and sandy, well-drained soil, thriving in heat.
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
With silky orange, yellow, or pink cups from spring to summer, this poppy grows 6–18 inches tall. Perfect for wildflower gardens or slopes, it self-seeds freely. Zones 6–11, it needs full sun and well-drained, even poor soil, tolerating drought and neglect.
Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum)
Ageratum’s fluffy blue, pink, or white flower heads bloom from summer to frost, growing 6–24 inches tall. Great for edging or bedding, it attracts butterflies. Zones 2–11, it prefers full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil, needing regular watering.
Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
With pink, white, or purple star-shaped flowers from summer to frost, this plant grows 6–18 inches tall. Ideal for hot borders or containers, it’s heat-tolerant. Zones 9–11, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought but preferring even moisture.
Verbena (Verbena hybrida)
Verbena’s clustered purple, pink, or white flowers bloom spring to frost, growing 6–12 inches tall, often trailing. Perfect for hanging baskets or groundcovers, it attracts pollinators. Zones 8–11, it needs full sun and well-drained soil, with deadheading to prolong blooms.
Melampodium (Melampodium divaricatum)
This low-grower has small, yellow, daisy-like flowers from summer to frost, reaching 8–12 inches tall. Suited for borders or containers, it’s fuss-free and heat-tolerant. Zones 2–11, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, needing minimal care or deadheading.
Mimulus (Mimulus hybrida)
Monkey flowers offer tubular yellow, red, or orange blooms from spring to summer, growing 6–12 inches tall. Great for shady borders or wet areas, they attract hummingbirds. Zones 3–9, they prefer part shade and moist soil, thriving in cooler, damp conditions.
Thunbergia (Thunbergia alata)
Black-eyed Susan vine has yellow or orange flowers with dark centers, blooming summer to frost, climbing 3–8 feet. Ideal for trellises or baskets, it’s vibrant. Zones 10–11, it needs full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, with regular watering for vigor.
Cuphea (Cuphea hyssopifolia)
With tiny purple, pink, or white flowers from spring to frost, this bushy annual grows 1–2 feet tall. Suited for borders or containers, it attracts pollinators. Zones 9–11, it thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, tolerating heat well.
Browallia (Browallia speciosa)
Star-shaped blue, purple, or white flowers bloom summer to frost, growing 1–2 feet tall. Perfect for shade gardens or hanging baskets, it’s delicate. Zones 9–11, it prefers part to full shade and rich, moist soil, needing protection from hot sun.
Torenia (Torenia fournieri)
Wishbone flowers bear snapdragon-like blue, purple, or pink blooms from summer to frost, growing 6–12 inches tall. Ideal for shady beds or containers, they’re charming. Zones 2–11, they thrive in part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil, needing consistent moisture.
Four O’Clock (Mirabilis jalapa)
With fragrant, tubular pink, yellow, or white flowers opening in late afternoon, they bloom summer to frost, growing 2–3 feet tall. Great for evening gardens, they self-seed. Zones 7–11, they prefer full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, tolerating heat.
Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria)
Valued for its silvery-gray, fuzzy foliage, this annual occasionally produces small yellow flowers in summer, growing 6–18 inches tall. Perfect for borders or containers as a foliage accent, it contrasts with bright blooms. Zones 7–11, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat and drought.
Painted Tongue (Salpiglossis sinuata)
With trumpet-shaped flowers in red, purple, or yellow with veined patterns, it blooms from summer to frost, growing 1–2 feet tall. Ideal for cottage gardens or cut flowers, it’s striking. Zones 2–11, it prefers full sun to part shade and rich, well-drained soil, needing regular watering.
Floss Flower (Ageratum conyzoides)
This compact ageratum offers fluffy blue, pink, or white flower heads from summer to frost, growing 6–12 inches tall. Great for edging or mass plantings, it attracts butterflies. Zones 2–11, it thrives in full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil, benefiting from deadheading.
Cape Daisy (Osteospermum ecklonis)
Daisy-like flowers in white, purple, or pink bloom from spring to fall, growing 1–3 feet tall. Suited for sunny beds or containers, they close at night. Zones 9–11, they need full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought but preferring regular moisture for best display.
Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia)
Tiny purple, pink, or white flowers cover this plant from spring to frost, growing 1–2 feet tall. Ideal for borders or hanging baskets, it attracts pollinators. Zones 9–11, it thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, handling heat and humidity well.
Swan River Daisy (Brachyscome iberidifolia)
With delicate blue, pink, or white daisy-like flowers from summer to fall, this annual grows 6–18 inches tall. Perfect for rock gardens or containers, it’s airy and charming. Zones 2–11, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, needing moderate water and deadheading.
Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum)
Bell-shaped flowers in purple, pink, or white bloom from summer to early fall, growing 1–3 feet tall. Great for cut flowers or borders, they resemble roses. Zones 8–10, they need full sun and rich, well-drained soil, requiring consistent moisture and protection from wind.
Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa atropurpurea)
Domed flowers in blue, pink, or white bloom from summer to frost, growing 1–3 feet tall. Ideal for pollinator gardens or cut flowers, they attract butterflies. Zones 2–11, they thrive in full sun and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil, needing deadheading for prolonged blooms.
Drummond’s Phlox (Phlox drummondii)
Clusters of pink, red, or white star-shaped flowers bloom from spring to fall, growing 6–18 inches tall. Suited for borders or containers, it’s vibrant. Zones 2–11, it prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, with regular watering to maintain flowering.
Ornamental Kale (Brassica oleracea)
Grown for its colorful, rosette-like foliage in purple, white, or green, it peaks in cool fall weather, growing 1–2 feet tall. Perfect for borders or pots, it’s edible but ornamental. Zones 2–11, it thrives in full sun and rich soil, tolerating frost for late-season interest.
Blue Salvia (Salvia guaranitica)
With deep blue or purple flower spikes from summer to frost, this tender annual grows 2–4 feet tall. Great for hummingbird gardens or back borders, it’s bold. Zones 8–11, it needs full sun and well-drained soil, with consistent moisture for vibrant blooms.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Offering daisy-like flowers in yellow, pink, or white from late summer to frost, it grows 1–3 feet tall. Ideal for fall beds or containers, it’s festive. Zones 5–9, it prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil, needing pinching early for bushier growth.
Mallow (Malope trifida)
With cup-shaped pink, purple, or white flowers from summer to frost, this annual grows 2–3 feet tall. Suited for cottage gardens or fillers, it’s low-maintenance. Zones 2–11, it thrives in full sun and average soil, tolerating drought with occasional deadheading.
Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia)
Snapdragon-like flowers in purple, pink, or white bloom from summer to frost, growing 1–2 feet tall. Perfect for hot borders or containers, it’s heat-tolerant. Zones 9–11, it needs full sun and well-drained soil, with regular watering for continuous flowering.
Godetia (Clarkia amoena)
With silky, cup-shaped pink, white, or purple flowers from late spring to summer, it grows 1–3 feet tall. Great for wildflower gardens or borders, it self-seeds. Zones 2–11, it prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, thriving in cooler climates.
Candytuft (Iberis umbellata)
Flat clusters of white, pink, or purple flowers bloom from spring to summer, growing 6–12 inches tall. Ideal for edging or rock gardens, it’s delicate. Zones 2–11, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, needing moderate water and shearing post-bloom.
Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis)
With green, bell-shaped calyces surrounding tiny white flowers, it blooms summer to fall, growing 2–3 feet tall. Perfect for cut flowers or borders, it’s unique. Zones 2–11, it prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, tolerating cool weather.
Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
Tiny blue, white, or purple flowers bloom from spring to frost, growing 4–8 inches tall, often trailing. Suited for baskets or edging, it’s delicate. Zones 10–11, it thrives in part shade and moist, rich soil, needing consistent moisture in hot climates.
Arctotis (Arctotis hybrida)
African daisies offer vibrant orange, yellow, or pink blooms from spring to fall, growing 1–2 feet tall. Great for sunny beds or containers, they’re drought-tolerant. Zones 9–11, they need full sun and well-drained soil, closing at night for added charm.
Schizanthus (Schizanthus pinnatus)
Butterfly-like flowers in pink, purple, or white bloom from spring to summer, growing 1–2 feet tall. Ideal for shady beds or pots, it’s orchid-like. Zones 2–11, it prefers part shade and rich, moist soil, needing protection from heat and wind.
Gomphrena (Gomphrena globosa)
Globe amaranth boasts round, clover-like flower heads in pink, purple, or white, blooming summer to frost. Growing 1–2 feet tall, it’s perfect for borders or dried arrangements. Zones 2–11, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat and drought with minimal care.
Sanvitalia (Sanvitalia procumbens)
Known as creeping zinnia, it produces small, yellow, daisy-like flowers with dark centers from summer to frost, growing 4–8 inches tall and trailing. Ideal for groundcovers or hanging baskets, it’s cheerful. Zones 2–11, it loves full sun and well-drained soil, resisting drought.
Linaria (Linaria maroccana)
Toadflax offers snapdragon-like flowers in pink, purple, or yellow, blooming spring to early summer, growing 1–2 feet tall. Suited for cottage gardens or wildflower mixes, it self-seeds. Zones 2–11, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in cooler weather.
Nemesia (Nemesia strumosa)
With small, orchid-like flowers in white, pink, or yellow, nemesia blooms from spring to fall in cool climates, growing 6–12 inches tall. Great for containers or edging, it’s fragrant. Zones 2–11, it needs full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil, avoiding heat.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)
Plains coreopsis displays yellow, daisy-like flowers with red centers from summer to fall, growing 1–3 feet tall. Perfect for wildflower gardens or borders, it attracts butterflies. Zones 2–11, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating poor conditions and self-seeding.
Eryngium (Eryngium planum)
Sea holly’s spiky, blue or purple flower heads bloom summer to fall, growing 1–3 feet tall. Ideal for xeriscapes or cut flowers, it’s striking and pollinator-friendly. Zones 2–11, it needs full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and sandy conditions.
Bidens (Bidens ferulifolia)
With star-shaped yellow flowers from spring to frost, this trailing annual grows 6–12 inches tall, spreading widely. Suited for baskets or groundcovers, it attracts bees. Zones 8–11, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, needing regular water for continuous blooms.
Emilia (Emilia javanica)
Tassel flowers bear small, red, orange, or pink pompoms from summer to fall, growing 1–2 feet tall. Great for cottage gardens or fillers, they’re delicate. Zones 2–11, they prefer full sun and well-drained soil, with deadheading to encourage flowering and prevent self-seeding.
Diascia (Diascia barberae)
Twinspur’s pink, peach, or white flowers bloom from spring to fall, growing 6–12 inches tall. Perfect for containers or edging, it’s dainty and heat-tolerant. Zones 8–11, it needs full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil, benefiting from regular watering.
Calceolaria (Calceolaria herbeohybrida)
Pocketbook flowers offer pouch-like yellow, red, or orange blooms from spring to summer, growing 6–12 inches tall. Ideal for shady beds or pots, they’re whimsical. Zones 2–11, they prefer part shade and rich, moist soil, needing cool conditions and protection from heat.
Venidium (Arctotis fastuosa)
Monarch-of-the-veld’s orange or white daisy-like flowers with dark centers bloom summer to frost, growing 1–2 feet tall. Suited for sunny beds, it’s drought-tolerant. Zones 2–11, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, needing minimal water once established.
Layia (Layia platyglossa)
Tidy tips bear yellow, daisy-like flowers with white tips from spring to summer, growing 6–12 inches tall. Great for wildflower gardens or rockeries, they self-seed. Zones 2–11, they prefer full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in cooler climates with poor soil.
Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens)
With fragrant, purple or white flower clusters from summer to frost, heliotrope grows 1–2 feet tall. Ideal for borders or containers, it attracts butterflies. Zones 10–11, it needs full sun to part shade and rich, moist soil, requiring warmth for best performance.
Limonium (Limonium sinuatum)
Statice’s papery blue, pink, or white flowers bloom summer to fall, growing 1–2 feet tall. Perfect for dried arrangements or borders, it’s salt-tolerant. Zones 2–11, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and coastal conditions.
Oxalis (Oxalis debilis)
False shamrock’s pink, white, or yellow flowers bloom from spring to fall, growing 6–12 inches tall. Suited for shady beds or pots, it’s delicate but weedy. Zones 8–11, it prefers part shade and moist soil, needing control to prevent excessive spreading.
Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)
Star-shaped red, pink, or white flower clusters bloom summer to frost, growing 1–3 feet tall. Great for butterfly gardens or containers, it’s heat-tolerant. Zones 10–11, it needs full sun and well-drained soil, with regular watering to sustain blooms.
Nierembergia (Nierembergia scoparia)
Cupflower’s small, purple or white blooms cover plants from summer to frost, growing 6–12 inches tall. Ideal for edging or containers, it’s tidy. Zones 7–10, it thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, needing moderate water.
Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia triloba)
Brown-eyed Susan’s small, yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom summer to frost, growing 2–4 feet tall. Perfect for wildflower gardens or borders, it attracts pollinators. Zones 2–11, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and self-seeding.
Scaevola (Scaevola aemula)
Fan flower’s blue, purple, or white blooms fan out from summer to frost, growing 6–12 inches tall, trailing. Suited for baskets or groundcovers, it’s tough. Zones 10–11, it needs full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat and salt.
Zaluzianskya (Zaluzianskya capensis)
Night phlox’s white, fragrant flowers open at dusk, blooming summer to fall, growing 6–12 inches tall. Great for evening gardens, it’s unique. Zones 2–11, it prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, needing moderate water.
Clarkia (Clarkia unguiculata)
Also called mountain garland, Clarkia bears delicate pink, purple, or white flowers from late spring to summer, growing 1–3 feet tall. Ideal for wildflower gardens or cottage borders, it self-seeds freely. Zones 2–11, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, preferring cooler conditions.
Crepis (Crepis rubra)
Hawk’s beard produces small, pink or red dandelion-like flowers from summer to early fall, growing 6–12 inches tall. Suited for rock gardens or wildflower mixes, it’s low-maintenance. Zones 2–11, it needs full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating poor conditions and self-seeding.
Anoda (Anoda cristata)
With hibiscus-like lavender or white flowers from summer to frost, this annual grows 2–3 feet tall. Great for sunny borders or fillers, it adds airy texture. Zones 2–11, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought with minimal care and occasional deadheading.
Felicia (Felicia amelloides)
Blue daisy offers sky-blue flowers with yellow centers from spring to fall, growing 6–18 inches tall. Perfect for containers or edging, it attracts pollinators. Zones 9–11, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, needing regular water and tolerating light frost.
Gilia (Gilia capitata)
Globe gilia’s lavender-blue, pincushion-like flower heads bloom from late spring to summer, growing 1–2 feet tall. Ideal for wildflower gardens or sunny beds, it self-seeds. Zones 2–11, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in poor soils and cooler climates.
Ionopsidium (Ionopsidium acaule)
Violet cress bears tiny, lavender flowers in spring to early summer, growing just 2–4 inches tall. Suited for rock gardens or shady crevices, it’s delicate. Zones 2–11, it thrives in part shade and moist, well-drained soil, preferring cool, damp conditions.
Lagurus (Lagurus ovatus)
Bunny tail grass produces soft, white, fluffy flower heads from summer to fall, growing 1–2 feet tall. Great for borders or dried arrangements, it’s whimsical. Zones 2–11, it needs full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and poor soil with ease.
Limnanthes (Limnanthes douglasii)
Poached egg plant has yellow-and-white, cup-shaped flowers from spring to summer, growing 6–12 inches tall. Perfect for groundcovers or pollinator gardens, it attracts bees. Zones 2–11, it prefers full sun to part shade and moist soil, self-seeding in cool climates.
Mesembryanthemum (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum)
Ice plant’s daisy-like pink, white, or yellow flowers bloom from spring to summer, growing 4–8 inches tall. Suited for rock gardens or sunny slopes, it’s drought-tolerant. Zones 2–11, it thrives in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil, handling heat and salt.
Ursinia (Ursinia anthemoides)
Jewel of the veldt offers bright orange or yellow daisy-like flowers from summer to fall, growing 1–2 feet tall. Ideal for sunny beds or containers, it’s vibrant. Zones 2–11, it needs full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and benefiting from deadheading.