Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
3 – 8
Height
1.5 – 2 feet
Blooms in
Early Spring – Late Summer
Features
Good for cut flowers
Castor Bean
This massive plant—known to grow up to 10 feet tall—is a good addition if you’re looking to add height or a backdrop for smaller plants. Watch out, the seeds, leaves and stem are poisonous!
Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
8 – 10
Height
4 – 10 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Summer – Late Summer
Features
Deer resistant
Catmint
Cat owners rejoice! This popular feline plant’s grey-green leaves and lavender flowers make a beautiful garden addition. It’s also easy to care for, tolerating drier climates and full sun.
Sun Needs
Full Sun?/?Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Dry
Zones
3 – 8
Height
1 – 2 feet
Blooms in
Early Summer – Early Fall
Features
Attracts beneficial insects
Celosia
These ornamental plants get their name from the Greek word keleos, meaning “burned.” Their flame-like flower heads come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, violet, white and pink.
Sun Needs
Full Sun?/?Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained, High fertility
Zones
2 – 11
Height
0.5 – 3 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Summer – Mid-Fall
Features
Good for cut flowers
Chives
While this herb may be best known sprinkled over potatoes, Chives’ pink flowers also make for an attractive edging for flower gardens. Fairly tolerant of many soil types, Chives are easy to care for.
Sun Needs
Full Sun?/?Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
3 – 9
Height
0.5 – 1 foot
Blooms in
Late Spring – Early Fall
Features
Good for cut flowers
Chrysanthemum
The name Chrysanthemum comes from the Greek words for “gold” and “flower,” but come in a variety of colors besides yellow. With vibrant hues of white, yellow, red and pink, the Chrysanthemum features decorative pompom tops that can be beautifully displayed indoors.
Sun Needs
Full Sun?/?Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
3 – 9
Height
1 – 3 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Summer – Late Fall
Features
Good for cut flowers
Clary Sage
This annual comes in violet, white or pink and thrives in outdoor containers. As their bloom season comes to an end, you can either cut them to display proudly in your home or dry them as keepsakes.
Sun Needs
Full Sun?/?Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
5 – 11
Height
1.5 – 3 feets
Blooms in
Late Spring – Mid-Fall
Features
Good for cut flowers
Cleome
Also known as spider flower for its lacy foliage, the Cleome quickly fills any spare space in a garden. Deer resistant and drought tolerant, Cleomes also attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Sun Needs
Full Sun?/?Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
4 – 11
Height
3 – 5 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Summer – Early Fall
Features
Good for cut flowers
Coleus
This shade tolerant annual is known for its boldly patterned leaves and makes for a great border along gardens. Depending on the specie, the Coleus’ leaves can come in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, green, purple or white.
Sun Needs
Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
2 – 11
Height
0.5 – 3 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Summer – Late Summer
Features
Non-invasive
Columbine
Also known as Granny’s Bonnet, the name Columbine comes from the Latin word “dove” because the shape of the inverted flower resembles doves clustered together. The Columbine is also a major source of food for a species of bumblebee call the Bombus hortorum.
Sun Needs
Full Sun?/?Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
3 – 8
Height
1.5 – 3 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Spring – Early Summer
Features
Good for cut flowers
Comfrey
In addition to making a great garden, the Comfrey has topical medicinal and herbal uses. Comfreys like moist, somewhat shady locations and freely self-flowers, so it’s more suited for ornamental plantings.
Sun Needs
Full Sun?/?Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Damp
Zones
3 – 9
Height
1 – 5 feet
Blooms in
Late Spring – Early Summer
Features
Non-invasive
Coneflower
A member of the daisy family, the Coneflower features rich hues of violet, white and pink. These easy to grow flowers are heat and drought tolerant, and make for a wild bouquet once cut.
Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
3 – 9
Height
1.5 – 5 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Summer – Early Fall
Features
Good for cut flowers
Coreopsis
Looking for a wildflower that’s more manageable than the tall sunflowers? Look no further than the Coreopsis. With down by the prairie charm, the Coreopsis blooms brightly with shades of yellow, red and orange.
Sun Needs
Full Sun?/?Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
3 – 9
Height
1 – 3 feet
Blooms in
Late Summer – Mid-Fall
Features
Good for cut flowers
Corydalis
From the Greek word “crested lark,” the Corydalis is not for the novice gardener. Hardy to very few zones (mostly zone 5), the Corydalis bloom season is short-lived with the right combination of sun, moisture and drainage.
Sun Needs
Partial Shade?/?Full Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
5 – 7
Height
1 – 1.5 feet
Blooms in
Early Summer – Early Fall
Features
Deer resistant
Cosmos
Hailing from the sunflower family, the Cosmos are beautiful wildflowers that bloom in shades of red, orange, yellow, violet, pink and white. Growing up to 6 feet tall, this flower makes for an excellent addition to a bouquet.
Sun Needs
Full Sun?/?Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
2 – 11
Height
1 – 6 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Summer – Mid-Fall
Features
Good for cut flowers
Crocus
The cup-shaped Crocus blooms vary widely in color, often seen in shades of orange, yellow, violet or white. Their ease of care make for great outdoor containers, but they also excel indoors as a houseplant.
Sun Needs
Full Sun?/?Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
3 – 8
Height
0.25 – 0.3 feet
Blooms in
Early Spring
Features
Non-invasive
Crown Imperial
As majestic as its name, the Crown Imperial features one tall stem with a loop of tubular blooms. Blooms are commonly found in red, yellow or orange and will last longer if planted on its side so as to avoid rot.
Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
5 – 9
Height
2 – 3 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Spring
Features
Deer resistant
Cushion Spurge
The drought tolerant Cushion Spurge actually get their bright yellow color not from the flower, but floral bracts found underneath. Foliage can also range in color, from green to purple to red.
Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
4 – 8
Height
1 – 1.5 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Spring – Late Summer
Features
Non-invasive
Cyclamen
With its glossy, heart-shaped laves, the Cyclamen is a darling perennial. The Cyclamen is also a popular food source for a variety of insects and animals, from caterpillars to pigs.
Sun Needs
Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
5 – 9
Height
0.25 – 0.5 feet
Blooms in
Early Spring
Features
Non-invasive
Daffodil
One of the most recognizable perennials, you know its spring time once a Daffodil is in bloom. Their iconic trumpet flowers typically come in yellow, but are also grown with red, orange, yellow, white and even pink blossoms.
Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
3 – 9
Height
0.25 – 2 feet
Blooms in
Spring
Features
Good for cut flowers
Dahlia
There are 42 species of Dahlia, but most popular versions are known for its bushy, tuberous flower. Dahlias can be difficult to grow, requiring well-drained soil and full sun, but the payoff is great with a colorful garden ranging in hues from red to violet to pink.
Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
8 – 10
Height
2.5 – 5.5 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Summer – Early Fall
Features
Good for cut flowers
Daisy
The iconic, playful daisy is most recognized for its bright yellow center and white petals. Daisies are easy to grow and not fussy when it comes to soil types, although it does thrive in full sun.
Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
2 – 11
Height
0.8 – 3 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Summer – Early Fall
Features
Good for cut flowers
Dame’s Rocket
Dame’s Rocket is an aggressive growing biennial and is known to attract moths. Commonly found in white or violet, Dame’s Rocket spread particularly quickly in rich, wet soil.
Sun Needs
Full Sun?/?Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
4 – 9
Height
2 – 3 feet
Blooms in
Late Spring – Early Summer
Features
Good for cut flowers
Delphinium
Also commonly known as “larkspur,” the Delphinium is highly toxic to both humans and animals. While dangerous to eat, Delphinium’s tall, bell-like blooms and tall stems make for beautiful additions to gardens or cut for bouquets.
Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
3 – 7
Height
3 – 8 feet
Blooms in
Early Summer – Early Fall
Features
Good for cut flowers
Diascia
The low growing Diascia makes for a great filler in outdoor containers, hanging baskets, window boxes and indoor pots. They are also relatively easy to grow, requiring only full sun and cool weather.
Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
8 – 9
Height
0.5 – 1 foot
Blooms in
Early Summer – Mid-Fall
Features
Non-invasive
Dusty Miller
This hardy drought and frost tolerant plant makes for an ideal filler for outdoor containers and gardens. Its silver-grey foliage provides a nice backdrop to any bolder colored blooms.
Sun Needs
Full Sun?/?Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
8 – 10
Height
0.75 – 2 feet
Blooms in
Late Summer – Early Fall
Features
Good for pressed flowers
Dutchman’s Breeches
These sweet flowers get their name from the up-side-down hanging blooms that resemble pants. Dutchman’s Breeches are one of the few flowers whose seeds are spread by ants, so don’t fret if you see a colony nearby!
Sun Needs
Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
3 – 8
Height
0.5 – 1 foot
Blooms in
Mid-Spring
Features
Non-invasive
Epimedium
With green foliage and pink, yellow or purple flowers, the Epimedium makes for good groundcover in shady, moist gardens. As the seasons progress, their green leaves can have tints of bronze, copper and red.
Sun Needs
Partial Shade?/?Full Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
4 – 8
Height
0.25 – 1.5 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Spring – Late Spring
Features
Deer resistant
Evergreen Candytuft
Know for its small, cloud-like blooms, this sun-loving flower makes for a great addition to rock gardens. Often cascading over rocks or walls, the Evergreen Candytuft is ideal for a filler in containers or to act as a border.
Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
5 – 9
Height
0.5 – 1 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Spring
Features
Tolerates heat
Fennel
When not harvested, this edible perennial herb can grow up to 6 feet tall and feature dark foliage. It also attracts beneficial insects, including swallowtail butterflies.
Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
4 – 9
Height
3 – 6 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Summer – Late Summer
Features
Attracts beneficial insects
Fountain Grass
This ornamental grass shows off flowy, plumed flowerheads and provide a unique contrast to any garden. They are most commonly found in white, but for more of a “wow” factor, look for shades of red, violet and pink.
Sun Needs
Full Sun?/?Partial Shade
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
6 – 11
Height
2 – 4 feet
Blooms in
Late Spring – Early Fall
Features
Deer resistant
Foxglove
This elegant flower requires a bit of patience, as it typically takes two seasons before its iconic blooms appear. But the wait is worth the payoff and the hardy Foxglove can handle a wide range of sun and soil types.
Sun Needs
All Sun Types
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
4 – 8
Height
1 – 6 feet
Blooms in
Late Spring – Early Summer
Features
Good for cut flowers
Gaillardia
Ideal for hot, dry landscapes, the Gaillardia adds some extra spice to any garden. In bright hues of red, orange, yellow and violet, the Gaillardia makes for a dramatic wildflower bouquet.
Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
5 – 9
Height
0.66 – 2 feet
Blooms in
Early Summer – Mid-Fall
Features
Good for cut flowers
Gas Plant
Gas plants can take a few years to cultivate, but are easy to care for and, once flowering, give off an aromatic scent. Be careful though, the flowers and foliage are known to cause skin rashes for some.
Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
3 – 8
Height
2 – 4 feet
Blooms in
Late Spring – Early Summer
Features
Deer resistant
Gaura
The elegant Gaura features dainty white or pink blooms. Thriving in a variety of soil types, the Gaura is known to quickly take over gardens and be difficult to trim down—so don’t let your garden go unmanaged for too long!
Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
5 – 10
Height
3 – 4 feet
Blooms in
Mid-Summer – Early Fall
Features
Good for cut flowers
Gazania
Growing large, daisy-like flowers, the Gazania is commonly used as colorful groundcover in sun soaked gardens. It can also be brought inside during the fall as long as it’s kept near bright light and few waterings.
Sun Needs
Full Sun
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
8 – 10
Height
0.5 – 1.5 feet
Blooms in
Early Summer – Early Fall
Features
Attracts butterflies
Geranium
Geranium includes 422 species, known for its five colorful petals commonly found in white, pink, purple or blue. Geraniums are a favorite amongst gardeners given their ease of care and ability to thrive in outdoor containers.
Sun Needs
All Sun Types
Soil Needs
Well-drained
Zones
4 – 8
Height
0.75 – 2.5 feet
Blooms in
Early Summer – Early Fall
Features
Deer resistant
Geum
The fickle Geum prefers full sun, but doesn’t thrive in extreme weather changes. Moderately difficult to cultivate, their tall, striking spring blooms last only a few months.