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30 Prettiest Flowers to Grow in Your Garden
Spring-Blooming Bulbs
- Daffodils: Cheerful yellow blooms that herald the arrival of spring.
- Hyacinths: Fragrant spikes of colorful tubular flowers.
- Tulips: Showy blooms in a wide range of colors and shapes, including the unique parrot tulips.
Annuals
- Zinnias: Easy-to-grow flowers that bloom in a variety of colors and forms.
- Nasturtiums: Fast-growing climbers with edible flowers and leaves.
- Million Bells: Abundant blooms in vibrant colors that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Moss Rose: Drought-tolerant annual with succulent leaves and ruffled petals that open with the sunlight.
Perennials
- Delphiniums: Tall, stately plants with elegant blue or purple blooms.
- Foxgloves: Biennial plants with striking bell-shaped flowers that attract bumblebees.
- Bearded Iris: Hardy plants with showy, sword-like leaves and a wide range of flower colors.
- Peonies: Fragrant, long-lived plants with large, showy flowers in a variety of colors.
- Balloon Flowers: Easy-to-grow bellflowers with puffy buds that swell into star-shaped blooms.
- Columbines: Exotic-looking flowers with delicate petals and spurs that attract hummingbirds.
- Hollyhocks: Tall, showy plants with large, heart-shaped foliage and long-blooming flowers.
Exotic Imports
- Zygopetalum Orchid: Fragrant orchids with unusual speckled patterns and intricate anatomy.
- Bird of Paradise: South African beauties with exotic orange and blue flowers.
- Protea: Striking flowers with spiky, delicate bracts that evolved to survive harsh conditions.
- Japanese Camellia: Showy evergreen shrubs with delicate, layered petals that are used in perfumes.
Native Wildflowers
- Love-Lies-Bleeding: Easy-to-grow annuals with tassel-like flowers in a deep red color.
- Wisteria: Deciduous vines with fragrant, bluish-purple flowers that are a favorite of hummingbirds.
- Himalayan Poppy: Eye-catching blue flowers that are prized for their beauty.
- Anemone: Delicate flowers that resemble poppies or dogwoods, available in a variety of colors.
Choosing Flowers for Your Garden
Consider the following factors when choosing flowers for your garden:
- USDA hardiness zone: Select plants that are hardy in your climate.
- Light requirements: Choose plants that thrive in your garden’s light conditions.
- Soil conditions: Consider the soil type and drainage in your garden.
- Deer resistance: Choose plants that are not favored by deer, especially if you have a problem with deer browsing.
- Attracting pollinators: Select flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, or other pollinators.
- Edible flowers: Consider planting flowers that have edible flowers or leaves.
- Fragrance: Choose fragrant flowers to fill your garden with a sweet scent.
Care and Maintenance
- Planting: Plant at the right time of year and at the correct depth for the type of flower.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize plants according to their specific needs.
- Pruning: Remove spent blooms and deadhead plants to encourage new growth and flowering.
- Pest and disease control: Inspect plants regularly for pests and diseases and treat as necessary.
With a little care and attention, you can grow a beautiful and vibrant garden filled with the prettiest flowers.
