There’s something so satisfying about seeing colorful blooms brighten up your garden, especially when they’re easy to grow and take care of.
If you’re just getting started with gardening or want low-maintenance flowers that don’t need constant attention, these hardy annual flowers are a perfect fit.
They can handle cooler weather and will keep blooming well into early spring or late fall. With a little sun, some water, and the right spot, they’ll flourish and keep your garden full of life.
You can grow them in beds, containers, or even window boxes for a quick pop of color. Pick your favorites and let your garden glow.
#1 Bishop’s Weed (Ammi visnaga)
Bishop’s Weed brings in lovely clusters of airy white blooms that look great in both garden beds and flower arrangements. It’s a cousin to herbs like dill and fennel, which shows in its feathery foliage.
Plant it in full sun with well-drained soil and you’ll have no trouble keeping it happy. Water when the soil feels dry, but avoid soaking it. The flowers also attract beneficial insects to your garden.
#2 Sweet Sultan (Amberboa moschata)
Sweet Sultan adds a charming, old-fashioned touch with its fluffy, round flowers in shades of lavender, cream, and more. The blooms have a light, sweet scent and a unique texture that makes them stand out.
These plants enjoy full sunlight and don’t like soggy soil, so be careful not to overwater. Deadhead spent blooms to keep the flowers coming. They also make beautiful cut flowers for indoor vases.
#3 Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Foxglove gives you tall spires of tubular blooms in shades like soft pink, white, and purple. The bell-shaped flowers draw pollinators and add vertical interest to borders or backdrops.
It prefers cooler temps and moist, well-drained soil. Morning sun and afternoon shade work best in hotter climates. Just remember to wear gloves when planting, as all parts of the plant are toxic if touched or eaten.
#4 Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons are classic favorites with fun, dragon-like blooms in bold colors. They’re strong, cheerful plants that keep blooming even as temperatures drop.
Give them sun, and keep the soil slightly moist. Pinch back the tips when they’re young to encourage bushier growth. You’ll love how they add height and personality to any flower bed.
#5 Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-Eyed Susans are sunny and bold, with bright yellow petals around dark centers. These tough flowers bring life to the garden and attract butterflies and bees.
Plant them in full sun and let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. They’re drought-tolerant once established and don’t mind poor soil. Just trim them back after flowering to keep things tidy.
#6 Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis)
Pot marigolds offer golden-yellow and orange blooms that you can even use in the kitchen. These flowers like mild sun and bloom best when the weather is cool.
Make sure the soil drains well and give them around six hours of light daily. Pick the flowers often to keep new ones coming. You can also dry the petals to make tea or homemade skin salves.
#7 White Lace Flower (Orlaya Grandiflora)
White Lace Flower adds a delicate, lacy touch to your garden with snow-white blooms that almost glow. It grows well in average soil and only needs occasional watering.
A little sun is all it takes to keep it blooming. Once established, it can even handle light frost. These blooms look lovely on their own or mixed with bolder flowers.
#8 Larkspur (Delphinium)
Larkspur blooms in tall spikes filled with soft, frilly flowers in shades of blue, pink, and white. This flower likes full sun but benefits from some afternoon shade in warmer areas.
Keep the soil moist but not wet, and space the plants so they get good air flow. They’re excellent for cutting gardens and grow well in cooler seasons. Stake taller varieties to prevent tipping in windy weather.
#9 Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Sweet Alyssum is a low-growing flower with tiny, fragrant blooms that form a soft carpet across your garden. The plant comes in white, pink, and pale yellow shades and is ideal for borders or filling in gaps.
It loves the sun and light, well-draining soil. Water regularly and trim back after flowering to get another round of blooms. It’s also great for attracting pollinators.
#10 Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Cornflower, often called bachelor’s button, shines with bright blue blooms and a wildflower charm. It doesn’t need much, just a sunny spot and dry soil.
Water when the top layer feels dry, and let it do the rest. These hardy blooms are easy to grow from seed. Plus, they’re edible and look great sprinkled over salads.
#11 English Daisy (Bellis perennis)
English Daisy is compact and charming, showing off button-like flowers in white, pink, or red. It prefers cooler temperatures and some light shade during the hottest part of the day.
Water every week or so, depending on the weather. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. These flowers are perfect for edging paths, tucking into containers, or planting in between stepping stones.