25 Types of Annual Flowers

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We’ve compiled a list of 25 awesome annual flowers, ranging in colors from pink to purple and yellow.   From unique African Daisies to cheery sunflowers, you’re sure to find one that you love. 

African Daisy

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African daisies are very similar in appearance to common daisies, but they are a bit more unique. Coming in a variety of colors with beautiful unique metallic looking centers, these are a fun option for any garden.

  • Full sun
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 9-11

Angelonia

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These purple flowers are perfect for areas with high heat and little rain. They grow well into the fall in warmer regions. If you are looking to attract butterflies to your garden, these are a fantastic choice!

  • Full sun
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 9-11

Begonia

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Begonias are a perfect statement piece in any garden. The big blooms and variety of colors can look perfect with any landscape. They require very little upkeep, which makes them a popular choice with new and experienced gardeners alike.

  • Full sun / partial shade
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 8-10

Calendula

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Edible gardens are all the rage, and this is a staple for them. While Calendulas are beautiful to look at, they are also very useful. They are a popular choice for salads, soups, and even essential oils to help with dry skin.

  • Full sun / partial shade
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 9-11

Celosia

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Looking for a rainbow in your garden? Celosias come in a range of bright red, pink, yellow and orange. They are easy to care for and grow incredibly fast. Their unique shape along with the bright colors make them a perfect conversational piece.

  • Full sun / partial shade
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 2-11

Chrysanthemum (Mums)

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This classic garden flower is a staple of many gardens. Growing well into the fall they provide a lovely pop of color to any landscape. Sometimes called “hardy mums”, they easy to grow for any level of gardener.

  • Full sun
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 5-9

Cornflower

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The blue beauties are another edible plant on our list with a flavor very similar to cloves. They are a popular choice in wildflower gardens or for anyone looking for a little fun flower to add to their landscape.

  • Full sun
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 2-11

Cosmos

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These dainty annual flowers are super easy to grow and a fantastic choice for anyone who loves to use their flowers for bouquets. In fact, the more you cut them the taller and faster they will grow!

  • Full sun
  • Light soil
  • Grows in all zones, but in zones 9 and 10 they are typically a perennial.

Dahlias

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If you are looking for an Instagram friendly garden, dahlias are a must have. The large lush blooms are picture perfect and come in a variety of colors.

  • Full sun
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 2-11

Dianthus

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These fragrant flowers, nicknamed “pinks” come in bright shades of purple and pink with dark green-blue leaves. They are a perfect ground covering flower, typically used as a border for taller bushes or trees.

  • Full sun / partial shade
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 2-10

Geraniums

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Because they have long stems and come in literally every color of the rainbow, geraniums look great in both gardens and bouquets. These annual flowers are low maintenance and will help attract butterflies and bumblebees.

  • Full sun / partial shade
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 4-8

Impatiens

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Do you want to spruce up the outside of your home but don’t have room for a garden? Impatiens are perfect window box or hanger plants. They are easy to grow and have a lovely smell.

  • Partial shade/ full shade
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 8-10

Larkspur

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Larkspur is a tall plant that provides a pop of color early in spring. Although it can be hard to start, once they are established in a garden they grow with ease and very little care.

  • Full sun / partial shade
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 2-10

Marigold

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These are a staple for many gardens. They are easy to care for, bloom all summer and provide a beautiful array of oranges, reds, and yellows. They can even be used as a salad garnish!

  • Full sun
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 9-11

Nasturtium

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Dainty but beautiful, nasturtiums come in eight different colors and are most often used in bouquets. They also look great around hedges and trees.

  • Full sun
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 9-11

Pansies

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The pansy is as classic as it gets for garden flowers. They are perfect outside in the ground or inside in a pot. They have become a popular garnish for soups and cocktails.

  • Full sun
  • Moist/ well-drained soil
  • Zones 4-8

Petunias

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Coming in all shades including pink, blue, purple and red, these flowers are lovely no matter their color. They are hard and easy to care for, which makes them a perfect choice for someone just starting their own garden.

  • Full sun
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 8-11

Primrose

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This winter-blooming flower is the perfect thing to brighten up your house. It comes in all th colors of the rainbow and is easy to grow. Unfortunately, the blooms do not last very long.

  • Partial shade
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 3-8

Ranunculus

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The full blooms of the ranunculus are worth the extra effort it takes to grow them. Make sure you plant them in the fall so they will grow in the spring.

  • Full sun
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 8-11

Snapdragons

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If you are looking for an annual that will fill the air with a lovely smell, then the Snapdragon flower is it. They come in many different colors and shapes which means you are likely to find a variety to fit in with your garden.

  • Full sun
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 9-10

Sweet Pea

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If you want to grow a flowering plant from seeds, sweet peas are the best choice. They are quick and easy to germinate and getting them to mature into plants is simple as well.

  • Full sun / partial shade
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 8-10

 

Stock

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The name might not be pretty, but the flower certainly is! The bright colors and clove scent makes them a popular choice for gardens and bouquets.

  • Full sun
  • Moist / well-drained soil
  • Zones 2-10

Sunflower

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Perfect for any type of garden, sunflowers are a classic choice. Although people typically grow the classic golden yellow sunflowers, they also come in shades of pink, red, and white!

  • Full sun
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 1-11

Vinca

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Also known as Madagascar periwinkle these small blooms stay alive all summer. They are typically used as a border plant.

  • Full sun / partial shade
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 4-9

Zinnia

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Low-maintenance and small in size these bright annual flowers usually look like miniature dahlias. Perfect for both inside and outside gardens.

  • Full sun
  • Well-drained soil
  • Zones 2 -11

 

Sources:

https://www.thespruce.com

http://www.gardenersnet.com

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com

 

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