It’s also worth noting that an A flower that starts with A can be accented by other flowers, such as an A-shaped arrangement of anemones, ranunculus, or gerberas.
1. Abyssinian Sword-Lily
The attractive, highly fragrant pure white lily-like flowers that the Abyssinian Sword-Lily features are part of what makes it a magnet for butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
Often described as a fragrant gem in the late summer garden, this versatile and refreshing plant gives your garden a pleasantly colorful look.
The flower, which comes with a graceful, airy look, appears at the top of upright stems above clean sword-like foliage.
It adds welcome color and fragrance to your garden, even in late summer when other plants have seized flowering.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Late Summer, Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
2. Ace Summer Emotions
A favorite option for many garden enthusiasts, the Ace Summer Emotions features a spectacular and massive lilac-pink bosom that makes them a staple in many gardens.
It is a beautiful flower that has gained wide usage because of its colorful flowers, easy cultivation, good adaptability, and abundance of varieties.
Despite being an obvious choice when looking for tall Dahlias, Ace Summer Emotions are still fairly light because they contain very little water.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Low Maintenance
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average.
3. Adriatic Bellflower
Known for its unique foliage, the Adriatic Bellflower is a low-growing perennial that spreads slowly to form a delicate-looking ground cover.
Its unique spreading nature makes it a good choice for rock and wall gardens, but it is also vigorous and may need some restraining.
The plant, which falls into the family of Campanulaceae, blooms all summer and creates a soft backdrop for taller, bolder plant companions. It is easy to grow and doesn’t require too much care.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Late spring, Early summer
Maintenance: Easy
Sun: Partial sun
Water: Average.
4. African Daisy
This genus of flowering plant belongs to the Calenduleae, one of the smaller tribes of the daisy family.
It originated from Southern Africa but has since become a gardener’s delight because of its vivid coloring and relatively growing ease.
African Daisies have a quick growing rate that sees them bloom within two months of sprouting from seeds. Their shrub-like look makes them an excellent choice for ground cover in gardens.
Each species of the African Daisy features a unique color and shape that stands out from other plants.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Maintenance: Fairly low maintenance
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average.
5. African Geranium
The African Geranium is a member of the Geranium family and originates from South Africa. With over 300 available species, this plant has become a gardener’s favorite because of its appealing looks and growing ease. Its dark purple and red bulbs combine with a velvety leaf to give it a statement look that stands out in any garden.
The plant’s thickened underground root-like branches are a special adaptation that enables the plant to survive hostility. Its blue-gray leaves are typically ruffled and rounded, giving it a relaxed look that makes it easy to incorporate with other flowers.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer, Fall
Maintenance: Easy
Sun: Full, Partial
Water: Low, Average.
6. African Lily
Agapanthus (African Lily) is among the easiest perennial flowers to grow. Although native to South Africa, it has become popular among flower growers around the world. African Lilies are typically flamboyant and exotic-looking.
When matured, the plant has strap-like leaves growing in a dense clump before bursting into a succession of flowers. It is guaranteed to attract loads of attention and is pest and disease-free.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Early, Mid)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
7. African Marigold
African Marigold will brighten any garden thanks to their large pom-pom blooms in bright colors. Otherwise called Targetes erecta, the African Marigold is a bushy annual plant that boasts huge double flowers. It blooms from early summer until frost and is an excellent choice for sunny beds and borders.
African marigolds are taller than the french marigold and typically more tolerant of hot, dry conditions. They are also easy to grow and can thrive in many types of soil, thus their increased production for many reasons.
Annual or Perennial: Annual
Growing Season: Summer, Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
8. Akita
The Dahlia ‘Akita’ is a real showstopper that features huge blooms with large chrysanthemum petals in shades of red to dark crimson.
One of the first noticeable features of the Akita is its dramatic coloration. Its unique combination of red, yellow, and cream gives it a distinctly oriental appearance. The look is further accentuated by the slight cupping of each petal, making it a staple in any garden.
The Akita thrive joyously in sunny, well-drained places and do not need too much care from you.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
9. Alaska Violet
Otherwise known as Viola langsdorffii, the most obvious feature of the Alaska Violet is its rugged, pretty look. They are also easy to grow, so it’s not surprising that it has become a garden staple.
The low-growing perennials come with rounded, heart-shaped leaves at the tips of the long petioles, up to 8 inches.
The Alaska Violet is not just famous for its beauty; it is also edible, with its flowers and leaves historically used for food and medicine. The perennial wildflower survives in multiple habitats, although it prefers moist to wet soil.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average, High
10. Alfred Grille
The award-winning Dahlia “Alfred Grille” is a showstopper. It grabs your attention at first sight with its profusion of spectacular pink flowers that blend to gold at their heart.
The superb vase life of the Alfred Grille makes it an excellent pick for borders, containers, or as cut flowers. The petals are long, thin, and recurving, creating a wonderful spikey effect.
Overall, this flower looks impressive, especially when seen against the backdrop of the deep green foliage. In addition to being popular for its beauty, the flower, which is of Central and South American origin, also serves food and medicinal purposes in many places.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
11. Algerian Iris
One of the reasons why the Algerian Iris has become so popular is its bloom time. The plant, which is otherwise known as Iris unguicularis flowers from late fall to early spring, when very few plants are bursting from the ground.
Algerian Iris is easy to grow and stuns in beds, borders, containers, banks, and slopes. The fresh-cut flowers’ quality also makes them a fascinating addition to any floral arrangement.
This lovely little flower, which is native to Tunisia, Turkey, and Greece, does well in a hot garden area, so it’s best to plant in a site that gets full sun.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Early), Fall, Winter
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low
12. Algerian Ivy
Algerian Ivy is a sturdy, shade-loving plant best known for its attractive looks and ground/wall covering ability.
It spreads quickly and covers large areas providing shade for walls, fences, and large areas of land. It adapts easily to a wide range of soil types; thus, growing and maintaining it isn’t so difficult.
The plant, also called Madeira ivy or Canary Island Ivy, is an evergreen vine native to western regions and African Islands.
Horticulturists have used it to turn drab-looking corners into lush green landscapes. But it also works for preventing erosion in sloped areas.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Early), Fall, Winter
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low
13. Alkali Heath
Otherwise known as Frankenia salina, Alkali Heath is a low, woody perennial that grows in the salt marsh. The plant, which is native to California, has since spread around the world, with planters using it as ground cover at the edges of ponds and streams. Alkali Heath has a strong-supporting growth form, with individuals growing up to 17 cm tall. Their special adaptation ability makes them grow in salty areas without being damaged by salt, thus their ability to survive salt water or alkali soils.
Mimulus ringens (Allegheny Monkey Flower) is a species of monkey flower that grows in a wide variety of wet habitat types. The upright, deciduous perennial grows to a height of 50 cm, with its narrow green leaves and pale purple flowers resembling the face of a smiling monkey.
The Allegheny monkey flower is best used for bordering ponds and waterways, for erosion control & to support pollinators. Both the foliage and flowers of this plant are beautiful and will attract attention.
Although bees are the primary pollinators of the Allegheny monkey flower, it’s also an important host to the larvae of two butterfly species (the Baltimore checkerspot and the common buckeye).
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average, High
15. Allegheny Spurge
Otherwise known as Mountain spurge, Allegheny spurge is a low perennial that spreads with long rhizomes to form a dense carpet of matte blue-green leaves.
The plant, which is native to the Southeast United States, is characterized by toothed leaves crowding the top of fleshy erect stems. It is an excellent ground cover for shady areas and is considered more attractive and less aggressive than the Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis).
The main reason for the plant’s quick popularity is its ability to perform well in various soils, from dry to moist.
Nicknamed the joy of Spring, Allioni’s primrose brings a burst of bright colors to any garden. This flower is usually the first to bloom from late winter to early spring and is often seen as a symbol of youth and renewal. It has dainty blossoms with a fresh and sweet smell.
The Allioni’s primrose is a low-growing perennial flower that, given the right conditions, will always rebloom each year and even multiply. It has evergreen rosettes and a short stem with notched flowers in various shades of pink to white.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Winter (Late), Spring
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full, Partial
Water: Average
17. Alpine Aster
Aster alpinus, commonly called alpine aster, is a low-growing, slow-spreading herbaceous perennial plant. It is a small plant with an ultimate height ranging from 0.1-05 meters. It is mostly used as ground cover for ground areas with slight defects.
The alpine aster makes up for its height with an impressive double row of blue-violet rays and a large yellow center. It is, therefore, no surprise that butterflies typically find the flower comfortable for living. The alpine aster delightfully compact with a slender stem and green leaves
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
18. Alpine Columbine
Call it the Aquilegia Alpina or the blue columbine; regardless of its name, this plant always makes a statement.
The alpine columbine is a perennial plant that blooms in late Spring and early summer. It has large blue flowers that sit gracefully on tall branching stems with basal green foliage.
The alpine columbine is a show stopper that always comes back yearly. And even though it adds new babies to its colony every year, you can always count on it to be non-invasive.
This plant is a true blue but can sometimes give an eclectic mix of colors when it reblooms.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Late), Summer
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
19. Alpine Forget-Me-Not
The Alpine Forget-Me-Not is a striking perennial plant with small sky blue flowers and a yellow center, giving it a nice contrast. It is a decorative plant and gives off a sweet fragrance in the evenings and at night.
Forget-Me-Nots are low-growing, which makes for an excellent ground cover.
True to its name, Forget-Me-Not will always come back year after year and will keep spreading each year, making it a good choice for rock gardens. However, its spreading nature is often considered invasive and will need uprooting if you want to limit its spread.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring, Summer
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Medium
20. Alpine Knotweed
The alpine knotweed is a solid perennial plant with no need for staking. It has large lance-shaped green foliage that turns brown-orange in the winter.
Despite its hard nature, it produces small, dainty creamy-white flowers with a sweet fragrance. They have a habit of forming clumps and will fill out substantially, so it is best to always leave room for growth.
The alpine knotweed is suitable for the back of a flower border. It requires a cut back after flowering; otherwise, it is a low-maintenance plant. Because it can irritate skin and cause stomach upset if ingested, always wear protective gloves when handling.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer, Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Medium
21. Alpine Lady’s Mantle
Every part of the lady’s mantle has unique characteristics that make them much desired. First, it is a perennial plant with flowers that begin to bloom in June through September.
It starts as a low-growing plant that is suitable as ground cover. The stems are covered with silky silvery hair that gives it a shimmering highlight. The leaves are green, with each leaf having about seven small leaflets.
The flowers bloom in a lime green color. To top it off, the two shades of green and lime green form a nice monochromatic look. It doesn’t attract pests and diseases.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring, Autumn
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Medium
22. Alpine Pasque Flower
Commonly called pasque flowers or anemones, these plants welcome Spring. It gently unfurls beautiful and delicate flowers in different colors- blue, mauve, red, purple, and white, with a burst of yellow in the center that contrasts nicely.
The pasque flower is a perennial plant with grey-green foliage. They are low maintenance, and once the roots set in, they prefer to be left alone to perform their magic.
With the proper conditions, they will continue to provide you with lovely flowers yearly.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring, Summer (Early)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
23. Alpine Sea Holly
The sea holly is a striking perennial plant with several noteworthy features. It is insanely attractive, standing tall and graceful with flowers of rich silvery or metallic blue shades. Fun fact, the blue color gets deeper in cold weather.
The flower starts to bloom in summer and early fall, and is excellent for decorative borders, landscapes, pots, and cut or dried flower arrangements. It provides pollen and sweet nectar for bees and attracts valuable insects such as butterflies and beetles. The sea holly is versatile and can be medicinal in treating whooping cough.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer, Fall (Early)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low
24. Alpine Snowbell
Like most alpine plants, the snowbell is no stranger to beauty. It is a striking perennial plant that blooms in early spring with bell-shaped purple to violet flowers. A part of its appeal is in its easy-to-grow nature. It grows in small clumps of evergreen simple-broad leaves serving as an excellent addition to rock gardens and alpine houses.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Early)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
25. Alpine Squill
With attractive flowers on an erect stem and basal leaves, this bulbous perennial plant is a beautiful addition to rock gardens, front borders, beds, and alpine houses.
Also called the early spring Squill, it starts to bloom in early Spring, producing beautiful star-shaped flowers in blue-violet color. Each flower has six petals on an individual stalk, known as panicles. This plant is well-rounded in beauty and sturdiness. It adds a sea of color and lovely contrasts when combined with other plants. And to top it off, it is resistant to pests and diseases.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Early)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
26. Amazon Water Lily
As the name suggests, the Amazon Water Lily, also called Victoria amazonica, is an impressive perennial plant. It is the most significant water Lily, with Lily pads measuring up to 8 feet across and anchored to a 23-26 feet stalk submerged in water. This Water Lily is so powerful it can hold up to 65 pounds.
The plant only blooms for two days but leaves a lasting impression. On the first day, the flowers open up at nighttime with large white blooms and a lovely pineapple-like fragrance. This fragrance attracts beetles which pollinate the flower. On the second night, the color of the lily changes to a beautiful purple-red after pollination. It will perform well in rich loans and is suitable for quiet, extensive water gardens.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun
Water: High
27. Amazonian Elephant Ear
One of the most eye-catching ornamental plants is the Amazonian Elephant Ear. It is an evergreen perennial plant with striking features.
Mainly grown for its foliage, it has large deep green leaves 4-6 feet. The leaves are ribbed and decorated with arrow-shaped exotic lines in creamy white and silver. The serrations in the leaves make it appear a lovely purple-green.
With the elephant ear, you get to bring the tropics indoors; that’s why it’s a popular choice for interior designers, gardeners, and landscapers.
Describing the elegance and remarkable features of the Amber gem is an art on its own. Everything about this plant screams beauty, from its thick, sturdy stems to shiny evergreen foliage.
The Helleborus winter jewel starts to bloom from late winter to early spring. The flowers are showy, appearing in double cup-shaped blooms. The blooms are glossy golden, with hot pink petal edges for a nice contrast and visual impact.
It is ideal for large shrubs, under trees, and shady borders to brighten the shade garden.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Winter (Late), Spring
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Partial Sun, Full sun
Water: Average
29. American Angelica
Angelica artropurpurea, also American Angelica, is a stunning and towering perennial plant. It grows up to 3-10 feet with bright green foliage. Each leaf has 3-5 leaflets.
The flower starts blooming from early summer through fall. It sits pretty with creamy-greenish flowers on a dark purple stem, making it attractive to butterflies and other valuable insects. This plant is highly decorative and provides a stunning backdrop for other plants.
Apart from adding beauty and height to the landscape, the Angelica plant has a variety of use in medicine, flavors for tea, popular liquor, and seasonings.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer, Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
30. American Arrowhead
It is commonly called the Arrowhead plant, derived from the shape of its leaves. It is a fast-growing, tropical plant with a height of about 4.9 feet and 6-7 large spade-like leaves. Its stunning patterns make it an ideal house plant.
The foliage comes in dark green color with cream or white lines and several lighter hues. And sometimes, the leaves have variegations decorated in lime green and pink. Arrowheads are typically indoor plants with upright stems and can be grown with other plants for more visual interest.
As it matures, it begins to vine and produce tailings; however, you can cut climbing stems if you prefer a more petite size. Asides from being eye-catching, the American Arrowhead is an air purifier and is thought to promote positivity.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Partial sun
Water: Average
31. American Bellflower
The American Bellflower is a tall-stemmed annual plant native to North America. It has rough, hairy green leaves emerging from a light green central stem, balanced with the appearance of soft, beautiful flowers.
With blooming in summer, star-shaped flowers appear in a lovely lavender-blue color. They tend to be white towards the center, creating an excellent play of colors. A light Violet petal tube protrudes from the center of the blossoms and curls at the tip.
The charming features of the American Bellflower make it attractive to bees, wasps, butterflies, and hummingbirds in search of pollen and nectar. It rarely has any pest and disease issues and is suitable for rock gardens, cottage gardens, and naturalized areas.
Annual or Perennial: Annual
Growing Season: Summer
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
32. American Blue Vervain
A tall perennial that opens up to a striking display of beauty and charm. It grows to a height of 2-6 feet and can be identified by red or green square stems with tiny white hairs and toothed green leaves. A spike protrudes from the stem, and the flowers bloom around it in vivid purple-blue colors.
The American Blue vervain is pest and disease-free, attracting essential pollinators such as the bumblebee. It grows well in moist to wet soils and looks excellent in meadows, rain gardens, and borders.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
33. American Bur-Reed
Native to North America, the American Bur-Reed is an excellent addition to water gardens, rain gardens, ponds, and streams. It is a perennial grass-like plant that is a valuable food source to waterfowls, marsh birds, and muskrats.
The Bur-Reed grows to an impressive height of 7 feet with zigzag stalks that bear bell-shaped clusters of green to brown flower petals.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Mid, Late), Summer, Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: High
34. American Dawn
Also known as a midsummer’s dream, there is no shortage of words to describe this unique flower that blooms in summer through fall. The Dahlia American dawn is one extraordinary plant with erect and sturdy dark purple stems. It belongs to the class of decorative dahlias with unique colors and large flowers.
The eye-catching flowers are coral-pink double blossoms with plum-purple center and highlights on the tips of the petals and, of course, evergreen foliage. Flowers remain upright and proud, no matter the weather making them an attention-grabbing addition to patios, balconies, beds, gardens, and cut flowers.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
35. American Dream
This herbaceous perennial plant is showy with its starry flowers and dark green grasslike foliage. It stands erect at 2 feet and blooms in summer with deep pink flowers rising from short stems. Eight hot pink florets surround a golden center, providing a nice contrast and play of colors.
The American dream performs well in well-drained soil and has no notable pests and diseases. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage new blooms, making the American dream bloom for months, shearing in summer and promoting a full rebloom in fall. Its continuous blooms and airy foliage make it useful for borders, rock gardens, edging, and cottage gardens.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Late), Summer
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
36. American Frogbit
Limnobium spongia, also known as spongeplant and American frogbit, is an aquatic perennial plant. With large floating leaves that are lily-like. It is instrumental in water gardens, ponds, and aquariums, providing shade and refuge for semi-aquatic animals.
The American Frogbit provides attractive foliage with thick and leathery leaves. It is very hardy and durable with no severe pests and disease issues. However, it is an aggressive spreader and invasive species, especially in warmer climates. But removing unwanted parts with a net is possible.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Mid, Late), Summer, Fall
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: High
37. American Lotus
At each break, the American lotus rises from murky water, opening its blooms and showing clean, bright yellow petals. The flowers are fragrant and have at least 20 petals, with a golden showerhead-like disk in the center, providing a complementary, monochromatic design.
A long stalk about 6.6 feet long keeps the flowers floating above water with large rounded blue-green leaves protruding from the stem.
The American lotus is a beautiful aquatic perennial plant with a lovely color palette. One of the most impressive unique qualities of the American lotus is its ability to repel water—the outer surface of the leaf balls up in a dazzling display of beauty.
The absence of slits on the leaves differentiates it from water lilies. Although lasting for only a few days, it has an ornamental quality making it an excellent addition to water gardens, ponds, and lakes.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring, Summer
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun
Water: High
38. American Water-Willow
This plant has attractive markings and patterns that are desirable to the human eye and attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The American water willow is an emergent aquatic perennial with green leaves that resemble willow leaves.
Flowers bloom in late spring to early fall for about two months. This bloom is accompanied by showy flowers with exotic markings and patterns. White flowers with light purple markings form in notched clusters atop the stem, with the petals fusing into a tube-like shape at the base. It is helpful in ponds and lakes, providing shelter for many fish and an excellent addition to water gardens.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Late), Summer, Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: High
39. Amethyst Gem
The Amethyst gem offers a dazzling display of beauty and poise. This easy-to-grow Helleborus winter jewel blooms for weeks from late winter to early spring. Thick, sturdy stems hold cup-shaped double flowers in deep-amethyst color with shimmery white highlights at the margins and a bright yellow center.
The leaves add a certain depth and detail to the rest of the plant, appearing a glossy and leathery purple in spring before maturing into evergreen foliage.
This beautiful plant looks good in containers, woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and special use in cut flowers. Removing faded stems will promote new growth, and group planting will create a striking vision.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Winter, Spring (Early)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Partial Sun, full sun
Water: Average
40. Amethyst Meadow Squill
Scilla litardierei or amethyst meadow Squill is a lovely bulbous perennial plant. It starts to bloom in late spring through early summer and opens with dark-tipped spikes surrounded by star-shaped violet-blue flowers. Dark-green foliage begins at the base of the stem with up to 5 strap-shaped narrow leaves.
Big on personality, the Amethyst meadow Squill multiplies year after year. It performs well in well-drained soils and is an excellent addition to flower beds, containers, and border fronts.
The Amethyst meadow Squill has an impressive resume, bagging the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring, Summer
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
41. Amethyst Sea Holly
The Amethyst sea holly is a clump-coming perennial plant with solid architectural quality. It has an impeccable and creative design with blue-tinged branching stems that uphold spike-like and egg-shaped blue-to-amethyst flowers.
Each flower head has an extra dimension with silvery-blue bracts. Leathery grey-green foliage with shiny silver and white markings create a lovely play of colors.
This plant will continue to churn out beautiful foliage and flowers for cottage gardens, coastal gardens, and flower arrangements year after year.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low
42. Amphibious Bistort
The Amphibious bistort is a herbaceous perennial plant so versatile it can grow in both water and on land. Whatever form it takes, the amphibious bistort blooms from midsummer through fall, emerging in beautiful color displays.
A flush of pink flowers on solitary spikes appears atop the stems, with five petals and five protruding stamens.
The aquatic form grows about 6 feet long, with narrow floating leaves having a red tinge. The terrestrial form grows about 1-3 feet long with contrasting narrow leaves that are dark green above and lighter green underneath.
The amphibious bistort is a colorful ornamental plant that is an excellent addition to extensive gardens and ponds.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average, High
43. Andersoniana Group
It is no surprise that this easy-to-grow, clump-forming perennial is a recipient of the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Tradescantia Andersoniana group (spider Lily) has a dazzling display of bright purple flowers with yellow stamens that bloom from May to August. It has attractive foliage with beautiful narrow blue-green leaves.
Deadheading flower clusters will increase the bloom period and improve an already perfect appearance. Andersoniana group looks good in beds, borders, city, and coastal gardens.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer, Autumn
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
44. Andrea Lawson
Dahlia Andrea Lawson is a showy beauty that blooms majestically from midsummer through frost. This bulbous perennial plant is eye-catching with beautiful color combinations. The fully double blooms are decked in a soft whitish-pink color with a glowing center in lavender and highlights of lavender at the tips of its petals.
The Andrea Lawson shows off with rounded florets at the tips, creating a compelling view when planted in groups. It is a favorite for cut flower arrangements and looks beautifully mixed with other vibrant colors. Snip off spent flowers to encourage new blooms all through summer.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
45. Angel Pelargonium
This compact perennial is a plant worthy of the esteemed Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society. It comes with evergreen foliage and small, rounded leaves.
The two upper petals and three lower petals exhibit a range of different beautiful color patterns and markings. The upper petals have deep burgundy with crimson edges, and the white throat complements the lower petals, which have a light purple color with white edges. This plant is a favorite for gardens, borders, and containers. And deadheading spent flowers will continually promote new blooms.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low, Average
46. Angel’s Fishing Rod
Dierama pulcherrimum, known as Angel’s Fishing Rod, is a relatively easy-to-grow perennial plant. In summer, clouds of dangling arching bell-shaped flowers appear from a clump of long, narrow grasslike, and evergreen foliage on tall, wiry stems. The flowers have an eclectic mix of white, rosy pink, and magenta, looking fabulous against a backdrop of fluffy grass and ponds.
It airs beautifully in beds, borders, coastal, and rock gardens. The Angel’s Fishing Rod is not a fussy plant and is tolerant of weather, only requiring humus-rich and well-drained soils.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low
47. Angelica
The Angelica plant is a tall perennial that comes in showy umbrella-like white to greenish-white flowers. It stands tall and graceful at 3-9 feet, showing great enthusiasm with large, shimmery starburst flowers. Large, yellowish-green bipinnate leaves appear on thick stems.
But it doesn’t just end at making a bold statement; every part of the Angelica, from the roots, leaves, and stems, is valuable. The roots and seeds are beneficial flavors for perfumery and liqueurs. The roots and leaves are great for teas and traditional medicines.
It is attractive to essential pollinators such as bees and is an excellent addition to herb gardens and flower borders. It is a biennial, dying after two years.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring, Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
48. Angelita Daisy
There’s much to be said about this compact perennial plant that blooms throughout the year. Its small size rarely affects its ability to withstand and tolerate harsh weather, pests, and diseases.
The Angelita Daisy is gaining respect and rising to fame on the back of bright yellow daisy flowers on long slender reddish-green stems. The evergreen foliage is basal rosettes of smooth grasslike leaves. It looks good and thrives in containers, borders, and rock gardens.
Brugmansia ‘ Angel’s trumpet’ knows how to show out and dazzle. It is a gardener’s delight grown as a shrub or a small tree. This ornamental plant can grow up to 30 feet outdoors from late spring through Autumn and must be brought inside during winter. But it also adapts well in containers indoors all year round.
The leaves appear alternate along the stems, with large drooping, trumpet-shaped flowers. Depending on the pH, temperature, humidity, soil, and light, Angel’s Trumpet will produce a fusion of colors from yellow, white, cream, pink, red, orange, and green. At night, Angel’s Trumpet will have strong fragrance whiffs that attract hummingbirds.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Late), Summer, Fall (Early)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
50. Anise Hyssop
A fine choice among gardeners, the Anise Hyssop juts out as a clump-like perennial with an erect figure. Flowers bloom in showy lavender to violet-blue color from early summer to early fall, appearing on small short spikes with ovate bracts. Oval-toothed dark green leaves with white highlights rise from square stems with a sweet aromatic aniseed scent. This quality makes it attractive to a host of pollinators from bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other insects.
The Anise Hyssop is relatively easy to grow, having remarkable strength in resisting pests, diseases, and droughts. Sniping off dead flowers will promote new blooms and make an alluring addition to informal landscapes and cut flower arrangements.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Low, Average
51. Anise Root
This perennial herb is eye-catching with a smooth stem and multifaceted leaves—with simple long-stalked leaves at the base and complex leaves with additional leaflets at the top. Flowers bloom in late spring through early summer, unveiling clusters of tiny white flower heads. Leaves, roots, seeds, stems, and flowers are edible and waft licorice-like aniseed fragrances useful in spices, seasonings, and traditional medicine. Herb gardens, native plants, and woodland gardens will benefit significantly from adding Anise Root.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Mid, Late)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
52. Anise-Scented Sage
The Anise-Scented Sage is a showy ornamental subshrub with an alluring purple-green color palette. This tender herbaceous perennial features long mint green leaves hosting fierce true-blue flowers with dark purple cuplike sepals. Flowers bloom from midsummer through fall and, coupled with the licorice-like scent of the leaves, provide a spring of nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds. This plant is virtually independent, showing strong resistance to pests and diseases and tolerating heat and drought. It appears prominent alongside a backdrop of other vivid flowers.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer, Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
53. Annual Marguerite
The Annual Marguerite is a joyful plant boasting of an elaborate ornamental quality. It has spoon-shaped dark green leaves, and tiny white radiant daisies with a magical golden center emerge in summer.
Annual Marguerite can have a particular second bloom season. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage reblooms.
Planting in groups will provide a spectacular addition to borders, beds, small gardens, and containers. It is a perfect daisy fresh cut flower.
Annual or Perennial: Annual
Growing Season: Summer
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
54. Annual Phlox
The Annual Phlox brings a burst of colors around the garden. Flowers bloom from spring to early summer, starring beautiful colors from creamy whites to pinks, purples, lilacs, roses, and reds. They are single or double blooms with star-shaped petals and a lighter center for a nice contrast making them attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
This half-hardy annual plant with sharp, pointed leaves is easy to grow and will perform well in well-drained soils. Deadheading spent faded flowers will encourage new and attractive blooms.
Annual or Perennial: Annual
Growing Season: Spring, Summer (Early)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
55. Annual Sage
The Salvia, better known as annual sage, guarantees an abundance of color all season. With flowers blooming in intense colors from whites, blues, pinks, and reds, there is hardly any garden that this colorful plant will not beautify.
From summer through fall, the Annual Sage blooms with large striking bracts in multi-branched clumps. The Annual Sage is a prized possession in many summer gardens, attracting essential pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. They perform optimally in humus-rich, well-drained soils, providing a picturesque view of beds, borders, and large containers. They are magnificent in cut flowers, and dried arrangements and deadheading will continually promote new blooms.
Annual or Perennial: Annual
Growing Season: Summer (Early, Mid, Fall)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
56. Antelope-Horns Milkweed
The sophisticated design of Antelope-Horns Milkweed makes it stand out in prairies, Meadows, and naturalized areas. From spring to fall, flowers bloom in clusters of green to creamy white colors and a flush of purple in the center for a lovely contrast. The flowers have an artful structure with five green petals and five white hoods that never lack nectar for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
They grow up to 2 feet with beautiful foliage of narrow folded bright green leaves on thick, sturdy hairy stems. Antelope-Horns Milkweed also has unique medicinal qualities and is praised for being efficient in treating heart conditions. They are also reasonably easy to grow and maintain, making a perfect addition to sunny borders, cottage gardens, and butterfly gardens.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low, Average
57. Antiquity
Antiquity matures from early summer to fall with beautiful daisy-like flowers rising from sturdy stems. The flower blooms for months, from crimson to burgundy flowers that age gracefully into a beautiful salmon pink. A golden center adds a timeless touch to this plant.
The foliage of wispy bright green leaves on short stems complements the vivid colors.
This plant attracts butterflies, which creates a breathtaking picture that lights up patios. They will continue to shell out new blooms after snipping off spent flowers or self-seed in a non-invasive manner.
Annual or Perennial: Annual
Growing Season: Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
58. Apache
This plant gets its name because of its unique design that looks like an Apache war bonnet. Fallugia paradoxa or Apache plume is a shrub-like semi-evergreen deciduous plant with multiple straw-colored branches. Its design is set off with small pinnate leaves that are dark green above with a silvery highlight beneath.
From late spring to summer, an abundance of nectar-rich flowers blooms in clusters of 5 white petals with a golden center, attracting bees and butterflies. After which, white or pink fruit or seed head plumes come.
The Apache does not require as much care as most other flowers. It also performs well in sandy, well-drained soils.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low
59. Apache Beggarticks
With bright yellow daisies that exude the soft warmth of a lazy summer sun, they bloom for months without requiring any deadheading. It carefully positions itself as a happy and carefree perennial with evergreen foliage of dark green leaves, so easygoing it can also be grown as an annual. From early summer to fall, five petals of fragrant yellow blossoms appear on strong stems, with a bountiful provision of pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.
They are fast-growing, barely have any pest and disease issues, and will tolerate droughts, wind, and heat. They grow perfectly in containers and will decorate balconies, patios, and terraces, capturing the essence of the sun while a cool summer breeze blows.
Annual or Perennial: Annual, Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low, Average
60. Apple Geranium
As a recipient of the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, Pelargonium odoratissimum or Apple Geranium is worth its weight in gold.
This plant has evergreen foliage with apples scented leaves that have lustrous hairs and glistening like the rippling of water.
From spring to summer, a cluster of white star-shaped flowers appears on trailing branches, with the upper petals decked with red veins for a delightful surprise of color. Deadheading spent flowers and removing yellow leaves will improve the appearance and encourage new blooms. This plant is perfect outdoors and indoors, growing well in containers and ideal for beds and borders, coastal, city, and cottage gardens.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
61. Apricot Desire
The delicate flowers of the Dahlia Apricot Desire are captivating and dreamy. The flowers bloom from July to frost, with double flowers in a stunning shade of apricot to peach and soft yellow highlights for an artistic display. They resemble water lily flowers and sit comfortably on upright, sturdy stems above evergreen foliage of toothed pinnate dark green leaves. The contrast makes the Apricot Desire look pretty both indoors and outdoors.
It is captivating in a vase, bed, or border. Deadheading spent flowers will keep producing eye-catching blooms for a long time. And growing in groups will present a picturesque view.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
62. Apricot Lemonade
Like most other tall plants, the Apricot Lemonade exudes charm and elegance. This early flowering plant starts to bloom on branching stems from summer all through Autumn in a mesmerizing color combination. The flowers are a soft apricot with a blush of pink at the base and undersides, crowning with a yellow center.
The Apricot Lemonade is a compact, bushy, and half-hardy annual with evergreen foliage of divided leaves. It will grow well in humus-rich, well-drained soils and makes excellent cut flowers. Deadheading produces new blooms for a long time.
Annual or Perennial: Annual
Growing Season: Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
63. Apricot Star
The Dahlia Apricot Star is mostly known as a stunning plant. July ushers in massive blooms of soft apricot flowers with shooting petals and a ray of soft yellow bursting from the base. The Apricot Star is exceptional, with its shiny, elongated petals that curve inwards or outwards and will continue to bloom until frost. The blooms are affinity for light and will shimmer and dazzle under light, which is beguiling. The sturdy stems make it perfect for cut flower arrangements and bouquets.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Mid, Late) Fall
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
64. Apricotta
With hues reminiscent of positivity and excitement, Apricotta boasts magnificent flowers. They blossom from midsummer to fall, producing pale apricot to peach flowers with a halo of soft pink at the center of the petals for months. These blushing flowers grow on upright, sturdy stems that are excellent for cutting. The contrast of finely divided bright green leaves adds to the stunning looks of the Apricotta. Deadheading spent flowers promotes new blooms and stretches out a beautiful sight for a few more weeks.
Annual or Perennial: Annual
Growing Season: Summer (Mid, Late)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
65. April Dawn
The April Dawn has showy ornamental features with its formal double blooms of large and fragrant creamy white and pink petals streaked with lovely pink stripes. The flowers bloom from midsummer to frost in color coordination that reminisces candy. This plant will continue to sprout new blooms after deadheading spent flowers. And in groups of 5 or more, they are magnificent to behold.
With a height of 5-8 feet, this plant arches gracefully on upright stems with evergreen foliage of pointy glossy dark green leaves.
The April Dawn is a budding landscape plant that looks great in accents, hedges, and mass planting.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer(Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
66. Aquatic Milkweed
This idyllic perennial blooms from late spring to fall with many flowers upwards of 20 to 50. The flowers have exciting and attractive features that make the aquatic milkweed shine in bog gardens, butterfly gardens, ponds, and streams.
Small flat umbels host a flurry of starry flowers that are white with light pink undersides.
Erect and slender purplish-green stems branch at the base, housing soft, fragrant flowers that attract and provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The evergreen foliage consists of elliptical to sword-shaped leaves.
The Aquatic Milkweed has seed pods that disperse oval-shaped winged seeds that float on the water’s surface. It is a tolerant plant with virtually no pests and disease issues.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: High
67. Arabian Nights
It’s easy to see why Dahlia ‘Arabian Nights’ is a winner of multiple awards. This lush clump-forming perennial shows off large, fully double-dark red flowers that are nearly black. The petals are slightly curved at the tips with small distinct green floral bracts at the center for more intensity and will create a striking vision in groups of at least five.
This decorative Dahlia blooms from July until frost atop sturdy stems and looks glorious in a garden display. It looks impressive in a vase and stands out in borders. This plant will flower for weeks, and deadheading spent flowers will continually encourage new blooms.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
68. Arabian Star Flower
Ornithogalum arabicum, or Arabian Star Flower, is a classic ornamental plant with attractive flowers. Radiant flowers with a sweet scent grow in clusters from early spring to early summer. Each flower connects to a central stem with short individual branches and a bract below it in a classic combination of creamy-white to white flowers with a black heart.
The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer with narrow straplike blue-green leaves in groups at the base of the plant.
This bulbous perennial plant makes excellent cut flowers. It is easy to grow and barely has any pests and disease issues.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
69. Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot
The Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot earns its name from the sweet fragrance of its flowers. This herbaceous perennial plant bears flowering stems that produce 5-12 clusters of flowers. Pastel yellowish-white to pinkish-purplish flowers bloom from early spring through summer.
During the first bloom period, the flowers are offset by scale-like leaves that look like they are embracing the flowers. However, large basal leaves like horse hooves with densely matter woolly hair emerge from the underground rootstock by late spring. It thrives in meadows, swamps, wetlands, and ground cover. It has application in traditional medicines for making teas and poultices for various ailments.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Early), Summer (Early, Mid)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: High
70. Ardens
As a member of the Pelargonium species, you can be sure of a beautiful and enchanting range of flowers. Ardens has an impressive profile as a recipient of the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, and it’s famous for its staggering beauty.
From spring to fall, exquisite flowers with dark smudges take the high spot on tall, erect stems, drawing attention to the glossy silvery green leaves at the base.
This heirloom Pelargonium is the perfect addition to beds, borders, and containers. Deadheading spent flowers will continually gift more stunning flowers that are easy to grow with barely any pest issues.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low, Average
71. Arendsii Hybrid
Arendsii Hybrid is a group of hybrids developed by George Arends in Germany. They are famous for their colorful floral plumes from crosses between several Astilbes.
Arendsii Hybrids are all herbaceous perennial plants with bright showy color-infused flowers ranging from white, crimson, pink, lavender, purplish, and red. The foliage ranges from medium green and dark green to bronze fern-like leaves.
Each hybrid has a bloom period between late spring and fall, and with adequate moisture, their gorgeous flowers make stunning floral cuttings and dried flower arrangements.
They add a burst of colors to landscapes, attracting butterflies and making the perfect addition to perennial borders, containers, woodlands, and ground cover. They have virtually no pest or disease problems and will perform optimally in well-drained soils near ponds, streams, and shade gardens.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average, High
72. Armed Bear’s Breech
Getting its name from the curved bracts, which were thought to resemble a bear claw, Acanthus spinosus or Armed Bear’s Breech, is an attractively tall and graceful plant. It is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial plant with evergreen foliage of large, deeply-lobed, spine-tipped lustrous leaves.
Striking and erect spikes of white flowers decorated with red-purple bracts bloom from early to late summer. The leaves will also remain glossy and gleaming all through the bloom period under suitable conditions. Armed Bear’s Breech looks stately and majestic, balancing perfectly in beds, borders, Cottage, and Mediterranean gardens. This plant’s architectural depth is seen when planted in groups.
It is easy to grow and generally pest free with no severe diseases except powdery mildew.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
73. Armenian Cranesbill
The Armenian Cranesbill has arresting and breathtaking features that earned it the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. It dazzles onlookers from late spring to late summer with large cup-shaped magenta-crimson blooms and contrasting black centers with dark veining.
The flowers bloom atop upright stems with broad fan-shaped leaves. Growing the Armenian Cranesbill alone requires staking; however, roses and peonies provide an attractive support system that attracts butterflies and creates a spectacular garden vision.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
74. Aromatic Aster
From late summer to fall, the Aromatic Aster produces fresh daisy-like flowers that brighten the garden. The flowers bloom in a fashionable display of 30 royal blue-purple rays decorated with a golden center. The flowers grow atop rigid hairy stems that give off a balsam-like fragrance when crushed, with foliage of oblong blue-green leaves.
The Aromatic Aster is a compact perennial wildflower that is easy to grow with bright sunny color, provides nectar to butterflies, and attracts birds. It adds dimension to beds and borders, prairies, meadows, and butterfly gardens. It is also known for its excellent cut flower value.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Late), Fall
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low, Average
75. Arrowleaf Balsamroot
The Arrowleaf Balsamroot has a detailed structure with sunny bright yellow flowers. It grows 1-2 feet tall from a taproot with a sweet balsam fragrance. The foliage of large triangular silvery gray basal leaves coated with fine to rough hairs on the underside grow on erect stems.
From May to August, large bright yellow sunflower-like flowers adorn the Arrowleaf Balsamroot in an elaborate design. Several flower stems have small leaves; each bears a cluster of small florets (called inflorescence) surrounding a central disc, looking like a ring of petals. It attracts butterflies and birds and creates a relaxing effect on hot sticky days.
It was used for years by Native American tribes for food and in treating a range of ailments, like cough, bruises, sores, and fevers.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Low, Average
76. Arroyo Lupine
Planting the Arroyo Lupine guarantees bright and showy floral plants. Also commonly referred to as hollow leaf annual lupine or succulent lupine, this fleshy annual wildflower can grow up to 3.3ft depending on soil fertility and moisture.
From late winter to spring, the inflorescence (a cluster of flowers growing on individual stems connected to a central branch) blooms in whorls of purple-blue with white or pink patches. And sometimes, the flowers come in shades ranging from purple, pink, and white, growing above the foliage of dark green palmate leaves, each made up of 7-9 leaflets.
Native to California, Arroyo Lupine’s beautiful colors and sweet fragrance attracts bees and butterflies and are a perfect addition to prairies, meadows, and wildlife gardens.
Annual or Perennial: Annual
Growing Season: Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Winter
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Low, Average
77. Ashy Sunflower
The ash-like gray color of the leaves and stems of the Ashy Sunflower gives it its name. It grows as an upright perennial, with broad, sharp-toothed hairy leaves spread from densely hairy rigid stems.
A mass of sunny yellow flowers blooms from early summer to early fall. 15-20 rays of flowers resembling petals enclose a yellow disk at the center of the head. Its charming yellow color attracts birds who feed on the seeds.
The Ashy Sunflower is a joyful perennial that is a refreshing sight on a long summer day. It sits perfectly in prairies, meadows, butterfly gardens, and naturalized areas.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low, Average
78. Asian Fawn Lily
Although short-lived, Erythronium japonicum or Asian Fawn Lily blossoms in spectacular fashion. This pink-flowered species blooms mid to late spring in stylish and nodding lilac-pink flowers that curve outwards with burgundy markings in the throat for a lovely contrast.
The Asian Fawn Lily is an eye-catching flower with its evergreen foliage of elliptical and broad basal green leaves. Planting in groups creates a breathtaking visual impact and multiplies quickly along streams and ponds. Growing easily with virtually no pests and disease problems, it looks impressive in beds and borders, cottage and rock gardens, prairies, or under deciduous trees. Since the Asian Fawn Lily is short-lived, planting it with late emerging Perennials will fill in the space left in its absence.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Mid, Late)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Partial sun
Water: Average
79. Asian Mint
Persicaria odorata is known by many nicknames such as Vietnamese mint, rau ram, phak phai, laksa leaf, Cambodian mint, and of course, its common name, Asian Mint. Although the leaves are primarily associated with Vietnamese cooking, Southeast Asian and Northeast Indian cuisine also benefit from its flavor.
The leaves have a coriander-like smell and a spicy hot peppery flavor. They grow from reddish-green stems and are ovate, dark green with chestnut hues and burgundy-red tinged undersides.
Outside their culinary prowess, the Asian Mint is showy with spikes of tiny pink flowers that bloom in late summer. This multifaceted plant makes a good ground cover and shines in beds and borders, city, herb, and cottage gardens or containers.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
80. Asian Skunk Cabbage
The Asian Skunk Cabbage has superior qualities that have earned it the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Pure white, arum-like flowers bloom from early to mid-spring, creating an angelic vision in bog and water gardens and along streams and ponds. Lysichiton camtschatcensis, or the better known Asian Skunk Cabbage, is an aquatic perennial with fragrant blooms of pointed white spathes (a large bract encloses a flower cluster) decorated with yellow-green spadix (a group of small flowers atop a fleshy stem). As the flower fades, leathery and shiny foliage of broad oval paddle-like green leaves appear.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Early, Mid)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: High
81. Asiatic Lily
Native to Japan, Lilium auratum ‘Asiatic Lily’ is also known as the golden-rayed lily or gold and lily. Famous for its vibrant flowers and fragrance, the Asiatic Lily is a fail-safe option for long-lasting summer blooms. In early summer, they show off magnificent star-shaped blooms with curved petals that appear in various colors, from soft pastels to reds and oranges. Under the sun, they look like flames, creating a striking visual image.
Easy-to-grow, Asiatic lilies thrive in humus-rich, well-drained soils. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage new blooms that look stunning in summer gardens and cut flower arrangements.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Early, Mid)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
82. Askwith Minnie
As a member of the decorative Dahlias, Askwith Minnie is a knockout beauty. It blooms from July to frost with soft, warm sugar-pink petals and golden highlights lining the tips. The large, fully double flowers attract butterflies and create a bright contrast against the evergreen foliage of dark green leaves.
As with other Dahlias, planting the Askwith Minnie in groups of 5 will create a striking visual garden display. They make for excellent cut flowers and sit pretty in a vase.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
83. Aster
Aster in Greek means ‘star’, a fitting name for this plant because of its star-shaped flowers. The Aster is a popular garden plant due to its gorgeous and colorful flowers ranging from white, blue, purple, pink, and red.
Gardens, meadows, and prairies can always rely on Asters for color as other summer plants are fading.
Showy daisy-like flowers bloom from late summer to autumn, with a bright yellow center adding a sunny cheer to a garden display and a late-season source of nectar for bees and butterflies.
The evergreen foliage is borne atop upright stems with silvery-green to deep green leaves in various shapes and textures. They can be smooth or hairy, smooth-edged, or serrated.
Asters are perfect in meadows, prairies, and informal garden styles. Deadheading spent flowers promotes new blooms.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Late) Fall (Early, Mid, Late)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
84. Atamasco Lily
Showy white trumpet flowers with grasslike foliage announce the presence of Zephyranthes atamasco or Atamasco Lily. Also, going by other common names such as fairy lily, rain lily, or zephyr lily, this perennial bulb blooms in early spring to early summer, showing off white flowers that are beautiful pink tinge in spring. Flowers bloom in single stalks above evergreen foliage of bright green grasslike clumps of leaves.
The Atamasco Lily is a charming sight to behold in gardens. It provides a soft, gentle exhibit along pathways, sidewalks, streams, and ponds. Planting with companion plants is best to cover up the space left when it goes dormant.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring ( Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Late)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average, High
85. Atlantic Pigeon Wings
Clitoria mariana or Butterfly pea or Atlantic Pigeon Wings is a showy flaunting lavender-pink pea-like flower that blooms in early to mid-summer. The flowers are upside down with a vertical banner and are either solitary or grow in clusters.
The Atlantic Pigeon Wings is a low, dense shrub with erect or trailing stems that seldom climb and can be suitable as ground cover. Smooth or hairy ovate leaflets cover the branches. This delicate flower is a pleasing addition to woodland gardens.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Mid, Late)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Low, Average
86. Atropurpurea Group
The Atropurpurea Group are upright herbaceous perennial plants that typically grow 3-4 feet. Their noteworthy features include spikes of small, numerous creamy white flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall.
Flowers are fragrant, budding in purple pink, and appear on brown-purple wiry stems over the foliage of deeply cut, ternately compound leaves in an appealing deep green color.
The showy white flowers of the Atropurpurea Group are striking against a darker background. They create a more stunning visual impact in groups, perfect at the shaded part of the border and ideal for cottage gardens, woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Late), Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
87. Austrian Speedwell
The general appearance of Veronica austriaca (Austrian Speedwell) is compact and either upright or sprawling. It has several cultivars that have received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.
From late spring to early summer, erect spikes of showy bright blue flowers bloom above the evergreen foliage of deeply-toothed, oblong green leaves. The blue blossoms create a beautiful contrast against the green leaves, making them a perfect addition to border fronts, blanks, and slopes. This attractive plant grows easily in well-drained soils and bears no severe pest or disease issues except powdery mildew. Suitable for city gardens, coastal gardens, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and containers.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
88. Autumn Crocus
The Autumn Crocus erupts in a show of purple-pink to white flowers, adding color to a fading fall garden. This bulbous perennial produces large cup-shaped flowers from September to October. Flowers grow on solitary stalks, each having six stamens, three white styles, and orange anthers, in a beautiful color display.
The Autumn Crocus is sometimes called the ‘naked lady’ because flowers bloom long before the leaves appear. Three to eight upright leaves that resemble lettuce emerge in spring and go dormant in summer. It is best planted with other perennials that bloom in early summer to conceal dying leaves. Although Autumn Crocus is medicinal, it is highly toxic and best handled by professionals.
It grows suitably under deciduous trees and shrubs and is a perfect addition to rock gardens, gravel gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Fall
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
89. Autumn Joy
Two-time winner of the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, Autumn Joy is a long-lasting herbaceous perennial that blooms from early summer through fall and winter.
The Autumn Joy displays a full range of colors, starting from a dense cluster of greenish-pink buds resembling broccoli, and progressing into star-like pale pink flowers in midsummer, to deep pink and copper brown in fall.
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and the colors play nicely into fleshy, oblong blue-green leaves. Both flowers and foliage will continue to dazzle well into winter and create a striking visual image when planted in groups. They are perfect for beds, borders, and rock gardens and make excellent cut flowers.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low
90. Autumn Ox-Eye Daisy
This robust Perennial has noteworthy features. It flaunts pure white daisy flowers with a contrasting greenish-yellow center from late summer to frost. The flowers appear above the evergreen foliage of toothed, oblong dark green leaves, creating a bright late summer cheer to the garden.
This upright clump-forming plant grows to a height of 3-5 feet, and deadheading spent flowers will encourage a profusion of floral daisy flowers. Planting in groups creates an outstanding visual display, best suited for borders, cutting gardens, cottage gardens, and prairies. The Autumn Ox-Eye Daisy makes stunning farm-fresh cut flowers.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Late), Fal
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Low, Average
91. Autumn Snowdrop
Autumn flowering snowdrops are bulbous perennials that add color and interest to fall gardens. Many cultivars are artfully crafted with nodding white flowers consisting of outer petals that enclose inner petals and green to grey leaves. Snowdrops are worthy of their beauty, and several have earned the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Autumn Snowdrops are best planted in groups to create a compelling image. They are relatively easy to grow and fit perfectly in border fronts, woodland gardens, rock gardens, and naturalized areas.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Fall, Winter
Maintenance: Low, Average
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
92. Autumn Sun
A winner of the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Herbstsonne’ (Autumn Sun) blooms that mimic the warmth of the Autumn sun. This robust herbaceous perennial plant grows in upright clumps 4-7 feet tall. It blooms from midsummer in a profusion of bright golden petals with a contrasting pale green central disk that matures into a rich brown color.
The sunny-rayed blossoms appear above sturdy upright stems bearing glossy foliage of green leaves, which remain picture-perfect throughout the growing season. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more sun-filled blooms that attract butterflies.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance: Average
Sun: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Average
93. Avens
Otherwise known as “geum,” Avens is a beautiful flowering plant from the rose family. As its scientific name denotes, this plant is a fragrant flower that adds beautiful colors to your garden. The different color shades of this plant make it an even more versatile plant that can complement other plants in any garden. Avens bloom from spring to summer, making them an excellent option to have when you want to brighten a spring landscape. The plant, predominantly in Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America, has handsome foliage, with leaves divided into many leaflets.
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Growing Season: Spring (Late), Summer (end).
Maintenance: Low
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average
94. Aztec Lily
Otherwise known as Sprekelia formosissima, Aztec Lily is native to Mexico’s rocky hillside. It is a member of the Amaryllis family, and the unique red flowers are simply irresistible and a bit reminiscent of the amaryllis. The large flowers that grow individually at the end of the sturdy but hollow cylindrical scapes are among its most distinguishing factors. Its flowering pattern is unique, but its foliage is similar to that of tulips or daffodils. After establishment, Aztec Lily does well in droughts, making them an excellent flower for drought-prone areas, although you’ll need to constantly water it during the growing season.
