15 Types of Flowers for the Modern Landscape – Easy Annuals

Different types of flowers add personality and flair to your modern landscape. From bold and colorful to delicate and subtle – think impatiens and calla lilies – these plants will elevate the look of any outdoor space.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to each of these unique flowers and provide tips for care and maintenance. Whether you’re a professional gardener or just starting, this resource will help add visual interest to your garden.

Eye-catching Flowers for Your Landscape

1. Dahlias

Dahlias are popular flowers and flowering plants native to Mexico and Central America. They are known for their vibrant, bright flowers that bloom in various shapes and sizes. Dahlias have large, bushy plants with dark green foliage, and the flowers have numerous petals that are often single or double in form.

The colors of dahlia flowers include shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white, and the shape of the flowers can be anything from a small, single bloom to a large, full, ball-shaped flower. Dahlias are popular for gardens and floral arrangements due to their vibrant color and long flowering period.

They are typically in season from late spring to early fall, like a globe thistle, depending on the specific variety and the growing region. Dahlias are easy to care for and can be grown in various soil types as long as they are well-draining. They require regular watering and fertilization and benefit from being deadheaded to encourage more blooms. Also, dahlias can have many companion plants around them!

2. Begonias

Begonias are a diverse group of plants that belong to the Begoniaceae family (looks like a fan flower). They are a local plant in tropical and subtropical regions known for their bright and colorful flowers.

The plants come in a wide range of sizes, from small, upright varieties to large, trailing types. Some begonias are grown for their foliage, which can be bronze, green, or red, and others for their beautiful flowers, which can be pink, red, orange, or white. They can be grown outdoors in warmer climates but often as indoor plants in cooler regions.

Begonias are known for their versatility and can be grown in various settings, including hanging baskets, window boxes, and as ground cover. They are also famous for use in container gardens and as houseplants. Because of their wide range of colors and sizes, begonias can complement any garden or indoor space in the same way an ice plant does.

They are also relatively low maintenance, making them an amazing choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

3. Impatiens

Impatiens is a type of flowering plant that is local to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. They are also known as touch-me-not or busy Lizzie. They are popular as shade-loving annual flowers that produce many bright flowers – they have many colors: pink, white, red, purple, and salmon.

They are known for their delicate and dainty appearance, with flowers generally 1-2 inches wide and glossy and bright green leaves. You should be extra careful while watering them since impatiens can easily be overwatered!

They are also famous for use in hanging baskets, pots, and window boxes, much like gerbera daisy, California poppy, and crown imperial. They flower from late spring to fall and are known to be very floriferous and to fill out very well.

They can be grown quickly from seed, and cuttings can propagate them and count as exotic flowers. Impatiens are a staple in many gardens due to their colorful and long-lasting blooms that can add color to any shady spot.

4. Petunias

Petunias are a beloved and popular flowering plant known for their vibrant colors and showy blooms. They resemble the flowers known as morning glory.

Though they have many colors, they are best known as vibrant yellow flowers like pearly everlasting. These plants, including tomatoes and nightshades, belong to the Solanaceae family and are native to South America.

Petunias are typically considered annual plants, meaning they complete their entire life cycle within one growing season. They are generally planted in the spring and bloom throughout summer until the first frost.

However, some varieties of Petunias are perennials, but they are not cold-hardy and should be treated as annuals in areas with frost. In milder climates, petunias can be grown as perennials, and they may bloom again in the fall if they are protected from frost.

Petunias are not high-maintenance plants, but regular attention to their basic needs will reward them with an abundance of colorful blooms throughout the summer. They are perfect for adding a burst of color to any outdoor space and are easy to grow.

Nature makes them a popular choice among gardeners of all levels of experience. Though they may not smell like sweet peas, petunias are great all on their own! And, the best thing about petunias is that you can plant them together with other plants.

5. Marigolds

Marigold is a plant that flowers in the daisy family, native to Mexico and Central America. The plants are known for their bright and cheerful flowers, which come in various colors, including orange, yellow, gold, and red.

The flowers are usually daisy-like, with a central disc and a ring of petals, but some varieties feature more crested or fluffy petals. The leaves are green and feathery, and the plants typically grow about 12 to 24 inches tall among flowering trees.

Marigolds are popular plants in gardens and landscapes due to their hardiness and ease of growth as flowering shrubs. They are also considered a symbol of passion, creativity, and endurance. They thrive in warm weather and can bear a wide range of soil varieties, although they prefer well-drained soil (do not overwater marigolds to avoid root rot and other diseases). They also prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade as well.

Marigolds are known for repelling pests among different flower types, such as aphids and whiteflies, making them a good companion for other plants prone to these pests. These flowers are the exact opposite of dusty miller. However, they look more like a densely populated golden marguerite.

6. Zinnias

Zinnia is a type of annual and perennial flax flowers in the daisy family, native to the Americas. They are known for their brightly colored and long-lasting flowers that come in various colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink, and white, like baby’s breath.

They have a wildflower appearance with a central disc and a ring of petals like a pincushion flower, and some varieties feature frilly petals. The leaves are typically green, and the plants can grow quite tall, up to 36 inches.

Zinnias are famous for their beauty and long-lasting blooms, making them a favorite among gardeners and floral designers, much like rock soapwort. They are easy to grow, tolerate various soil types, and adapt to different lighting conditions.

Zinnias grow best in the spring. Zinnias are not particular about their soil but require plenty of space. So, if you’re planting zinnia seeds of a smaller variety, leave at least 6 inches between plants. Larger zinnias require at least 12 to 18 inches between plants for proper air circulation and disease prevention.

When sowing zinnia seeds, put two or three seeds in each hole to increase the likelihood of a seed germinating in that location. Remove the weakest seedlings after growing 2 to 3 inches if two or three plants sprout. Only the most robust one should be kept.

7. Cardinal Flower

The flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a striking perennial plant that is known for its vibrant red flowers. The plant typically grows about 2-4 feet tall, with sturdy, square stems supporting the large, showy blooms. The leaves of the flower are long and narrow and are arranged opposite each other on the stem.

Like a bleeding heart, the flowers themselves are trumpet-shaped and comprise numerous small, tubular florets tightly packed together to form a dense, elongated spike resembling a shooting star.

Each flower is about 1-2 inches long and is held on a long stem above the foliage. The blooming period is typically in late summer to early fall, lasting several weeks.

The flower is a hardy, long-lived perennial and will produce flowers yearly. It is a popular plant for gardens and is often used in wildflower and native plant gardens and is also known as “Cardinal lobelia,” which can be mistaken for black-eyed Susan. It does not give black flowers as the name suggests.

8. Calla Lily

The lilies are a type of white flower in the Araceae family that differs from water lilies or water lilies and Peruvian lilies. They are well-known for their large, trumpet-shaped blooms in various colors, such as white, yellow, pink, and purple. The flower’s petals are smooth and glossy, and the leaves are long and narrow, similar to baby’s breath, Queen Anne’s lace, and shasta daisy.

Calla lilies are native to southern Africa, but they are now grown as ornamental plants worldwide, alongside spider flower, helianthus annuus, and centaurea cyanus. The flower meaning is beautiful and is frequently used in flower bouquet arrangements and is popular for wedding and other special occasion bouquets. They also have fragrant flowers, like cherry blossoms.

It is also known for its elegance and simplicity and symbolizes beauty and purity, like the geranium flowers and water lilies. They can be grown in gardens, in pots, or as houseplants. They prefer well-drained soil and partial shade and should be protected from frost.

9. Cosmos

Cosmos is a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family, native to Mexico and Central America. The plants are tall, like a balloon flower or a bee balm, reaching 6 feet tall, with a graceful, lean habit and delicate, fern-like foliage.

The flowers are large and showy, with a daisy-like appearance, typically in shades of pink, white, yellow, or red. They are attractive to pollinators, like bees and butterflies, making them a popular flower for gardeners looking to attract beneficial insects to their yards.

Cosmos flowers like spider lilies are straightforward to grow and are often planted in large drifts for a striking display. They tolerate various soil types and can adapt to lighting conditions like gerbera daisies. They like full sun but can tolerate partial shade as well. They are also drought-tolerant and can handle dry spells, making them an excellent option for gardeners in arid regions.

They have long blooming periods, generally from mid-summer to fall, similar to primrose flowers, which provide a constant supply of color and food for pollinators. They are also cut flowers, often used in arrangements, providing a long vase life.

10. Lantana

The tropical perennial flower lantana is native to Central and South America. It is a hardy and simple-to-grow shrub with bright and colorful flowers. The plant spreads, and flowers grow up to 3 feet tall; it has a low-lying habit and a dense, branching structure.

The leaves are green and glossy, with ovate or elliptic shapes that resemble coral bells. Depending on the cultivar, Lantana flowers are typically clustered and come in various colors, including orange, yellow, pink, red, and white. From spring to fall, the flowers bloom profusely, creating a vibrant display of color in the garden.

They’re also popular in hanging baskets, pots, and ground cover. Lantana plants are known for being tough, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a low-care plant that will still provide a lush and colorful garden.

11. Red-hot Poker

The red-hot poker adds the all-important eye-catching moment to a design by being strong and compact. The PyromaniaTM Orange Blaze Kniphofia (shown in the center) is a hybrid with bright orange flowers and grass-like foliage.

Red-hot poker plants have evolved to include subtle shades of cream, primrose, lemon, and burnt apricot with fine, grassy foliage—try PyromaniaTM Flashpoint (yellow), ‘Toffee Nosed’ (cream), or ‘Little Maid’ (cream) (yellow-green).

12. Agapanthus

Space-age flower globes float above mounds of strappy foliage, making them appealing even when not in bloom. Plant in groups or a pot.

This South African conservatory plant made its way outside in the 1940s, just in time to become a modernist favorite. Plants with white flowers (‘White Heaven’), variegated foliage (‘Tinkerbell,’ and dwarf (‘Peter Pan’) or giant (‘Storm Cloud’) forms have resulted from further breeding.

13. Sedum

Sedums are an easy collectible for any garden designer looking for an attractive, hardworking plant that plays well with others of the same ilk, such as grasses—just ask Oehme, van Sweden. They are tolerant of most soil types, drought- and disease-resistant, and have interesting foliage and long-lasting flowers that appear late in the season.

Continuous sedum breeding has resulted in the introduction of excellent wide varieties, which share the comprehensive benefits of its family, and bubblegum pink flowers that attract butterflies and bees. After the blooming season, attractive seed heads appear.

14. Lily Turf

The attractiveness of smart and functional lily turf is explained by its cast-iron constitution, shade tolerance, and ease of upkeep (Liriope muscari). However, it has been overused to the point of cliché, as have many other stalwart ground covers.

On the other hand, Liriope muscari ‘Pee Dee Ingot’ is revered by cutting-edge gardeners for its fountains of chartreuse foliage—chartreuse and black, the color for foliage fanciers today.

15. Sweet Peas

Few annual flowers have the enduring beauty and rustic appeal of sweet peas. They appear to be the polar opposite of our hectic lives, twining lazily around a rustic trellis. With their seductive fragrance, sweet peas make excellent garden and bouquet flowers. Learn how to plant and care for sweet peas by reading our Sweet Pea Growing Guide!

Lathyrus odoratus is an annual flower that looks great in a cutting garden, border garden, woodland, or twining on a trellis or arch. The flowers are now available in various colors, from pearly white to ice cream pastels to ritzy magentas and deep purples.

Conclusion

All the flowers listed above are annuals, known for their bright, colorful blooms and easy-to-grow nature. Here are some important points from the article:

• They prefer full sun and will bloom in the summer and fall, except for impatiens, which can grow well in the shade.
• They are perfect for adding color to flower beds, gardens, or pots.
• They are perfect for beginner and experienced gardeners.

Take good care of them and see how your landscape becomes an attractive haven!

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