Adding bright, lively shades with carefully chosen annuals and perennials can create striking, energetic spaces. But picking the best colorful plants for beds, borders, and containers isn’t always straightforward. You’ll need to think about height, bloom time, and other growing conditions. Still, if you need some quick ideas, here are some of the most vibrant plants you can grow—all guaranteed to bring long-lasting, eye-catching displays to your garden.
Choosing the Best Colorful Garden Plants
Gardeners love bold, colorful flowers and plants for many reasons. They catch the eye effortlessly—and many also draw in pollinators. Native species like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies can’t resist the bright hues of nectar-rich plants like bee balm and lobelia.
Many of these plants are also low-maintenance. Easygoing options often include wildflowers and popular tender annuals. Some of the picks listed here are perfect for fuss-free front yard landscaping. And don’t forget perennial bulbs, hedges, and flowering trees—some of the most vivid, saturated choices are included below.
1. ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ Coneflower
‘Cheyenne Spirit’ coneflowers are famous for their fiery orange and red tones. Their big blooms sit atop tall stems, making them a favorite for pollinators. These colorful plants look especially stunning when planted in masses, creating a sea of vibrant color through late summer.
2. ‘Coral Charm’ Peony
One of the first peonies to bloom in spring, these large, semi-double flowers practically glow in beds and borders. Their bright yellow stamens add extra appeal for pollinators, drawing in tons of honeybees and beneficial insects.
3. ‘Funfair Mix’ Zinnia
Beginner gardeners adore zinnias—but even seasoned growers can’t resist them. These easy-care plants burst with vibrant colors and unique patterns. Their yellow-pink blend is especially gorgeous in pollinator beds or cutting gardens.
4. ‘Green Twister’ Coneflower
While there are many striking coneflowers, ‘Green Twister’ stands out with its bold green-purple petals. Tall stems make them perfect for mixed borders or containers.
5. ‘Harlequin Mix’ Livingstone Daisy
These compact daisies work great as ground cover or container fillers. ‘Harlequin Mix’ offers a rainbow of colors with delicate, toothed petals. Their evergreen foliage adds winter interest in warmer zones.
6. ‘Kaleidoscope’ Kalmia
Commonly called mountain laurel, kalmia is a top pick for adding color to shady spots. The ‘Kaleidoscope’ variety (available in the Gardening Know How Shop) opens to reveal stunning pink-red blooms.
7. ‘Queen Victoria’ Lobelia
This lobelia is a superstar in hummingbird gardens and pollinator beds. Its fiery red flowers make an unforgettable statement in any planting designed to attract hummingbirds. ‘Queen Victoria’ stands out even more thanks to its deep purple foliage. Though it’s a hybrid, gardeners love it for its nectar-rich blooms and knockout color.
8. ‘The Impressionist’ Rose
Bold roses can add serious drama to your landscape, especially climbing varieties that bring height and vertical interest. ‘The Impressionist’ delivers brilliant orange-pink blooms with an intoxicating fragrance that screams “spring is here!”
9. ‘Vanilla Fraise’ Hydrangea
Like other panicle hydrangeas, ‘Vanille Fraise’ produces massive cones of white-pink florets that look good enough to eat (hence the “ice cream” vibe). These showstoppers make a serious impact in beds and borders.
10. ‘Wild Scarlet’ Bee Balm
A pollinator garden staple, ‘Wild Scarlet’ bee balm works just as well in casual, naturalized plantings. Its super-fragrant flowers are like a neon sign for hummingbirds and beneficial insects, keeping them fed well into late summer.