Annuals

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Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), also known as floss flower, is a charming annual prized for its soft, fluffy blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. This compact, mounding plant thrives in full to partial sun, performing best with at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily. Ageratum prefers well-draining, moist soil and benefits from regular watering to keep it lush and blooming from spring until frost. It is low-maintenance, resistant to deer, and attracts pollinators like butterflies. 

Alcea Chater’s Double (commonly known as Chater’s hollyhock) is a stunning, tall-growing biennial or short-lived perennial often treated as an annual in cooler climates. It features large, fully double blooms in shades of pink, red, yellow, white, and purple, creating a dramatic vertical accent in gardens. Hollyhocks thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, and prefer well-draining, rich soil. 

Alyssum (Lobularia maritima), commonly known as sweet alyssum, is a low-growing annual prized for its delicate clusters of tiny, fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and lavender. This versatile plant thrives in full to partial sun, performing best with at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily. Alyssum prefers well-draining soil and requires moderate watering to keep it blooming continuously from spring until frost. It is heat- and drought-tolerant once established.

Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia), or summer snapdragon, is a heat-loving annual with spiky blooms in pink, purple, white, and blue. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Blooming from late spring to frost without deadheading, it resists deer and pests while attracting pollinators. Ideal for sunny beds and containers.

Begonia (Begonia species) is a versatile annual known for its vibrant blooms in red, pink, white, and orange, along with lush green or bronze foliage. It thrives in partial sun to shade, making it ideal for low-light areas. Preferring well-draining soil, begonias need regular watering but tolerate short dry spells. While not deer-resistant, they work well in beds, borders, and containers. With continuous blooms from spring to frost, begonias add lasting color to shaded gardens.

Bidens (Bidens species) is a resilient annual known for its bright yellow, orange, or white daisy-like flowers that bloom from spring to frost. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it is heat- and drought-tolerant once established. Deer-resistant and highly attractive to pollinators, bidens is ideal for hanging baskets, borders, and containers, adding a cascading burst of color to any garden.

Caladium (Caladium species), or elephant ear, is a striking annual with large, heart-shaped leaves in vibrant colors like red, pink, white, and green. Preferring partial to full shade, it thrives in moist, well-draining soil. While not deer-resistant, caladium adds tropical flair to shady gardens, borders, and containers with its bold foliage. It requires regular watering and provides continuous beauty throughout the growing season.

Calibrachoa (Calibrachoa species), or million bells, is a trailing annual with small, petunia-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, yellow, orange, and white. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it is heat-tolerant and requires regular watering. While not deer-resistant, calibrachoa blooms continuously from spring to frost, making it perfect for hanging baskets, containers, and cascading over garden edges.

 Celosia (Celosia species), or cockscomb, is a bold annual with vibrant blooms in red, pink, orange, yellow, and purple, featuring feathery plumes or crested shapes. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it’s heat- and drought-tolerant once established. Deer-resistant and long-blooming from summer to frost, celosia is perfect for beds, borders, and containers, adding striking texture and color to any garden.

Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) is a vibrant annual prized for its bold, multicolored foliage in shades of red, pink, green, yellow, and purple. Thriving in partial sun to shade, it prefers well-draining soil and regular watering. While not deer-resistant, coleus adds striking contrast to borders, containers, and shaded garden beds. With its lush, fast-growing habit, it provides season-long color and texture without the need for flowers.

Dahlia (Dahlia species) is a showy annual with large, vibrant blooms in shades of red, pink, yellow, orange, purple, and white. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it needs regular watering for continuous blooms from midsummer to frost. While not deer-resistant, dahlias add bold color to garden beds, borders, and containers. Their long-lasting flowers also make them a favorite for cut arrangements.

Commonly known as the "Spiky Dragon Tree." Renowned for its sword-like, evergreen foliage and upright, architectural form, this versatile plant is a fantastic choice for creating eye-catching displays in containers, planters, or as an indoor accent. With its low-maintenance nature and bold aesthetic, it’s a perfect addition to modern interiors, tropical-themed gardens, or urban spaces. 

Dusty Miller (Jacobaea maritima) is a hardy annual prized for its silvery, fern-like foliage that adds contrast to gardens. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it is drought-tolerant and highly deer-resistant. Though it produces small yellow flowers, it’s mainly grown for its striking foliage. Ideal for borders, mixed beds, and containers, dusty miller provides season-long texture and color.

Gazania (Gazania species) is an annual known for its bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, and white. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it is heat-tolerant and drought-resistant once established. While not deer-resistant, gazania adds vibrant color to garden beds, borders, and containers, blooming profusely throughout the summer. Ideal for warmer climates, it’s often grown as an annual in the Northeastern United States.

Geranium (Pelargonium species) is a vibrant annual with blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, white, and orange. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it’s heat-tolerant and requires regular watering to keep flowers blooming from spring to fall. Though it may attract deer, geraniums are perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds, adding cheerful color and fragrance throughout the season. 

Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) is a vibrant annual with large, colorful blooms in shades of red, orange, pink, yellow, and white. Preferring full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it thrives with regular watering and deadheading to promote continuous flowering from spring to fall. Although not immune to deer, gerbera daisies are perfect for garden beds, borders, and containers, adding a cheerful pop of color to any garden.

Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) is a fragrant annual with clusters of small flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. Thriving in full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of sunlight daily) and well-draining soil, it requires regular watering to maintain its blooms throughout the summer. While deer may be attracted to it, heliotrope is ideal for garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets, providing both color and a sweet scent that draws pollinators.

 Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) is a shade-loving annual with vibrant flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, white, and orange. Thriving in partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil, it requires regular watering to maintain its blooms from spring to fall. While deer may nibble on it, impatiens are perfect for adding color to shaded garden beds, borders, and containers, brightening up areas with low light and producing continuous flowers throughout the season.

Lantana (Lantana camara) is a heat-tolerant annual known for its vibrant clusters of flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, lantana requires minimal watering once established and blooms continuously from summer to frost. Although it may attract deer, lantana is perfect for garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets, adding color and attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.

 Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is a trailing annual that brightens gardens with its delicate, cascading clusters of blue, purple, white, and pink flowers. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil, needing regular watering to stay lush and vibrant throughout the growing season. While not deer-resistant, lobelia works wonderfully in hanging baskets, containers, and as a border plant, attracting bees and butterflies with its long-lasting blooms from spring to fall.

 Marguerite Daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens) is a vibrant annual in our region, with cheerful daisy-like blooms in white, yellow, or pink. Preferring full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it thrives with regular watering and blooms consistently from late spring through frost. Not deer-resistant, Marguerite daisies add color to beds, borders, and containers, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. This heat-tolerant plant thrives during the warmer months in our region.

Marigolds (Tagetes species) are bright, cheerful annuals in our region, with blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, they’re drought-tolerant once established and bloom consistently from spring to frost. While not deer-resistant, marigolds are perfect for garden beds, borders, and containers, attracting pollinators and offering natural pest control with their strong scent.

Melampodium (Melampodium species) is a resilient annual in our region, featuring bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. It thrives in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, with minimal care and regular watering. Though not deer-resistant, melampodium adds cheerful color to beds, borders, and containers, blooming from spring to frost and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. This heat-tolerant plant is perfect for our region’s warmer months.

Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) is a compact, colorful annual in our region, known for its small, tubular purple, pink, or white flowers. Preferring full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it thrives with regular watering and blooms consistently from summer to frost. While not deer-resistant, Mexican heather is ideal for containers, garden beds, and borders, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies with its long-lasting blooms.

Ornamental Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is a striking annual, featuring colorful foliage and tall, plume-like seed heads in shades of purple, red, and gold. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it is drought-tolerant once established and blooms from summer to fall. While not deer-resistant, ornamental millet adds dramatic height and texture to garden beds, containers, and borders, providing unique visual appeal throughout the season.

New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) is a vibrant annual known for its bold, colorful blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. Preferring partial to full shade (4–6 hours of sunlight daily) and well-draining, moist soil, it thrives with regular watering. While deer may be attracted, New Guinea impatiens are perfect for adding color to shaded garden beds, borders, and containers, blooming from spring to frost and attracting pollinators.

Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis) are a popular cool-season annual known for their cheerful, velvety blooms in a wide range of colors, including purple, yellow, white, and multicolored varieties. These hardy flowers thrive in cooler temperatures, making them ideal for early spring and fall plantings. Pansies prefer full to partial sun, with at least 4–6 hours of sunlight per day, but they appreciate some afternoon shade in hotter climates. They require well-draining, nutrient-rich soil an

Petunias (Petunia species) are prolific bloomers with trumpet-shaped flowers in pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, they require regular watering and occasional deadheading to encourage continuous blooms from spring to frost. While not deer-resistant, petunias are excellent for garden beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets, attracting pollinators and adding vibrant color all season.

Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora) is a low-growing annual with vibrant, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, and white. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining, sandy soil, it is highly drought-tolerant and blooms from summer to frost with minimal care. While not deer-resistant, portulaca is perfect for garden beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers, adding bright color and attracting pollinators all season.

Primrose (Primula species) is a charming annual with delicate, colorful blooms in shades of yellow, pink, red, purple, and white. Preferring partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil, it thrives with regular watering and blooms in early spring. While not deer-resistant, primrose is ideal for garden beds, borders, and containers, adding vibrant color to shaded areas and attracting pollinators.

Salvia (Salvia species*) is a striking annual known for its tall flower spikes in shades of red, blue, purple, pink, and white. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it is drought-tolerant once established and blooms from late spring to frost. Highly deer-resistant, salvia is an excellent choice for keeping gardens undisturbed while attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Perfect for garden beds, borders, and containers, it provides vibrant color all season long.

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are bold, sun-loving annuals that bring vibrancy to any garden. Their golden-yellow blooms—sometimes red, orange, or bi-colored—follow the sun, creating a dynamic display from summer to fall. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, they are drought-tolerant once established. While not fully deer-resistant, their height and tough stalks help deter browsing. Sunflowers are perfect for garden beds, borders, and cutting gardens.

SunPatiens (Impatiens hybrid) are vibrant, sun-loving annuals with continuous blooms in pink, red, white, and purple. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, they tolerate heat better than traditional impatiens. Ideal for garden beds, borders, and containers, they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. While not fully deer-resistant, SunPatiens provide non-stop color from spring through frost, even in challenging weather.

Verbena (Verbena species) is a hardy annual known for its vibrant clusters of small, colorful flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it’s heat and drought-tolerant once established. Verbena is perfect for garden beds, borders, and containers, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. While not deer-resistant, it blooms prolifically from summer to fall, adding lasting color and texture to your garden.

Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) is a low-maintenance annual that blooms continuously in vibrant colors like pink, red, white, and purple. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it’s heat and drought-tolerant once established. While not deer-resistant, vinca is ideal for garden beds, borders, and containers, attracting pollinators and providing long-lasting color from spring to frost. Its resilience and bright flowers make it a favorite for any garden.

Zinnia (Zinnia species) is a cheerful annual that produces vibrant, daisy-like flowers in a variety of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. Thriving in full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil, it’s heat and drought-tolerant once established. Perfect for garden beds, borders, and containers, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. With a long blooming season from summer to fall, zinnia adds lasting color and texture to your garden.