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27 Bright and Colorful Flowers For Your Garden {Pictures}

Colorful flowers make your yard pop as nothing else can. They are like the finishing touches of the artist’s brush that bring the canvas of your yard to life. There are so many beautiful flowers, vegetables, and other plants to choose from! Let’s explore some of them today. 

A collage of colorful flowers.

When planting flowers, consider the bright spots of color for your yard and the flower arrangements inside. You can enjoy lovely vases of colorful flowers from spring to fall with seasonal accents with a bit of planning.

Some flowers make better cut flowers, so planning before you plant can be helpful if you know you plan on doing that. Some flowers thrive in partial shade, those that love to drink up the full sun all day, and everything in between. 

Before you head out to the garden center to start your shopping, I will show you some colorful flowers for each season and different standard colors to help you get an idea of what you like and what you’d want in your landscape. 

You don’t have to work too hard to get the beauty you want in your garden. Mother Nature has done most of the work for us already! All you need to do is think about what colors of nature you want to experience in your backyard and, of course, in your front yard 😉

If you’re looking for some indoor choices, growing succulents is fun and probably the easiest!

Colorful Spring Flowers

colorful spring flowers

Let’s take a look at some beautiful colored flowers that bloom in spring for some excellent spring color:

  • tulips
  • crocus
  • hyacinths
  • primrose
  • daffodils
  • pansies 

Late spring blooms like oriental poppies, salvia, peonies, and clematis are also great examples. 

Colorful Summer Flowers

pink petunia flowers

And now, let’s look at some colorful summer flowers that bloom from early to late summer, and in full sun, to full or partial shade.  

  • Fuchsia
  • Angelonia
  • Rose of Sharon
  • Limelight Hydrangeas 
  • Yarrow
  • Purple Wave Petunia
  • Profusion Zinnias
  • Evergreen Candytuft
  • Sea Holly
  • Globe Amaranth

There are so many vivid colors in summer-blooming flowers. These are just a few to get you started, but it’s not an exhaustive list.  

Colorful Fall Flowers

red celosia flowers

Here are some beautiful flowers that bloom in the fall: 

  • Croton
  • Balloon Flowers
  • Celosia
  • Cornflower
  • Chrysanthemum (“mums”)
  • Amaranthus
  • Cosmos
  • Hardy Fuchsia
  • Canna
  • Sumac
  • Goldenrod
  • Sunflowers

Fall flower colors can also be excellent in your garden and around your landscaping. 

Colorful Winter Plants

a beautiful yellow and purple pansy flower in snow

Winter isn’t all dead and gone. You can still enjoy colorful winter plants in your garden or landscape. Here are some to consider: 

  • Camellias
  • Winter Jasmine
  • Winterberry Holly
  • Native Serviceberry
  • Holly Bush
  • Scilla
  • Japanese Quince 
  • Winter Aconites
  • Pansies
  • Mahonia
  • Snowdrops
  • Crocus
  • Helleborus
  • Clematis
  • Daphne  
  • Cyclamen 

Single Color Garden Flowers

Sometimes all you want is a massive pop of color in your garden. That’s alright. Let’s look at some ideas for single-color gardens.

Red flowers

A garden with red flowers in different shades can add a bit of drama and energy to your front yard.  You’ll turn a lot of heads with the vibrancy of red. Various colors fall on the red spectrum and this range of colors can also include shades of pink. Some stunning flowers fall in this category. 

an abundance of red flowers in the garden

A gorgeous combination of different shades of red flowers makes a lovely combination that pleases the senses.

Here are more ideas for red flowers:

1. Peonies

red colored peonies

The peonies are stunning! Mixed in your red garden, they will please the eyes as well as the nose 😉

2. Red poppies

red poppies

These delicate flowers bring a pop of color wherever they show up. I have some by my mailbox that come back year after year. They make me so happy every time a new one blooms!

3. Red Ddisies

red daisy flowers

Easy to grow, these button-like flowers are adorable! They have an adorable yellow center that makes the whole flower stand out. These will also look lovely in a flower bouquet or a cut flower arrangement. 

4. Red lilies

red lilies

A few stunning red lilies added to your flower beds will steal the show in your red garden or as a focal point plant in a garden with other colors. The red lily will truly pop.

Some of these red flowers can also be in different shades. Violet flowers are common, for example. A wide variety of colors on the spectrum can be found in some species. Let’s take a look at blue flowers next. 

Blue flowers

All colors are beautiful in flowers, but there’s something special about blue flowers: they can electrify your flower beds!

5. Common grape hyacinth – muscari

Muscari - Common Grape Hyacinth

Stunning clusters of pretty blue flowers will make you smile whenever you walk by. Can you picture these in your garden or greeting your front path? 

6. Agapanthus

agapanthus flower

I love this delicate flower: the perfect companion to yellow, red, or white flowers. It likes full sun areas, moist but well-draining soil, and average watering. It’s a very low-maintenance plant. 

7. Balkan anemone

bright blue Balkan Anemone flower

This vibrant blue flower is so precious! A star in any garden will contrast with any other flower, creating an exciting dynamic. I love the striking shade of blue and the pretty yellows in the center. 

8. Bluebell

bluebell flowers

Dainty bell-shaped blue flowers that bloom in the spring will surely catch your eye. I remember a forest full of these lovely flowers from my childhood. So pretty!

9. Blue hydrangea

blue hydrangea flowers

I’m so intrigued with hydrangeas: I love how you can change their colors by soil composition. This blue hydrangea has such intense and vivid color! It’s breathtaking. 

Check out these hydrangea companion plants.

10. Cornflower

ladybug on a cornflower

This adorable flower pops up in the most unexpected places and beautifies wherever it grows. Cornflower is easy to care for and has a unique and lovely appearance. Different types of cornflowers can be of different colors. 

Next, look at some beautiful yellow flowers you may want in your garden or landscape. 

Yellow flowers

11. Yellow gladiolus

Yellow gladiolus with orange edging

Stunning yellow-orange gladiolus: one of my favorite flowers! Here’s a guide to growing gladiolus.

12. Yellow lilies

Yellow lily flowers

These cute yellow lilies will brighten any garden!

13. Buttercups

buttercup flower

Pretty buttercups: they come into my yard on their own. So bright and cheery!

14. Pansies

A field of yellow pansies

Coming in so many colors, pansies are easy to grow and very enjoyable. These yellow pansies are like little bright eyes greeting you from the flower beds.

15. Daffodils

Yellow daffodils

Gorgeous daffodils announce spring is here. These are known for their classic yellow color and unique shape. Once you see daffodils, you will always be able to recognize them. 

Pink flowers

16. Bleeding heart

bright pink bleeding heart flowers

Dainty and delicate, these bleeding heart flowers will make you smile. This is one of the most unique and exciting pink plants. 

17. Pink roses

beautiful pink roses

Roses are an excellent romantic addition to the garden. Pink roses are gorgeous, and most smell delicious! Add roses to your front yard. They can be a variety of shades of pink, from light pink with shades of white to deep pink that looks almost violet. Sometimes you can even get different shades of pink in the same rose. 

If you love roses, check out these other guides about growing roses:

18. Pink tulips

pink tulips

Tulips are such adorable spring flowers! There are lots of pink shades of tulips and I love them all 😛

19. Camellias

Gorgeous pink camellia japonica flower

Camellias are just so pretty. I love how soft and feminine they appear. Here are some tips for growing camellias.

Purple flowers

20. Lavender

Lavender flowers

Lavender is one of the most well-known purple flowers. And there are more benefits than just their gorgeous appearance. Bees love lavender flowers! You will, too, when you see how easy it is to grow lavender and how good it smells.

Did you know that there are different types of lavender? The most common has pale purple blooms, but other lavenders have deep purple, pink, blue, or white flowers. Learn more about lavender flower colors.

Lavender is an easy-to-grow perennial with lovely fragrant flowers that attract pollinators and beneficial insects. It can be beautiful most of the summer, with some varieties blooming twice. Learn more about lavender with these other guides:

How to Grow Lavender for Fun and Profit: Lessons Learned from Planting Three Hundred Lavender Plants

Colorful Flowers For Your Garden

 

As pretty as focusing on one color in your garden can be, most people will want to combine different colors. A red, white, and blue theme garden looks stunning around the fourth of July. Soft pinks, reds, and purples create a very feminine look.

hyacinth flowers close-up in the garden

You could also choose to plant a random mixture. These wildflower seed packets contain many different kinds of flowers in vibrant colors. This is an excellent way to add color to your backyard if you’ve felt it’s boring. Don’t worry about it all matching. These mixtures always look great.

a field of wildflowers

You can get as in-depth with choosing different colors for your garden as you want. Some people will get into it, ensuring each color combination evokes a specific emotion or feeling.

You can head to your local florist if you’re at a loss for color combination ideas. They are masters at knowing which flowers and colors to put together. Take a step back at the offerings and see if anything stands out.

Another idea is to visit the neighbor’s yard. If someone else has a “greener” thumb than you have, they might be a great resource to turn to when you need help deciding on the best colors for your garden.

Colorful Foliage For Your Garden

Many people like to focus on the different greens that are out there. Even though green is a single color, there are various shades and hues of green. Dark green can look gorgeous when mixed with lighter shades.

21. Caladium

caladium leaves with red and white speckles

Caladiums are great for shady garden beds or containers. They look gorgeous from early summer until frost.

22. Heuchera

Heuchera leaves

Heuchera is a beautiful addition to any garden. With leaves in several colors, from purples to silver, red, bronze, and speckled, they make a gorgeous spectacle in your garden. And when it blooms, its small bell-shaped flowers are just an extra delight.

23. Hosta

hostas in the garden

Shade-loving perennials, hostas will brighten even the most boring spot with their gorgeous foliage. There is a lot of color in these leaves, and the flowers are pretty too!

Hostas are perfect for rock gardens.

24. Red coleus

red coleus

Easy to grow, Coleus comes in many colors, both solid and mixed. Ensure you water them well during dry times: they need their water!

25. Variegated canna

variegated canna leaves

These tropical plants are stunning! Growing in green, bronze, black, variegated, or striped foliage, their flowers come in many colors: pink, orange, yellow, red, and even bi-color.

Colorful Vegetable Gardens

Don’t forget that vegetables add color too! When growing vegetables, your first thought probably isn’t about which colors look best, but you can consciously combine the best-looking vegetables to create a dramatic effect in your yard.

26. Tomato plants

tomatoes on the plant

Tomato is one of the first to come to mind when I think about colorful garden foods. Grow the best tomatoes with these tips for growing tomatoes.

27. Zucchini Plants

yellow zucchini plant

Everyone can grow zucchini! We always have extras for family, friends, and neighbors. And when we gave it to everyone, we freeze some for later.

Colorful Fruit Gardens

28. Strawberries

Strawberry on the garden

Adding color to the garden is a fantastic way to add beauty to your yard. You can have fun with the natural colors that are out there. Check around for inspiration and get started with your colorful flower garden today. Look at the bright and colorful flowers you might use in your landscape. 

Exotic Colorful Flowers

plumeria flowers

When you want something outside of the norm, you might consider some exotic, colorful flowers. Of course, you’ll need to be sure they can survive in your climate, but here are some examples: 

  • Plumeria
  • Blue Passion Flower
  • Salvia Splendens
  • Heliconia
  • Lily of the Valley
  • Bird of Paradise
  • Lotus Flower
  • Amaryllis
  • Protea
  • Anthurium 

Any of these could make a popular choice in your exotic garden.

Bright Colorful Flowers

red anemone flowers

Here are some of the brightest colorful flowers you might consider for your  garden: 

  • Dahlias
  • Sunflower
  • Mint Julep 
  • Red Anemone 
  • Viola
  • Dracula Celosia
  • French Marigold
  • Sweet Pea
  • VIBE Ignition Purple
  • Jolt Pink Dianthus 
  • Sedum
  • Lamium
  • Very Berry Creeping Wintergreen
  • Bee Balm
  • Coralbells
  • Nubia Clematis

Colorful Perennial Flowers

pink sedum flowers

Here are some beautiful perennial plants that will brighten up your yard for the season and then return again and again. 

  • Black-Eyed Susan
  • Amsonia
  • Peony
  • Astrantia 
  • Baptisia 
  • Foxglove
  • Salvia
  • Sedum
  • Coneflower
  • Lavender 
  • Daylily
  • Hellebore 
  • Aster
  • Catmint
  • Penstemon

Colorful Annual Flowers

purple vinca flowers

These beautiful annual flowers will give you bright colors all year long. 

  • Angelonia
  • Begonia
  • Cosmos
  • Celosia
  • Geraniums 
  • Stock
  • Chrysanthemum 
  • Vinca
  • Zinnia
  • Calendula 
  • Cornflower
  • Dahlias
  • Nasturtium 
  • Impatiens 

Small Colorful Flowers

light blue forget me not flowers

Sometimes you want some color in the garden but you want smaller flowers. Here are some to consider: 

  • Baby’s Breath
  • Forget-Me-Not
  • Fairy Foxglove
  • Lobelia 
  • Snow-in-Summer
  • Rock Cress
  • Kenilworth Ivy
  • Sweet Alyssum
  • Thyme 

Now, what if you want to go big with your flowers?

Large Colorful Flowers

Spectacular Flowering Perennials, Kelvin Floodlight, Yellow Flowering Dahlia Bulb, Plant, Flower

Some large colorful flowers with big, beautiful blooms include:

  • Giant White Moonflower
  • Titan Sunflower
  • Kelvin Floodlight Dahlia
  • Supernova Angel’s Trumpet
  • Big Brother Lily
  • Big Daddy Hydrangea 
  • Round and Purple Allium
  • Moy Grande Hibiscus
  • Fireworks Clematis 
  • Altas Magnolia 
  • Tree Peony
  • Oriental Poppy

Colorful Flowers for the Garden and Landscape – Conclusion

As you can see, there is no shortage of beautiful colorful flowers for your garden. These gorgeous flowers will help create a unique garden or home landscape design. You can create a rainbow of colors that will bring you much joy day in and day out for a long time. 

27 colorful flowers for your garden
 
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Adriana Copaceanu is a passionate nature lover living in the country on her dream property where she grows vegetables, lavender, and wildflowers that she shares with the wildlife they attract. When she's not in the garden, she loves spending time with her chickens and planning her next nature project.

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