Pink flowers are by far one of the most popular colors used in gardens and containers. There are so many to choose from, you’ll have no problem finding several options. This list contains some of the best pink annuals and perennials for a variety of climates.
From pretty pastels to rich jewel-tones, pink flowers are undeniably enchanting. Similar to yellow annual flowers, pink adds elegance and flair to your garden, and compliment many other colors that you might use around them.
When you’re trying to choose your favorites, the ideas in this list are a fantastic place to start. Below you’ll find some of the most popular and show-stopping pink annual and perennial flowers.
I’ve also included details about each, from their nicknames to their size, and even the sun exposure, climate, and water needs. So you’re sure to find something new to plant this year.
Best Pink Flowers List
These pink annuals, perennials, and shrubs will dress-up your flower garden in a spectacular way. Browse the various options, and discover a new one (or a few new ones) to add to your beds or pots.
1. Verbena
Pink verbenas are stunning star-shaped flowers that add brilliance wherever they are planted.
These perennials thrive in full sun and are really easy to care for because they are drought-tolerant.
They do best in zones 7-10, and will reach heights of 36-48”. You’ll see their blooms appearing from mid-summer to mid-fall.
2. Dianthus
If a multi-colored look is what you want, then check out dianthus. Some are solid, but there are several that have two colors on their petals – either pink and red, or pink and white.
These beauties prefer sun, but can also do well in partial shade. Perennial varieties do best in zones 4-9, and the mounds stay closer to the ground, usually only reaching 6-12”.
They bloom around mid-spring, and come in an array of striking colors.
3. Impatiens
A popular choice for containers, impatiens are often used as annuals. But they are perennials in zones 10 and 11.
The ones with pink flowers come in a range of hues, from pale pink at one end of the spectrum, to a darker red-orange at the other.
When they bloom, which is anywhere from late spring until mid-fall, they will reach 6-12”. Most prefer shade, but there are many new sun-loving hybrids on the market these days.
4. Hibiscus
This is the one to choose if you want to add something with lots of height and vibrant hues. Many have flowers that come in dynamic shades of pink, and some even have reddish or slightly orange tones.
They are best known as tropical plants, and thrive in zones 9-11. However, there are also hardy varieties that can survive down to zone 4.
Tropical species bloom year-round, but will need to be watered regularly. In colder areas, they bloom in mid-late summer.
Some will reach 6-8’, and others are even taller at 8-10’. All of them require full sun to bloom their best. Learn all about how to care for hibiscus plants here.
5. Geranium
Often sold as annuals in cold climates, geraniums are perennials that come in a wide range of hardiness.
The ones that most people use can live for many years in zones 9-10. But there are also hardy varieties that can survive all the way down to zone 3.
Though they come in a wide range of hues, I find the pinks one are the most unique and stunning.
They only reach 12-18”, and need full sun to do their best. The tropical species bloom year-round, while the hardier ones flower from late spring until early fall.
6. Peonies
Known for their voluminous blossoms, peonies are a flowering shrub with handsome pink flowers in all sorts of shades.
There are a ton of different varieties you can choose from. Depending on the species, they can reach anywhere from 4-7’ tall. Most of them will do best in zones 3-9.
Their showy and highly fragrant blooms are a favorite of many, and appear between late spring and early summer. Learn how to grow them here.
7. Celosia (Cockscomb)
Add some geometric dimension with the uniquely-shaped celosias. The pink annuals have a triangular shape that makes them really stand out both in pots and the garden.
There are also interesting hybrids with colors ranging from reddish to pinkish orange. The most common ones have fairly tall spikes, reaching heights of 24-36”.
Shorter ones have wider blooms that stay more compact. They do best with full sun, and need to be watered regularly.
8. Petunia
If you want to add a variety of colors to your garden, then consider petunias. These classic annual flowers come in many shades of pink, and do great in containers as well.
Depending on the type, they will either reach 6” or up to 12”, and are excellent trailing plants. They do best with full sun, and need to be watered regularly.
They bloom repeatedly throughout the season, and have a wonderful fragrance. Many times they’ll self-sow, so they may come back year after year, if you’re lucky.
9. Cosmos
If you’re looking for a taller option, then cosmo is a great one. These full sun annuals come in shades of pink, and they can reach heights of anywhere from 24-48”.
They are fantastically drought-tolerant, and have constant blooms from late spring thorough frost. Though you can use them in pots, I’ve have the best luck with them in my garden instead.
10. Foxglove
With some of the most unique blossoms you will ever see, the foxglove has many names. It’s also known as Fairy’s Glove or Lady’s Glove.
They have multiple blossoms that face downward on a tall stem, almost like long trumpets that are looking at the ground.
These pink biennials only bloom in the second year after planting, but are worth the wait. They stand proud, reaching 36-48” in zones 4-8. They prefer sun to partial shade, and bloom in late spring and early summer.
11. Rose
For a very romantic option, there are a bunch of different types of roses you can choose from. The most popular pink one is the English Rose, also known as the Austin Rose, but there are lots of others.
This common shrub comes in a range of heights, reaching 3-6’, and can survive in most climates (zones 3-10). There are also climbing varieties that can get over 20′ tall, and are equally hardy.
Most people recognize their delicate fragrance, and they bloom in spring through fall, depending on the species.
12. Dahlia
With layered petals, the pink dahlias add visual interest wherever they bloom. They come in a wide range of sizes. The largest of them all, the giant or imperial dahlia, reaches a towering 8-12’.
Perennials in only the warmest zones 8-11, the bulbs can be lifted and easily be overwintered indoors in colder areas.
These marvelous specimens do the best with a full day of direct sunlight, and will bloom summer through fall.
13. Lilies
Another versatile plant that has a bunch of different varieties is lilies. The most common pink ones are known as Pink Fairy or Zephyr.
They have six petals that open into a wide star shape, and reach 6-12” in zones 8-10. But there are also many cold hardy options, and I have several in my zone 4 garden (my personal favorite is ‘Star Gazer’).
Requiring full sun, the fragrant blooms appear in the middle of summer, and are always spectacular.
14. Delphinium
Another uniquely-shaped perennial is the ‘New Millennium Pink Punch’ delphinium.
The flowers grow vertically up their green stems, reaching 3-6’. They do best in full sun or partial shade in zones 3-7.
They are known to have a large window during which they bloom. It goes from late spring all the way until early winter.
15. Astilbe
Add one-of-a-kind textures to your garden with astilbes. Instead of typical petals, these perennials have feathery pink blooms. Their nicknames describe them perfectly: false goat’s beard or false spirea.
These beauties prefer damp and shady spots in zones 4-8. They can handle more sunshine as long as they have a moist bed underneath them.
The wispy flower spikes can be as small as 10” or as large as 4’. They put on their show earlier than other flowers, blooming in the spring. Learn how to are for them here.
16. Snapdragon
Requiring full sun, snapdragons can be found with exquisite pink flowers that reach 12-18” when they bloom in mid-summer.
People love their vertical stems that show off lots of pretty buds. Best in climates 7-11, or as annuals in colder zones, these flowers enjoy being outside with plenty of water.
17. Phlox
The pink phlox flowers are perennials that decorate yards beautifully, and can reach 36-48” in zones 4-8.
The most common type will bloom with a magenta color. They show up in mid-summer, and prefer full sun.
All of these pink flowers give you so many different options to choose from. You can’t go wrong with any of the captivating florals on this list. Some are almost effortless, and others require more attention, but they all add charm and elegance wherever you plant them.
Recommended Books
- The Flower Gardener’s Bible
- 377 Flower Varieties for a Vibrant Garden
- The Perennial Matchmaker
- Annuals and Perennials: A Gardener’s Encyclopedia
- Perennial Combinations
More Posts About Garden Flowers
- 21 Of The Best Plants & Flowers For Attracting Bees
- 21 Best Foundation Plants For The Front Of Your House
- Tips For Creating A Butterfly Friendly Garden
- 21 Of The Best Red Flowers (Perennials & Annuals)
Share your favorite pink annual or perennial flowers in the comments section below.
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