Yellow flowers are so bright and cheery, how could you NOT love them? They add vibrance to any garden area or outdoor pots. Plus, they are excellent at attracting butterflies with their bright colors and nectar-rich blooms! Take a look below at my top best yellow annual flowers to plant this year.
Who doesn’t love yellow flowers? Yellow is such a happy color, it never fails to brighten anyone’s mood, and sometimes even your day.
Plus they really stand out in any garden, and make your outdoor containers pop too. Heck, you could create an entire bed just using these flowers, and it would be fantastic – with constant blooms from early spring through fall!
There are so many different types of yellow flowers to choose from, I won’t even attempt to get close to naming them all here. But, I did wanted to compile a list of some of my favorite annuals. I hope you find one you love!
The Best Yellow Flowers For Your Garden
Like I said, this list of the best yellow flowers is far from comprehensive. However, there should be something here for everyone who wants to add some stunning yellow blossoms into their gardens.
1. Cosmos
Cosmos, aka Mexican asters, are a fantastic annual flower that makes a great backdrop for shorter plants in your garden. They’re known for their daisy-like blooms and feathery foliage. The varieties with yellow blossoms are very eye-catching against their delicate green foliage.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun
🪴Soil: Well-drained with neutral to alkaline soil
🪴Water: Prefers slightly drier soil
🪴Height: 12-48″ tall
🪴Attracts: Butterflies, bees, hoverflies
🪴 Ease of growth: Relatively easy but watch for gray mold
2. Portulaca
Portulacas aka moss rose or purslanes are an annual flowers that makes for super cute ground cover with their succulent looking foliage, and bold, colorful rose-like flowers. They are capable of thriving in hotter/dryer conditions making them ideal for hot/dry climates.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun
🪴Soil: Well-drained
🪴Water: Drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering.
🪴Height: 6-8” tall
🪴Attracts: Butterflies & bees
🪴 Ease of growth: Relatively easy
3. Calendula
Calendulas, aka pot marigold, are a popular yellow ornamental flower in the daisy family, great for borders and containers. They are an aggressive reseeder with gorgeous daisy-like blooms and a strong scent that’s great for pest control. Calendulas are not only vibrant in color but also edible, and can be used in teas and other culinary recipes. They can be used to make soaps, salves, and medicinal tonics.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
🪴Soil: Well-drained soil
🪴Water: 1-2 inches of water each week
🪴Height: 12-24″ tall
🪴Attracts: Bees, butterflies and other pollinators
🪴 Ease of growth: Relatively easy but watch for gray mold
4. Marigold
Marigolds bright and cheery annual that make an excellent border plant. With their bright yellow blossoms against the dark green leaves, they add a pop to any area, and command attention. Marigolds have a distinctive scent and come in two varieties, African (bigger blooms) and French (smaller blooms).
🪴Sunlight: Full sun
🪴Soil: Prefers well-drained soil
🪴Water: Moderate watering with consistent moisture. Drought-tolerant when established.
🪴Height: 6-12″ tall
🪴Attracts: Bees & butterflies
🪴 Ease of growth: Relatively easy
5. Zinnia
Zinnias are a favorite amongst gardeners and come in a variety of colors, not just yellow. They can be single-flowered, double-flowered, or cactus-flowered depending on the variety. Zinnias are best planted from seed so plant early on in the year after the last frost. Learn how to grow Zinnias here.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun
🪴Soil: Well-drained soil with a ph between 5.5 and 7.5
🪴Water: Prefers well-draining soil
🪴Height: 36-48″ tall
🪴Attracts: Butterflies, bees & pollinators
🪴 Ease of growth: Easy to grow
6. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are well known for their large, daily-like flower face and tall sturdy stems. Their flower heads can range from small to large They are heat-tolerant and resistant to pests. Sunflowers are heliotropic and have seeds that can be harvested when the heads droop and turn down.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun
🪴Soil: Well-drained
🪴Water: Drought-tolerant once established but needs regular watering
🪴Height: 3-12’ tall
🪴Attracts: Bees
🪴 Ease of growth: Easy
7. Snapdragon
Snapdragon is called this because it resembles the face of a dragon and open and close it’s mouth when squeezed. Their tubular shape is wonderful for adding texture and height to your beds or in mixed containers, and the bright yellow blooms especially stand out. Snapdragons are said to smell like bubblegum and come in three varieties.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun to partial sun
🪴Soil: Well-drained
🪴Water: Moderate watering
🪴Height: 6-36″ depending on the variety
🪴Attracts: Bees & butterflies
🪴 Ease of growth: Relatively easy but watch for gray mold
8. Celosia
Celosia also known as a “Cock’s Comb” or a woolflower, is a member of the amaranth family. Celosia comes in lots of varieties – from soft, rounded fan-shaped, puffy flowers, to tall feathery spiky plumes and is known to be long-lasting. In addition to its ornamental value, celosia is also edible. They are perennials in zones 10-12.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun
🪴Soil: Well-drained
🪴Water: Prefers slightly drier soil and is drought-tolerant
🪴Height: 12-48″ tall
🪴Attracts: Butterflies
🪴 Ease of growth: Easy
9. Bidens
Bidens are known as beggarticks or Spanish needles. Bidens can be annuals and perennials (in zones 8-11). They will bloom year round in containers or the ground making them a gardening favorite. The dainty yellow flowers have toothed petals giving them a distinctive appearance that really pop against the dark, lacy foliage.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
🪴Soil: Well draining
🪴Water: Prefers slightly drier soil and is drought-tolerant
🪴Height: 6-18″ tall
🪴Attracts: Butterflies, bees & other pollinators
🪴 Ease of growth: Relatively easy
10. Prickly Pear Cactus
The prickly pear cactus is known for its striking yellow flowers, unique, paddle-shaped stems and cheerful blooms. It will add a vibrant burst of color to drier climates. Its drought-tolerant making it pretty resilient in nature. If you’re looking for a touch of desert charm to add to your garden, this prickly pear cactus is definitely the flower to add.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun
🪴Soil: Well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil
🪴Water: Infrequent watering once established, prefers dry conditions
🪴Height: Typically grows between 1 to 6 feet tall, depending on the variety
🪴Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
🪴 Ease of growth: Relatively easy, as it’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established
11. Coreopsis
The Coreopsis brings a vibrant burst of color to any garden it graces. As both an annual and perennial flower, it offers long-lasting beauty, returning year after year with minimal care. Its resilience and attractiveness to pollinators make it a great choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance but stunning, flowers to their yard.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun
🪴Soil: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil
🪴Water: Moderate watering, preferring consistently moist soil
🪴Height: Typically grows between 1 to 3 feet tall, depending on the variety
🪴Attracts: Butterflies, bees, and other pollinators
🪴Ease of growth: Relatively easy, as it’s tolerant of various soil conditions and requires minimal maintenance once established.
12. Ranunculus
The Ranunculus, also know as the buttercup flower, is known for its dainty yellow petals. With its vivid color and beautiful flowers, this yellow annual & perennial captures the attention of many. It’s popular because of its adaptability and is easy to maintain. The Ranunculus will also bring a hint of charm and grace to your garden.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
🪴Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
🪴Water: Regular watering, keeping soil evenly moist
🪴Height: Typically grows between 6 to 18 inches tall
🪴Attracts: Butterflies, bees, and other pollinators
🪴Ease of growth: Relatively easy, with proper care and attention to watering and soil conditions.
13. Gladiolus
With its common nickname being the “sword lily”, the Gladiolus, is knowns for having towering spikes of vibrant yellow flowers. It will add a but of majestic presence to your garden. The Gladiolus has a tall stature and a rainbow of colors to choose from including yellow, this annual & perennial flower is definitely worthy of your time. It is also known for its versatility and relatively easy care.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun
🪴Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
🪴Water: Regular watering, keeping soil evenly moist
🪴Height: Typically grows between 2 to 6 feet tall, depending on the variety
🪴Attracts: Butterflies, bees, and other pollinators
🪴Ease of growth: Relatively easy, with proper care and attention to watering and soil conditions.
14. Gazania
The Gazania has dazzling daisy-like flowers, brings a burst of color to your garden. This annual flower brings a happy vibe to garden borders and pots with its short stature and variety of colors including yellow. Recognized for its resilience and ease of care, the Gazania thrives in sunny spots and brings a touch of joy to gardens.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun
🪴Soil: Well-draining, sandy soil
🪴Water: Infrequent watering once established, preferring drier conditions
🪴Height: Typically grows between 6 to 12 inches tall
🪴Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
🪴Ease of growth: Relatively easy, as it’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established.
15. Pansies
Pansies are popular because they have charming “faces” and lots of vibrant colors. They seem to inject a sense of playfulness into any garden setting. They are compact in size and come in multiple hues. Pansies bring joy to borders, containers, and hanging baskets alike. They are very adaptable and easy to cultivate too.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
🪴Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
🪴Water: Regular watering, keeping soil consistently moist
🪴Height: Typically grows between 6 to 9 inches tall
🪴Attracts: Butterflies and bees
🪴Ease of growth: Relatively easy, as they tolerate a wide range of conditions and require minimal maintenance.
16. Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa, known for its multiple small, petunia-like flowers, brings a burst of color to any garden space. With its trailing habit and an wide range of colors, this annual yellow flower is ideal for hanging baskets, containers, and garden borders. It is known for its continuous blooming and low-maintenance nature. Calibrachoa is also a great choice for gardeners seeking long-lasting color.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
🪴Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
🪴Water: Regular watering, keeping soil evenly moist
🪴Height: Typically grows between 6 to 12 inches tall, depending on the variety
🪴Attracts: Butterflies and hummingbirds
🪴Ease of growth: Relatively easy, as it thrives in various conditions and requires minimal care once established.
17. Dahlia
The Dahlia is famous for its jaw-dropping flowers that come in all sorts of colors and shapes, making any garden look amazing. It has sturdy stems and is impressive in size making it perfect for borders, garden beds, and floral arrangements. It is a favorite among gardeners looking to create stunning floral showcases.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun
🪴Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
🪴Water: Regular watering, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
🪴Height: Typically grows between 1 to 6 feet tall, depending on the variety
🪴Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
🪴Ease of growth: Moderately easy, with proper care and attention to watering and soil conditions.
18. Canna Lilies
Canna Lilies are famous for their big leaves and colorful flowers that give off a tropical vibe in any garden. They’re tall and eye-catching, perfect for jazzing up garden beds and borders. People love them because they’re tough and can handle all sorts of conditions, plus they’re low-maintenance and add a touch of exotic beauty to any yard.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
🪴Soil: Well-draining, rich soil
🪴Water: Regular watering, keeping soil consistently moist
🪴Height: Typically grows between 3 to 6 feet tall, depending on the variety
🪴Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
🪴Ease of growth: Relatively easy, as they tolerate a range of conditions and require minimal maintenance once established.
19. African daisy (Osteospermum)
African daisies are like little bundles of happiness in your garden, bursting with bright colors and spreading joy wherever they grow. They stay low and come in lots of different colors, perfect for jazzing up flower beds, pots, or even rock gardens. People adore them because they’re tough cookies, handling the sun like champs, and making it super easy to keep your garden looking lively and colorful.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun
🪴Soil: Well-draining, sandy soil
🪴Water: Regular watering, allowing soil to dry out slightly between waterings
🪴Height: Typically grows between 6 to 18 inches tall
🪴Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
🪴Ease of growth: Relatively easy, as they tolerate various soil conditions and require minimal maintenance once established.
20. Gerbera Daisy
Gerbera daisies are like little bundles of joy in your garden, popping with bright colors and bringing smiles all around. Their cute flowers come in loads of different hues, perfect for spicing up flower beds, pots, or even bouquets. People love them because they’re tough cookies, handling the sun like champs, and making it a breeze to keep your garden looking happy and colorful.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
🪴Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
🪴Water: Regular watering, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
🪴Height: Typically grows between 6 to 18 inches tall
🪴Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
🪴Ease of growth: Relatively easy, as they tolerate various soil conditions and require minimal maintenance once established.
21. Petunia
Everyone knows Petunias for their their loads of blooms and bright colors, like yellow, that jazz up any garden. They’re super versatile, coming in all sorts of hues, perfect for adding some charm to your flower beds, hanging baskets, or pots. People love them because they’re tough and can handle the sun like champs, making them a top pick for anyone who wants an easy way to brighten up their outdoor space.
🪴Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
🪴Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
🪴Water: Regular watering, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
🪴Height: Typically grows between 6 to 18 inches tall
🪴Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
🪴Ease of growth: Relatively easy, as they tolerate various soil conditions and require minimal maintenance once established.
Final Tips For Planting Yellow Annual Flowers
Most yellow annual flowers require full sun and well drained soil so keep this in mind when planning your garden. Consider the heights and bloom times of the flowers when deciding which yellow flower to plant.
Yellow flowers in the garden bring so much cheer and sunshine, even on a gloomy day. Adding some of these yellow annuals to your beds or planters will really make them stand out, and give you constant color all summer long.
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I want to know! What yellow flowers would you add to this list? Add your top picks in the comments section below!
Sherry Nappa says
Love the flowers. It’s time here to start putting together a fall garden. Thanks for sharing your list!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome!
Ivory says
I am trying to obtain pinks and yellows flowers in my garden for a big bold pop of beautiful colors.
I love the flowers you selected in your post. Thank you!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Sounds beautiful! Glad you like that post, thanks!
Vanessa says
These are beautiful. I have a thing for yellow flowers. They are just so warm and happy to me. I am so happy I found your lovely blog and would love it if you would link up your post at a link party I am co-hosting. Hope to see you. Enjoy your day.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Thanks, glad you like them! 🙂
Tom @ Raise Your Garden says
Great list of yellow flowers. When I buy my wife flowers which probably isn’t often enough, she asked for pink and yellow. And then I do and buy the grocery store flowers that are dyed with artificial colors and it doesn’t go over well. She keeps asking me to create a sunflower garden. Maybe next year.
Amy Andrychowicz says
It sounds like you need to start a pink and yellow themed annual flower garden next year! That would be amazing, and you’d get lots of bonus points. 😉
Ivory says
Thank you for sharing these beautiful flowers with us. I love them. I have a shady/sunny area the I’ve turned into my flower garden. However, I am not sure if I like my placement of some of my “sun only” flowers. Our house sit at the coner of a busy and not so busy street. My flower garden is located on the side of our house nearby those two streets.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, glad you like it! The great part about gardening is that you can always change it until you love it again. 🙂 Have fun!