31 Most Popular Flowers and Shrubs Anyone Can Grow

It can be overwhelming when deciding what flowers and shrubs to grow in your garden or yard, so you may choose plants based on their visual attractiveness. However, it is also important to consider the needs of a particular plant, such as the amount of sunlight, water, and soil conditions.

If you are a novice gardener and want more experience getting your green-thumb dirty, a good way is by starting with plants that are low maintenance and easy to grow.

Below you will find a list of 30 of the most popular flowers and shrubs that are so easy to grow that just about anybody can do it with the right information.

Jump to:

• Flowering Shrubs
• 1.) Oak Leaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
• 2.) Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia)
• 3.) American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
• 4.) Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
• 5.) Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia)
• Flowers
• 6.) Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)
• 7.) Lily (Lilium spp.)
• 8.) Tulip (Genus Tulipa)
• 9.) Beach Rose (Rosa rugosa)
• 10.) Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
• 11.) Leadwort (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides)
• 12.) Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
• 13.) Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)
• 14.) Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
• 15.) Marigolds (Tagetes erecta)
• 16.) Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
• 17.) Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)
• 18.) Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
• 19.) Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
• 20.) Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
• 21.) Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica)
• 22.) Geraniums (Pelargonium)
• 23.) Dahlias (Dahlia pinnata)
• 24.) Ornamental Onions (Allium schubertii)
• 25.) Daffodils (Narcissus)
• 26.) Daylilies (Hemerocallis fulva)
• 27.) Lupines (Lupinus)
• 28.) Wax Begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum)
• 29.) Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)
• 30.) Impatiens (Impatiens balsamina)
• 31.) Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Takeaway

Flowering Shrubs

1.) Oak Leaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

Plant Type	Flowering deciduous shrub
Native Region	Southeastern USA
Sun/ Light	Full sun / partial shade
Hardiness Zone	5-9, USDA
Water	Moderate
Soil	Rich, evenly moist, well-drained
Blooms	May-July
Foliage Color	Green, red, rust, purple
Flower Color	White to purplish-pink
Size	Height: 4-8 ft. tall
When to Plant Seeds	Late autumn to early spring

Interesting fact: The oak leaf hydrangea’s leaves turn from green to shades of red and purple in the autumn and can last well into the winter.

2.) Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia)

Plant Type	Flowering evergreen shrub (may be annual or perennial)
Native Region	Central Mexico
Sun/ Light	Full sun / partial shade
Hardiness Zone	9b-11, USDA
Water	Moderate
Soil	Sandy, well-drained soil
Blooms	Summer (long bloom season)
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Pink, purple, white
Size	Height: 2 ft.
When to Plant Seeds	Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost

Interesting fact: Mexican Heather is sometimes also referred to as “false heather”.

3.) American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Plant Type	Coniferous evergreen tree / shrub
Native Region	North-central and north-eastern USA
Sun/ Light	Full / partial sun
Hardiness Zone	9b-11, USDA
Water	Moderate to heavy
Soil	Moist to well-drained loam or clay
Blooms	Winter
Foliage Color	Light green to shades of yellow/brown/green
Flower Color	Light brown, reddish-brown
Size	Height: 20 ft or more
When to Plant Seeds	Early spring or autumn before the frost

Interesting fact: American Arborvitae has a history of use in construction and in natural medicine such as a topical applicant to treat skin conditions.

4.) Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)

Plant Type	Flowering shrub (deciduous or evergreen, depending on the species)
Sun/ Light	Partial sun / partial shade
Hardiness Zone	5-9, USDA
Water	Moderate
Soil	Cool, moist, low pH
Bloom	Early summer/ spring
Foliage Color	Glossy dark green
Flower Color	Peach, pink, coral, purple, white
Size	Height: 4-8 ft
When to Plant Seeds	Spring to early autumn

Interesting fact: Azalea leaves and nectar are highly toxic and giving someone azalea flowers in a black vase has been known to be equated with a death threat.

5.) Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia)

Plant Type	Flowering deciduous shrub
Native Region	Eastern Europe and Eastern Asia
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	5-8, USDA
Water	Moderate but drought tolerant once established
Soil	Loose and well-drained
Bloom	Late January to early March
Foliage Color	Dark green to yellow, purple, and maroon
Flower Color	Golden-yellow
Size	Height: 8-10 ft.
When to Plant Seeds	Late autumn or early spring

Interesting fact: This flowering shrub is named in memory of Royal Horticultural Society founder, William Forsyth.

Flowers

6.) Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)

Plant Type	Herbaceous perennial flowering plant
Native Region	Europe / United States
Sun/ Light	Full sun / light shade
Hardiness Zone	4-10, USDA
Water	Light water
Soil	Well-drained to light moisture
Bloom	Spring-autumn
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	White, yellow
Size	Height: 6 in. to 4 ft.
When to Plant Seeds	Spring or early summer

Interesting fact: The Shasta Daisy was created in 1901 by an experimental botanist in California by the name of Luther Burbank. He created the Shasta Daisy by breeding 4 varieties of daisies together in an attempt to create a daisy with ultra-white petals.

7.) Lily (Lilium spp.)

Plant Type	Flowering perennial shrub
Native Region	Northern hemisphere
Sun/ Light	Full sun / partial sun
Hardiness Zone	4-9, USDA
Water	Moderate to light levels
Soil	Well-drained
Bloom	Spring, summer, and autumn
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Orange, pink, red, white, yellow
Size	Height: 3-4 ft.
When to Plant Seeds	End of spring or beginning of summer

Interesting fact: While toxic to cats, lilies have a long history of being used as a natural remedy to treat various medical conditions including stomach disorders, fever, and inflammation. The earliest known record of medicinal use of lilies dates to before the second century A.D.

8.) Tulip (Genus Tulipa)

Plant Type	Flower
Native Region	Central Asia and Turkey
Sun/ Light	Full to medium sun / average shade
Hardiness Zone	4-10, USDA
Water	Moderate
Soil	Well-drained loam
Blooms	Spring
Foliage Color	Blue-green
Flower Color	Wide range of colors except for true blue
Size	Height: 8-30 in.
When to Plant Seeds	February

Interesting fact: Tulips can be used for culinary purposes and may even be used as an onion substitute. You can even make wine from tulips!

9.) Beach Rose (Rosa rugosa)

Plant Type	Perennial flowering plant
Native Region	China, Korea, Japan
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	2-8, USDA
Water	Moderate to light
Soil	Well-drained but moist
Bloom	Late spring to early summer
Foliage Color	Dark green
Flower Color	Pink, Scarlette
Size	Height: 4-6 ft.
When to Plant Seeds	Autumn before the first frost

Interesting fact: Beach Rose produces reddish-orange colored fruit known as “hips” that can be used to make tea and jam.

10.) Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

Plant Type	Deciduous flowering plant
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	4-8, USDA
Water	Moderate to light
Soil	Well-drained
Bloom	Mid to late spring
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Blue, pink, purple, red, white, yellow
Size	Height: 8-12 ft.
When to plant Seeds	Spring

Interesting fact: Former U.S. President Thomas Jefferson was so fond of lilacs that he wrote about them extensively in his gardening book.

11.) Leadwort (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides)

Plant Type	Deciduous perennial flowering shrub
Native Region	Western China
Sun/ Light	Full sun / partial shade
Hardiness Zone	5-9, USDA
Water	Medium
Soil	Well-drained
Bloom	July to September
Foliage Color	Green during summer, bronzy-red in autumn
Flower Color	Deep blue to burgundy red
Size	Height: 0.75-1 ft
When to Plant Seeds	Mid-spring

Interesting fact: Leadwort makes a great beginner plant because it’s known to be resilient in poor soil and other less than ideal planting environments.

12.) Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Plant Type	Herbaceous perennial flowering plant
Native Region	Europe
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	5a-9a, USDA
Water	Moderate, drought-tolerate when established
Soil	Dry, well-draining
Bloom	Summer
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Purple
Size	Height: 2–3 ft.
When to Plant Seeds	Late March/April

Interesting fact: Lavender is known for being used by ancient Egyptians during the mummification process and by ancient Greeks as a sleep aid.

13.) Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)

Plant Type	Herbaceous Annual or perennial flower
Native Region	North and South America
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	4-9, USDA
Water	Moderate
Soil	Loose, well-drained, somewhat alkaline soil
Bloom	Summer and autumn
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Yellow
Size	Height: 9-16 ft.
When to Plant Seeds	After the last frost has ended

Interesting fact: The world record for tallest sunflower ever grown is 30 feet, 1 inch, and was set in 2014 by Hans-Peter Schiffer.

14.) Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Plant Type	Herbaceous annual flowering plant
Native Region	North and South America
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	2-8, USDA
Water	Medium
Soil	Well-drained, but moist
Bloom	Late spring to the first frost
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Lime green, yellow peach, salmon, orange
Size	Height: 6 in. to 4 ft.
When to Plant Seeds	Spring

Interesting fact: Although adored by people from all over the globe today, the Spanish were not too fond of them. It is said that they dubbed the flowers “sickness of the eye” when they first encountered them in Mexico.

15.) Marigolds (Tagetes erecta)

Plant Type	Flowering shrub
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	2-11, USDA
Water	Moderate
Soil	Moderately fertile, well-drained with sand or loam mix
Bloom	Spring, summer, and autumn
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Shades of yellow, gold, red
Size	Height: 6 in. to 3 ft.
When to Plant Seeds	After the last frost has ended

Interesting fact: Marigolds are known to contain anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

16.) Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Plant Type	Herbaceous perennials
Native Region	Mexico, Northern South America, Central America
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	2-11, USDA
Water	Moderate
Soil	Well-drained, sandy texture
Bloom	Spring, summer, autumn
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Orange, pink, white
Size	Height: 18-60 in.
When to Plant Seeds	After the danger of frost has passed

Interesting fact: Cosmo flowers are known to be a natural mosquito repellent.

17.) Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)

Plant Type	Herbaceous annual/perennial flowing plant
Native Region	Central and South America
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	1-11, USDA
Water	Moderate. Cut back in winter
Soil	Moderately fertile, well-drained
Bloom	June to October
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Purple, blue, red, white, pink, and multi-colored.
Size	Height: 6-12 ft.
When to Plant Seeds	1-2 weeks after last frost

Interesting fact: Morning glories won’t repel deer as they’re known to snack on the leaves and vines.

18.) Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)

Plant Type	Annual flowering climbing plant
Native Region	Sicily, southern Italy and the Aegean Islands
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	2-11, USDA
Water	Moderate
Soil	Well-drained but moist, loamy
Bloom	Spring to early summer in warmer climates. autumn in cooler climates.
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Blue, pink, purple, red, white
Size	Height: 3-8 ft.
When to Plant Seeds	Early spring

Interesting fact: Sweet peas are popular for their strong, delicious fragrance and are a member of the legume family.

19.) Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)

Plant Type	Herbaceous Annual/perennial flowering plants
Native Region	South America and Central America
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	9-11, USDA
Water	Moderate.
Soil	Well-drained
Bloom	May to September
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Orange, red, yellow, cream
Size	Height: 6 in. to 10 ft.
When to Plant Seeds	Last frost to early summer

Interesting Fact: Nasturtium flowers, leaves, stems, and young seed pods are edible and used in various dishes.

20.) Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)

Plant Type	Annual / Perrenial flowering plant (annual in certain climates)
Native Region	Mediterranean, Southern Europe
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	7-11, USDA
Water	Moderate.
Soil	Well-drained, Water at base regularly
Bloom	Spring through autumn
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	White, yellow, pink, red, orange, peach, purple, violet
Size	Height: 6-15 in.
When to Plant Seeds	Last frost

Interesting fact: The vibrant snapdragon flowers are known to attract butterflies.

21.) Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica)

Plant Type	Perennial flowering plant
Native Region	New Zealand, Tahiti, Central America, South America
Sun/ Light	Full sun / partial shade
Hardiness Zone	10-11, USDA
Water	Moderate
Soil	Well-drained
Bloom	Mid-April to May
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Purple, pink, magenta, red, white
Size	Height: 1-8 ft.
When to Plant Seeds	Late spring (March/April)

Interest fact: Fuchsias are famous for attracting hummingbirds.

22.) Geraniums (Pelargonium)

Plant Type	Herbaceous perennial flowering plant
Native Region	Eastern North America
Sun/ Light	Full sun / afternoon shade in hotter climates
Hardiness Zone	10-11 USDA
Water	Moderate
Soil	Well-drained
Bloom	Spring to autumn
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	White, pink, red, lavender, purple, magenta, and rose
Size	Height: 3-24 in.
When to Plant Seeds	10 weeks before the last frost

Interesting fact: Although geraniums are no doubt visually attractive, these flowers are toxic when eaten by dogs and cats.

23.) Dahlias (Dahlia pinnata)

Plant Type	Annual flowering plant
Native Region	Mexico and Guatemala
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	4-11, USDA
Water	Moderate
Soil	Well-drained, sandy
Bloom	July to September
Foliage Color	Various shades of green
Flower Color	Pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, and white
Size	Height: 1-6 ft.
When to Plant Seeds	After last frost

Interesting fact: Before the Spanish Conquest, roots from the Dahlia flower were grown as a food crop by the Aztecs.

24.) Ornamental Onions (Allium schubertii)

Plant Type	Perennial flower
Native Region	Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	4-10, USDA
Water	Light
Soil	Dry to medium moisture, well-drained
Bloom	Spring to summer
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Lavender, purple, pink, white
Size	Height: 12-36 in.
When to Plant Seeds	6-8 weeks before last frost

Interesting fact: This flower belongs to the same genus of plants as onions, chives, garlic, and leeks.

25.) Daffodils (Narcissus)

Plant Type	Perrenial flowering plant
Native Region	North Africa, Europe, Western Asia, Mediterranean
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	4-6, USDA
Water	Light-moderate
Soil	Well-drained
Bloom	Late winter, early spring
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Yellow, orange, white
Size	Height: 6-30 in.
When to Plant Seeds	Autumn

Interesting fact: Daffodils were highly regarded by ancient Romans who believed their sap contained healing properties.

26.) Daylilies (Hemerocallis fulva)

Plant Type	Perrenial flowering plant
Native Region	Asia
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	4-9, USDA
Water	Moderate with more water in summer.
Soil	Rich, well-drained
Bloom	Mid-spring
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Yellow, red, pink, purple, melon
Size	Height: 12-48 in.
When to Plant Seeds	Spring

Interesting fact: Daylillies are not a type of lily and grow from tubers rather than from bulbs.

27.) Lupines (Lupinus)

Plant Type	Annual or short-lived perennial flower
Native Region	Mediterranean, Americas, Africa
Sun/ Light	Full sun
Hardiness Zone	4-8, USDA
Water	Moderate. Let dry in between watering.
Soil	Loose and sandy
Bloom	Late spring to mid-summer
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Blue, yellow, white, pink, purple
Size	Height: 1-5 ft.
When to Plant Seeds	Spring or early autumn

Interesting fact: This flower attracts pollinators including bees and hummingbirds as well as repels deer.

28.) Wax Begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum)

Plant Type	Herbaceous perennial flower
Native Region	Tropical & subtropical climates
Sun/ Light	Partial sun / shade
Hardiness Zone	10-11, USDA
Water	Moderate
Soil	Well-drained
Bloom	Summer and autumn
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	Pink, white, orange, yellow
Size	Height: 6-12 in.
When to Plant Seeds	Mid to late January

Interesting fact: At one time in history, begonias were used to polish swords leaving the blades with a shiny finish.

29.) Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)

Plant Type	Annual hybrid flowering plant
Native Region	North America and Europe
Sun/ Light	Light sun / partial shade
Hardiness Zone	7-10, USDA / 4-6 USDA over winter
Water	Weekly, less with natural rain
Soil	Dry, well-drained
Bloom	Spring to summer in cooler climates and autumn Winter in warmer climates
Foliage Color	Green
Flower Color	White, yellow, purple, blue
Size	Height: 6-9 in.
When to Plant Seeds	Summer to early autumn

Interesting fact: Pansies are hardy and disease-resistant with markings that look like faces.

30.) Impatiens (Impatiens balsamina)

Plant Type	Herbaceous annual / perennial flowering plant
Native Region	Africa
Sun/ Light	Partial / full shade
Hardiness Zone	10-11, USDA
Water	Moderate
Soil	Moist, loamy soil
Bloom	June to the first frost
Foliage Color	Green to dark red
Flower Color	White, red, pink, violet, coral, purple, and yellow
Size	Height: 6-24 in.
When to Plant Seeds	Early to mid-February

Interesting fact: Impatiens get their name from their manner of spreading their seeds which shoot from the pod when ripe.

31.) Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Plant Type	Herbaceous annual/perennial
Native Region	Greece, Italy, Spain, and other Mediterranean countries
Sun/ Light	Partial / full shade
Hardiness Zone	3-9, USDA
Water	Light water, water more in the summer
Soil	Well-drained.
Bloom	May to August
Foliage Color	Green, blue-green, silver-green
Flower Color	Red, purple, pink, white
Size	Height: 3-5 in.
When to Plant Seeds	Early spring or autumn

Interesting fact: Carnations are known for their strong, spicy, and floral aroma with clove-like undertones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the common questions regarding flowers and shrubs:

Takeaway

This list is a great place to start if you are looking for some of the easiest shrubs and flowers to grow and maintain. Not only are these some of the lowest maintenance available, but they are also wildly popular among novice and experienced green thumbs alike from various hardiness zones.

Happy planting!