From sunny borders to cozy container gardens, the color orange can bring warmth, vibrance, and energy to any outdoor space. Whether you're looking to attract pollinators or create visual contrast, orange flowers offer plenty of choices to suit every style and growing condition. Here are 25 standout orange blooms, including hardy perennials, bright annuals, and unique varieties, that thrive in a wide range of garden settings.
1. Orange Daylily (Hemerocallis)
The orange daylily is a classic garden favorite known for its trumpet-shaped blooms and bright color. These hardy perennials are easy to grow and can thrive in many soil types. They bloom in summer and are often used in borders, mass plantings, or along walkways. Daylilies are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. Their bold color stands out in any garden design. Be aware that some varieties can spread quickly, so check before planting. They are not safe for pets, especially cats.
2. Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia)
Mexican sunflowers produce large, daisy-like orange blooms on tall, bushy plants. They attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making them great for pollinator gardens. These annuals thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They grow quickly and can reach heights of 4 to 6 feet. Their vivid orange petals brighten up summer and early fall beds. Mexican sunflowers are also heat- and drought-tolerant. They are ideal for back borders and wildflower-style plantings.
3. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
The California poppy is a drought-tolerant wildflower with bright orange, cup-shaped blooms. It is the state flower of California and thrives in sunny, dry conditions. These annuals reseed easily, often returning year after year. They are perfect for rock gardens, meadows, or borders. California poppies close their flowers at night or during cloudy weather. Their fern-like foliage adds soft texture to garden beds. These flowers are also deer-resistant and attract pollinators.
4. Marigold (Tagetes)
Marigolds are popular garden flowers known for their bright orange and yellow blooms. They are easy to grow and do well in containers, borders, and vegetable gardens. Marigolds help repel pests like aphids and nematodes, making them useful companion plants. They bloom from spring until frost with regular deadheading. These annuals prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Their strong scent can deter deer and rabbits. Marigolds are also safe for children to plant and enjoy.
5. Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida 'Orange Cone')
Orange coneflowers are hardy perennials that offer daisy-like flowers with orange petals and dark centers. They bloom from mid-summer to early fall and are loved by bees and butterflies. These flowers do best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Once established, they tolerate heat and drought well. They are excellent in wildflower gardens, borders, and prairie-style landscapes. Their sturdy stems make them great for cutting gardens too. Deer tend to avoid them.
6. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Butterfly weed is a native perennial with clusters of bright orange flowers. It attracts butterflies, especially monarchs, as it is a host plant for their caterpillars. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is low-maintenance and ideal for native plant gardens and pollinator-friendly landscapes. The bright blooms appear from early summer to fall. Butterfly weed also helps support biodiversity. It is not safe for pets or humans to eat.
7. Orange Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Orange zinnias are cheerful annuals that bloom in a wide range of warm hues. Their bold flowers come in many shapes and sizes, from single to double forms. Zinnias thrive in full sun and need good air circulation to prevent mildew. They bloom from summer until frost and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These flowers work well in borders, containers, and cutting gardens. Regular deadheading encourages more blooms. They are not fussy about soil types.
8. Lion's Tail (Leonotis leonurus)
Lion's tail is a striking perennial with tall spikes of fuzzy orange flowers. Native to South Africa, it thrives in warm climates and prefers full sun. The flowers appear in whorls along the stems, adding unusual texture to garden beds. Lion's tail blooms from late summer into fall. It is drought-tolerant once established and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. The plant can reach up to 6 feet tall. It is not frost-tolerant and may need protection in cooler areas.
9. Orange Tulip (Tulipa varieties)
Orange tulips add vibrant spring color to garden beds and containers. These bulbs bloom in mid- to late spring, depending on the variety. Tulips prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are often planted in the fall for spring blooms. There are many orange varieties, from soft peach to deep tangerine. Tulips make excellent cut flowers and mix well with other spring bulbs. Keep in mind that tulips are not safe for pets and may need replanting yearly.
10. Crocosmia 'Lucifer'
Crocosmia 'Lucifer' is a bold perennial with fiery orange-red flowers on arching stems. It blooms in mid- to late summer and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. This plant thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It works well in borders, cottage gardens, and near water features. The sword-like leaves add structure even when the plant is not in bloom. Crocosmia can spread over time, but is easy to manage. It is also deer-resistant.
11. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
Blanket flowers produce daisy-like blooms with orange, red, and yellow tones. These hardy perennials bloom from early summer into fall. They are heat-tolerant and thrive in poor, sandy soils. Blanket flowers attract bees and butterflies and work well in wildflower or native gardens. They prefer full sun and benefit from deadheading to prolong blooming. Their mounding habit makes them ideal for front borders. These flowers are also deer-resistant.
12. Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)
Sneezeweed features daisy-shaped orange blooms that appear in late summer and fall. Despite the name, it does not cause allergies. These perennials do best in full sun and moist, rich soil. They add height and color to late-season borders. Sneezeweed flowers attract bees and butterflies. They can be cut back in early summer to encourage bushier growth. These plants are useful in rain gardens and near ponds or streams.
13. Orange Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus)
Orange cosmos are easy-to-grow annuals with feathery foliage and daisy-like flowers. They bloom from summer until frost and thrive in full sun. These plants are drought-tolerant and do well in poor soil. Orange cosmos attract bees, butterflies, and birds. They reseed easily and often return the following year. Their airy growth habit adds movement and charm to garden beds. These flowers are also great for wildflower gardens.
14. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Nasturtiums are cheerful flowers with bright orange blooms and rounded leaves. These annuals are edible and have a peppery flavor. They grow well in full sun and poor soil, which encourages more flowers. Nasturtiums are perfect for containers, borders, and companion planting. They help deter pests like aphids and squash bugs. Their trailing or bushy forms suit many garden styles. Both the leaves and flowers are safe to eat.
15. Canna Lily (Canna indica hybrids)
Canna lilies produce large, tropical-looking flowers in shades of orange, red, and yellow. These bold perennials prefer full sun and moist, rich soil. They add a dramatic touch to borders, water gardens, and containers. The broad, colorful leaves also add visual interest. Cannas bloom from summer into fall and attract hummingbirds. In cooler climates, their rhizomes must be dug up and stored over winter. They are not safe for pets.
16. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Trumpet vine is a vigorous climber with large orange flowers shaped like trumpets. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and attracts hummingbirds. This fast-growing plant needs support, such as a trellis or fence. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. While beautiful, trumpet vine can be aggressive, so plant it where it can spread safely. It is ideal for covering unsightly walls or structures. Wear gloves when pruning, as the sap may irritate skin.
17. Orange Rose (Rosa hybrids)
Orange roses bring warmth and vibrance to rose gardens and mixed borders. They come in many shades, from soft apricot to bright tangerine. These perennials need full sun and well-drained soil. Proper care, including pruning and feeding, ensures healthy blooms. Many varieties are fragrant and disease-resistant. Roses attract pollinators and make excellent cut flowers. Some types may require winter protection in colder climates.
18. Clivia (Clivia miniata)
Clivia is a shade-loving plant with clusters of orange trumpet-shaped flowers. It blooms in late winter to early spring, brightening up darker spots in the garden. Clivias prefer well-drained soil and moderate watering. They are often grown in containers and brought indoors in cooler climates. The dark green, strap-like leaves provide year-round interest. Clivias are toxic if eaten, so keep them away from pets and children.
19. Geum 'Totally Tangerine'
Geum 'Totally Tangerine' is a long-blooming perennial with bright orange, semi-double flowers. It begins flowering in late spring and continues into fall. This plant prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Geums are great for borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator beds. They attract bees and butterflies and are usually ignored by deer. The upright stems make the blooms stand out above the foliage. Regular deadheading encourages more flowers.
20. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is a heat-loving plant with clusters of small flowers in orange, red, and yellow tones. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Lantana is grown as an annual in cool climates and as a perennial in warm zones. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. This plant is drought-tolerant and works well in containers or as ground cover. Note that lantana is toxic to pets and livestock if eaten.
21. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are fall-blooming perennials with many orange varieties. They provide a splash of color when most other flowers are fading. Mums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They benefit from being pinched back in early summer for fuller growth. These flowers work well in borders, containers, and seasonal displays. Mums attract pollinators and are generally deer-resistant. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
22. Dahlia 'Orange Nugget'
Dahlia 'Orange Nugget' is a vibrant variety with bold, pompom-style blooms. Dahlias grow from tubers and bloom from midsummer until the first frost. They prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Regular deadheading helps extend the flowering season. Dahlias attract bees and make excellent cut flowers. In cooler areas, the tubers should be lifted and stored for winter. They add drama and height to garden beds.
23. Torch Lily (Kniphofia uvaria)
Also known as red hot poker, the torch lily has tall spikes of orange and red tubular flowers. These perennials bloom from late spring to summer. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Torch lilies are drought-tolerant and attract hummingbirds. Their bold shape makes them a striking focal point. Deadheading helps prolong blooming. These plants are also deer-resistant.
24. Iceland Poppy (Papaver nudicaule)
Iceland poppies offer delicate, papery blooms in shades of orange, yellow, and white. They thrive in cool climates and bloom from spring to early summer. These short-lived perennials prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are often grown as annuals in warmer regions. Iceland poppies attract pollinators and make charming cut flowers. Their soft gray-green foliage adds extra beauty to garden beds.
25. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Gerbera daisies are known for their large, bright flowers and sturdy stems. They come in many colors, with orange being especially bold. These perennials are often grown as annuals in cooler climates. Gerberas prefer full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. They are ideal for containers, borders, and cutting gardens. The flowers attract bees and butterflies. Gerberas are sensitive to overwatering, so good drainage is important.
A Final Splash of Sunshine
Whether you're designing a new landscape or refreshing a container garden, these orange flowers can add vibrant energy and natural charm to any space. With their wide range of shapes, bloom times, and growing needs, there’s something here for every gardener and garden style. Bright orange blooms can create bold focal points, support pollinators, and thrive in various climates. Choosing the right blooms can turn any garden into a lively, warm, and welcoming space all season long.