Gardening is fun. You start with a patch of dirt and end up with a garden full of beautiful flowers. One way to do this is by planting annuals.
These plants grow, flower, and die all in one season. Because they only live for a short time, they put all their energy into making amazing flowers. Some can even bloom for the whole summer.
Even though they don't live long, annuals can make your garden look fantastic. They come in all different colors and shapes. Plus, some are tall, which adds an exciting look to your garden.
Here's a list of 15 tall annual flowers that will keep your garden looking great all summer long.
Read more: 30 Tall Thin Plants For Landscaping Your Garden or Backyard
1. Sunflower
Sunflowers are a true summer favorite. These giants of the garden are known for their big, bright yellow flowers and can grow impressively tall, some varieties reaching heights up to 15 feet.
They are very hardy and can be grown in a wide range of areas, doing well in Zones 2 to 11.
They bloom throughout summer and require a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, making them a perfect choice for the sunniest part of your garden.
While sunflowers are relatively drought tolerant, they will perform their best when watered regularly, particularly during the period leading up to and during flowering.
Remember to provide support for your sunflowers if you live in an area with high winds or you're growing a particularly tall variety to prevent the stems from breaking.
2. Cosmos
Cosmos are renowned for their showy, colorful flowers and delicate, feathery foliage. They can reach heights of up to 6 feet.
They are extremely adaptable, doing well in Zones 2 to 11. Cosmos bloom from summer right into fall, and they love a sunny spot in the garden.
They can withstand dry conditions and do not require excessive watering. They are also very low maintenance, but removing spent flowers can encourage more blooming.
For taller varieties of Cosmos, such as the popular 'Sensation' series, providing support in the form of stakes or plant cages may be necessary, especially if your garden experiences strong winds.
This will help prevent the plants from bending or breaking under windy conditions.
3. Cleome
Cleomes, or spider flowers, feature airy, spider-like flowers atop tall stems, reaching heights up to 6 feet.
They do well in Zones 10 to 11 and bloom from early summer to the first frost. Cleomes love the sun but can tolerate some shade.
They can tolerate drought, but they prefer evenly moist soil. However, be cautious not to overwater, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other issues.
One advantage of Cleomes is their strong and sturdy structure. With robust stems, they usually do not require staking or additional support, even when in full bloom. This makes Cleomes a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
Read more: 19 Annuals For Afternoon Sun [Tips and PICTURES Included]
4. Love-Lies-Bleeding
Love-lies-bleeding is a captivating annual plant known for its elegant cascading red tassels and can grow up to 5 feet tall.
The unique and striking appearance of Love-lies-bleeding makes it a popular choice for adding a touch of drama to flower beds, borders, or even container gardens.
This plant can be grown in Zones 2 to 11 and blooms throughout summer. It thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil for optimal growth.
Staking may be necessary for Love-lies-bleeding, especially when the plant becomes heavy with seed heads.
Providing support ensures the plant maintains an upright posture and prevents the stems from bending or breaking under their own weight.
5. Tall Verbena
Tall verbena is an airy plant known for its clusters of small violet flowers. It can grow up to 3 to 6 feet tall.
This plant is hardy and thrives in Zones 7 to 11. It flowers from summer until the first frost, providing long-lasting blooms in your garden.
One of the remarkable characteristics of Tall Verbena is its sturdy and wind-resistant nature. Due to its strong stems, it generally does not require staking or additional support, even when grown at its maximum height.
Tall Verbena is a low-maintenance plant that attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to your garden.
Its delicate flowers and slender profile make it an excellent addition to flower beds, borders, or as an accent plant in mixed perennial gardens.
Read more: 7 Biggest Summer Gardening Challenges and How to Overcome Them
6. Cockscomb
Also known as celosia, cockscomb is known for its unique, brightly colored flowers resembling a rooster’s comb, growing up to 2 to 4 feet tall.
These plants perform well in Zones 2 to 11. They can withstand dry periods, but regular watering will help the plant produce more abundant blooms. Aim for deep watering when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Cockscomb blooms from summer until the first frost, providing long-lasting color to your garden. It thrives in full sun, so make sure to plant it in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Depending on the variety and the size of the flower heads, taller varieties of cockscomb may benefit from staking or support.
The weight of the large flower heads can cause the stems to bend or break, especially in areas with strong winds or during heavy rain.
Providing support, such as stakes or plant cages, can help maintain the upright posture of the plant and prevent damage.
In Closing
Incorporating tall annual flowers into your garden can elevate its visual appeal and create a stunning display all summer long.
When selecting tall annuals for your garden, consider their preferred growing conditions. Adequate watering is essential to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Additionally, some taller varieties may also benefit from staking or support to withstand strong winds and heavy flower heads.
Whether you're aiming for a dramatic focal point or a harmonious backdrop, these plants will contribute to a garden filled with color, fragrance, and a touch of vertical interest.
