20 Easy Flowers For Beginner Gardeners

Starting your own flower garden can feel like a big task but with the right flowers, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences. As an expert gardener, I’ve seen firsthand how the right flowers can transform a backyard into a colorful, fragrant and peaceful oasis. If you’re a beginner, it’s all about picking the right flowering plants that are both beautiful and easy to maintain. Some flowers thrive with minimal care that seniors gardeners do the tasks and care with ease. Below, I’m sharing 20 flowers that are good to go for beginners, each one handpicked for its low maintenance nature and stunning visual appeal. Ready to start a flower garden? Let’s explore the easy flowers for beginner gardeners.

List of Easy Flowers For Beginner Gardeners

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

• Scientific Name: Tagetes
• Common Name: Marigold
• Native To: Mexico, Central America
• Hardy Zone: 2–11
• Maintenance Level: Low

Marigolds are cheerful, bright flowers that thrive in full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight daily) and well-drained soil (soil with a neutral pH of 7.0–7.5). These are diverse genus of annuals and perennial plants. Marigolds are native to Mexico and vibrant flowers in shades of orange, yellow, red, gold, white, and multicolored combinations. Marigolds grow best when planted in the ground but are also good plants in pots and containers. They are easy to grow plants and also pest-repellent, especially when it comes to aphids and nematodes.

The plants have a slightly spicy fragrance (citrusy, green). Historically, marigolds were used by the ancient Aztecs for medicinal and spiritual purposes. Marigolds symbolize strong passion, joy and resilience. In the gardens, marigolds act as natural pest controllers, making them perfect for companion planting.

Sunflowers (Helianthus)

• Scientific Name: Helianthus
• Common Name: Sunflower
• Native To: North America
• Hardy Zone: 2–11
• Maintenance Level: Low

Sunflowers belong to the family asteraceae with more than 70 species. Their large yellow petals and towering stems make them unique & attractive. Native to North America, these annual beauties are loved for their height and their ability to turn toward the sun (yes, they follow the sun). Sunflowers can be grown both in the ground and in containers, although larger varieties tend to do better when planted directly in the soil.

They have a slight, sweet fragrance (hints of honey, vanilla and light fruitiness), but what’s really amazing is their ability to attract birds, especially during their seed-bearing phase. Historically, sunflowers were cultivated by Native American tribes for food, medicine, and dye. Sunflowers symbolize faith, loyalty, hope and longevity.

Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)

• Scientific Name: Zinnia elegans
• Common Name: Zinnia
• Native To: Mexico, the southwestern United States
• Hardy Zone: 2–11
• Maintenance Level: Low

I do recommend zinnias, worth considering choice for beginner gardeners due to their bold, vibrant colors and ease of care. They thrive in full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day) and nutrient rich soil between 5.5 and 7.5 pH. Propagation is done by three ways, seeds, stem cuttings and from Division. They are good in both garden beds and containers. Zinnias bloom in shades of pink, red, orange, and yellow, and they attract butterflies and bees.

These flowers have not significant fragrance but liked for their bright pops of color, not their scent. Zinnias symbolize endurance, lasting love, and friendship. These annuals grow quickly and bloom heavily throughout the summer until the first frost. Their ability to handle both heat and drought is an added bonus.

Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)

• Scientific Name: Narcissus
• Common Name: Daffodil
• Native To: Europe and North Africa
• Hardy Zone: 3–9
• Maintenance Level: Low

Daffodils are hardy perennials that grow best in loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0 and 6 hours of sunlight. There are 25 daffodil species and up to 13,000 hybrids. Daffodils are some of the first flowers to bloom in spring, bring a welcome splash of yellow and white to your garden after the cold winter months. They grow best when planted in the fall, where they will remain dormant until the weather warms up in the spring. Daffodils are fragrant and symbolize renewal, rebirth, and hope.

With indefinite lifespan, they are easy to grow plants. Historically, they were introduced to gardens around 300 BC. They’re perfect for adding long-lasting beauty to any garden.

Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

• Scientific Name: Lobularia maritima
• Common Name: Alyssum
• Native To: Europe, Asia and North Africa
• Hardy Zone: 5–9
• Maintenance Level: Low
• Species: Over 100

Alyssum is a charming, low-growing flowering plant (8 to 12 inches in height) that’s perfect for covering the ground with a carpet of tiny blooms. Native to the Mediterranean, alyssum thrives in full sun, six to eight hours of sunlight per day and flowers are pink, white, purple and yellow.

This flower is a great choice as a border plant or in hanging baskets and containers. With over 100 species, Lobularia maritima is loved for its sweet fragrance, which can fill the air with a light honey-like scent, especially in the evening. Symbolically, alyssum represents beauty and endurance. It requires little maintenance and non-toxic to human beings and pets.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

• Scientific Name: Calendula officinalis
• Common Name: Calendula, Marigold, Pot marigold, ruddles, Mary’s gold or Scotch marigold
• Native To: Southern Europe and the Mediterranean
• Hardy Zone: 2–11
• Maintenance Level: Low

Calendula, often confused with marigolds, is an easy-to-grow annual that offers bright, cheerful blooms in shades of yellow and orange. Pot marigold belongs to the family Asteraceae and has 15 popular species. It thrives in full sun (6-8 hours) but it can tolerate shade in summer areas. It grows in almost every type of soil but grow best in well-drained, fertile, and nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Calendula flowers are yellow to orange. Flowers have gentle, delicate, sweet, and slightly herbal scent and popularly used in perfumes. Calendula symbolize happiness, healing and protection. They are used in herbal medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties and are often found in skin creams and oils. Calendulas are also edible and its petals can be added to salads, soups, or teas. These flowers are low-maintenance and a good addition in home flowering garden.

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

• Scientific Name: Cosmos bipinnatus
• Common Name: Cosmos
• Family: Asteraceae
• Native To: Mexico, Central America and Northern South America 
• Hardy Zone: 2–11
• Maintenance Level: Low

Cosmos are tall, airy, annual flowers that add a light, ethereal feel to any garden. With 20 species known, they are suitable for temperate climate gardens. These American Flowers are easy to grow and require full sunlight for full blooms. Their delicate flowers come in shades of pink, purple, white, and red, and they attract butterflies.

Cosmos symbolize peace, order, and tranquility. They are best grown in the ground in a sunny garden spot, although they also do well in pots or containers. Cosmos are drought-tolerant and need little care.

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

• Scientific Name: Tropaeolum majus
• Common Name: Nasturtium
• Native To: South America
• Hardy Zone: 9–11
• Maintenance Level: Low

Nasturtiums are bright, easy-to-grow and edible flowers with 80 species. They are herbaceous annual flowering plants that Native have vibrant orange, red, and yellow petals. They are cooler zones flowers and can grow in 3-6 hours of sunlight per day . They can thrive in poor soil conditions and can be grown in raised beds and containers. These flowers symbolize patriotism and victory and are commonly used in both savory and sweet dishes. They have a peppery scent & flavor. Nasturtiums are low-maintenance plants, need minimal attention, a good choice for beginner gardeners.

Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea)

• Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea
• Common Name: Coneflower
• Native To: Eastern and Central North America
• Hardy Zone: 3–9
• Maintenance Level: Low

Coneflowers are hardy, belong to daisy family and herbaceous easy-to-grow flowers for beginners. These American Flowers grow in wet to dry prairies and open wooded areas. They come with vibrant purple petals and prominent cone-shaped centers. Echinacea grow best in full sun with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day and well-drained soil with a neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.0.

Coneflowers are drought-tolerant and a good addition for low-maintenance gardens. They symbolize strength, resilience and healing. In traditional herbal medicine, coneflowers are used to treat cold, coughs and other inflammatory conditions. Coneflowers are also beneficial for pollinators, attract bees and butterflies. They can be grown in garden beds or containers.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia
• Common Name: Lavender
• Native To: Mediterranean region
• Hardy Zone: 5–9
• Maintenance Level: Low

It’s the queen of low-maintenance blooms, trust me. Let me give you the inside scoop.

Lavender has been around for centuries. It’s originally from the Mediterranean. Think ancient Greece and Rome where people used it for everything from perfume to ahem medicinal purposes. They’d even sprinkle it in their baths, like a little spa day for the Gods.

It smells divine (smoky), your garden will smell like a luxurious getaway, I swear. Plus, the bees love it.

Its a plant of rocky mountains. Its not a fit for a garden with heavy clayey oils. It grows best best in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.7 and 7.3. Lavender flowers are absolute show-stoppers in the garden. They bloom in tall, graceful spikes of purple, lilac, and they’re so elegant. Historically, lavender has been used for its soothing properties, ,creating calming herbal teas and making perfumes and relaxing oils.

Lavender symbolizes purity, calm, devotion and Femininity. It is popular flowering plant in cooking, crafts, and home decor.

Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)

• Scientific Name: Viola tricolor var. hortensis
• Common Name: Pansy
• Native To: Europe and Western Asia
• Hardy Zone: 6–10
• Maintenance Level: Low

Pansies are worldwide most popular and loved annual flowers belong to the family Violaceae. Native to Europe and Western Asia, they are mixture of many species known for their vibrant colors and unique, almost “face-like” appearance. The hybrids come in a wide range of colors, including purple, yellow, white, and red.

Pansies are easy to grow. They thrive in cool weather and planted in early spring or fall. They thrive in full sun ,six hours of sun daily. Pansies can grow indoors, as border plants, in containers and in window boxes, if nutrient rich soil, 6 hours of sunlight, watering and fertilizers are provided. Pansies symbolize love, loving thoughts and remembrance.

Q: Where is the best place to plant pansies?

Pansies are cool-season flowers, great for spring or fall planting. They do well in temperatures between 45°F (7°C) and 65°F (18°C). They prefer full sun, at least 6 hours of sunlight each day and well draining soil with soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).

Petunias (Petunia spp.)

• Scientific Name: Petunia
• Common Name: Petunia
• Native To: South America
• Hardy Zone: 9–11
• Maintenance Level: Low

Petunias are warm season annuals and popular flowers due to their vibrant colors, versatility, and ease of care. Native to South America, petunias are ideal for adding a burst of color to hanging baskets, pots, or garden beds. They come in a wide range of colors, from deep purples to bright pinks and whites, and they have a sweet fragrance.

Grandiflora petunias are the most popular variety known for their large flowers that can reach up to four inches or more. These flowers can be either single or ruffled doubles, with many varieties having a cascading growth habit and perfect for hanging baskets and window boxes. However, most grandifloras grow upright into large mounds of blooms that reach 12 to 15 inches tall during the summer.

Multiflora petunias are more compact and produce smaller flowers than the grandifloras but make up for it with an abundance of blossoms. Most of these are single flowers, and they are often planted in masses for a vibrant display. Multiflora petunias are good for edging or as a close-up feature in containers. Groundcover or spreading petunias, like the popular “Wave” variety, grow just six inches tall but spread quickly, cover large areas or cascading over walls and hanging baskets.

Petunias are non toxic but not edible. These flowers symbolize love, harmony, perseverance and hope.

Common Daisy (Bellis Perennis)

• Scientific Name: Bellis perennis
• Common Name: common daisy
• Native To: Europe and Western Asia
• Hardy Zone: 3–9
• Maintenance Level: Low

Daisies belong to one of the largest families of plants in the world. Common daisies are well-known for their cheerful, classic look with white petals and yellow centers. They belong to the family Asteraceae and more than 20,000 species of daisies are present worldwide. Daisies are grown as perennials, although they may act as annuals in colder zones.

They can adapt to a variety of soil types, though they prefer well-draining, moderately fertile soil neutral to slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.0–8.0. To bloom best, they require at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Daisies can be grown from seed or potted plants. They come in a variety of colors, including pinks, purples, white and yellows. These flowers are popular in wildflower gardens, borders, and ground covers.

Daisies symbolize New beginnings, Love, Passion, Happiness and innocence.

Q:Where do daisies grow best?

Daisies thrive in full sun, require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They prefer cool, temperate conditions with a slight acidity to neutral pH (6.0–8.0). Planting them in a well-draining, slightly sandy soil will help them flourish. If you’re growing them in a hot climate, partial shade during the hottest part of the day may benefit them.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)

Scientific Name: Hemerocallis spp.
Common Name: Daylilies
Native To: Asia (mainly China, Korea, and Japan)
Hardy Zone: 4–9
Maintenance Level: Low

With a lifespan of upto 3 years, daylilies belong to the family Asphodelaceae. These are hardy perennials that are best to be planted in late Late spring or early fall. Besides many ornamental grasses in Florida, Daylilies are also low maintenance and grown throughout the year. Daylilies prefer full sun, however, tolerate partial shade. Hemerocallis can grow in slightly acidic to neutral soils. If your soil is sandy, add compost to help it retain moisture. If your soil is heavy clay, add compost to lighten the texture. 

They come in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, red, and pink. Most of the varieties have no fragrance, however, some cultivars have very light and pleasing scent. Daylilies symbolize energy, joy, resilience and wisdom. 

Sweet Peas (Lathyrus Odoratus)

• Scientific Name: Lathyrus Odoratus
• Common Name: Sweet Pea
• Native To: Mediterranean region (Sicily, southern Italy, and the Aegean Islands)
• Hardy Zone: 5–9
• Maintenance Level: Low

Sweet peas are fragrant annual climbing flowers that bloom in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, white, and red. They are native to the Mediterranean region with 160 different species. They are favorite for cutting and adding to bouquets. Sweet peas grow well in cool temperatures and full sunlight (at least six hours of sunlight per day), and they are grown on trellises or fences to allow the vines to climb.

These annual flowers symbolize pleasure, bliss, friendship and Gratitude. Sweet peas are easy to care and can be grown in containers. Their fragrance ,low maintenance and colorful flowers make them a good choice for beginner gardeners.

Touch Me Not (Mimosa Pudica)

Scientific Name: Mimosa pudica
Common Name: Touch-Me-Not, Sensitive Plant, Shy plant, Sleepy plant, Live and die
Native To: Western North America, Europe, and Asia.
Hardy Zone: 7–13
Maintenance Level: Low

Touch-me-not is a creeping annual or perennial flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae with 1000 species. This plant is known for its unique ability to fold its leaves when touched or disturbed. Mimosa pudica thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical climates and prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). These plants grow best in full sunlight (8 hours sunlight in a day).

Mimosa pudica is usually grown from seed and seeds usually sprout in 14 to 21 days. Touch-me-not plant can be grown indoors in the windowsill. This plant symbolizes sensitivity, awareness, and the beauty of touch.

Dianthus (Dianthus Caryophyllus)

Scientific Name: Dianthus Caryophyllus
Common Name: Dianthus, Carnation, clove pink
Native To: Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean
Hardy Zone: 3–9
Maintenance Level: Low

Dianthus are biennials and short-lived perennials with 340 species. They belong to the family Caryophyllaceae and come in many colors, including white, pink, red and purple. Dianthus Caryophyllus bloom best with at least 6 hours of full sun each day. However, they can tolerate partial shade, particularly in the warmest zones.

Avoid heavy soils. They thrive in well drained soil, slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2. The best time to plant dianthus is in the spring or fall. Dianthus can be grown in rock gardens, containers and as border plants.

Dianthus Benefits

• Carnation striking appearance makes them popular in gardens, borders, and floral arrangements.
• Used in perfumes and potpourri.
• Attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Studies suggest that compounds in Dianthus may have beneficial health properties.
• Pink carnations are the most popular on Mother’s Day in USA, as they symbolize a mother’s love and gratitude.
• Some species (maiden pinks,cheddar pink, firewitch, pink kisses, fire rubies) of Dianthus are used as ground cover in gardens and landscapes.
• Used as cut flowers in vases.

Jasmine (Jasminum)

Scientific Name: Jasminum
Common Name: Jasmine, True jasmine, Jessamine, Poet’s Jasmine, Chameli,
Native To: Asia, Africa and the Australia
Hardy Zone: 7–10 (depending on species)
Maintenance Level: Low to Moderate

Jasmine is known for its aromatic, star-shaped flowers that bloom in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, purple and red. Jasmine is a popular flowering plant worldwide with more than 200 species. Popular species are Arabic jasmine, Star jasmine, Yellow Jessamine and Orange jasmine. They are grown as ground covers, climbing vines, on trellises and hedges. These plants grow best in full sun with 6-8 hours of sunlight each day but can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates.

Jasmine prefers well-draining, fertile soil preferably loamy soil with soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0. It can be propagated from cuttings. Jasmine symbolizes love, purity and innocence.

Q: Where does jasmine grow best?

Jasmine thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The best location for planting jasmine varies based on the specific type of jasmine and the climate. For example, inter jasmine tolerate cooler temperatures and partial shade.

Peonies (Paeonia)

Scientific Name: Paeonia spp.
Common Name: Peony
Native To: Europe, Asia, and North America
Hardy Zone: 3–8
Maintenance Level: Low

Peonies are popular for their large, fragrant blooms that appear in a variety of colors, pink, red, white, and purple. They are low maintenance plants and live upto 50 years. For full blooms, they require at least 6 hours of sunlight in a day. Peonies prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5–7.0). They can be propagated from seeds or divided root clumps. They are ideal for garden beds and floral arrangements and symbolize romance, prosperity, and good fortune.

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum Majus)

Scientific Name: Antirrhinum Majus
Common Name: Snapdragon
Native To: Mediterranean region
Hardy Zone: 7–11
Maintenance Level: Low

Snapdragons symbolize grace, strength, and the desire to lead a fulfilling life. Snapdragons are known for their vibrant, colorful blooms that come in a wide range of colors, including pink, yellow, red, purple, and white. These plants thrive in cool, temperate climates and prefer full sun, although they can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates. Snapdragons grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (6.0–7.0). They can be grown from seed and are popular in flower beds, containers, and as cut flowers.

Conclusion

Creating a garden full of vibrant, easy-to-care-for flowers is an exciting journey, especially for beginners. By choosing flowers like marigolds, sunflowers, petunias, and lavender, you can add beauty, fragrance, and symbolism to your space while keeping maintenance low. These flowers offer a wide variety of colors, textures, and fragrances that will attract pollinators, add personality to your garden, and give you a sense of accomplishment. Most of them are hardy and resilient, so get ready for planting.

Happy Gardening!