Gardening doesn’t have to be difficult. Some flowers grow easily, even if you don’t have much experience. With the right plants, you can enjoy a beautiful garden without constant upkeep.
This list features 30 easy-to-grow flowers that thrive with little effort—plus a few unexpected ones. Whether you want bright blooms, long-lasting color, or plants that practically take care of themselves, these flowers make gardening simple. Just plant, water, and enjoy the results!
1. Sunflowers
Nothing says “hello, sunshine!” quite like these giants of the flower world. Sunflowers, with their towering stems and large, sunny faces, are incredibly easy to grow. These beauties thrive in direct sunlight and well-drained soil, reaching up to 12 feet tall depending on the variety.
Their low-maintenance nature makes them a favorite among gardeners. Just plant the seeds in the spring after the last frost, and watch them grow. Their seeds are a delightful snack for birds, adding to the garden’s lively atmosphere.
2. Marigolds
Bringing a splash of color to any garden, these cheerful blooms are a must-have. Marigolds are adored for their vibrant hues, ranging from golden yellow to deep orange. They are known for their ability to bloom from spring until late autumn without much fuss.
Plant them in a sunny spot and water regularly for best results. They also have natural pest-repelling properties, which makes them a great companion plant. Easy to nurture, they make gardening a delightful experience.
3. Zinnias
These bright pops of color are a stunning addition to any garden. Zinnias, with their daisy-like blooms, come in a variety of shades including pink, red, and orange. Known for their resilience, these flowers thrive in sunny spots and well-drained soil.
Plant seeds in late spring, and they’ll reward you with continuous blooms throughout the summer. Their long-lasting flowers are perfect for cutting, allowing you to bring their cheerful energy indoors. A true gift for any low-maintenance garden.
4. Lavender
Imagine your garden filled with the calming scent of this aromatic plant. Lavender, known for its soothing fragrance and lovely purple blooms, is a gardener’s dream. This hardy plant prefers sunny locations and well-drained, sandy soil.
Once established, lavender requires minimal watering and attention. Its flowers can be used for crafting sachets or cooking, adding versatility to its charm. A perfect choice for those looking for beauty and utility in their garden.
5. Daisies
White petals and sunny centers make these flowers a classic choice. Daisies are iconic and incredibly easy to grow, thriving in a variety of conditions. Plant them in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade, and they’ll bloom profusely.
These perennial favorites spread quickly, filling spaces with their cheerful presence. With minimal care, daisies return year after year, making them a staple in any low-maintenance garden. Perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia and charm.
6. Coneflowers
These daisy-like blooms are a favorite among butterflies and gardeners alike. Coneflowers, with their distinctive raised centers and drooping petals, are both beautiful and tough. They thrive in sunny spots and tolerate drought well.
Once planted, they require little attention but offer long-lasting blooms. Their robust nature makes them perfect for gardens with varying weather conditions. A delightful addition for anyone seeking color and ease.
7. Black-eyed Susans
With their sunny yellow petals and deep brown centers, these flowers are hard to miss. Black-eyed Susans are beloved for their cheerful appearance and ease of care. They thrive in sunny spots and well-drained soil.
Once established, they bloom from midsummer to fall with little effort. Perfect for borders or mass plantings, they attract butterflies and bees. Their vibrant charm makes them a staple in any low-maintenance garden.
8. Petunias
These funnel-shaped blooms are a delightful garden addition. Petunias offer a range of colors from deep purples to bright pinks, and their cascading growth habit works beautifully in window boxes or hanging baskets.
They love sunny spots and require regular watering, but their beauty is well worth the effort. Perfect for creating stunning displays, petunias continue to bloom throughout the season. A vibrant choice for adding color and charm.
9. Begonias
Known for their lush foliage and colorful blooms, begonias are garden showstoppers. These flowers come in many varieties, including wax and tuberous begonias, offering a palette of reds, pinks, and whites.
They thrive in shaded areas, making them perfect for spots that lack direct sunlight. Easy to maintain, begonias require regular watering and occasional feeding. Their beauty and versatility make them a fantastic choice for any garden.
10. Cosmos
These ethereal blooms dance gracefully in the breeze, adding elegance to any garden. Cosmos flowers come in shades of pink, white, and purple, and are known for their delicate, airy appearance.
They thrive in sunny locations and tolerate poor soil, making them incredibly easy to maintain. Once planted, they require minimal care and will bloom from summer to fall. Their whimsical beauty makes them a favorite for gardeners seeking a touch of magic.
11. Snapdragons
With their unique, dragon-like blooms, these flowers add vertical interest to gardens. Snapdragons are favored for their striking appearance and variety of colors, from vibrant reds to soft pinks.
They thrive in sunny spots and well-drained soil, requiring regular watering. Perfect for borders or cutting gardens, snapdragons bloom from spring to fall. Their playful charm makes them a delightful choice for any garden.
12. Impatiens
These shade-loving gems bring a splash of color to less sunny spots. Impatiens are known for their vibrant blooms in shades of pink, red, and white, and they thrive in shaded areas.
They require regular watering but little else, making them a low-maintenance favorite. Perfect for garden beds or containers, impatiens bloom from spring to frost. Their cheerful presence brightens any garden, even in the shade.
13. Asters
These starry blooms add a touch of color as the seasons change. Asters, with their daisy-like flowers, are a popular choice for autumn gardens.
They thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, requiring little care once established. Blooming from late summer to fall, asters provide a vibrant finale to the gardening season. Their resilient nature and cheerful blooms make them a garden favorite.
14. Daylilies
These sun-loving perennials are garden classics for a reason. Daylilies come in a range of colors, including vibrant yellows and oranges, adding a splash of sunshine to any garden.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming from early summer to fall. Once planted, they require minimal care and spread easily, creating lush, colorful displays. Perfect for gardeners seeking beauty without the fuss.
15. Nasturtiums
A tropical touch is easy to achieve with vibrant orange and red blooms. Nasturtiums stand out in any garden and have the bonus of being edible, making them a colorful addition to both flower beds and salads.
They thrive in full sun and poor soil, requiring little more than occasional watering. Their peppery leaves and flowers can be used in salads, adding a unique touch to your kitchen. A fun and functional choice for any gardener.
16. Pansies
A playful touch in the garden comes easy with colorful, patterned blooms. Pansies are known for their unique “faces” and come in a range of shades, from deep blues to bright yellows.
They thrive in cooler weather, making them perfect for spring or fall gardens. Easy to grow and maintain, pansies bring joy with minimal effort. Their delightful appearance and long-lasting blooms make them a gardener’s favorite.
17. Sweet Alyssum
These tiny flowers pack a fragrant punch, perfect for any low-maintenance garden. Sweet Alyssum is known for its delicate white and purple blooms, forming a fragrant carpet that attracts bees and butterflies.
They thrive in sunny spots and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Once planted, they’ll bloom from spring to frost, adding a sweet scent to the air. Their low-growing nature makes them ideal for borders or ground cover.
18. Foxgloves
Tall and eye-catching, these spires bring height and color to any garden. Foxgloves, with their bell-shaped blooms, bloom in shades of pink and purple, making a striking vertical display.
They thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil, requiring little attention once established. Their striking appearance makes them a focal point in any garden. Perfect for gardeners seeking height and beauty.
19. Geraniums
A favorite among gardeners, these flowers are easy to grow and add plenty of color. Geraniums come in shades of red and pink, thriving in gardens, pots, and window boxes with minimal effort.
They thrive in sunny locations and well-drained soil, requiring regular watering. Perfect for containers or garden beds, geraniums bloom from spring to fall. Their vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms make them a favorite choice for adding charm.
20. Coreopsis
These sunny blooms bring a burst of sunshine to any garden. Coreopsis, with their yellow and orange flowers, are known for their cheerful appearance and long-lasting blooms.
They thrive in full sun and tolerate poor soil, requiring minimal care. Blooming from late spring to fall, coreopsis offers continuous color and joy. Their easy-going nature makes them perfect for any low-maintenance garden.
21. Lantana
Clusters of colorful blooms bring a tropical feel to any garden. Lantana, with its mix of red, orange, and yellow flowers, is both hardy and visually striking.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and heat. Once established, lantana requires little care and blooms continuously. Their colorful display and tough nature make them a perfect choice for vibrant gardens.
22. Salvia
With their tall spikes and rich colors, these flowers add elegance to any garden. Salvia, known for their blue and purple blooms, are both striking and easy to grow.
They thrive in sunny locations and well-drained soil, requiring minimal attention. Blooming from late spring to fall, salvia attracts pollinators and adds a touch of sophistication. A perfect choice for gardeners seeking beauty and simplicity.
23. Gaillardia
These sun-loving blooms bring a taste of the prairie to any garden. Gaillardia, or blanket flowers, are known for their bold red and yellow petals and daisy-like appearance.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring little more than occasional watering. Blooms continue from early summer to fall, adding warmth and color. Their hardy nature makes them a perfect choice for low-maintenance gardening.
24. Hellebores
Flowers that bloom in winter add color when it’s needed most. Hellebores, with their delicate nodding blooms in white, pink, and green, thrive even in the coldest months.
They thrive in shady spots and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Blooming in late winter to early spring, hellebores provide early color and charm. Their resilience and elegance make them a must-have for any garden.
25. Yarrow
Hardy and reliable, these perennials bring a natural charm to any garden. Yarrow stands out with its flat-topped blooms in shades of yellow and white, thriving with little effort.
They thrive in full sun and tolerate drought, requiring little maintenance. Blooming from late spring to fall, yarrow attracts pollinators and adds texture to the garden. Their easy-going nature makes them a favorite for low-maintenance gardens.
26. Columbine
These delicate blooms add a whimsical touch to gardens. Columbine, known for their unique shape and blue and pink petals, are a charming addition.
They thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Blooming in late spring to early summer, columbine adds a splash of color and grace. Their enchanting appearance and easy care make them a garden favorite.
27. Tithonia
A tropical feel is easy to achieve with these striking flowers. Tithonia, or Mexican sunflowers, stand tall with bold orange blooms that add warmth and height to any garden.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat and drought. Blooming from summer to fall, tithonia attracts butterflies and adds drama. Their striking appearance and resilience make them ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
28. Rudbeckia
A sunny garden favorite, these golden flowers add warmth and color. Rudbeckia, or black-eyed Susans, stand out with their bright yellow petals and dark centers, thriving in almost any setting.
They thrive in full sun and tolerate drought, requiring little maintenance. Blooming from midsummer to fall, rudbeckia provides continuous color and joy. Their cheerful presence and tough nature make them a go-to for easy gardening.
29. Verbena
A colorful cascade is easy to achieve with these trailing blooms. Verbena, with its vibrant purple and pink flowers, thrives in hanging baskets and along garden borders.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring regular watering. Blooming from spring to frost, verbena offers long-lasting beauty. Their vibrant display and ease of care make them a favorite for gardeners.
30. Violas
A playful and unexpected touch comes with these petite blooms. Violas, with their small purple and yellow flowers, are known for their cheerful appearance and ability to thrive in cool weather.
They thrive in cooler weather, making them perfect for spring or fall planting. Easy to grow and maintain, violas bloom profusely with minimal effort. Their delightful nature and long-lasting beauty make them a gardener’s treasure.
31. Creeping Phlox
A floral carpet of color comes easily with these low-growing blooms. Creeping Phlox, with its pink and white flowers, is perfect for rock gardens and borders.
They thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Blooming in spring, they offer a burst of color and charm. Their spreading habit and easy maintenance make them a garden favorite.
32. Sedum
These hardy succulents are perfect for any low-maintenance garden. Sedum, with their clusters of pink flowers and fleshy leaves, are both attractive and resilient.
They thrive in sunny spots and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and neglect. Blooming from summer to fall, sedum adds texture and interest. Their tough nature and beauty make them a favorite for easy gardening.
33. Borage
A unique addition to any garden, these star-shaped blooms stand out. Borage, with its blue flowers, is not only eye-catching but also edible, making it a great choice for both flower beds and herb gardens.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring little care. Flowers and young leaves have a cucumber-like flavor, perfect for salads. Their ease of growth and culinary use make them a great addition to any garden.