15 Annual Plants Perfect For Your Front Yard
Planting flowers in the front yard is a nice way of boosting the curb appeal and also introducing some color to this spot. If you are looking for a plant that will bring a short-term wow factor to your front yard, consider planting annual species. While perennial plants are often more popular than their annual counterparts, there are plenty of reasons why you would want to plant annuals in your front yard. These particular plants provide the much-needed beauty to that particular space for one season and then die off, giving you the opportunity to plant different flowers (via Texas A&M University).
This is a desirable quality, especially for those who like variety and change in the garden. What's more, owing to the fact that annuals have a lot to do in one season, they are efficient in germination and growing quickly. What this means is that you get to enjoy your blooms sooner and for longer. However, it is worth noting that annuals are relatively cheaper to grow in the short term. Therefore, if you need to grow new plants every season, they might be expensive to grow in the long run. Nonetheless, here are a few annual varieties that will give you a good show while they last.
1. Pansy
One plant that is guaranteed to be a showstopper in your front yard is the pansy (Viola). This hardy biennial that is grown as an annual plant handles the cold winter months very well (via UtahState University Extension). In addition, it is quite popular because it blooms in a variety of colors ranging from white to different shades of purple.
Bloom Season: Spring, summer
USDA Growing Zone: 7-11
Growing Conditions: Full to partial sun exposure
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Size: 4-8 inches tall and 4-6 inches wide
2. Petunias
Petunias (Petunia spp.) are among the most popular annuals to grow out in the front yard or garden for all the good reasons. First, they produce flowers of different varieties that will compliment whatever style you have. Also, petunias are quite easy to grow and care for, thanks to their limited requirement for water (via the University of Minnesota Extension). They grow fast, but they do not thrive in cold temperatures.
Bloom Season: Spring, summer, fall
USDA Growing Zone: 10-11
Growing Conditions: Full sun exposure
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Size: 6-24 inches tall and 6-36 inches wide
3. Sweet alyssum
If you are looking for a spring or fall blooming flower for your front yard, then the sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) might be ideal for you. This particular plant grows quite short, producing plenty of flowers perfect for blanketing the small flower garden in your front yard via (the University of Wisconsin-Madison). It grows relatively slowly during summer but also comes alive during the colder fall months.
Bloom Season: Spring, fall
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Growing Conditions: Full to partial sun exposure
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Size: 3-10 inches tall and 2-4 inches wide
4. Snapdragon
The snapdragon (Antirrhinum) is another short-term perennial that is usually grown as an annual, according to Cornell University. They are not only easy to maintain but will also produce a spectacular display of colors for your front yard. Some varieties grow tall, producing on bloom spike perfect for cut flowers, while others grow short with several flower heads.
Bloom Season: Spring, fall
USDA Growing Zone: 7-11
Growing Conditions: Full to partial sun exposure
Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil
Size: 1-3.5 feet tall and 1-1.5 feet wide
5. Impatiens
Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) is exclusively grown as a spreading flowering plant perfect for front yard landscaping. This cultivar produces different flower colors, including red, pink, white, and purple, that is meant to impress. They are relatively easy to maintain, often needing watering once per week (via Iowa State University). They can be planted in hanging baskets or containers in shaded areas.
Bloom Season: Spring, summer
USDA Growing Zone: 10-11
Growing Conditions: Partial sun exposure
Soil Type: Acidic, well-draining soil
Size: 6-36 inches tall and 1-3 feet wide
6. Marigold
Marigold (Tagetes) are true annual flowers that complete their growing cycle in one season. The marigold plant is the ideal bedding flower that is easy to grow and produces cheerful blooms all summer (via the University of Florida Extension). The taller variety is the showiest, making a good foundation plant for your front yard. They are fast-growing and thrive in most soils, reaching maturity in a few months.
Bloom Season: Summer
USDA Growing Zone: 2-11
Growing Conditions: Partial sun exposure
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Size: 4-48 inches tall and 6-24 inches wide
7. Dusty miller
Your front yard deserves a piece of dusty miller (Jacobaea maritima). Unlike most plants that produce flowers for ornamental purposes, the dusty miller is known for its unique foliage. So, if you want to introduce some contrast to your front yard garden area, the white leaves of this cultivar are always up to the task. This plant thrives under full sun exposure and also tolerates moderate bouts of drought, mentions the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Bloom Season: Summer
USDA Growing Zone: 8-11
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Size: 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
8. Coleus
Another popular annual plant that is known for its foliage is the coleus (Plectranthus). It features variegated leaves in shades of one or sometimes a combination of several colors within the same leaves. Consider planting several coleus flowers together in your front yard for a proper colorful display. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, this annual plant thrives in most climates. Also, newer cultivars are quite tolerant of the sun.
Bloom Season: Seasonal
USDA Growing Zone: 10-11
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Size: 6-36 inches tall and 6-36 inches wide
9. Angelonia
If you are living in a cooler climate and wondering what annual plant you should get, consider angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia). It blooms in clusters of orchid-like flowers that may appear in several colors depending on the specific variety. This flowering annual is also grown as a perennial in hotter regions like Florida (via the University of Florida Gardening Solutions). Angelonias produce sweet, fruity fragrant, especially during summer.
Bloom Season: Summer
USDA Growing Zone: Annual in zones 8 or lower
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Size: 18 inches tall and 9-12 inches wide
10. Annual vinca
Closely resembling impatiens, the annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus) is perfect for the sunny spots in your front yard. While it takes relatively longer to flower, it blossoms continuously when the time is right and also holds up pretty well to medium bouts of drought (via Clemson Cooperative Extension). In addition, it is easy to grow and is quite trouble-free, especially when it comes to pests and diseases.
Bloom Season: June to winter
USDA Growing Zone: Grown as annual outside zones 9-11
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Soil Type: Neutral loamy soil
Size: 6-8 inches tall and 6-8 inches wide
11. Celosia
Another beautiful annual plant to brighten up your front yard is the celosia, specifically the Plumosa variety. This annual is known for producing beautiful feather-like flowers that bloom all season long (via the University of Minnesota Extension). The flowers of this variety come in various colors allowing you to choose options that are suitable for your garden style. In addition, celosias are relatively easy to care for with limited water needs.
Bloom Season: Summer to fall
USDA Growing Zone: 9-12
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Soil Type: Loamy, well-draining soil
Size: 12 inches tall and 12 inches wide
12. Geranium
Dress up your front yard with the petite dainty flowers of the annual geranium. This cultivar essentially belongs to the genus Pelargonium; therefore, not a true geranium, for that matter. They love the full sun and will only bloom when grown in sunny spots. Annual geraniums are available in many varieties, each having a different flower color (via Iowa State University).
Bloom Season: Continuous
USDA Growing Zone: Grown as annual outside zones 9-12
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil
Size: Depends on the variety
13. Dahlia
Featuring round, beautiful flowers, the dahlia (Dahlia spp.) will surely give your front yard the wow factor. This particular plant is available in several varieties, each producing blooms of different colors. Although grown as perennials in tropical climates, dahlias are commonly used as annual plants in zones 8 or lower. This cultivar is quite needy and requires dedicated care to grow well (via the University of Georgia Extension).
Bloom Season: Summer, fall
USDA Growing Zone: Grown as annual in zones 8 and below
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Size: 1-6 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide
14. Zinnias
Zinnia elegans, better known as zinnias, will be a delight for your front yard, especially if you are living in a hot climate. They are fast-growing plants and also don't mind minimal neglect. Zinnias are good bedding cultivars that grace your front yard with various colorful flowers, but be sure to plant them in sunny spots because they love the sun (via the University of Wisconsin-Madison).
Bloom Season: Spring through summer
USDA Growing Zone: 3-11
Growing Conditions: Full exposure to sun
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Size: 1-4 feet tall and 12-18 inches wide
15. Cupflower
If you are searching for a versatile long-blooming flower for your front yard, consider the cupflower (Nierembergia spp.). This plant blooms in delicate flowers that may appear in white, purple, or blue flowers with a signature yellow center via Cornell University. Although considered a soft perennial, the cupflower plant is popularly grown as an annual.
Bloom Season: Summer to fall
USDA Growing Zone: 7-10
Growing Conditions: Full exposure to sun
Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil
Size: 6-30 inches tall and 6-18 inches wide