13 Great Flowers for Beginners

Have you ever driven by a home with incredible flower beds and got discouraged because you didn’t think you could ever pull something like that off? Well, we have news for you: you can do it! You just need a little time, a little patience, some high-quality soil, and a bit of optimism. You don’t have to have a green thumb to have a beautiful yard. Here are 13 beautiful flower suggestions for beginners that are hard-to-kill.

1. Zinnia – Select from a wide range of height and colors with these beauties. They need good air circulation to prevent disease, so give them some space, and they do best in full sun.
2. Siberian Iris – These love full sun to part shade and bloom in early summer. After they bloom, don’t remove the leaves because they’ll continue to soak up the sun to power next season’s bloom. They like moist soil and are hardy perennials.
3. Snapdragons – These plants are heavy, consistent bloomers and can withstand harsh spring and fall weather.
4. Catmint – This is an ornamental that is related to catnip, however they have unscented leaves that bees and butterflies love. It’s easy to grow and does well in drought and heat – perfect for Utah’s hot summers.
5. Aster – A late-summer/fall bloomer, these flowers will do well in shade or sun. They attract helpful bees and range from purple to pink tones.
6. Marigolds – Easy to grow in sunny spots, these babies also help keep bugs away from your vegetable garden. They bloom all summer long and look great everywhere.
7. Sunflowers – You see sunflowers all over the state, even along roadways, so you know they’re hardy. And there are many beautiful varieties and colors.
8. Pansies – Sometimes pansies still bloom for a bit in winter because they love cooler weather. Proper mulch will keep them happy for a long time, and they do best in spring and fall.
9. Begonias – Summer begonias are common in hanging baskets and containers. Sun or shade, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful pops of color.
10. Daffodils – Plant these bulbs in the fall and just wait for the magic each spring. Part to full sun is best, and they are a bright addition to any flower bed.
11. Cosmos – These daisy-like flowers are so hardy, they even bloom in poor soils. They like full sun with a bit of afternoon shade in hot areas. Once they’ve grown, they can handle a drought.
12. Morning Glories – They need a little TLC in the beginning, like soaking seeds to help them sprout, but once they’re off, they take care of themselves.
13. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) – Native to the U.S., these flowers like full sun. Butterflies love them and they bloom all summer and into the fall.

There are many reasons for flowers to die that are often not our fault. Pests and diseases wreak havoc on plants and flowers, and poor soil quality will never provide enough nutrients for flowers to thrive. Provide a good foundation with soil prep and mulch and pair it with a hearty flower and you’ll be the talk of the town!