35 Types of Orange Flowers to Brighten Your Garden

Lantana

Lantana (Lantana camara) flowers bloom from midsummer to the first frost of fall with clusters of tiny bright blooms. The leaves of the plant are dark green and oval with a wrinkled texture. They also have a fragrance to them. These tropical plants are often grown as annuals in areas that experience frost, and the flowers are quite attractive to butterflies. Some varieties are perennial to zone 7. Lantana is toxic to animals.

• Name: Lantana (Lantana camara)
• USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 11, depending on the variety
• Color Varieties: Orange, red, yellow, white, purple
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained

Orange Lily

The orange lily (Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum) is a vibrant lily species with showy orange flowers that have red accents and brown spots. This lily blooms in the early summer, with mature bulbs sending up around six flowers on average. Once the plants are done flowering, cut back the foliage when it turns yellow. All lilies are toxic to anmals.

• Name: Orange lily (Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum)
• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
• Color Varieties: Orange
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained

Frizzle Sizzle Orange Pansy

Pansies are popular flowers for the garden, coming in a wide range of colors and blooming in the mid-spring to early summer. They're short-lived perennials or biennials most often grown as annuals. Pansies are a popular fall flower in warm climates as well. The flowers stretch around 2 to 4 inches across and have a fairly flat appearance. Remove the spent flowers to promote further blooming.

Along with 'Frizzle Sizzle Orange' (Viola x wittrockiana 'Frizzle Sizzle Orange'), other good orange cultivars include 'Matrix Orange,' and 'Orange Sun'.

• Name: Frizzle Sizzle Orange pansy (Viola x wittrockiana 'Frizzle Sizzle Orange')
• USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 10
• Color Varieties: Orange, red, pink, yellow, blue, purple, maroon, white, bicolor
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Humusy, moist, well-drained

Flowering Maple

Flowering maple (Abutilon x hybridum) appears like a small maple tree except that it bears bell-shaped flowers that come in several colors. These subtropical plants are sensitive to frost, so they should be moved inside over the winter unless you want to grow them as an annual. In their native climate, they bloom seasonally and are evergreen. 

• Name: Flowering maple (Abutilon x hybridum)
• USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 10
• Color Varieties: Orange, yellow, red, pink, white
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained

Orange Ballerina Tulip

Tulips are spring staples in many gardens, coming in a plethora of colors except for a true blue. There are many vivid orange flowers to choose from that are available in a variety of petal forms and sizes. In addition to 'Orange Ballerina' (Tulipa 'Orange Ballerina', shown here), some other award-winning orange tulips include 'Orange Princess', 'Orange Emperor', and 'Princess Irene'.

Plant your tulip bulbs around 4 to 6 inches deep in the fall, and they’ll pop up in the spring with their vibrant cup-shaped flowers. Don't remove the foliage until it turns brown—it absorbs energy to feed the bulb. Tulips are toxic to humans and animals.

• Name: Orange Ballerina tulip (Tulipa 'Orange Ballerina')
• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
• Color Varieties: All colors but blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained

Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is native to the eastern and southern United States, growing in small clumps that reach around 1 to 3 feet high. In the summertime, the plants bear clusters of small, bright orange flowers on hairy stems that are highly attractive to butterflies. The flowers give way to seed pods, which should be removed promptly if you want to limit the plants’ spread. It's also mildly toxic to humans and animals.

• Name: Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
• Color Varieties: Orange, yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained

Chinese Lantern

Chinese lantern (Physalis alkekengi) is a perennial that grows in clumps reaching around 1 to 2 feet in height and spread. In the summer, the plant bears small white flowers that are followed by the plant’s showy feature: its orange-red calyx (a sort of seed pod). The calyces look like small lanterns hanging off the plant, hence its common name. This plant spreads readily in optimal conditions, so consider planting it in a contained area if you want to limit its spread. The plant is toxic to humans and animals.

• Name: Chinese lantern (Physalis alkekengi)
• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
• Color Varieties: White flowers, orange-red calyx
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Average, moist, well-drained

Prince of Orange Oriental Poppy

Oriental poppies add vivid color to the landscape in the summertime with blooms that have the texture of crepe paper. The plants grow in small clumps with gray-green foliage, which degrades soon after a plant is done flowering. Adding a layer of mulch can help to insulate the plants over the winter. 

In addition to 'Prince of Orange' (Papaver orientale 'Prince of Orange'), other good orange poppies include 'Fireball', 'Eye Catcher', 'and Champagne Bubbles Orange'. Oriental poppies are slightly toxic to humans and animals.

• Name: Prince of Orange oriental poppy (Papaver orientale 'Prince of Orange')
• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7
• Color Varieties: Orange, red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained

Calendula

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigolds, are popular annuals for the garden. They’re easily grown from seed, which you can start indoors around seven weeks before your last projected frost date or outdoors after your last frost. The chrysanthemum-like blooms can stretch a few inches across, and removing spent flowers can promote additional blooming. 

• Name: Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
• USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (grown as annuals)
• Color Varieties: Orange, yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained

Montbretia

Montbretia (Crocosmia 'Lucifer') is commonly seen in floral arrangements. Its foliage resembles that of the iris while its flowers are reminiscent of freesias. The plants reach around 2 to 4 feet tall and should be protected with a layer of mulch over the winter in the northern part of their growing zones.

• Name: Montbretia (Crocosmia 'Lucifer')
• USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
• Color Varieties: Red-orange
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained

Cleopatra Canna Lily

Despite its common name, the canna lily is not a member of the genus Lilium and therefore not a true lily. But it has lovely orange blooms that look similar to lilies, and it grows up to 5 feet in height. In cold climates, you can dig up and store canna rhizomes for the winter.

In addition to 'Cleopatra' (Canna 'Cleopatra'), shown here, many orange other canna lilies include 'South Pacific Orange', 'Orange Punch', 'Lucifer', and 'Orange Beauty'.

• Name: Cleopatra canna lily (Canna 'Cleopatra')
• USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10
• Color Varieties: Red, orange, yellow, pink, cream
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

Orange King Zinnia

Zinnias are beloved annuals in the garden for their bright blooms that come in a variety of colors, including several shades of orange. Seeds can be planted after the threat of frost has passed, and then more seeds can be added every few weeks to ensure a continuous supply of blooms into summertime. Remove spent flowers to promote additional blooming.

There are many good orange zinnia cultivars available in all flower types and plant sizes. Some good choices include: 'Benary's Giant Orange', 'Inca', 'Profusion Orange', 'Short Stuff Orange', and 'Orange King' (Zinnia elegans 'Orange King', shown here).

• Name: Orange King zinnia (Zinnia elegans 'Orange King')
• USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (grown as annuals)
• Color Varieties: All colors but blue and brown
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Humusy, moist, well-drained

Trumpet Vine

The trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a vigorous climbing vine that looks stunning when given a support structure, such as an arbor, trellis, or fence. It blooms in the summertime with vibrant orange to red, trumpet-shaped flowers. Hummingbirds tend to enjoy these flowers. Be prepared to prune back the vine as needed to contain its growth.

The pure species is naturally orange, but if you prefer a more yellow hue, look for the Campsis radicans f. flava. The plant is toxic to humans.

• Name: Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans)
• USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
• Color Varieties: Orange, red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained

New Guinea Impatiens

New Guinea impatiens are easy-to-grow flowers that are popular annuals outside of their growing zones. They produce large, flat, five-petal blooms that can come in many different colors. It is possible to overwinter them indoors by a sunny window. 

Good orange cultivars include 'Infinity Orange' ((Impatiens hawkeri 'Infinity Orange' shown here), 'Divine Orange', 'Sunstanding Flame Orange', and 'Sonic Orange'.

• Name: New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri 'Infinity Orange')
• USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12 (grown as annuals elsewhere)
• Color Varieties: Orange, pink, red, purple, white
• Sun Exposure: Part shade
• Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

Nasturtium

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus.) flowers bloom throughout the summer in cooler zones and into early fall, which adds interest to the garden long after many other flowers have faded. These annuals don’t like very hot weather and will appreciate some shade from strong afternoon sun. Otherwise, they are quite easy to grow and can even handle some drought.

The purest orange flowers are found in the species form (shown here). Many other cultivars offer flowers that tend toward red, yellow, or combinations of hues.

• Name: Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus.)
• USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (grown as annuals)
• Color Varieties: Orange, red, cream, yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained

American Bittersweet

With reddish-orange fruit encased in a peeling golden husk, it's no wonder that bittersweet berries are a favorite among fall crafts enthusiasts. However, if you wish to grow bittersweet berries and you live in North America, plant the native American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens). The Oriental bittersweet plants are invasive. This vining plant can be grown on a support structure or left to trail on the ground. American bittersweet is toxic to humans and animals.

• Name: American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)
• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
• Color Varieties: Greenish-white to yellow flowers, yellow-orange fruits
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained

Mexican Sunflower

The Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) is an annual that can get quite large at around 4 to 6 feet tall with a 2- to 3-foot spread. Its bright orange blooms are attractive to butterflies. Deadheading the flowers (removing the spent blooms) can encourage additional blooming.

• Name: Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia)
• USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11
• Color Varieties: Orange-red with yellow centers
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained

Aurora Crown Imperial

Crown imperial is a spring-flowering bulb with attention-grabbing red, yellow, or orange blooms. Because the flowers nod their heads down, it can be difficult to appreciate the inside of the "bell." But the inner markings are exquisite and include six round, shiny, white dots near the base of each petal. A layer of mulch over the bulbs can help to protect them over the winter.

In addition to 'Aurora' (Fritillaria Imperialis 'Aurora', shown here), several other cultivars offer orange or orange-red flowers, including 'Bach', 'Rubra Maxima', and 'The Premier'. The plant is toxic to humans.

• Name: Aurora crown imperial (Fritillaria Imperialis 'Aurora')
• USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
• Color Varieties: Red, orange, yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained

Bright Sunset Daylily

Daylilies grow in clumps that reach a few feet in height and spread. In the summertime, they bloom with showy flowers atop arching stems. These plants are fairly tolerant to many different growing conditions, including heat and humidity. Divide the clumps when they’ve become overgrown to keep the plants healthy. 

Hundreds of daylily cultivars fit within the orange spectrum, ranging from pale salmon to deep red-orange. In addition to 'Bright Sunset' (Hemerocallis 'Bright Sunset', shown here), you might try 'Blaze of Glory', 'Centerton One', 'Franz Hals', 'Marse Connell', 'Mauna Loa', 'Ming Toi', or 'Primal Scream'. This plant is toxic to cats.

• Name: Bright Sunset daylily (Hemerocallis 'Bright Sunset')
• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
• Color Varieties: All shades except true blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained

Orange Glow Begonia

The Begonia genus is quite large, filled with frost-tender perennials that many gardeners grow as annuals. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including a vivid orange. The plants are susceptible to mildew and rot, especially in high humidity. Make sure to space them, so they have plenty of air circulation to combat this.

Along with 'Orange Glow' (Begonia 'Orange Glow', shown here), other good orange cultivars include 'Ruffled Apricot'. 'PIcotee Lace Apricot', 'Nonstop Fire', and 'Nonstop Orange'. Begonias are toxic to anmals.

• Name: Orange Glow begonia (Begonia 'Orange Glow')
• USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11
• Color Varieties: Red, pink, orange, white, bicolor
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs:  Rich, moist, well-drained

California Poppy

California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are native to the western United States, blooming in the late spring to early summer with cup-shaped, four-petal flowers. The flowers close up at night and on cloudy days. Remove spent flowers to promote additional blooming, but leave some flower heads to spread seeds if you want continued growth. The flower is toxic to livestock.

• Name: California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
• USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 10
• Color Varieties: Orange, yellow-orange
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy, well-drained

Garvinea Orangina Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera daisies sport bright, showy flowers that stretch roughly 4 inches across. The flowers rise above the dark green foliage on a bare stem. These plants bloom seasonally in their natural environment. In cooler climates, they are often grown as annuals. Or they can be overwintered indoors, though this is not always successful. 

You have plenty of cultivar choices when it comes to orange gerbera daisies. Along with 'Garvinea Orangina' (Gerbera jamesonii 'Garvinea Orangina', shown here), some others to consider include 'Volcanoes', 'Mega Revolution Orange With Dark Eye', and 'Flori Line Maxi Orange'.

• Name: Garvinea Orangina gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii 'Garvinea Orangina')
• USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 10 (grown as annuals elsewhere)
• Color Varieties: Orange, red, yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained

Fireglow Bronze Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums, or garden mums, are a clump-forming perennial that reaches around 2 to 3 feet in height and spread. The flowers start blooming in the late summer or early fall and continue until frost. For bushier growth, pinch back the stems from late spring to the middle of summer.

Some good orange cultivars include 'Fireglow Bronze' (Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Fireglow Bronze', shown here), 'Crush Orange', 'Dazzling Stacy', 'Hailey Orange', 'Makenna Orange',' Miranda Orange, Mumosa Orange, and 'Sunset Orange'. This plant is toxic to animals.

• Name: Fireglow Bronze chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Fireglow Bronze')
• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
• Color Varieties: Orange, gold, bronze, yellow, purple, red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

Carnation

Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) are a popular cut flower thanks to their beauty and fragrance. And they can be just as enjoyable in the garden, blooming in the early summer with the flowers on tall stems over gray-green foliage. Planting them in soil that’s rich in organic matter is ideal, as it will help to retain adequate soil moisture. Carnations are mildly toxic to animals.

• Name: Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
• USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9 (also grown as annuals)
• Color Varieties: Pink, purple, white, yellow, orange
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Average, moist, well-drained

Marigold

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are popular annuals for the garden, sporting bright blooms from early summer until frost arrives in the fall. The flowers are frilly and fragrant, and even the foliage has an aroma. Pinch back young plants for bushier growth, and remove spent flowers for continued blooming.

• Name: Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
• USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (grown as annuals)
• Color Varieties: Red, orange, yellow, bicolor
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Average, moist, well-drained

Mandarin Sunset Rose

Roses come in a wide array of shapes and colors, including orange flowers. The genus contains plants that are both climbing and bushy, with some blooming several times a growing season and others only blooming once. In general, avoid overhead watering on rose plants, as this can promote fungal growth.

There are orange cultivars in all categories of garden roses. Along with 'Mandarin Sunset' (Rosa 'Mandarin Sunset', shown here), some other good orange cultivars include 'Rio Samba', 'Wildfire', 'Voodoo', 'Outrageous', and 'Sierra Lady Sunbelt'.

• Name: Mandarin Sunset rose (Rosa 'Mandarin Sunset')
• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
• Color Varieties: Red, orange, yellow, white, pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Loamy, medium moisture, well-drained

Tapatio Bearded Iris

Like roses, the Iris genus also is quite diverse. In general, iris flowers have drooping outer petals with upright inner petals. And they come in varying shades. Removing spent flowers can help to prolong the blooming, which typically occurs from late spring into summer.

There are several dozen orange cultivars to choose from, in all categories of bearded iris. In addition to the tall bearded 'Tapatio' (Iris 'Tapatio', shown here), some other notable orange irises include 'Maid of Orange', 'Grand Canyon Sunset', 'Autumn Riesling', 'Cheetah Cheese', and 'Cordoba'. Irises are toxic to animals.

• Name: Tapatio Bearded iris (Iris 'Tapatio')
• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 10
• Color Varieties: Purple, blue, white, yellow, orange
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

Potter's Wheel Sneezeweed

Sneezeweed is a clump-forming perennial that’s native to North America. It blooms profusely with daisy-like flowers in the late summer and into fall, attracting butterflies. This plant is generally low-maintenance and easy to grow. Cut back the plant by half after it’s done flowering to keep it healthy and vibrant.

All sneezeweed cultivars fall in the yellow-to-orange-red spectrum. Some of the better true orange cultivars include 'Potter's Wheel' (Helenium autumnale 'Potter's Wheel', shown here), 'Biedermeir', 'Kokarde', 'Sahin's Early Flowerer', and 'Moerheim Beauty'.

• Name: Potter's Wheel sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale 'Potter's Wheel' )
• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
• Color Varieties: Yellow, orange, gold, copper, red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

Bird of Paradise

Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) plants are known for their bold floral design. The flowers almost have the appearance of a bird in flight. They’re mostly orange but with blue accents. These tropical plants can be grown indoors, as long as they have a sunny window. This flower is toxic to animals.

• Name: Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
• USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12
• Color Varieties: Orange
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Loamy, moist, well-drained

Firebird Coneflower

Several species of Echinacea purpura, as well as hybrid crosses between species, offer hues that trend toward vibrant orange. Try 'Firebird' (Echinacea 'Firebird', shown here), 'Flamethrower', 'Tomato Soup', 'Intense Orange', and 'Mango Meadowbrite'.

Coneflowers do well in dryish soil and are notably long-blooming. These quintessential prairie plants are excellent choices for sunny native gardens and require almost no care.

• Name: Firebird coneflower (Echinacea 'Firebird')
• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
• Color Varieties: Orange, purple, pink, green, red, white
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Any well-drained soil

Black-Eyed Susan

Although the native species tends more toward yellow than orange, many cultivars add a decidedly orange flavor to your garden. Try 'Summarina Orange', 'Autumn Colors', 'Cappucino', 'Cherokee Sunset,' 'Chocolate Orange', or 'Prairie Glow.

Derived from a native wildflower species, black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) have a very long flowering period, lighting up the late summer and fall with blossoms that remain for many weeks. They are excellent in meadow plantings or sunny native gardens.

• Name: Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
• USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7
• Color Varieties: Many shades of yellow and orange, including bicolor
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil

Gloriosa Sunflower

What would a list of orange flowers be without the type named for our nearest star? Sunflowers, once confined to towering giants with huge brown and yellow faces, are now available in an impressive array of sizes and colors, including some that can only be described as orange. Though these are true annuals, they grow quickly and reliably that no sunny garden should be without them.

For genuine orange flowers, try cultivars such as 'Gloriosa' (Helianthus annuus 'Gloriosa', shown here), 'Claret', 'Evening Sun', 'Soraya', 'Ring of Fire', and 'Vincent's Choice'.

• Name: Gloriosa sunflower (Helianthus annuus 'Gloriosa')
• USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (grown as annuals)
• Color Varieties: Many shades of yellow, orange, mahogany, and red, including bicolor
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Any well-drained soil

Early Sunrise Tickseed

While the other primary species in this genus (Coreopsis verticillata, or threadleaf tickseed) offer primarily yellow hues, large-flower tickseed is available in many orange shades. Try cultivars such as 'Early Sunrise' (Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise', shown here), 'Desert Coral,' 'Daybreak', 'Jethro Tull', 'Lightning Bug', and 'Lady Bird'. If you're so inclined, there are also deep red, pale yellow, and even white varieties to choose from.

Large-flower tickseed is extremely easy to grow in ordinary soil that tends toward sandiness. producing flowers from early summer to late fall.

• Name: Early Sunrise tickseed (Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise')
• USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
• Color Varieties: Orange, yellow, red, white
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Any well-drained soil, including sandy

Finishing Touch Gladiolus

Gladiolas come in many strong colors, but none is more dramatic than the neon and fluorescent orange varieties that bring stately spears of color to the mixed perennial bed. In colder regions, you'll need to dig up the bulbs and store them for the winter, but the summer display makes the work well worthwhile. Stagger plantings every two weeks apart to ensure blossoms from midsummer into fall.

Among the excellent orange varieties are 'Finishing Touch' (Gladiolus 'Finishing Touch', shown here), 'Prince of Orange', and 'Little Darling'. Gladiola is toxic to humans and animals.

• Name: Finishing Touch gladiolus (Gladiolus 'Finishing Touch')
• USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10 (grown as annuals elsewhere)
• Color Varieties: Red, pink, yellow, purple, green, orange, white, bicolor
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy loam is preferable

Chinese Lantern Dahlia

Dahlias are among the most spectacular and diverse groups of flowers in the enormous aster family of plants. There are both low-growing bedding varieties and towering dinner-plate dahlias that rival sunflowers for sheer size and drama.

Almost every color is available, including a great many vibrant orange cultivars. In addition to 'Chinese Lantern' (Dahlia 'Chinese Lantern', shown here), try 'Alfred Grille,' 'Apache', 'Bora Bora', 'Cabellera,' 'David Howard'—or any one of the dozens of new types offered each year.

Dahlias are not hard to grow, but be ready to do combat with Japanese beetles. These plants are perennial in warmer regions, but very commonly grown as annuals elsewhere. Dahlia is slightly toxic to humans and animals.

• Name: Chinese Lantern dahlia (Dahlia 'Chinese Lantern')
• USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 11 (grown as annuals elsewhere)
• Color Varieties: Red, pink, yellow, purple, green, orange, white, bicolor
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained