1. French Marigolds

I love marigolds because they’re pretty but also because if you plant them near your garden, it is supposed to help with pollination, which means more fruits and vegetables. They come in several bright, summery colors so you can mix and match your favorites or just stick with one color. French marigolds are one of the best easy to grow flowers because they thrive in virtually any kind of soil and only require a bit of water. They tolerate the sun and in fact thrive where there is very little shade. You can grow French marigolds directly in the ground or in pots.

2. Cosmos

Cosmos are beautiful and they can grow up to seven feet, which makes them perfect for planting near the house or along your fence line. They come in purple, pink, red or white. They need to be planted in well-drained soil and watered often, but otherwise they’ll thrive without a ton of maintenance. My mom always grew cosmos in our yard and they were always one of my favorites. In fact, she may still grow them!

3. Sunflowers

Sunflowers can get really big and they produce seeds you can eat. I love sunflowers because they just scream summertime and they don’t take all that much care. They love direct sunlight, which means you can plant them in places where other items might not grow that well. They also grow really fast and attract birds and bees, so they’re fun for kids too.

4. Bachelor’s Button

If you live in a hot, dry place but aren’t ready to give up on flowers in the yard, look no further than Bachelor’s Button. This type of flower is pretty hardy and can survive in places where the temperature soars. You can grow them in the ground or in pots and they come in pink, purple and blue shades. They sprout quickly so you’ll see them emerge within a couple of weeks.

5. Cleome

Cleome flowers remind me of those fancy buds you can only find at high-end flower shops. They’re pink, white or purple and are kind of spiky. They are also so easy to grow! All you have to do is spread the seeds on the ground and wait for them to bloom, which usually happens within a couple of weeks.

6. Shasta Daisy

Shasta daisies are similar to the traditional daisy, but grow on blue-green plants and are super easy to grow and care for. They need well-drained soil and lots of water, but otherwise they’re sure to profligate on their own. The flowers are great for cutting and adding to arrangements and smell sweet too.

7. Larkspur

Larkspur is one of my absolute favorites. It grows in tall spikes and comes in shades of blue, purple, white and pink. These flowers are considered cool season and you can plant them in late winter or early spring. Not only do they smell wonderful, but larkspur buds brighten up any yard and make it look like you spent a fortune on landscaping.

What’s your favorite outdoor flower? Do you grow it in your yard?