I prefer a practical garden. But it was pointed out to me that being able to look at beatiful things is practical because it heals your soul a little. And reflecting on my favorite and most relaxing moments, I found that this statement was true. And so I thought I’d share some of my favorite beautiful flowers that would look fabulous in your garden.

1. Lupines

Photos from Google Image Search: “Lupines”

Lupines are a beautiful wildflower that are seen in gardens across America. They come in many varieties and colors, and have a wonderful aroma. The Texas State Flower, the Bluebonnet, is a variety of lupine. You’ve undoubtedly ooh-ed and aah-ed over wild lupines in scenic mountain photos, as they are a hearty perennial that can survive under snow and bloom in the late spring after it melts. They like the cooler mountain temperatures and loose, sandy soils. They can range from a couple inches to 4 feet tall, depending on the soil moisture content, but there are varieties that will also vary in height. There are over 200 varieties of Lupines, most of which are native to North America.

2. Peonies

Photos from Google Image Search: “Peonies”

Peonies are a perennial flower which have been popular in cottage gardens for years, and have been seen more and more frequently in bridal bouquets. Cut flowers can last in a vase up to a week, and buds can be cut before their petals open and kept in the refrigerator for several weeks, wrapped in damp paper towels. The buds will open once they’re in lukewarm water, so you could potentially have fresh peonies for the majority of the year! Peonies are large flowers, and have been described as “cabbage sized roses.” The blooming stages of peonies can even indicate when other plants such as melons should be planted.

3. Sunflowers

Photos from Google Image Search: “Sunflowers”

I’m sure you’re familiar with sunflowers, they’re probably the most easily recognized plant ever. Sunflowers are heat tolerant and can last all summer long. The scientific name for sunflower is Helianthus Annus, which is derived from the Greek word Helios, who was the god of the sun, and anthos, meaning flower.

Their large, bright heads follow the sun’s movements, and are especially attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies and birds. There are many varieties to choose from, ranging in overall size and color to whether they are single stemmed or have branches coming off them.

Sunflower seeds can be harvested and roasted, eaten by themselves or as part of a recipe. Sunflower oil is also a great recipe ingredient.

There have been rumors recently (which may or may not be true, I haven’t verified the information yet) that sunflowers will pull toxins from the soil, such as chemical spills- like in East Palestine, Ohio. I do not know if these rumors have factual basis, nor do I know if planting them in toxic soil would result in seeds that cannot be eaten/ should not be replanted. I would hazard a guess that if the plant’s roots are soaking the toxins out of your soil, at the very least, the first year of harvest should be scrapped. If I find out any concrete evidence in support of these theories, I will update.

4. Anemone

Photos from Google Image Search: “Anemone flower”

Anemone are a bulb and come in a variety of colors including white, yellow, pink, red, blue and purple. There are over 100 species of anemone, some of which are considered invasive. They have delicate petals and the blooms open when it’s sunny outside, and close up when the sun goes down. They attract bees and butterflies to your garden and bloom in spring, summer and autumn. Anemones are also called windflowers, because they look like they’ve been blown open in the wind. Red anemones are also called Adonis flowers, because in Greek mythology, red anemone sprang up where Adonis’ blood spilled as he died. They are considered slightly toxic, the European wood variety for example produces small white flowers and causes blistering, though it used to be a medicinal ingredient.

5. Dahlia

Photos from Google Image Search: “Dahlia”

Dahlias are tubers that come in a plethora of colors. Their sizes can vary from tiny poms to giant flowers as big as dinner plates. They are typically planted in late spring and bloom from July through the first frost of the season. Dahlias are perennials that do best in hardiness zone 8 or higher. In lower zones they are treated as annuals, as the tubers can be dug up before the ground freezes and kept inside until spring replanting. Dahlias do best in an area with 6-8 hours of sun per day and protection from the wind. They like well draining, slightly acidic soil. Smaller sized Dahlias can do well in containers.

6. Daylilies

Photos from Google Image Search: “Daylily”

Daylilies are supposed to be easy to grow because they don’t care about soil quality, and are resistant to diseases and pests. The blooms only last one day but each plant has several buds on it which makes it seem as though their blossoms last much longer. They have early, mid-season and late blooming varieties, some of which can reach up to 6 feet fall (including the blooms). So, if you plan your garden well enough, you could have blooms from spring to late autumn.

7. Chrysanthemums

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Chrysanthemums, often just called mums, are a hardy perennial that are typically planted in the spring so they bloom throughout the fall. If you care for them correctly they can come back year after year. They’re the quintessential fall flower, popularly in red, bronze, yellow, orange, pink, purple, white and lavender. Mums like moist, well draining soil to keep their roots from rotting. You can get bigger blooms by pinching the smaller, weaker looking buds off each stem, and leaving the big, strong looking ones.

8. Coneflowers

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Coneflowers are also known as Echinacea. It is a type of daisy native to the United States. They attract bees, butterflies and songbirds to your garden. They are drought tolerant and prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They are also a medicinal flower used after harvesting for herbal teas.

9. Hyacinth

Photos from Google Image Search: “Hyacinth”

Hyacinth smell so good. I could sit there for days just sniffing the blooms. This is such a common opinion that they’re often known as “nature’s perfume.” Even just walking past them in the garden you can smell their lovely scent. Hyacinth are a perennial bulb that come back year after year. They are an early blooming flower among the first blooms of the season along with daffodils. They grow best in zones 3-9, preferring a period of frost under 40 degrees for 12-14 weeks. The bulbs will tolerate partial shade but prefer full sun for straight, tall blooms. They like loose, fertile, well draining soil. They look lovely in clustered groups of 5-9 bulbs planted together in a single area.

10. Delphiniums

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Delphiniums are long, colorful “spikes” of flowers that bloom all summer long. They are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Often confused with Larkspur, Delphiniums come in over 300 varieties and come in beautiful hues of white, pink, purple, red, violet and blue. Delphiniums can reach up to 6 feet tall but also come in dwarf varieties. Most varieties are short-lived perennials lasting only 2-3 years in a garden. Some varieties, if properly cared for, can bloom all summer long. Some can even bloom twice in a single year. Delphiniums prefer a cool, moist climate. They don’t like hot, dry climates or those with sudden winds or rains. Most Delphiniums require staking so help the upward growth of their spikes. Delphiniums are highly poisonous, which could pose a problem to those with pets and small children. Ingesting Delphiniums will cause twitching, nausea, muscle paralysis and death. They are hardy in zones 3-7.

Check out the Growing Guides at almanac.com for even more information and ideas. They have guides on flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruits!