The Best Flowers to Plant in Georgia: 16 Flowers for a Gorgeous Bloom

Georgia is one of the best states if you’re looking for a place to stretch your green thumb. Some so many flowers and shrubs thrive in this warm climate. Georgia is split into about 4 different growing zones. The USDA growing zones in this southern state range from 6a to 9a, which gives gardeners a lot of wiggle room for planting vibrant flowers. Although there are a lot more than 16, here we have a list of the best flowers to plant in Georgia for gorgeous blooms.

1. Azaleas

The first flower on our list is the azalea. Azaleas are flowering shrubs with large vibrant blooms. These beautiful flowers are native to multiple continents including Asia, North America, and Europe. There are thousands of cultivars, most propagated by cutting. Popular varieties include Piedmont azaleas, Michaele Lux hybrids, and Firebrick Fame hybrids.

In Georgia, the best time to plant azaleas is during fall. This gives the plants time to establish themselves and bloom in spring. The amount of light these vibrant flowers need depends on the variety. However, expect to provide azaleas with at least four hours of partial or direct sunlight. Too much sunlight may stunt their growth.

2. Blanket Flowers

Another stunning flower that thrives in Georgia is the blanket flower. This fiery flower is native to North and South America. Technically, instead of a specific species, the blanket flower is a genus of flowering plants. Blanket flowers are tall perennials or annuals, depending on the region. The stems of these lovely plants can reach up to 31 inches tall. A very popular variety is ‘Fanfare’.

These plants grow well in Georgia with little special care. The best time to plant them is after the last frost. Wait at least two weeks after the last frost to plant seeds outdoors. You can also start seeds indoors or purchase already-started blanket flowers from a nursery. If you grow these flowers from seed, they can take up to two years to flower. Blanket flowers need 6 to 8 hours of full sun. 

3. Black-eyed Susans

The black-eyed Susan is another flower to plant in Georgia. Black-eyed Susans are found across North America. They are sometimes confused with daisies because of their thin and abundant petals. Black-eyed susans are tall annuals that can spread up to 18 inches wide. The flowers are usually yellow, but can also develop red, pink, and brown.

Black-eyed Susans need 6 to 8 hours of bright full sun. Without enough sunlight, they can become leggy and fall over. Black-eyed Susans look for the light. Although you can keep them in a shady area, they’ll likely bend and look for light. The best time to plant black-eyed Susans in this state is when there hasn’t been a frost for two weeks. It’s easier to start seeds indoors to give your flowers a head start.

4. Pansies

The fourth flower on our list is the pansy. This stunning whimsical flower is a hybrid of different species, including the wild pansy, which has smaller petals. Pansies are garden flowers and members of the Violaceae family. They come in many colors including red, purple, white, and yellow. They are usually bi-colored. Pansies hold a lot of meaning too. Pansies symbolize many things including love, femininity, and remembrance.

In Georgia, you can grow pansies during the fall. The exact time to plant these flowers depends on the growing zone. For example, Georgians can plant pansies near the end of October and the beginning of November in growing zones 8a and 8b. However, if you live in growing zone 6a, you’ll need to plant pansies during the middle of September.

5. Lavenders

Lavender is a great plant if you want a sweet-smelling flower that you can use for bouquets, or create your oils and scents. This plant though isn’t a specific species, but a genus of at least 47 species. These violet and vibrant flowers are native to the Old World and have a wide range.

While lavender isn’t native to Georgia, it’s a popular plant that thrives in the southern state. Lavender requires full sun to grow. However, in extremely hot areas, partial shade is best during summer. While you can start this flowering plant from seed, it takes a while to establish. It’s easier to grow lavender as young cuttings. You can plant lavender in spring and fall in Georgia.

6. Milkweeds

If you’re looking to attract pollinators to your yard this spring, one of the best flowers to plant in Georgia is milkweed. There are so many varieties, many of which are eye-catching. Milkweed is an important plant for monarch butterflies. There are over 200 species, found throughout the world. Most species are native to parts of North America, Africa, and South America. Some common garden milkweed species include blunt-leaved milkweed, heart-leaved milkweed, green milkweed, and butterfly milkweed.

In Georgia, the best time to plant these lovely flowers is in late spring. They are perennials and require at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun. They can be difficult to start in the state as some regions have tough, dry, and clay-like soil, but you can always plant milkweed in containers with drainage holes.

7. Marigolds

Marigolds are vibrant and joyful flowers. Like some others on this list, no one plant’s called a marigold. Instead, marigold is a genus of flowering plants. They are mainly native to Mexico, although they’ve been found in some Central American countries. Marigolds thrive in warm and sunny conditions. They are a flower that can represent the start of summer. Common marigold species in gardens are Mexican marigolds, African marigolds, and French marigolds.

It’s best to start seeds indoors in Georgia and transplant seedlings outside about 2 weeks after the last expected frost. Marigold seeds root in about 1 to 2 weeks. When outside, the plants need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight and soil temperatures of about 70°F to 75°F. Marigolds thrive in spring and summer. From seed, marigolds can take about 8 to 9 weeks to bloom.

8. Zinnias

Like marigolds, zinnias are fan favorites for long and beautiful spring and summer blooms. Zinnias are very diverse large flowers. They come in many different colors including red, pink, purple, yellow, and orange. Some cultivars are also bi-colored. Zinnia is a genus of hundreds of flowering annuals and shrubs. Some species can easily reach 3 feet tall. They are great in container gardens and on the ground.

In Georgia, it’s best to start seeds indoors. Transplant your zinnia seedlings outside at the end of May or the beginning of June. You can also start the seedlings in an outdoor greenhouse. Zinnias have bright blooms that last months. These colorful flowers can last until late fall, right before the first frost.

9. Celosias

The ninth plant on our list is celosia, which is a small genus of unique and tall ornamental plants. Celosia flowers are members of the family Amaranthaceae. They are known for their vibrant flame-like head of flowers. These plants aren’t just showy, but also edible. In gardens, the plant spreads quickly as it produces thousands of small seeds. In different cultures, this plant is cultivated for its leafy greens. The leaves have a light spinach flavor and are easy to cook.

If you want to taste fresh celosia leaves or plant eye-catching flowers in your garden, you’re in luck. The best time to plant celosia flowers in Georgia is when the plant is safe from frost. Ideally, this is the beginning of spring. Celosia plants need a warm and sunny environment, with minimal to no shade. Plant them in a spot where they can receive over 8 hours of sunlight.

10. Coneflowers

Next on our list of the best flowers to plant in Georgia are coneflowers. These are very popular flowers for spring and summer blooms. Coneflowers are bright and colorful plants in the daisy family. They are native to eastern and central North America and are commonly seen growing in large clusters during spring. Coneflowers are a great addition to your garden if you’re looking to attract pollinators like bees. Common coneflower species are eastern purple coneflowers, Tennessee coneflowers, and yellow coneflowers.

So, when is the best time to plant them in Georgia? You can start them indoors during early spring or late winter. They take about 10 to 21 days to root and grow. You can also grow these lovely flowers in fall, but they may not survive winter.

11. Cosmos

Cosmos is another excellent flower to grow in Georgia. They are dainty and delicate flowers native to parts of North America, including Mexico. They are very diverse flowers in the sunflower family and thrive in warm and bright conditions. Although these flowers aren’t native to Georgia, they are common and have been naturalized in the eastern United States and eastern Canada. Cosmos are popular flowers and are grown all over the world, including in Japan and South Africa.

In Georgia, to bring a pop of color to your garden, you should plant cosmos in early spring. If you start them too late, they won’t be established enough to survive the heat in summer. The bloom time of this plant depends on the growing zone, but it usually flowers in early summer. The bloom stays until the first frost in fall.

12. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are radiant flowers that thrive in warm conditions. In Georgia, many species grow in the wild. There are multiple sunflower farms in the state and a large sunflower festival. Sunflowers are native to North America, South America, and Central America. There are at least 70 species of sunflowers and many more cultivars. These bright summer flowers are known for their large daisy-like flower heads that reach for the sun.

Growing sunflowers is easy in Georgia. They are tough and resilient plants that can withstand some mistreatment and poor soil. There are also dwarf sunflower varieties perfect for containers, so you don’t need a lot of space. The best time to start sunflower seeds in this southern state is during spring. They can take up to two weeks to grow indoors.

13. Cardinal Flowers

Cardinal flowers aren’t as common as daisies, marigolds, or zinnias, but they are still wonderful additions to any garden. This plant is a member of the Campanulaceae family and has a large range. These impressive plants can reach up to 4 feet tall. The stems are thin, and the plants grow in clusters. They are very common along rivers and swamps.

Cardinal flowers aren’t picky. They can thrive in Georgia as long as you plant them outside two weeks after the last expected frost. These Georgia native flowers take time to grow and bloom. You can expect flowers during the plant’s second year. These showy scarlet red flowers though last for months when they bloom.

14. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums produce large beautiful flowers in vibrant colors. These beautiful flowers are in the genus Chrysanthemum. Although these plants have a wide range in East Asia and parts of Europe, most of the species originate from China. Regardless of where they originate from, chrysanthemums are found throughout the world. They are popular garden flowers that have been cultivated since around the 15th century BC. 

In Georgia, you can grow these plants during spring. They can bloom multiple times in a year and are great eye-catching pieces for fall gardens. You can grow these plants inside, but they may only bloom once. Chrysanthemums need 6 hours of bright sunlight a day.

15. Daisies

Daisies are popular flowers all over the world. They are common in Georgia and grow in the wild. Daises are excellent flowers to brighten up any yard. They have a wide range and are native to Europe and Asia. Popular daisy species are the cape daisy, shasta daisy, gerbera daisy, and aster daisy.

Daisies are relatively easy to grow in Georgia, although they can be tricky if you don’t time your seedlings right. Daisies don’t like extreme temperatures, especially frost. The best time to start seeds for daisies in this state is when there hasn’t been a frost for two weeks. It’s best to start seedlings indoors or in an outdoor greenhouse. The blooming time of a daisy depends on the variety and species.

16. Cherokee Rose

We’ve saved the best for last! Another excellent flower to plant in Georgia is the Cherokee rose, which is the state’s official flower. Although it’s the state flower of Georgia, this beautiful white and yellow flower is native to central and southern China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. It’s a climbing shrub that produces sweet-smelling flowers. It’s been in the southeastern United States since at least 1780.

The best time to plant Cherokee rose in Georgia is during late summer or fall. While you can start this plant from seed, it’s easier to propagate by cuttings. The plant needs partial shade and about 4 hours of sunlight. In the right conditions, these beautiful fragrant flowers can reach 20 feet tall and spread 6 feet wide.