5 Yellow Annual Flowers

Written by Crystal
Updated: August 22, 2023
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What a happy color yellow is! It’s the color of sunshine, lemonade, and yellow annual flowers. When you see yellow, it’s impossible not to feel a little bit lighter and brighter. Whenever you’re feeling down, try surrounding yourself with yellow. It might just be the pick-me-up you need.

Read on to learn about some of the best yellow annuals for your yard.

1. Flowering Maples

Abutilon 'Cloth of Gold' blossom

Although they have leaves just like a maple tree, flowering maple

plants

are not trees.

©iStock.com/PFMphotostock

Flowering maples are a beautiful and unique addition to any garden. They’re adorable and graceful yellow annual flowers. As their name suggests, they are characterized by their stunning leaves, which are shaped like traditional maple leaves. However, despite their name, flowering maples are not actually related to maples – they are members of the abutilon genus.

These annual flowers typically grow to be about one foot tall and make great border plants. They also look lovely in window boxes and hanging baskets, as they have a tendency to cascade over the edges. In addition to their eye-catching leaves, flowering maples also produce lovely blooms in a variety of colors, making them truly a sight to behold. Whether you’re looking for a pop of color or simply want to add something different to your garden, flowering maples are a great choice.

How To Grow

Begin by sowing seeds indoors 10 weeks before the last frost. Place the seeds in a moist paper towel and put them in a warm, sunny spot. Once they have germinated, transplant them into small pots filled with potting soil. Be sure to harden them off for about a week before planting them outdoors.

When it comes time to plant your flowering maples, choose a location that receives full sun; these annuals prefer well-drained soil and will not do well in areas that are overly wet or boggy. Once you have selected the perfect spot, dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball and then gently place your plant into the ground. Water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots.

2. Calendula

calendula flowers on white background

Calendula flowers are used historically in witchcraft!

©TatianaMishina/Shutterstock.com

Calendula annual flowers are absolutely gorgeous in the wild and incredibly easy to grow! Their beautiful shades, ranging from lemon to bright yellow (and sometimes apricot, orange, or cream), are perfect for adding a pop of color to any garden. They typically bloom 2 to 4 inches in diameter and come in both daisy and chrysanthemum-like varieties. Calendulas are also known for being excellent at attracting bees, so they’re not only beautiful but helpful as well. If you’re looking for an easy-to-grow flower that will brighten up your garden, look no further than calendulas!

How To Grow

Calendulas are one of the easiest yellow annual flowers to grow from seed. Simply sow the seeds directly into your garden after the last frost date has passed. They prefer full sun but will tolerate some light shade, especially in hot summer climates. They also prefer well-drained soil but are relatively tolerant of different soil types.

3. China Aster

China Aster , Callistephus Chinensis Flowers

The China Aster is an ornamental plant that is native to

Korea

and

China

.

©iStock.com/yogesh_more

China asters are one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. They come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, purple, red, and the ever-popular yellow.

These flowers have wiry stems, and they’re particularly graceful. They look wonderful in flower arrangements and in flower beds.

How To Grow

China asters are also very easy to grow. The best time to plant them is in the spring, and they will bloom from May through September.

China asters prefer full sun, but they will also do well in partial shade. They are very tolerant of drought and heat, and they will thrive in almost any soil type. Don’t plant in the same location for two successive years. Instead, find a new spot with partial shade.

4. Cenia

Macro photo of a brass button flower, Cotula coronopifolia

Cenia or

Cotula barbata

is a cute yellow plant that is native to South

Africa

. Often flowers of this genus are referred to as buttons flowers because of the unique shape of their blossoms.

©iStock.com/weisschr

Cenia is a beautiful golden flower that is native to South Africa. Also known as the pincushioned flower, it gets its name from its unique appearance. The flower stocks range in size from 3 to 6 inches, and they rise out of a clump of silky, hairy, light green leaves. This creates a pincushion look that is truly stunning. The cenia annual is a great addition to any garden, and it is sure to add a touch of elegance and beauty.

How To Grow

Cenia are yellow annual flowers that you can grow as a beginner. They can be started from seed, and they will bloom in as little as 8 weeks. The best time to plant cenia is in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.

Cenia prefers full sun but will also do well in partial shade. It is very tolerant of drought and heat, and it will thrive in almost any soil type. Don’t plant in the same location for two successive years. Instead, find a new spot with partial shade. You’ll find that these yellow annual flowers work well as edging plants.

5. Yellow Cosmos

yellow cosmos flowers with sky in the background

Cosmos flowers are lively plants that come in a wide variety of different colors.

©iStock.com/Waraphot Wapakphet

There’s something special about yellow cosmos flowers. Perhaps its their graceful appearance or the way they seem to dance in the breeze. Whatever the reason, these annuals are sure to add a touch of magic to any garden. Native to Mexico, cosmos flowers grow rapidly and can reach a height of 4 to 6 feet.

The daisy-like blossoms are typically 2-3 inches across, with wide serrated petals and a yellow center that may be flecked with pink, red, or white. The delicate foliage is airy and often fern-like, giving the plant a light and an ethereal appearance. Cosmos flowers are aphid resistant and relatively easy to care for. They make an excellent choice for beginners.

How To Grow

With a little love and attention, yellow cosmos will bloom continuously from summer until fall. The best time to sow seeds is in the springtime, either outdoors or indoors, 6 weeks before the last frost. To sow the seeds outdoors, simply scatter them on the ground and lightly cover them with soil.

For indoor planting, fill a seed tray with potting mix and sow the seeds thinly. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out so that they’re spaced about 10 inches apart.

Cosmos flowers prefer full sun, but they’ll also do well in partial shade. They’re drought-tolerant and don’t need much fertilizer, so they’re fairly low-maintenance plants. Have fun bringing these cheerful additions to your garden!

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Waraphot Wapakphet


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About the Author

Crystal is a dedicated writer at A-Z Animals, focusing on topics related to mammals, insects, and travel. With over a decade of experience in the world of research and writing, she also fulfills the role of a skilled video and audio engineer. Residing in sunny Florida, alligators are Crystal's favorite animal.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. Growing in the Garden, Available here: https://growinginthegarden.com/arizona-annual-flowers-visual-guide/
  2. Montana State University, Available here: https://apps.msuextension.org/montguide/guide.html?sku=MT199501AG
  3. University of Wyoming, Available here: https://www.uwyo.edu/mastergardener/_files/docs/b1170.pdf