55 Yellow Flowers With Names and Pictures
Thinking of adding some bright yellow blooms to your garden this year? The good news is that there's no shortage of yellow flowers to brighten up your planting space. From perennials to annuals, there's plenty of beautiful yellow blooms to go around. In this article, we take a look at some of the most popular yellow flowers for your flower garden.
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Adding yellow flowers to your garden can brighten up just about any garden space. Part of the thrill of gardening is experimenting with different types of flowers, and bloom colors to create the atmosphere that you want.
Because there are so many different flower types, it can be difficult to narrow down exactly which flowers will give you the look and feel that you are after.
That’s why it’s helpful to narrow down some of your options by looking at a gigantic list like this one, that has names, pictures, and the growing zones of some of the most popular yellow blooms!
So, if you are looking to add a burst of yellow color to your garden, you’ve come to the right place. From perennial flowers to annuals, we take a deeper look at the most popular types of yellow flowers that you can consider adding to your home or garden space this season!
Bear’s Ear
Scientific Name: Primula auricula
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Central Europe
- Plant Size: 6 – 8 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Partial sun or full shade
- Plant Zone: 3 – 8
The bear-like ear-shaped leaves are where the beautiful Bear’s Ear gets its name. It’s common to find this plant growing between rocks on mountain slopes in central Europe.
Bright yellow flowers bloom on the Bear’s Ear in clusters at the top of 2 – 8-inch long stalks. Each flower has five petals that attach to a little button center of the same bright yellow color. A basal rosette of leaves frames the flowers.
Begonia
Scientific Name: Begonia obliqua
- Plant Type: Annual or perennial, depending on the temperature
- Geographic Origin: Brazil
- Plant Size: 8 – 14 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Partial or full sun
- Plant Zone: 9 – 11
Begonias are tuberous plants that grow into bushy mounds during the spring and summer. They’re fast-spreading, so take care where you plant them, especially if you live in a warm climate where they act as a perennial.
Many Begonia flower colors exist, so make sure you opt for the yellow variety. You’ll then get to enjoy beautiful drooping clusters of flowers between July and the early fall. Some people use Begonia flowers for cooking, as they have a citrus taste.
Bidens
Scientific Name: Bidens
- Plant Type: Annual or perennial, if the temperature remains above 40 degrees Fahrenheit
- Geographic Origin: Oceanic region
- Plant Size: 6 – 12 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 8 – 11
Bidens have daisy-like flowers that are deep yellow in color. Their centers are orange, offering a beautiful contrast while maintaining a fully yellow-flower appearance. Gardeners love Bidens because their foliage remains green year-round in warmer climates.
Provided you offer Bidens soil with lots of nutrients that drain well, you can expect them to produce many blooms during the summer. Furthermore, it isn’t necessary to deadhead this plant, for it will continue to flower.
Bird of Paradise
Scientific Name: Strelitzia
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Africa
- Plant Size: 3 – 4 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Partial or full sun
- Plant Zone: 10 – 12
The Bird of Paradise is a classic plant people think of when they picture tropical climates. Its ornate yellowish orange flowers emerge from a thick green petiole. In addition to its two pointed petals, it has five stamens and a boat-shaped flower bract.
Rich, well-draining soil is crucial for the Bird of Paradise. Furthermore, the more sun it has access to, the more it’ll flower.
Black-Eyed Susan
Scientific Name: Rudbeckia
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Central United States
- Plant Size: 2 – 3 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3 – 7
Black-Eyed Susans are the perfect example of a wildflower that people welcome into their gardens. They have a sturdy stalk to support their large yellow flowers, each of which contains a dark brown cone in their center.
Black-Eyed Susans grow with their radially symmetrical petals turned slightly downward. As a result, their cones protrude for pollinators and human admirers of this beautiful plant. To top it all off, the Black-Eyed Susan has handsome deep green leaves.
Blanket Flower
Scientific Name: Gaillardia x Grandiflora
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: North America
- Plant Size: 24 – 36 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3 – 10
Blanket Flowers are an excellent plant to introduce to your yard if you want two-toned yellow flowers. These plants have a deep reddish-brown color at their centers, which spreads out and transitions to yellow. By deadheading this plant, you’ll get to enjoy blooms from June until the first frost.
The Blanket Flower leaves are fuzzy, slender, and light green. These plants hold up well in rocky soil with little moisture. It’s common to encounter them growing in prairies and dry meadows. This sun-loving perennial flower is a great addition for sunny garden areas.
Bulbine
Scientific Name: Bulbine frutescens
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: South Africa
- Plant Size: 1 – 1.5 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 9 – 11
Are you looking for a yellow flowering ground cover? If so, and you live in a dry climate free of frost, the Bulbine plant is a great fit. The clumping nature of Bulbine allows each plant to spread four feet wide without the rapidly growing characteristic that makes some plants a nuisance.
Bulbines come in yellow and orange flowers that bloom multiple times per year. It’s crucial to plant them in a shady spot, though. Otherwise, you might not see their yellow flowers at all.
Bulbous Buttercup
Scientific Name: Ranunculus bulbosus
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe
- Plant Size: 1 – 2 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Partial or full sun
- Plant Zone: 4 – 8
Many people recognize the buttery color of buttercups, which often grow in fields ranging from nutrient-rich to chalky with limestone. They’re a springtime flower, producing their upward turned flowers from March to May.
Ranunculus bulbosus get their name from the bulb knot at the base of their stems and flowers. However, you may not notice it unless you pull pack the sepals that cover it.
Busy Lizzie
Scientific Name: Impatiens walleriana
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: East Africa
- Plant Size: 2 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full sun
- Plant Zone: 10a – 11
Busy Lizzies are a variety of impatiens, and can be an attractive addition to gardens, as they have deep green to red leaves that grow five inches long. A fine, light green or red stem emerges from these leaves, where gorgeous flowers with flat petals sit atop them.
You’ll need to take care when picking out Busy Lizzies from a garden store, given that they range in color from yellow to violet. In addition to yellow, they come in several shades of orange. So, you can mix and match if you’ve been waffling between getting a plant with orange or yellow flowers.
Calendula
Scientific Name: Calendula officinalis
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Southern Europe
- Plant Size: 1 – 2 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 9 – 11
If you don’t recognize the name Calendula, you might recognize this—Marigolds. Calendula is the potted version of a Marigold, given that there are up to 20 species within the Calendula family.
Calendulas have showy, pom-pom-like flowers in bright to deep yellow colors. You can even pick the flowers and use them in salads. Furthermore, Calendula has several medicinal properties, and it’s common to find it in herbal and cosmetic products.
Calibrachoa
Scientific Name: Calibrachoa
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: South America
- Plant Size: 6 – 12 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 9 – 11
Calibrachoa is a relatively new species and produces yellow flowers in addition to several other flower colors, including red and violet. Gardeners lovingly call it a “million bells” since the flowers appear like upside-down bells.
Because of its trailing nature, Calibrachoa is ideal for hanging baskets. You can also use it as ground cover. Best of all, you’ll be able to enjoy the Calibrachoa’s flowers from spring until the first frost.
Canna Lily
Scientific Name: Canna
- Plant Type: Annual
- Geographic Origin: Caribbean
- Plant Size: 1.5 – 10 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 8 – 11
If you’re looking for a tall, eye-catching yellow flower plant, look no further than the Canna Lily. They are easy to grow, and they produce massive yellow flowers atop thick stalks with wide green leaves.
People in cooler regions enjoy growing Canna Lilies because of the tropical flair they bring to their gardens. Canna Lilies prefer moist soil znc they can even grow in bogs. It’s crucial you provide this plant with plenty of organic matter and ensure the soil pH is neutral to slightly acidic.
Carolina Yellow Jasmine
Scientific Name: Gelsemium sempervirens
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Southern United States
- Plant Size: 12 – 36 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 7 – 10
Here’s a fun fact: The Carolina Yellow Jasmine is South Carolina’s state flower. It produces attractive tiny yellow flowers that grow from its vine. You can expect these flowers to bloom before many other plants, as the flowers often last from February to May.
Carolina Yellow Jasmines are an excellent fit for slightly salty soil. If you don’t offer them a trellis to grow up, they’ll create bushy growth, which can serve as attractive ground cover.
Chrysanthemum
Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Asia and Europe
- Plant Size: 4 – 36 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 5 – 9
Chrysanthemums are in the same family as the sunflower and daisy, meaning that you’ll get to enjoy a garden full of large, showy flowers. What makes these flowers so elegant is their dozens of thin petals that pack tightly together to form the flower.
The Chrysanthemum is an aromatic flower, making it a joy to walk past. Furthermore, while you can purchase this plant in a deep yellow color, they also come in white with light yellow centers, making them a beautiful accent with the pure yellow plants.
Coneflower
Scientific Name: Echinacea
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: North America
- Plant Size: 2 – 5 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 3 – 8
The yellow coneflower is easy to mistake for Black-Eyed Susans because they have similar yellow petals that emerge from a protruding deep brown center. It has a long taproot which allows it to withstand droughts.
Coneflower is a part of the Echinacea family, which people use to boost their immune system when they have a cold or flu. Many people believe that it can also help lessen the severity of a sore throat, fever, and cough.
Coreopsis
Scientific Name: Coreopsis
- Plant Type: Perennial or annual, depending on the temperature
- Geographic Origin: North America
- Plant Size: 2 – 4 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 2 – 11
Coreopsis is a joy to plant because the massive number of flowers it produces attracts an array of butterflies. While this plant comes in many colors, the yellow variety has light yellow leaves and a dark orange center. You can expect to enjoy these flowers starting in the early summer.
The Coreopsis plant thrives in well-draining soil with lots of nutrients. However, it can withstand dry climates and poorer soil conditions. We encourage you to deadhead these plants for more blooms throughout the growing season.
Corydalis
Scientific Name: Corydalis canadensis
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Northern hemisphere
- Plant Size: 12 – 18 inches
- Sun Exposure: Shade or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 5 – 7
There are many varieties of Corydalis plants, and the yellow version will add charm to your garden. However, if you’d rather not opt for a strictly yellow color, consider purchasing the pink variety with yellow tips on its petals.
The Corydalis belongs to the poppy family and is a favorite ornamental plant among garden enthusiasts. In the East, some people use the Corydalis tubers to treat high blood pressure and pain, although studies are ongoing about its effectiveness.
Craspedia
Scientific Name: Craspedia globosa
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: New Zealand and Australia
- Plant Size: 4 – 24 inches
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 8 – 11
Craspedia plants are a fantastic way to give your garden a unique flair, given that they’re lengthy plants with dense yellow flowers that form a ball at the top of their thin stems. In fact, many people refer to this plant as “golden drumsticks.”
The Craspedia is an excellent plant for drying, allowing you to have yellow flowers in your house year-round. However, you should expect the yellow color to dull with time.
Daffodil
Scientific Name: Narcissus
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe, North America
- Plant Size: 6 – 30 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 4 – 8
Daffodils are an iconic bulb plant that offers character to gardens thanks to their large, glossy, upturned leaves and trumpet-like flowers. Because daffodils are in high demand, many color variations exist. So, you can either choose a solid yellow flower or yellow with another color.
The Daffodil’s leaves are so long that they usually fall just a few inches short of the flower’s height. Take care when planting daffodils in partial shade—if they have too much shade, they won’t bloom.
Dahlia
Scientific Name: Dahlia
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Central America, Mexico
- Plant Size: 1 – 6 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 8 – 10
Dahlias share the same family as daisies and sunflowers. You can see both resemblances in their flowers; the tight yellow center resembles a daisy, and the layers of (tiny) petals have a sunflower-like look.
During the time of the Aztecs, people used to eat the tubers of Dahlias. After the Spanish conquest, the trend never caught on in Europe, so people now enjoy these flowers for their colors. Dahlias grow best in well-watered soil that drains well.
Daisy
Scientific Name: Bellis perennis
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe
- Plant Size: 6 – 12 inches
- Sun Exposure: Partial sun
- Plant Zone: 4 – 8
Daisies are a fun yellow flower to grow because you can mix and match how much yellow you want to add to your garden. Most people think of the classic Daisy with a bright yellow center and white petals. However, you can also buy Daisies with yellow petals and brown or yellow centers.
Most Daisies don’t require significant soil treatment, given that they can grow in average to sandy soil. However, it’s crucial to ensure these plants get enough water. Otherwise, they’ll become brittle, and their flowers will drop.
Daylily
Scientific Name: Hemerocallis
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Asia, Central Europe
- Plant Size: 8 inches – 5 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 3 – 10
Daylilies produce show-quality flowers from early to mid-summer. The flowers can grow up to over eight inches in diameter and often include a variety of yellow shades, including yellow and orange-streaked flowers.
The downside to daylilies is that their flowers last for one day before dropping. However, they continually produce flowers for three to four weeks, meaning that you’ll be able to enjoy their flowers for the duration of that time.
Dutch Hyacinth
Scientific Name: Hayacinthus orientalis
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia
- Plant Size: 6 – 12 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 4 – 8
Hyacinths are bulb plants that boast yellow flowers coming out of their thick erect stalk. The flowers have an ornate appearance with thin petals that curl. Once the flowers die, remove them from the stalk so that the plant doesn’t consume energy from producing seeds.
These plants enjoy moist soil up until they bloom. After that, it’s best to back off on watering them as frequently. Because of their sweet scent, Hyacinths are a popular deodorizer in homes.
Freesia
Scientific Name: Freesia spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Africa
- Plant Size: 1 – 2 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 9 – 10
Freesias are lovely plants with delicate, upward-turned flower petals. Their funnel-shaped flowers have six tepals which grow from their sparse-leaved stem. Freesias are a common plant at weddings, and many companies use them to scent hand cream, shampoo, and candles.
When growing Freesias, make sure they have a moderate amount of moisture. If you overwater them, they’ll experience root rot. Adding potassium to the soil every two weeks after the first yellow buds appear is an excellent way to support this plant with abundant bloom.
Gerbera Daisy
Scientific Name: Gerbera jamesonii
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: South Africa
- Plant Size: 10 – 18 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 8 – 10
If big yellow flowers are your thing, you’ll appreciate that Gerbera Daisies boast three to four-inch flowers. You can choose plants with a solid yellow or bronze-colored flower or opt for a yellow bicolored variety. In either case, these flowers sit six inches above their fuzzy leaf foliage.
You can expect Gerbera Daisies to flower from late spring through the fall. They’re a particularly excellent cut flower, as they last a long time in vases. Make sure these daisies have access to good drainage and soil with compost.
Goldenrod
Scientific Name: Solidago virgaurea
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: North America, Europe, Asia
- Plant Size: 1.5 – 5 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3 – 9
Although many people view this massive yellow flowering plant as a weed, the Goldenrod has numerous medicinal herbal properties, especially for the kidneys. It’s common to see it growing along roadsides, with it boasting deep golden flowers from June to September.
Goldenrod grows well in loamy, calcareous, and dry soil. Many people prefer to pick it in the wild since it’s a fast spreader. But if you want to grow it in your garden, you can cultivate it for making wild herb salads.
Graham Thomas Rose
Scientific Name: Rosa
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: United Kingdom
- Plant Size: 5 – 12 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 5 – 8
Numerous types of roses exist, but we recommend the Graham Thomas Rose to fast-track your quest to find yellow flowering plants. The Graham Thomas has the classic characteristics you’d expect from roses, but they have a deep yellow-gold color that makes them stand out from the colors of many flowers we’ve talked about so far.
These plants are ideal for hedges and containers alike. You can expect them to flower multiple times between late spring to early winter.
Hellebores
Scientific Name: Hellebores spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Middle East
- Plant Size: 1 – 2 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Shade in summer, sun in winter
- Plant Zone: 3 – 9
Hellebores plants look like a rose, but instead, they’re an evergreen that flowers early, from February to May. Interestingly enough, when this yellow flower blooms, it’s not the flower you’re seeing; it’s the plant’s protective sepals.
Hellebores are easy to care for, aside from needing well-draining soil. Furthermore, this is a deer-resistant plant. So, you don’t have to worry about deer putting a damper on your time enjoying the yellow flowers in your garden. This perennial does well in the shade, making it an excellent option for shade gardens.
Iris
Scientific Name: Iris pseudacorus
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Southern Europe, Mediterranean
- Plant Size: 12 – 40 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3 – 9
The divine iris has showy flowers that emerge from April to June. They come in various colors, including yellow, and the flowers sit on top of erect peduncles. Each peduncle contains many flowers per stem, offering a full and brilliant appearance.
Iris plants have strong rhizomes that can withstand long droughts. Despite their beauty, they have wildflower-like characteristics since they’re fast spreaders. Furthermore, they can sometimes cause skin irritation, so use caution when handling them.
Jungle Geranium
Scientific Name: Ixora coccinea
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Southern India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
- Plant Size: 4 – 6 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 9 – 11
Calling all coffee lovers! The Jungle Geranium belongs to the coffee family, although you won’t want to use it as such. Instead, it’s an excellent choice if you want a yellow flowering shrub for a hedgerow.
The Jungle Geranium boasts a beautiful mass of small, tubular flowers that join together to form what appears to be a single large flower from a distance. They’re great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, and this is a low-maintenance plant, as long as it has access to a moderate amount of water.
Lantana
Scientific Name: Lantana camara
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Tropical Americas, West Indies, Mexico
- Plant Size: 6 feet high
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 7a – 11a
The shrubby Latana is an excellent ornamental plant to use for landscaping. It has small flowers clustered at the ends of its stems. What makes Lantana so sought after by gardeners is its changing flower colors. It typically starts with a white flower before evolving into many colors, including yellow.
You can find Lantana on every continent except Antarctica, and many nurseries breed it so that it’s sterile. In that case, you won’t have to worry about it growing where it shouldn’t.
Leontodon
Scientific Name: Leontodon rigens
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Eurasia, North Africa
- Plant Size: 18 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Light to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 8 – 9
If you want a tropical-looking plant in a not-so-tropical climate, Leontodons are an excellent option. They have wide, glossy leaves that often steal the show. But when this plant flowers, which happens in the summer, you’ll enjoy mini daisy-like flowers in clusters rising above the leaves.
The Leontodon prefers average to loamy soil with good drainage. The hotter the climate you live in, the better this plant does with more shade.
Lesser Celandine
Scientific Name: Ficaria verna
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe, West Asia
- Plant Size: 9 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
- Plant Zone: 4a – 9b
Lesser Celandines are in the poppy family, and although they’re traditionally wildflowers, many people enjoy growing them in their gardens. Its nickname is the wartweed, given that in the past, people used it to remove warts.
When Lesser Celandines flower, they produce four-petaled yellow blossoms that span about one inch across. We recommend planting Lesser Celandine away from your home, given that its appendage attracts ants.
Marigold
Scientific Name: Tagetes spp.
- Plant Type: Annual
- Geographic Origin: Mexico
- Plant Size: 4 – 48 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 2 – 11
The beautiful Marigold serves more purposes than pretty yellow flowers; it has medicinal properties that support wound healing. Furthermore, Marigolds deter harmful pests for your other plants while attracting insects that are healthy for your garden.
We love Marigolds for their long flowering time, which is from June to October. Many people use Marigold flowers as decoration, but you can also eat them in a salad. They require rich organic soil that’s loose and airy.
Mecardonia
Scientific Name: Mecardonia procumbens
- Plant Type: Perennial or annual, depending on the temperature
- Geographic Origin: The Americas
- Plant Size: 2 – 5 inches
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 10a – 11b
Mecardonia looks just like you might picture when you hear its nickname “gold dust”—a low-lying plant that produces dozens of tiny yellow flowers, seemingly “dusting” your yard.
You’ll get to enjoy beautiful blooms from spring all the way to frost, provided that you ensure the soil contains plenty of moisture. Unlike many of the plants on this list, Mecardonia only produces yellow flowers, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally buying the wrong color.
Moss Rose
Scientific Name: Portulaca grandiflora
- Plant Type: Annual
- Geographic Origin: South America
- Plant Size: 3 – 9 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 2 – 11
Yes, Moss Rose resembles a bush form of moss thanks to its narrow and abundant leaves. In the summer, this plant blooms with puffy ornamental flowers. But be mindful of the type you purchase, as some flowers are all yellow with reddish-orange centers while other varieties have many different colored flowers on a single plant.
The deer-resistant Moss Rose propagates well by cuttings. Furthermore, it’s a hardy plant, although it prefers moisture and nutrient-dense soil.
Night-Blooming Jasmine
Scientific Name: Cestrum nocturnum
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: South America, West Indies
- Plant Size: 6 – 15 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 8 – 11
The Night-Blooming Jasmine is a delight to the night owl. These plants open their long, thin yellow flowers in the evening, releasing a burst of fragrant scent.
Because of how high it can grow, the Night-Blooming Jasmine is an excellent fit for privacy hedges. Some people also like planting it near windows they leave open to enjoy its scent from inside their homes in the evenings.
Pansy
Scientific Name: Viola x wittrockiana
- Plant Type: Perennial, annual, or biennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia
- Plant Size: 4 – 8 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 7 – 11
Pansies come in many colors, including large yellow or yellow and multiple colored flowers. They’re a showy plant, with the flowers spanning three inches in diameter and two overlapping upper and side petals followed by a single petal beneath them.
It’s common for these petals to have different colors and patterns, giving you the chance to bring extra life to your yellow flower endeavor. Despite their delicate appearance, Pansies can withstand mild frosts and average soil quality.
Petunia
Scientific Name: Petunia spp.
- Plant Type: Annual
- Geographic Origin: South America
- Plant Size: 6 – 24 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 10 – 11
The delicate trumpet-shaped Petunia offers vibrant yellow flowers, in addition to other colors and patterns. We’re sure you’ll love the color they bring, given that their flowers remain from the spring until the first frost.
Petunias are hardier than they appear. They can grow in many different soils as long as they drain well, although moderately fertile soil is their preference. These plants are excellent for hanging baskets.
Prickly Pear
Scientific Name: Opunita humifusa
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: North and South America
- Plant Size: 6 inches – 8 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 4 – 11
Enjoying the yellow flowers a Prickly Pear produces is a double-edged sword—you can eat the fruit that follows the flower, but many tiny spines on this cactus can make it painful to do so if you don’t have the proper gear.
In addition, you can eat the green paddle that the flowers and fruit grow on. Make sure to choose a Prickly Pear variety that has yellow flowers. You’ll then get to enjoy the paper-thin flowers that emerge, equipped with pointed petals.
Primrose
Scientific Name: Primula spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial or annual
- Geographic Origin: North and South America, Europe
- Plant Size: 6 – 20 9 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Partial sun or full shade
- Plant Zone: 2 – 8
The Primrose is a spring bloomer that grows beautifully in containers or as ground cover. You can expect to enjoy their yellow flowers, which have heart-shaped leaves, until summer. But if you live in a warm enough climate, the flowers can last into the fall.
Planting Primrose near or in woodlands is ideal. They like moist soil and don’t hold up well with lots of sunlight. Because Primrose grows in woodlands in the wild, they need nutrient-rich soil.
Purslane
Scientific Name: Portulaca oleracea
- Plant Type: Annual or perennial
- Geographic Origin: North Africa, Southern Europe
- Plant Size: 4 – 10 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 5 – 10
Yellow flowers aside, Purslane is a great little plant because of its small but thick leaves that serve as an herb. The flowers on this plant are small, but if you bend down to admire their yellow hue, you’ll see that they have five petals with a heart-like snip at the tips of each one.
Purslane withstands drought and poor soil conditions well thanks to its deep taproot. Just as impressive, a single seed can produce over 190,000 seeds.
Ranunculus
Scientific Name: Ranunculus asiaticus
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Mediterranean
- Plant Size: 1- 2 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 8 – 10
Ranunculus is a member of the buttercup family. The Ranuculus asiaticus species, in particular, is a wildflower version of buttercups, with these plants growing taller than other varieties. You can often find them in open meadows.
You’ll find varying degrees of yellow in the Ranunculus plant. If you see one in the wild, it may have a duller yellow color. But those you purchase from a nursery often have a bright yellow color due to selective breeding.
Snapdragon
Scientific Name: Antirrhinum
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Mediterranean, Europe, Syria
- Plant Size: 6 – 48 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 7 – 11
Snapdragons are a favorite among gardeners not only for their variety of colors, including yellow but because their flowers have an elegant shape. In fact, these flowers have such a unique jaw-like feature that only large bumblebees can open them for pollination.
You can expect your Snapdragons to bloom in spring and fall weather. They offer a beautiful blooming show, given that they start at the base of the stalk until they open their flowers at the top.
Strawflower
Scientific Name: Xerochrysum bracteatum
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Australia
- Plant Size: 2 – 3 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 8 – 11
You’re spot-on if you have the strawflower pictured with a dried-out appearance. Strawflowers have stiff bract leaves that resemble petals on a flower. So, while their “flowers” aren’t actually real flowers, they’re a joy to grow in your garden.
Strawflowers have a deep golden-yellow color. They remain in “bloom” from spring to the fall and can thrive in any type of well-drained soil.
Sunflower
Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus
- Plant Type: Annual
- Geographic Origin: North America
- Plant Size: 3 – 10 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 2 – 11
Most of us know and love the sunflower as a late summer and fall plant. As its name implies, this plant needs full sunlight and will turn its massive head and yellow petals in the direction of the sun. This annual flowering plant is a garden favorite due to being beginner friendly with care and maintenance.
Some people plant sunflowers for their pop of yellow while others do it to harvest its seeds. We won’t judge you on what you choose! But If you don’t pick the seeds, you can expect birds to do it for you. Sunflowers are easy to grow, and a summer favorite for many gardeners due to their hardy nature.
Water Lily
Scientific Name: Nymphaea hollandia
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Asia, Australia, North America
- Plant Size: 3 – 6 feet tall (including lotus)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 4 – 10
Until now, all flowers we’ve talked about are land-based. But the water lily, which rises up from lily pads, lives in freshwater. These plants need temperate to tropical climates to boast their brilliant flowers that sit on thick stalks that rise six inches or more out of the water.
Water lilies come in many colors. You can find pure yellow varieties, with others having a large yellow center and white pedals. These plants need slow-moving water to grow.
Wishbone Flower
Scientific Name: Torenia fournieri
- Plant Type: Annual
- Geographic Origin: Asia
- Plant Size: 6 – 12 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
- Plant Zone: 2 – 11
Wishbone Flowers are low-lying plants that are far more hardy than they look. They’re excellent for people without a green thumb and can withstand extreme heat.
The Wishbone Flower got its name because of the wishbone-like shape of its stamens. These flowers bloom in the late spring and remain until the first frost. We encourage you to deadhead dying flowers to keep the remaining blooms healthy.
Yellow Butterfly Bush
Scientific Name: Buddleia davidii
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: China
- Plant Size: 4 – 12 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 5 – 9
You guessed it! The Yellow Butterfly Bush attracts an array of butterflies. You’ll have to wait for them, though, given that it starts blooming in the late summer. Its yellowish-orange flowers have a trumpet-like appearance and cover the plant’s stems, forming a gorgeous triangle shape.
Yellow Butterfly Bushes don’t spread as wide as they grow tall. They hold up well against backyard deer, and they’re not afraid of a drought spell.
Yellow Carnation
Scientific Name: Dianthus caryophyllus
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Southern Europe
- Plant Size: 12 – 18 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 7 – 10
There are two ways to have yellow carnations: either choose the breed that automatically grows yellow flowers or pick white carnations and put yellow food coloring in the vase’s water. In either case, you’ll get to enjoy these flowers’ clove scent.
Yellow Carnations require alkaline and well-draining soil to thrive. We recommend deadheading them after the first bloom if you want them to flower again later in the year.
Yellow Hibiscus
Scientific Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Asia
- Plant Size: 4 – 10 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 9 – 11
The Hibiscus plant offers both a beautiful flower and excellent medicinal properties. Many people drink Hibiscus as tea, which provides a tart flavor and lots of vitamin C. Some people even dry and candy its flower for eating straight or using in desserts.
Before purchasing a Hibiscus plant, make sure you buy the yellow variety, as the red and white colors are often popular. In either case, you can expect this plant to produce beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers with five or more petals.
Yellow Oleander
Scientific Name: Nerium oleander
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Southern Asia, Mediterranean
- Plant Size: 8 – 12 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 8 – 10
Yellow Oleanders are a beautiful addition to your landscape if you’re looking to brighten your yard with yellow flowers. It’s a bushy shrub grown in temperate to tropical areas—one glance at its deep green glossy leaves gives it away.
Whether you wind up with drought or flooding, Yellow Oleanders stand a good chance of surviving. However, they’ll die in a frost.
Yellow Tulip
Scientific Name: Tulipa spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Central Europe, Eastern Asia
- Plant Size: 9 – 24 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3 – 8
Of all the plants we included on this list, we’ll go out on a limb and say the large, cup-like petals of a Tulip are among the most recognizable. Tulips are spring flowers, growing three petals around their sepals, each flower on a single stem.
You can opt for yellow Tulips or choose a yellow Tulip streaked in another color. Unlike many plants, you’ll need to plant Tulip bulbs in the fall.
Yellow Yarrow
Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Northern hemisphere
- Plant Size: 2 – 3 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3 – 9
Yellow Yarrow offers bright yellow mini flowers that sit closely together to form large flower heads. It’s common for people to plant Yellow Yarrow along borders, and you may find it growing in meadows in the wild.
Some wonderful qualities of the Yellow Yarrow are that it’s resistant to pests and drought. Its flower heads also bring butterflies to the area, and you can dry out these flowers and hang them in your home.
Zinnia
Scientific Name: Zinnia elegans
- Plant Type: Annual or perennial, depending on the temperature
- Geographic Origin: South America, Mexico, Southwest United States
- Plant Size: 1 – 4 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 2 – 11
To round out this list of yellow flowers, we present you with the Zinnia, a quick grower and heavy bloomer. Each stem produces a single yellow flower that has a daisy-like structure.
When choosing your Zinnia plant, keep in mind that nurseries often offer three different kinds of flowers: single, semidouble, and double. If you want a visible center, go for the single or semidouble. Otherwise, the double flower offers a brilliant display with more petals.
Final Thoughts
So, what yellow flower plants are you leaning towards? Remember, many of the plants we covered here can come in many color varieties. Therefore, double-check with the nursery before purchasing to ensure your flowers will be yellow.
By following the growing recommendations for each plant, you can expect to enjoy an array of colorful flowers. And depending on which ones you plant, you could have yellow flowers from spring to fall.