36 Beautiful Flower Images That Will Inspire Your Inner Green Thumb
Flower beds need a refresh? Scroll through these photos of the prettiest petals.
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Flowers are uplifting, whether you look at them IRL or in a photo. And if you’re out of fresh blooms or are too lazy to run to the market, we’ve got you. These images of flowers are so beautiful! Whether you’re looking to give your garden a refresh, are in need of a new phone screen background, or want to order a bouquet for yourself, they will give you major inspiration.
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We’ve included a wide variety of various blooms, including common types of flowers and maybe some species you’ve never heard of. Along with the names and pictures of the flowers, you’ll find interesting details about the beautiful blooms. (Did you know adding myrtle in a bridal bouquet is a royal tradition?). And if you’re looking to refresh your yard, we’ve included when each of these flowers typically blooms. From tulips to sunflowers to roses, these beautiful flowers are sure to ignite your inner green thumb. So get your gardening tools ready, and browse through these images of our favorite flowers.
Bougainvillea
A favorite in tropical locales, this colorful climber can also be grown annually if you don't happen to live in a sunny spot. Bougainvillea can grow 20–30 feet tall and wide, and its beautiful color-saturated flowers make a major impact.
Bloom season: In warm zones, bougainvillea can grow year-round; in colder climates, the vine blooms in the summer and should be brought in for the winter.
Wisteria
If there was ever a flower to make you feel like you've wandered into a Jane Austen novel, wisteria is it. Not only does this climbing vine look romantic, it smells amazing too and will fill the space with color and fragrance. Be sure to opt for a North American species if you live in the states.
Bloom season: Plant between October and April in full sun, the flowers should reach their peak in late spring and summer.
Cosmos
Wispy and delicate, these daisy-shaped flowers seem almost weightless stop their super-long stems (which can grow up to 60 inches tall! Stake them for added support). Wedding florists love to tuck them into otherwise staid bouquets for a bit of happy whimsy; you should do the same for tabletop arrangements.
Bloom season: Start seeds indoors, before the last frost, so you can transplant them outdoors when 3–4 inches tall. Expect flowers in summer and fall. (If you lead the seed heads blow away, they'll self-sow elsewhere on your property.)
Gardenia
Known for its rich scent, this waxy flower with glossy thick leaves is often used in perfumes. An evergreen shrub that can grow 8 feet tall, gardenias grow best in humid areas.
Bloom season: They can bloom during different seasons depending on the variety. Many appear in the spring and summer
Alstroemerias
Typically called Peruvian lilies, they come in bright colors like pink, orange, and purple. Alstroemerias easy to grow and don't require a ton of care. Great for flower bouquets, they last up to two weeks once cut.
Bloom season: Summer
Rose
With hundreds of species, roses bloom in a myriad of beautiful colors. These romantic flowers aren't just for Valentine's Day—they'll look gorgeous in your garden. Plant them where they'll get enough morning sun, and make sure to water them diligently.
Bloom season: Summer
Petunia
These trumpet-shaped flowers are popular to plant in flowerbeds. They come in a variety of colors, and they're easy to grow.
Bloom seasons: Spring, fall, and summer
Marigold
Part of the sunflower family, these bright, beautiful flowers bloom all summer long. They thrive in lots of sunshine and can even endure hot summers.
Bloom seasons: Spring, fall, and summer
Water Lily
These beauties often sprout in vibrant colors like yellow, pink or purple. They're a pretty addition to water gardens and natural or artificial ponds.
Bloom seasons: Fall and summer
Tulips
Tulips signal spring's arrival—typically, they begin to emerge in March. While most feature a single flower, a few kinds can sprout up to four on one stem. Most varieties need lots of afternoon sunlight.
Bloom seasons: Spring
Phlox
These star-shaped flowers come in a variety of bright colors. Easy to maintain, these fragrant flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Bloom seasons: Spring and summer
Mrs. Charles E. Pearson
These are a type of rhododendron (with an unusual name) that feature purple or brown freckling on their funnel-shaped, pink-tinged petals.
Bloom seasons: Spring, summer, fall
Sunflower
Along with brightening your garden, sunflowers have lots of nectar that can attracts bees. They need about six to eight hours of sunlight a day.
Bloom season: Summer
Anemone
While there are many varieties of anemone out there, this type can most often be spotted thanks to their wide black centers, which provide striking contrast to red, purple, and white petals.
Bloom season: Fall and spring
Stonecrop
Featuring thick leaves, these star-shaped flowers grow in clusters. We love that they're easy to care for and attract pollinators.
Bloom season: Summer and fall
Craigton Blue Corydalis
These drooping blue bulbs are supported by reddish stems and are strongly scented. With the look of wedding bells, this could be your "something blue."
Bloom season: Spring, fall, and summer
Myrtle
Fluffy white myrtle, distinguished by its little hairs, has a long-standing tradition of appearing in the bridal bouquets of the British royals.
Bloom season: Spring and summer
Corn Poppy
These papaver rhoeas, commonly referred to as corn, field or common poppies, are annual wildflowers that became a symbol of the blood spilled in World War I.
Bloom season: Spring and summer
Yarrow
This perennial flower needs a lot of sunlight and dry soil. They come in a variety of colors.
Bloom season: Summer
Meadow Sage
The salvia plant, more commonly known as meadow sage, often produces rich purple and royal blue flowers that also come in various warmer shades. They thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Bloom season: Spring, summer, and fall
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