Pink flowers can be found in most gardens. While some simply appreciate the color in and of itself, others see it as a way of evoking romanticism and femininity within the growing space. The best pink flowers span the gamut of expressions, from the serene grace of pearls and pale pastels to the flamboyant vibrancy of fuchsias and magentas.
The impact of pink garden design is also prized by those who favor monochromatic designs, deploying a range of tones, forms and textures in the creation of striking mixed borders. However, certain pink perennials and annuals reign supreme across both classic and contemporary gardening themes. These are my picks for the most beautiful pink flowers to grow in beds, mixed borders and container plantings.
1. Dianthus
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Known for their sweet, spicy fragrance, dianthus plants offer growers lasting seasonal color. Gardeners choosing a large number of species are able to diversify beds easily, as it is possible to grow dianthus in the form of annual, biennial and perennial types. Popular varieties of dianthus include Chabaud La France, Sweet Pink and Amazon Rose Magic.
2. Astilbe
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A perennial favorite for shaded beds, astilbe is prized for its attractive foliage and unique flower form. Though the plants are available in a wide range of colors, pink cultivars remain among the most popular. Anyone growing astilbe can expect blooms to linger from late spring throughout summer before beginning to fade. Common pink cultivars include Milk and Honey, Younique Salmon, and Chocolate Shogun.
3. Bee Balm (Monarda)
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As its name would imply, bee balm is a perennial favorite of hummingbirds, bees, and a wide range of beneficial insects. Each summer, large plants flower prolifically, covering shrubs with nectar-rich blooms. With the right bee balm care, these plants will thrive in pollinator gardens, naturalized landscapes and informal beds. Popular pink flowers include Pink Lace, Leading Lady Pink and Pink Chenille.
Monarda ‘Blue Stocking’
This striking cacophony of purple-pink blooms will have the native insects queueing up for seconds. ‘Blue Stocking’ from Green Promise Farms offers a glut of summer nectar dressed up in dazzling floral explosions of bombshell cerise.
4. Peony
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Known for their longevity and alluring fragrance, peonies are frequently found in mixed plantings, borders and cutting gardens. Give your peony care and attention when it counts, and these perennial shrubs are a source of dependable seasonal color and lush foliage. Those in search of amazing pink flowers should consider varieties such as Sarah Bernhardt, Paula Fay or Lady Alexandra Duff.
5. Coneflower
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Attractive to pollinators, echinacea are at home in the landscape, in plantings of wildflowers, and in naturalized beds. Large plants, blooming from summer through fall, serve as a vital source of nectar and seed to native wildlife. When growing coneflowers, vibrant pink flowers add beauty and lasting seasonal color. Varieties of pink coneflower include Kismet Raspberry, Feeling Pink, and PowWow Wild Berry.
No native perennial plot would be complete without some coneflowers. These butterfly-friendly bloomers from Green Promise Farms deliver a rush of pink with fiery copper-orange flower heads.
6. Bleeding Heart
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Among the first plants to emerge in spring, these unique pink flowers remain true to their name. When growing bleeding hearts, you can expect each stem to produce delicate, heart-shaped blooms in shades of white and pink. Traditional bleeding hearts (Dicentra spectabilis) are found most frequently, but newer introductions are gaining popularity. Other pink varieties include Pink Diamonds and King of Hearts.
7. Cosmos
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Considered easy to grow by most, annual cosmos are an excellent addition to wildflower beds, cutting gardens and even containers. Large daisy-like blooms, held atop wiry stems, persist through summer and into fall. Plants are available in both tall and dwarf varieties, so growing cosmos is ideal for just about any space. Popular pink types include Pink Pop Socks. Sonata Pink Blush and Apollo Lovesong.
Cosmos ‘Sea Shells Mix’
This medley of rich cerise, baby pink and white cosmos flowers from Park Seeds will prove irresistible to pink aficionados and garden wildlife. You can enjoy their gorgeous displays well into the fall.
8. Hydrangea
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Among the biggest pink flowers available to gardeners, those growing hydrangeas can expect magnificent floral displays that thrill season after season. Flowers vary in color, size and form by species. Hydrangea macrophylla and H. paniculata types are among the most common pink hydrangeas and include delightful varieties like Endless Summer, Firelight and Pinky Winky.
9. Rose
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A long-time staple of ornamental gardens, roses continue to dazzle and impress growers. Shrub, climbing and rambling types add unmatched appeal though their enchanting fragrance and lasting beauty. You’ll find pink rose varieties are no exception, ranging from the softest of pastels to deepest magenta and burgundy. Especially attractive varieties include Elizabeth, Kiss Me Kate and James Galway.
10. Aster
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Blooming from late summer through fall, asters play an essential role in the late-season garden. Annual and perennial types prove an invaluable resource to both pollinators and gardeners as the flower production of other plants begins to slow and the weather cools. Among the best pink aster varieties are Tower Chamois, Bonita Shell Pink and Honeysong Pink.
11. Phlox
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Best planted for their early, eye-catching flowers, annual and perennial phlox are sure to add color and vibrancy to even the smallest of spaces. When growing garden phlox, taller types are ideal for use in mixed borders, while smaller species are at home in containers and are a popular choice for ground cover. Among the most beautiful varieties of pink phlox are Prismatic Pink, Flame Pink and Blushing Bride.
12. Dahlia
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Dahlias are celebrated among growers for their immense diversity. Those keen on growing dahlia plants, which feature amazing pink flowers, are sure to be impressed. As the selection of named cultivars available to growers is virtually limitless, options abound for some of the best pink flowers for containers and ground-based displays. Attractive varieties of pink dahlia include Cafe Au Lait, Otto’s Thrill and Wizard of Oz.
Frequently Answered Questions
What is the Most Popular Pink Flower?
Though determining the most popular pink garden flower would be an impossible task, growers can gain insight into trending species and varieties by visiting their local garden center or nursery, chatting with experts, or even browsing social media. Print or mail-order catalogs may also be helpful in the planning of new garden beds.
What is the Easiest Pink Flower to Grow?
Determining the easiest plants to grow will depend upon a variety of factors, notably hardiness zone, soil condition, plant breed quality, on-site care, and even weather anomalies. Gardeners should consider each species carefully, selecting those which thrive under the cultural conditions in their own region.
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