Choose among these 7 highly-recommended varieties or plant all seven in one bed for dramatic effect. For best results, put taller growing, bushy plants at the back and Marigolds toward the front. Plant in groups of three or five for more impact; can be spaced closer together if planted in clumps. Each of these flowers come in gold or orange, but since they may be available in other colors make sure to look at the tags when you purchase them.
Lantana: Grow as an annual further north than Zone 5. Bushy, shrubby plant with dense leaves and strong stems. Blooms in a variety of shades; choose the gold or orange varieties for this garden. Flower heads have dozens of tiny flowerettes in a big bunch. Loves heat. Pinch tops when babies are 2-3 inches high to encourage bushy growth. Attracts bees and butterflies. Deer resistant. Deadhead spent flowers. Handle with gloves if you are sensitive or allergic to it.
Height: 36-48 inches. Spacing: 18 inches.
Coreopsis, also known as “tickseed”: Grow as a perennial as far north as Minnesota (Zone 3). Tall, wiry stems with few leaves. Individual flowers are usually 1 inch across. Bright yellow petals surround darker brown center; look like daisies. Loves heat. Deadhead spent flowers or cut for bouquets. Grow as a perennial.
Height: 12-24 inches. Spacing: 12 inches.
Marigold: Compact plants can have single or double flowers. All flowers are ruffled and brightly colored. Try the “Aztec” variety for giant blooms and tall plants. Choose both gold and orange varieties for this garden. Likes more moisture than some other flowers, so keep watered. Plant in groups of three or five for more impact. Deadhead spent blooms.
Height: 8-24 inches. Spacing: 10 inches.
Nasturtium: Sprawling vines can be enclosed in a tomato cage or allowed to crawl on the ground. Large, interesting leaves and dozens of bright flowers in pale orange or yellow. Flowers are edible and delicious. Likes dry soil but not hot weather. Can get leggy if there’s too much shade. Feel free to eat organically grown flowers.
Height: Train on a trellis or enclose in a tomato cage, or allow to sprawl on the ground in an un-mowed area. Spacing: 10 inches.
Black-eyed Susan: Most varieties are annuals further north than Zone 3; some are perennials. Self-seeds readily. Tall, strong stems with many toothed leaves. Flower petals are bright yellow surrounding a darker center; very interesting to look at. Attract bees and butterflies. Makes a great cut flower.
Height: 24-36 inches tall. Spacing: 10 inches.
Petunias: Choose the “Baby Yellow Duck” variety for the cutest petunias ever created. “Wave” varieties grow long, trailing vines; train on a trellis or use in containers above the ground. Several varieties bloom yellow and stay compact, so are good in the flower bed. Most petunia varieties are pink flowering, so be sure to check the tag. Yellow flowers are available and are wonderful!
Height: 12 inches, or may be trailing. Spacing: 8 inches for compact plants; 18 inches for larger plants
Celosia: Tall, feathery blooms in bright red, orange, or gold shades. Definitely makes the annual garden more interesting! Plant in groups of three or five for most impact. Love heat and don’t mind dry weather. Also good in containers and as houseplants.
Height: 12-48 inches. Spacing: 10 inches.
Source: Evelyn Fielding
