20 Flowering Plants With Large Blooms

When choosing flowers for your yard, you have numerous options, from small, dainty blossoms to those with large flowers that make a dramatic statement. Plus, many of these bigger blooms also make beautiful cut flower bouquets. Although there are exceptions, plants with large, dramatic flowers typically need more water and fertilizer than those with more modestly sized flowers.

Here are 20 perennials, annuals, shrubs, and trees with large flowers for a wide range of hardiness zones.

Warning

Some of these plants are toxic to humans and animals, as noted below in the listings.

01 of 20
Common Sunflower

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) might very well set the standard for giant blooms in the flower garden, but not all sunflowers are created equal when it comes to size. 'Mammoth' is an heirloom variety that reliably produces 12-inch flower heads packed with oil-rich seeds. 'Sunzilla' is a hybrid bred to grow a sturdy 16-foot stalk capable of supporting the giant blooms. Although sunflowers are drought-tolerant, constant moisture and rich soil will yield the largest flowers.
- Name: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: True annuals in all climates
- Color Varieties: Yellow, cream, gold, white, maroon, brown; bi-color and solid
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Average, moist, well-drained
02 of 20
Cockscomb

The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy

The otherworldly coral shapes of cockscomb (Celosia argentea var. cristata) make it a garden focal point. Add to that the velvety texture and footlong size, and you have a staple for the cut flower garden. Celosia plants are easy to grow from seed (they self-seed readily), and they tolerate humidity as well as dry soil.
- Name: Cockscomb (Celosia argentea var. cristata)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11; commonly grown as an annual
- Color Varieties: Orange, red, purple, yellow, pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil; tolerates dry soil
03 of 20
Hydrangea

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

In the world of hydrangea hybridizing, the big blooms just keep getting better. This genus of plants has several species commonly used in landscaping, all of which are famous for having large flowers. For example, Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' has 12-inch flower heads that are a stunning staple in many shade gardens. However, 'Incrediball' has increased in popularity because it also blooms on new wood but its stems will not flop under the weight of rain-soaked blooms. In addition to the cultivars of H. aborescens, varieties of H. macrophylla, H. serrata, H. paniculata, and H. quercifolia are all known for their impressive blooms. A sheltered site with some shade will help your hydrangeas shine throughout the growing season.
- Name: Hydrangea
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (depends on species)
- Color Varieties: Blue, pink, white, red, purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, porous, rich soil
04 of 20
Oriental Poppy

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

If you like extra-large poppies, go for oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) in the Goliath group, such as ‘Beauty of Livermere’. Oriental poppies bloom in late spring to early summer. Blooms more than 7 inches in diameter are not unheard of, often with coal-black centers. To pamper your poppies, give them full sun and excellent drainage.
- Name: Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
- Color Varieties: Orange, red, pink, purple, white, peach, maroon, salmon
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Fertile, well-drained soil with average moisture
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05 of 20
Pacific Giant Delphinium

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Delphinium elatum 'Pacific Giant' has huge, 3-inch double flowers on erect bloom spikes in early to mid-summer. The 4- to 7-foot tall plants are best planted in the back of a border. The plants need staking to protect heavy flower spikes from getting knocked over by the wind. Delphiniums, also called larkspur, are toxic to humans and animals.
- Name: 'Pacific Giant' (Delphinium elatum 'Pacific Giant')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
- Color Varieties: White, purple, pink, blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Consistent moisture, loamy, well-drained soil
06 of 20
Fireworks Clematis

T. I. / 500px / Getty Images

Growing up to 8 inches, the flowers of this clematis hybrid (Clematis 'Fireworks') are exceptionally large. It belongs to Group 2 of clematis. plants that bloom in late spring to early summer and under ideal conditions again in late summer to early fall. The bright purple flowers have a reddish-pink central bar. Clematis is toxic to humans and animals.
- Name: Clematis 'Fireworks'
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Color Varieties: Purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Average, moist but well-drained
07 of 20
Tree Peony

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

The flowers of peonies stand out by their size in the spring garden but tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa) are of a different caliber. They sport blooms up to 10 inches across on woody stems that do not die back to the ground in winter. Tree peony cultivars like 'Mrs. Fry' are slow to mature, but a 5-foot tree peony with 50 blooms is spectacular and worth waiting for. Deeply divided foliage adds to the character of these plants.
- Name: Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Color Varieties: White, red, pink, purple, yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Fertile loam, well-drained
08 of 20
Hardy Hibiscus

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Tropical hibiscus won’t tolerate even a whiff of frost, but exotic flower lovers can rejoice—the hardy mallow plant Hibiscus moscheutos will survive zone 4 or 5 winters while still boasting flower diameters over 10 inches. Some varieties feature bronze or purple foliage to boost the ornamental value. The gorgeous 'Summer Storm' with pink flowers has a dark magenta eye. In cold regions, use mulch or straw to protect the roots, especially when the plants are young.
- Name: Hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Color Varieties: White, red, pink, blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained loam
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09 of 20
English Rose

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

If you did not think roses could have large blooms, it's time to get acquainted with the English rose (Rosa molineux). The English rose is a class of roses developed from heirloom varieties by breeder David Austin with the goal of large, full blooms with a heavy fragrance. With petal counts of 140 or more per bloom, these large-cupped flowers are vase-fillers with old-world fragrance to spare. The lemon-hued 'Charles Darwin' and the 200-petal count 'Spirit of Freedom' are repeat bloomers, yielding 6-inch flowers all season. Roses can be prone to fungal diseases in moist and humid conditions, so give them plenty of air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage during irrigation.
- Name: English rose (Rosa molineux)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-11 (depends on variety)
- Color Varieties: White, yellow, red, pink, orange; solid and bi-colored
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained loam
10 of 20
Sacred Lotus

Duygu Ordu / Getty Images

The flowers of this water plant from tropical Asia, also called Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) grow up to 1 foot in diameter. The flowers sit atop 3- to 6-foot stalks above the water surface. The bloom period plant starts in June or July and lasts two to three months although the flowers are very short-lived—they open during the day and lose their petals in the afternoon. As striking as sacred lotus is, it is considered a noxious weed in some Midwestern states.
- Name: Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-10
- Color Varieties: Pink, white, yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Needs: Submerged, loam high in organic matter
11 of 20
Globemaster Allium

Clive Nichols / Getty Images

If you love the bloom of alliums in late spring, this hardy variety is the superlative of all alliums in every respect. The flower stalks of 'Globemaster', a hybrid Allium, grow more than 3 feet tall and the flowers form a ball that’s 8 to 10 inches in diameter. In windy or rainy conditions, the stalks may flop over from the heavy flower heads, which can be prevented by staking. This plant is mildly toxic to animals.
- Name: Allium (Allium 'Globemaster')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Color Varieties: Purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy
12 of 20
Orienpet Lily

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Hybrids of trumpet and Oriental lilies, called orienpet lilies (Lilium OT) have large fragrant blooms that appear in late summer on sturdy five-foot stems. 'Big Brother' (Lilium OT 'Big Brother') is a variety that lives up to its name with pale yellow 15-inch blooms. Like most lilies, orienpet lilies are best planted in late fall or early spring. In neutral or alkaline soils, water with an acid-enhanced fertilizer to help them thrive. Lilies are toxic to animals.
- Name: Orienpets (Lilium OT)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Color Varieties: White, yellow, pink, apricot, burgundy, red, and bi-colored
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Medium-moisture, well-drained soil; thrives in slightly acidic soil
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13 of 20
Bigleaf Magnolia

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) has the largest flowers of all the magnolias, spanning up to 10 inches wide. It blooms in late spring to early summer. The flowers are bright white with a pink-purple center and are fragrant. The tree is native to the southeastern United States and grows 30 to 40 feet tall.
- Name: Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla )
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
- Color Varieties: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Loamy, moist, well-drained
14 of 20
Camellia

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

For southern gardeners, there is nothing quite like the charm of a camellia bush in the late winter garden. For the biggest flowers, plant a cultivar of the Camellia japonica species such as 'Don Mac'. The plants are slow to grow and get established but they are long-lived. Depending on the variety, the flowering period may start as early as October and last until March. The flowers are long-lasting, often three weeks and even longer. Pinching or deadheading will help you achieve 6-inch flowers on varieties like the double pale pink Camellia japonica 'Debutante'.
- Name: Camellia (Camellia japonica)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
- Color Varieties: White, pink, red, yellow, lavender
- Sun Exposure: Filtered sun, part shade
- Soil Needs: Consistent moisture, acidic, well-drained soil
15 of 20
Dinner-Plate Dahlia

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

The term dinner-plate dahlia is used to describe any variety of dahlia (Dahlia spp.) with large, impressive flowers measuring at least 8 inches across. Most commercially available dinner-plate dahlias are hybrid cultivars. If you have successfully grown dahlias in the past, your quest to grow dinner-plate cultivars like 'Belle of Barmera' or 'Lady Darlene' will be easy. Like many large flowers, dahlias like more of everything: more sun, more water, more feeding. Remove side buds to enable plants to direct their energy into producing a few giant flowers. Stake plants for support, and expect the blooms to mature in late summer. Dahlias are toxic to animals.
- Name: Dahlia (Dahlia spp.)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11; grown as an annual in colder climates
- Color Varieties: White, pink, red, yellow, cream, orange, purple, maroon; solid and bi-colored
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Moist but not soggy, rich, well-draining soil
16 of 20
Amaryllis

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

For an indoor plant with large flowers, you cannot go wrong with amaryllis. This popular holiday plant comes in many different colors and forms. The amaryllis bulbs sold commercially are cultivars derived from hybrids of various Hippeastrum species. ‘Double Record' with red and white streaking produces 8-inch flowers. Larger bulbs produce larger plants and flowers, so splurge on premium bulbs from trusted vendors. Amaryllis is best grown in a relatively cool room (60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit) with bright, indirect lighting. Amaryllis is toxic to humans and animals.
- Name: Amaryllis (Hippeastrum group)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10; commonly grown as an annual houseplant
- Color Varieties: Red, pink, white, salmon; solid, striped, and bi-colored
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Humusy, well-drained potting soil
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17 of 20
King Protea

Martin Siepmann / Getty Images

Protea plants lend an exciting flair to any tropical flower arrangement, and king protea (Protea cynaroides) plants produce the largest flower heads of them all. Also known as sugar bush, these South African natives can be grown outdoors as evergreen shrubs in USDA hardiness zones 9 and warmer. The artichoke-like flowers can grow up to one foot across. Make sure to water the plants deeply every week for the first two years; after this, they are relatively low-maintenance plants. Parts of this plant (flowers, seeds, and nectar) are toxic to humans and animals.
- Name: Protea (Protea cynaroides)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-12
- Color Varieties: Red, pink, creamy white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Average, well-drained soil, preferably acidic
18 of 20
Angel's Trumpet

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

The large hanging trumpet-shaped flowers of this tropical plant from South America are simply delightful. Note however that angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia) might not be the best choice if you have small children or pets, as all parts of the plant are toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. It can be grown either as a woody shrub or a small tree. It will grow quickly, often between 24 to 36 inches per year.
- Name: Angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Color Varieties: White, yellow, orange, pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Average, moist, well-drained
19 of 20
California Giant Zinnia

The National Garden Bureau

This variety of zinnias (Zinnia elegans) was introduced in 1926 and has been beloved by gardeners ever since. The flowers are 4 to 6 inches in diameter on plants that grow 2 to 3 feet tall. Like all zinnias, they are heat-tolerant and deer-resistant, and the flowers attract pollinators. The large flowers are also great for cutting.
- Name: Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Annual
- Color Varieties: Red, pink, purple, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Average, well-drained
20 of 20
Moonflower

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Only night owls will appreciate the nocturnal blooms of the moonflower (Ipomoea alba) vine, which swirls open at dusk to reveal 6-inch white flowers. Blooms stay open all night. If you nick or soak the seeds, germination can occur in as little as a week. Combine the fast-growing vines with morning glories, and you will please hummingbirds and hummingbird moths alike. Moonflower is toxic to humans and animals.
- Name: Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12; commonly grown as an annual
- Color Varieties: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Tolerates any soil type

Learn More

If you have a favorite flower color, check out these helpful plant suggestions:

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