30 Gorgeous Yellow Flowers Every Gardener Will Love

As an experienced gardener, I’ve always been drawn to the cheerful glow of yellow flowers. They bring sunshine to any garden, lifting spirits and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Over the years, I’ve cultivated dozens of varieties, and I’m excited to share 30 of my favorites with you. Each one has its own charm, quirks, and growing needs, perfect for adding a splash of gold to your outdoor space.

#1. Sunflower

Nothing screams “yellow” like a sunflower! These towering beauties can grow up to 12 feet tall, with large, round flower heads packed with tiny blooms.

Their bright yellow petals frame a dark center full of seeds. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a summer staple in my garden.

#2. Daffodil

Daffodils are spring’s golden heralds. Their trumpet-shaped flowers, often pure yellow or with a contrasting orange center, pop up in clusters.

I plant them in well-drained soil under partial shade. They’re low-maintenance and deer-resistant, which is a bonus when you’re battling garden nibblers!

#3. Marigold

Marigolds are my go-to for vibrant yellow-orange blooms. These bushy annuals have ruffled, pom-pom-like flowers that keep pests away from veggies.

They love full sun and tolerate poor soil. Deadhead them regularly, and they’ll bloom all summer long—perfect for borders or pots.

#4. Black-Eyed Susan

With daisy-like yellow petals and a dark brown center, Black-Eyed Susans are tough as nails.

They bloom from summer to fall in sunny spots with average soil. I’ve seen them thrive in wildflower patches and cottage gardens, attracting butterflies like crazy.

#5. Yarrow

Yarrow’s tiny, clustered yellow flowers sit atop feathery green leaves. It’s a drought-tolerant perennial that loves full sun and sandy soil.

I’ve used it in rock gardens and as a medicinal herb, its leaves can help stop bleeding. It’s a survivor in tough conditions!

#6. Coreopsis

Coreopsis, or tickseed, offers bright yellow, daisy-like blooms all summer. These perennials grow in clumps and prefer sunny, well-drained spots.

I love how they self-seed, filling gaps effortlessly. They’re low fuss and perfect for beginner gardeners wanting reliable color.

#7. Forsythia

Forsythia shrubs explode with yellow flowers in early spring before their leaves appear. The arching branches create a fountain of gold.

Plant them in full sun or partial shade with loamy soil. I prune mine after blooming to keep them tidy, they’re a real showstopper!

#8. Buttercup

Buttercups gleam like little drops of sunshine. Their glossy, cup-shaped yellow flowers rise above lush green foliage. They prefer moist, cool soil and partial shade.

I’ve grown them near ponds, but beware, they’re toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach.

#9. Calendula

Calendula, or pot marigold, has cheerful yellow blooms that double as edible petals. These annuals thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.

I toss their flowers into salads and teas, they’re healing, too! Pinch them back for bushier plants and more blooms.

#10. Zinnia

Zinnias are bold and bright, with yellow varieties stealing the show. Their single or double flowers sit on sturdy stems, loving hot, sunny weather.

I plant them in rich soil and water sparingly, they’re drought-tolerant once established. Butterflies adore them!

#11. Goldenrod

Goldenrod’s feathery yellow plumes sway in late summer breezes. This native perennial thrives in full sun and poor soil, making it ideal for wild gardens.

I’ve heard it gets blamed for allergies (it’s innocent!), but it’s a pollinator magnet and super hardy.

#12. Tulip

Yellow tulips like ‘Yellow Emperor’ bring elegance to spring. Their cup-shaped blooms stand tall on slender stems.

I plant bulbs in fall, in sunny, well-drained spots. They need a cold winter to bloom, so they’re perfect for my northern garden beds.

#13. Daylily

‘Stella de Oro’ daylilies are compact with trumpet-shaped yellow flowers. Each bloom lasts a day, but they keep coming all summer.

They love sun and adapt to most soils. I divide them every few years to spread the joy, they’re practically foolproof.

#14. Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums, or mums, shine in yellow hues come fall. Their dense, layered blooms range from daisy-like to pom-poms.

I grow them in full sun with rich soil, pinching them back in summer for bushier plants. They’re perfect for autumn pots or borders.

#15. Lantana

Lantana’s clusters of tiny yellow flowers shift shades as they age. This heat-loving shrub thrives in full sun and sandy soil.

I’ve seen it draw hummingbirds and butterflies galore. It’s drought-tolerant, but watch out—it’s invasive in some areas.

#16. Primrose

Primroses offer soft yellow blooms in early spring. Their rosettes of crinkled leaves frame delicate, five-petaled flowers.

I plant them in shady, moist spots, they’re woodland gems. Keep soil rich with compost, and they’ll reward you with quiet beauty.

#17. Snapdragon

Snapdragons’ spiky yellow flower heads add vertical drama. They bloom in cool weather, loving full sun and fertile soil.

I pinch young plants for bushier growth—kids love squeezing the “dragon mouths”! They’re annuals but can reseed in mild climates.

#18. Pansy

Pansies boast sunny yellow faces with dark whisker-like markings. These cool-season annuals thrive in partial shade and rich soil.

I plant them in fall or early spring for months of color. They’re edible, too, great for garnishing desserts!

#19. Iris

‘Golden Harvest’ irises have sword-like leaves and vivid yellow blooms. Their elegant, ruffled petals appear in late spring.

I grow them in full sun with well-drained soil—wet feet rot their rhizomes. They’re stunning in borders or near water features.

#20. Evening Primrose

Evening primrose unfurls lemon-yellow flowers at dusk, glowing under moonlight. This biennial loves sunny, dry spots and poor soil.

I’ve watched moths pollinate them at night, it’s magical! The roots and seeds are edible, too, if you’re adventurous.

#21. Cosmos

Cosmos sulphureus dazzles with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. These annuals grow tall and airy in full sun and average soil.

I let them self-seed for a wild, carefree look. They’re heat-tolerant and bloom until frost, perfect for low-effort beauty.

#22. Canna Lily

Canna lilies bring tropical flair with bold yellow blooms atop lush, paddle-like leaves. They thrive in full sun and moist, rich soil.

I’ve grown them near ponds or in pots, they’re dramatic! Dig up rhizomes in cold climates to overwinter.

#23. Nasturtium

Nasturtiums spill over with round, yellow flowers and lily-pad leaves. They love sun but tolerate poor soil.

I plant them in hanging baskets, everything’s edible, from peppery leaves to blooms. They’ll climb or trail, adding whimsy anywhere.

#24. Rose

‘Sunsprite’ roses glow with fragrant, buttery-yellow blooms. These floribundas thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.

I prune them in late winter for vigorous growth, they’re disease-resistant, too. Their scent fills my garden with joy all summer.

#25. Blanket Flower

Blanket flowers mix yellow and red in daisy-like blooms. They’re drought-tolerant perennials for sunny, sandy spots.

I deadhead them to extend flowering, they’re tough and cheerful. Native to prairies, they bring a wild vibe to any plot.

#26. Alyssum

Sweet alyssum’s tiny yellow flowers form fragrant carpets. This annual loves full sun and well-drained soil. I edge pathways with it, bees can’t resist! It blooms spring to frost if you trim it back midseason.

#27. Gladiolus

‘Yellowstone’ gladioli shoot up with spikes of sunny blooms. Plant corms in spring in full sun and fertile soil.

I stake them against wind, they’re tall and proud. Perfect for cutting, they add height and elegance to summer beds.

#28. Columbine

‘Yellow Queen’ columbines dangle bell-shaped flowers with long spurs. They bloom in spring in partial shade and moist soil.

I love their airy grace in woodland gardens, hummingbirds do, too. They self-seed gently, popping up unexpectedly.

#29. Dahlia

‘Yellow Star’ dahlias boast large, starry blooms in late summer. They need full sun, rich soil, and staking for their heavy heads. I dig up tubers in fall to store, worth the effort for their wow factor in borders or vases.

#30. Begonia

‘Nonstop Yellow’ begonias glow with double blooms all summer. They thrive in shade or filtered sun with moist, well-drained soil.

I grow them in pots, they’re tender perennials, so bring them indoors in winter. Their brightness is unstoppable!