As gardeners begin planning for the 2026 growing season, a selection of new annual flowers has emerged, promising vibrant colors and unique features. Among the highlights are two striking mandevilla vines, a caladium with striking black leaves, and a resilient white zinnia that thrives in summer heat. These new arrivals were chosen by growers and plant experts for the annual best-new-plants series presented by PennLive, a key resource for gardening enthusiasts.
The annuals showcased in this series will be available for planting in local garden centers starting in late April to early May. Some options can already be found in seed or plant form online and in various plant catalogs. This is an ideal time for gardeners to strategize their plant selections for the upcoming season.
Key New Varieties to Watch
One standout from last summer’s trials at Penn State’s Trial Gardens was the compact mandevilla known as Sun Parasol FiredUp Orange. This vigorous vining plant captivated attendees at the Trial Gardens Open House, winning the People’s Choice Award. With its large pinwheel-style flowers in a bright, neon orange hue, FiredUp Orange grows approximately two feet tall and flourishes in both full sun and partial shade. Cal DuBrock, a Dauphin County Master Gardener, also praised its counterpart, FiredUp Coral, which boasts a vibrant neon-pink bloom.
Caladiums, celebrated for their large, colorful heart-shaped leaves, include two new varieties from Proven Winners. Crème Brulee features creamy white leaves accented by pinky-bronze margins, thriving best in shady spots. Meanwhile, Midnight Oil showcases nearly charcoal-black leaves that shimmer in full sun, earning it a Garden Center Group Retailer’s Choice Award for its striking appearance. Both varieties grow to about 14 inches tall and can be dug up for winter storage, allowing for multiple growing seasons.
Among the favorites highlighted by Krystal Snyder, interim director at Penn State’s Trial Gardens, is Nirvana XDR ‘Blackberry’, a vinca praised for its dark purple petals and impressive performance throughout the season. Its lighter rosy-pink center adds a touch of elegance, and its resistance to root-rot disease makes it a practical choice for gardeners. This vinca variety grows between 14 and 18 inches tall and spreads about one foot wide, thriving in sunny conditions.
Another new mandevilla to consider is Strawberry Lemonade, favored by Katie Tamony, chief marketing officer at Monrovia Nursery. This variety features bright pink flowers with sunny yellow centers and unique variegated foliage. Capable of climbing up to eight feet in a single season, it flourishes in full sun to partial shade.
Impressive Zinnias and Other Highlights
The Profusion Double White Improved zinnia, a new double-petaled addition to the popular Profusion series, has received accolades from judges at national trials, earning a 2026 Gold Medal from All-America Selections. This resilient zinnia produces large, three-inch double flowers that bloom all summer long without the need for deadheading. Compact at 14 inches tall, it thrives in full sun and is resistant to powdery mildew, a common issue with older zinnia varieties.
Additionally, the new Claire Orange rudbeckia has impressed judges with its compact growth and vibrant gold-orange blooms. With a height of around 12 inches, it flourishes in full sun and is both heat-tolerant and disease-resistant. Another noteworthy variety, Pawnee Spirit, reaches heights of 15 to 20 inches and attracts pollinators, making it suitable for borders or pots.
Dahlias also feature prominently in the 2026 lineup, with Danziger’s new Cherie dahlias series recognized for their compact growth and vibrant double-petaled flowers. Among these, Black Forest Ruby stands out with its striking red flowers against dark leaves. This variety not only won a 2025 AAS award but also boasts disease, heat, and drought resistance, growing to about two feet tall.
In the realm of tropical plants, Costa Farms introduces Flora, a new white-blooming hibiscus with exceptionally large flowers. These pink-rimmed blooms last longer than typical hibiscus varieties, offering a unique charm for garden enthusiasts.
Sakata Ornamentals adds to its popular Flamma series with the introduction of Flamma Golden, a compact celosia that produces striking orange-gold flower spikes. Joan Brandt, a Master Gardener, highlighted its impressive flower size and color, noting its resilience against pests and preference for full sun.
As the gardening season approaches, these new annual flowers promise to bring vibrant colors and delightful features to gardens across various climates. Enthusiasts should consider incorporating these innovative varieties into their plans for a flourishing 2026 garden.
