Garden enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting array of new annual flowers debuting in the 2026 growing season. Among the standout selections are two vibrant mandeilla vines, a striking caladium with dark leaves, and a resilient white zinnia that promises to bloom throughout the summer, even in intense heat. These selections were curated by growers, local garden centers, and plant experts for PennLive’s annual best new plants series, which provides valuable insight as gardeners prepare for the upcoming planting season.
Annual flowers, known for their one-year lifespan, are typically replanted each spring. In contrast, perennials return year after year. The latest offerings will be available in seed and plant forms online and in various catalogs, with local garden centers expected to showcase them from late April to early May.
Highlights from the 2026 Selections
One of the most eye-catching new varieties, the Sun Parasol FiredUp Orange, captivated visitors at Penn State’s Trial Gardens last summer. This compact mandevilla features large, pinwheel-style flowers in a striking neon orange hue. It was awarded the People’s Choice Award during last July’s Trial Gardens Open House, a testament to its appeal. The plant reaches about two feet tall and thrives in full sun to partial shade, blooming consistently throughout the summer.
Another notable introduction from Suntory Flowers is the FiredUp Coral, which showcases vibrant neon-pink flowers. Both varieties are praised for their stunning colors and summer-long blooms.
The Crème Brulee caladium, part of a new collection from Proven Winners, offers creamy white leaves with pink-bronze margins, making it a visually appealing choice for shaded areas. In contrast, the Midnight Oil variety features nearly charcoal-black leaves, providing a dramatic look in full sun or shade. This caladium has already received recognition with a Garden Center Group Retailer’s Choice Award.
Among the new annuals, the Nirvana XDR ‘Blackberry’ vinca stands out for its dark purple petals and robust performance throughout the growing season. This variety is particularly resistant to root-rot diseases and thrives in high summer heat, reaching heights of 14 to 18 inches.
Monrovia Nursery’s Strawberry Lemonade mandevilla is another exciting addition, boasting bright pink flowers with yellow centers against variegated green foliage. This climber can grow up to eight feet tall, making it an excellent choice for trellises and vertical gardens.
New Zinnias and Other Award-Winning Varieties
The Profusion Double White Improved zinnia has garnered attention for its remarkable blooming ability, earning a 2026 Gold Medal from All-America Selections. This compact variety produces large, three-inch double flowers that resist powdery mildew and thrive without the need for deadheading. Its impressive bloom power and uniformity were highlighted by judges, making it a must-have for summer gardens.
Another award-winning flower, the Claire Orange rudbeckia, delivers summer-long gold-orange blooms with dark centers. This compact plant is heat-tolerant and disease-resistant, growing to about 12 inches tall and thriving in full sun. The Pawnee Spirit variety is similar but larger, typically reaching 15 to 20 inches in height, and is known for its large, striking flowers that attract pollinators.
The Cherie dahlias series from Danziger, recognized with the Editor’s Choice Award by Greenhouse Grower magazine, features a range of vibrant colors and compact growth habits. Notably, the Black Forest Ruby dahlia has gained popularity for its stunning red flowers against dark foliage, while the PinkBurst dahlia from Selecta One showcases a beautiful anemone flower pattern that has impressed judges in various trials.
Additionally, Costa Farms is introducing the Flora hibiscus, which boasts exceptionally large white flowers with pink edges, making it a standout choice for summer gardens. With a longer bloom duration than typical hibiscus varieties, Flora promises to be a favorite among gardeners.
As the gardening community prepares for the 2026 season, these new introductions offer exciting options for enhancing outdoor spaces. From vibrant mandevillas to resilient zinnias and striking dahlias, the latest annual flowers present an opportunity to create stunning displays that thrive in various conditions. Gardeners are encouraged to explore these selections and consider incorporating them into their planting plans for a vibrant and colorful garden experience.
