The upcoming 2026 gardening season will introduce an exciting array of new annual flowers, featuring striking colors and unique varieties. Among the standout selections are two vibrant mandevilla vines, a caladium with striking black foliage, and a bright white zinnia that promises to bloom throughout the summer, even in high heat. These new introductions were chosen by growers, local garden centers, and plant experts for the annual best-new-plants series by PennLive. This series serves as a helpful guide for gardeners looking to plan their planting for the year ahead.
Annual flowers are unique in that they complete their lifecycle within a single growing season, necessitating replanting each spring. The latest selections will be available in seed or plant form online and in garden center catalogs, with many varieties set to debut in local garden centers starting from late April to early May.
Highlighted Varieties for 2026
One of the most eye-catching new additions is the compact mandevilla known as Sun Parasol FiredUp Orange. This variety garnered the People’s Choice Award at the Penn State Trial Gardens Open House in July 2025. Its striking neon orange pinwheel-style flowers are complemented by its growth of around two feet, making it ideal for trellising. Another impressive variety from the same series is FiredUp Coral, which features vibrant neon-pink blooms. Both varieties are suited for full sun to partial shade.
The Proven Winners also introduces two notable caladiums: Crème Brulee and Midnight Oil. Crème Brulee showcases creamy white leaves adorned with pink bronze edges, thriving best in shaded environments. In contrast, Midnight Oil is characterized by its compact, strap-like leaves that exhibit a striking charcoal-black hue in full sun, earning accolades for its unique appearance.
The Nirvana XDR ‘Blackberry’ vinca from Syngenta Flowers has emerged as a favorite among experts. Its dark purple petals, accentuated by a rosy-pink ring, provide a striking visual interest and resilience against root-rot disease. This variety can grow between 14 to 18 inches tall and is particularly hardy in hot summer conditions.
Another exciting introduction is Strawberry Lemonade, a variegated-leaf mandevilla praised for its bright pink flowers against a backdrop of cream-edged green foliage. This variety can reach heights of up to eight feet and blooms continuously throughout the summer.
Noteworthy Awards and Recognitions
The Profusion Double White Improved zinnia has also made waves, winning a prestigious 2026 Gold Medal from All-America Selections. This variety features large, three-inch double flowers that bloom all summer long, even under the hottest conditions. Judges praised its uniformity and striking presentation, stating, “They were like a carpet, very even, with very white blooms.”
Another standout is Claire Orange, a compact black-eyed Susan recognized for its summer-long gold-orange blooms. This variety is both heat-tolerant and disease-resistant, performing best in full sun. Its taller counterpart, Pawnee Spirit, offers large flowers and has been identified as great for borders or container gardening.
The Cherie dahlias series from Danziger received the Editor’s Choice Award from Greenhouse Grower magazine. With a range of striking colors and robust blooming characteristics, these dahlias are expected to continue their popularity in gardens.
As gardeners prepare for the new season, these innovative annual flowers provide an excellent opportunity to enhance their outdoor spaces with vibrant colors and unique varieties. The selection process and detailed evaluations from various experts underscore the potential of these plants to thrive in diverse garden environments, promising a visually stunning 2026 gardening experience.
