Every award on this site is a computation over an open table, published here in full. If you disagree with a winner, you can point at the exact line and the exact weight, and so can we.
The principles
Six promises the formula keeps
Every one of them is checkable, because the rules and the table are both public.
Computed, not opined
A nomination is a set of criteria with weights that always sum to 100. Each criterion reads one field of the table, and nothing else.
Eligibility is a verdict
A full-sun flower is not scored for shade, a flower with no published vase trials is not ranked for the vase. Saying no is part of the method.
Unknown is never zero
When sources are silent, the flower gets a neutral score or is excused from the criterion, never quietly punished. Absence of evidence is not evidence of weakness.
The formula is public
Every weight and every rule is printed on this page, so any score can be recomputed by hand from the open table.
Stamps are generated
Award stamps on flower pages are produced by the nominations themselves. When the table changes, stamps re-score; hands never place them.
Sources are quoted
Every value in the table carries its source and a verbatim quote in the file: 4533 quotes across 85 flowers, university extensions first.
Anatomy of one score
The current shade winner, recomputed from the table every time this page is built.
Catmint
Best for shade87/ 100tap for the breakdown
How deep a shade it takes4 / 10full sun, part shade
Months in bloom23 / 305 months
Care while it grows25 / 25low
Copes with dry root-filled soil under trees20 / 20both: drought, sandy dry soil, shallow rocky, urban
Stands up to deer15 / 15A
The rulebook
Every protocol, in full
All 47 nominations with every criterion and every weight. Open any one to unfold it.
Best flowers for a shady yard 100 points across 5 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: rated full sun only: shade is not its habitat.
How deep a shade it takes10 pointsthrives even in full shade 10; part shade as its true home 7; prefers sun but accepts part shade 4 Read from: the light it is documented in.
Months in bloom30 pointseight or more months 30; six to seven 26; four to five 23; three 15; two 8; one 3; no bloom data 8 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows25 pointslow upkeep 25; middling 14; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 12 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Copes with dry root-filled soil under trees20 pointsshrugs off both drought and poor soil 20; drought only 15; poor soil only 10; neither documented 5; no data 8 Read from: stress tolerances.
Stands up to deer15 pointsRutgers A, rarely damaged 15; B 11; C 5; D, deer candy 0; not rated 7 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
Best flowers for full sun 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not documented as a full-sun plant.
Bloom season in the sun30 pointseight or more months 30; six to seven 26; four to five 23; three 15; two 8; one 3; no bloom data 8 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Thrives when the sun bites25 pointsdocumented for both drought and heat 25; drought only 19; heat only 12; neither 5; no data 9 Read from: stress tolerances.
Care while it grows25 pointslow upkeep 25; middling 14; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 12 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Pollinator draw20 pointsfeeds three or more pollinator groups 20; two 14; one 8; none documented 3 Read from: pollinator groups.
Best flowers for hanging baskets and window boxes 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: upright habit: nothing to spill over a basket rim; a woody shrub cannot live in a hanging basket.
Cascade habit35 pointstrue trailing habit 35; spreading 26; mounding 16 Read from: habit form.
Bloom you see at eye level30 pointseight or more months 30; six to seven 26; four to five 23; three 15; two 8; one 3; no bloom data 8 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Survives the daily basket dry-out15 pointsdocumented for both drought and heat 15; drought only 11; heat only 7; neither 3; no data 6 Read from: stress tolerances.
Care while it grows20 pointslow upkeep 20; middling 11; demanding 3; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 9 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Best flowers for pots in full sun 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not documented as container-suitable; not documented for full sun.
Sized for a patio pot25 pointstypical height under 40 cm 25; under 60 19; under 90 12; a big-tub plant 5 Read from: how tall it grows.
Survives heat bouncing off the patio25 pointsdocumented for both drought and heat 25; drought only 19; heat only 12; neither 5; no data 9 Read from: stress tolerances.
Keeps the pot in flower25 pointseight or more months 25; six to seven 22; four to five 19; three 12; two 6; one 3; no bloom data 6 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows25 pointslow upkeep 25; middling 14; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 12 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Best flowers for containers 100 points across 5 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not documented as container-suitable.
Sized for a patio pot30 pointstypical height under 40 cm 30; under 60 23; under 90 15; a big-tub plant 6 Read from: how tall it grows.
Keeps the pot in flower25 pointseight or more months 25; six to seven 22; four to five 19; three 12; two 6; one 3; no bloom data 6 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows20 pointslow upkeep 20; middling 10; demanding 2; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 8 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Built to spill or mound15 pointstrailing habit 15; spreading 10; mounding 8; strictly upright 4 Read from: habit form.
Survives the pot drying out10 pointsdocumented for both drought and heat 10; drought only 7; heat only 5; neither 2; no data 4 Read from: stress tolerances.
Best flowers for heavy clay soil 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: no extension source documents clay tolerance.
Takes compacted low-fertility ground30 pointspoor-soil tolerance documented 30; not documented 12 Read from: stress tolerances.
Bloom despite heavy ground30 pointseight or more months 30; six to seven 26; four to five 23; three 15; two 8; one 3; no bloom data 8 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Stands up to deer20 pointsRutgers A, rarely damaged 20; B 14; C 6; D, deer candy 0; not rated 9 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
Habitat value while it works20 pointsfeeds three or more pollinator groups 20; two 14; one 8; none documented 4 Read from: pollinator groups.
Best flowers for a seaside garden 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: neither salt nor sandy-soil tolerance documented.
Salt-spray tolerance40 pointssalt tolerance documented 40; only sandy-soil credentials 14 Read from: stress tolerances.
Sandy fast-draining soil25 pointsdocumented for sandy dry soil 25; not documented 10 Read from: stress tolerances.
Bloom through the season20 pointseight or more months 20; six to seven 18; four to five 15; three 9; two 4; one 2; no bloom data 4 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows15 pointslow upkeep 15; middling 8; demanding 2; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 6 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Best flowers for a rain garden 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: no documented tolerance of periodically wet soil.
Bloom between storms30 pointseight or more months 30; six to seven 26; four to five 23; three 15; two 8; one 3; no bloom data 8 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Habitat value of the basin25 pointsfeeds three or more pollinator groups 25; two 18; one 10; none documented 5 Read from: pollinator groups.
Care while it grows25 pointslow upkeep 25; middling 14; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 12 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Stands up to deer20 pointsRutgers A, rarely damaged 20; B 14; C 6; D, deer candy 0; not rated 9 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
Best flowers for a rock garden 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: no extension source documents shallow rocky-soil tolerance.
Lives on the dry side30 pointsthrives in dry soil 30; dry to medium soil 24; wants steady moisture 10; moist 3; wet 0; no data 12 Read from: how much water it wants.
Scaled to the stones25 pointstypical height under 30 cm 25; under 50 18; under 80 10; towers over the rocks 4 Read from: how tall it grows.
Bloom between the stones25 pointseight or more months 25; six to seven 22; four to five 19; three 12; two 6; one 3; no bloom data 6 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows20 pointslow upkeep 20; middling 11; demanding 3; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 9 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Best flowering shrubs for full sun 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not a woody shrub; not documented for full sun.
Weeks of flower on the wood30 pointseight or more months 30; six to seven 26; four to five 23; three 15; two 8; one 3; no bloom data 8 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Endures exposed full-sun ground25 pointsdocumented for both drought and heat 25; drought only 19; heat only 12; neither 5; no data 9 Read from: stress tolerances.
Pruning and upkeep load25 pointslow upkeep 25; middling 14; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 12 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Color show across cultivars20 pointsfive or more documented colors 20; three to four 14; two 8; single color 4; no data 8 Read from: flower color.
Best flowers for hot, humid summers 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: no extension source documents humidity tolerance.
Bloom through the swelter35 pointseight or more months 35; six to seven 31; four to five 27; three 17; two 9; one 4; no bloom data 9 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows30 pointslow upkeep 30; middling 17; demanding 5; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 15 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Reaches the Deep South20 pointsrated to zone 10 or beyond 20; zone 9 15; zone 8 9; cooler-only ratings 4 Read from: the zones it survives.
Stands up to deer15 pointsRutgers A, rarely damaged 15; B 11; C 5; D, deer candy 0; not rated 7 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
Best flowers to plant near a black walnut tree 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: no extension source documents juglone tolerance.
Handles the walnut's shade too25 pointstakes full shade 25; part shade 18; needs the sun a walnut steals 8 Read from: the light it is documented in.
Bloom under a hostile tree30 pointseight or more months 30; six to seven 26; four to five 23; three 15; two 8; one 3; no bloom data 8 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows25 pointslow upkeep 25; middling 14; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 12 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Stands up to deer20 pointsRutgers A, rarely damaged 20; B 14; C 6; D, deer candy 0; not rated 9 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
Best flowers for a moon garden 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: no documented white cultivars: the moon garden's one rule; no documented fragrance: scent is half the moon garden.
Scent that carries at dusk35 pointsroom-filling scent 35; noticeable up close 25; light 14 Read from: how strong the scent is on record.
Evenings per year it performs25 pointseight or more months 25; six to seven 22; four to five 19; three 12; two 6; one 3; no bloom data 6 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows20 pointslow upkeep 20; middling 11; demanding 3; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 9 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Deer walk gardens at night too20 pointsRutgers A, rarely damaged 20; B 14; C 6; D, deer candy 0; not rated 9 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
Best flowers for tough city conditions 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: no extension source documents urban tolerance.
Shrugs off road salt25 pointssalt tolerance documented 25; not documented 10 Read from: stress tolerances.
Takes pavement heat20 pointsheat tolerance documented 20; not documented 8 Read from: stress tolerances.
Bloom over the sidewalk30 pointseight or more months 30; six to seven 26; four to five 23; three 15; two 8; one 3; no bloom data 8 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows25 pointslow upkeep 25; middling 14; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 12 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Best flowering houseplants for a winter windowsill 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not a true year-round houseplant; no documented flowering through the winter months.
Share of winter spent in flower35 pointsin flower all four winter months 35; three 29; two 21; one 12; winter bloom arrives only via the trade 6 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care through the dark months30 pointslow upkeep 30; middling 17; demanding 5; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 15 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Safe on a windowsill cats can reach20 pointslisted non-toxic 20; never evaluated 10; toxic 3 Read from: the ASPCA toxicity listing.
Fragrance15 pointsroom-filling scent 15; noticeable up close 11; light 6; documented scentless 4; sources silent 5 Read from: how strong the scent is on record.
Best deer-resistant flowers 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: Rutgers rates it C or D: deer damage is documented, it cannot lead a deer-resistance list.
Rutgers deer-resistance rating40 pointsA, rarely damaged 40; B, seldom damaged 26 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
Keeps the show going25 pointseight or more months 25; six to seven 22; four to five 19; three 12; two 6; one 3; no bloom data 6 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows20 pointslow upkeep 20; middling 11; demanding 3; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 9 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Thrives on rough deer-country edges15 pointsshrugs off both drought and poor soil 15; drought only 11; poor soil only 7; neither documented 3; no data 6 Read from: stress tolerances.
Best flowers for hummingbirds 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not documented as a hummingbird plant.
Nectar season length35 pointseight or more months 35; six to seven 31; four to five 27; three 17; two 9; one 4; no bloom data 9 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Keeps nectar coming through summer heat25 pointsdocumented for both drought and heat 25; drought only 19; heat only 12; neither 5; no data 9 Read from: stress tolerances.
Care while it grows20 pointslow upkeep 20; middling 11; demanding 3; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 9 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Feeds the fall migration20 pointsstill blooming in September when migrants head south 20; done earlier 0 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Best flowers for bees 100 points across 5 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: no whitelisted source documents bee visits.
Hosts specialized native bees10 pointsdocumented host of specialized native bees 10; general bee plant 4 Read from: pollinator groups.
Season-long nectar35 pointseight or more months 35; six to seven 31; four to five 27; three 17; two 9; one 4; no bloom data 9 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows20 pointslow upkeep 20; middling 11; demanding 3; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 9 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Holds rough pollinator-strip ground25 pointsshrugs off both drought and poor soil 25; drought only 19; poor soil only 12; neither documented 6; no data 10 Read from: stress tolerances.
A pollinator strip deer walk past10 pointsRutgers A, rarely damaged 10; B 7; C 3; D, deer candy 0; not rated 5 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
Best flowers to attract butterflies 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: no whitelisted source documents butterfly visits.
Nectar through the flight season30 pointseight or more months 30; six to seven 26; four to five 23; three 15; two 8; one 4; no bloom data 8 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Breadth of the wildlife table25 pointsfeeds four or more pollinator groups 25; three 19; two 12; butterflies alone 8 Read from: pollinator groups.
Keeps nectar coming through hot spells25 pointsdocumented for both drought and heat 25; drought only 18; heat only 12; neither 6; no data 10 Read from: stress tolerances.
Care while it grows20 pointslow upkeep 20; middling 11; demanding 3; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 9 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Deer-resistant shade flowers for zone 4 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: needs more light than a shade bed offers; not rated hardy to zone 4; Rutgers rates it C or D: documented deer damage.
Rutgers deer-resistance rating40 pointsA, rarely damaged 40; B, seldom damaged 27 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
How deep a shade it takes10 pointsthrives even in full shade 10; part shade as its true home 7; prefers sun but accepts part shade 4 Read from: the light it is documented in.
Months in bloom25 pointseight or more months 25; six to seven 22; four to five 19; three 12; two 6; one 3; no bloom data 6 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows25 pointslow upkeep 25; middling 14; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 12 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Best flowers for a songbird garden 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: no whitelisted source documents songbird value.
Buffet open into fall30 pointsflowers and seed heads through all of August-October 30; two of those months 22; one 12; done before the migration 5 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Breadth of the wildlife table25 pointsfeeds four or more wildlife groups 25; three 18; two 10; songbirds alone 6 Read from: pollinator groups.
Care while it grows25 pointslow upkeep 25; middling 14; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 12 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Stands up to deer20 pointsRutgers A, rarely damaged 20; B 14; C 6; D, deer candy 0; not rated 9 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
Best cat-safe flowers for homes and gardens 100 points across 6 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: never evaluated as non-toxic to cats by ASPCA: safety cannot be assumed.
Beauty season it gives back30 pointseight or more months 30; six to seven 26; four to five 23; three 15; two 8; one 3; no bloom data 8 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows20 pointslow upkeep 20; middling 12; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 10 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Lives where the cat lives15 pointstrue flowering houseplant 15; temporary indoor bloom 11; garden plant only 6; no data 8 Read from: indoor viability.
Garden toughness15 pointsshrugs off both drought and poor soil 15; drought only 11; poor soil only 7; neither documented 3; no data 6 Read from: stress tolerances.
Color choice for the catalog shopper10 pointsfive or more documented colors 10; three to four 7; two 4; single color 2; no data 4 Read from: flower color.
Fragrance10 pointsroom-filling scent 10; noticeable up close 8; light 5; documented scentless 3; sources silent 4 Read from: how strong the scent is on record.
Flowers to keep away from cats 100 points across 3 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not on the ASPCA toxic list (non-toxic, or never evaluated).
Severity of the reaction70 pointscan kill a cat 70; serious systemic reaction 40; mild digestive upset 10 Read from: the ASPCA toxicity listing.
Arrives as a cut flower18 pointssold in most shops bouquet flower 18; sold by specialist growers 12; garden cut 7; rarely arrives cut 3 Read from: whether it is grown as a cut flower.
Lives in the room year round12 pointslives indoors year-round 12; temporary indoor bloom 9; outdoor plant 4 Read from: indoor viability.
Best dog-safe flowers for homes and gardens 100 points across 6 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: never evaluated as non-toxic to dogs by ASPCA: safety cannot be assumed.
Beauty season it gives back30 pointseight or more months 30; six to seven 26; four to five 23; three 15; two 8; one 3; no bloom data 8 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows20 pointslow upkeep 20; middling 12; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 10 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Tough enough for the dog's yard15 pointsshrugs off both drought and poor soil 15; drought only 11; poor soil only 7; neither documented 3; no data 6 Read from: stress tolerances.
Lives where the dog lives15 pointslives indoors year-round 15; temporary indoor bloom 11; garden and yard plant 8 Read from: indoor viability.
Color choice for the catalog shopper10 pointsfive or more documented colors 10; three to four 7; two 4; single color 2; no data 4 Read from: flower color.
Fragrance10 pointsroom-filling scent 10; noticeable up close 8; light 5; documented scentless 3; sources silent 4 Read from: how strong the scent is on record.
Horse-safe flowers for pastures and fence lines 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: never evaluated as non-toxic to horses by ASPCA: safety cannot be assumed.
Lives on pasture terms30 pointsshrugs off both drought and poor soil 30; drought only 23; poor soil only 15; neither documented 7; no data 12 Read from: stress tolerances.
Comes back without replanting20 pointsperennial 20; shrub 16; bulb 12; annual you must resow 8 Read from: whether it returns on its own.
Cold it is proven to survive25 pointsproven to zone 3 25; zone 4 20; zone 5 14; milder only 7 Read from: the zones it survives.
Color along the fence25 pointseight or more months 25; six to seven 22; four to five 19; three 12; two 6; one 3; no bloom data 6 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Best flowers safe for homes with both cats and dogs 100 points across 5 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: never evaluated non-toxic for cats; never evaluated non-toxic for dogs.
Beauty season it gives back30 pointseight or more months 30; six to seven 26; four to five 23; three 15; two 8; one 3; no bloom data 8 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows25 pointslow upkeep 25; middling 14; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 12 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Lives where the pets live15 pointslives indoors year-round 15; temporary indoor bloom 11; garden and yard plant 8 Read from: indoor viability.
Garden toughness15 pointsshrugs off both drought and poor soil 15; drought only 11; poor soil only 7; neither documented 3; no data 6 Read from: stress tolerances.
Palette to choose from15 pointsfive or more documented colors 15; three to four 11; two 6; single color 3; no data 6 Read from: flower color.
Best low-allergy flowers for hay fever sufferers 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: rated high airborne-pollen risk.
Documented allergy tier30 pointslow airborne-pollen tier 30; moderate tier 10 Read from: allergy risk.
Scent as a second trigger30 pointsdocumented scentless 30; light 21; moderate 12; strong scent, a known trigger 2; sources silent 10 Read from: how strong the scent is on record.
Beauty season it gives back20 pointseight or more months 20; six to seven 18; four to five 15; three 10; two 5; one 2; no bloom data 5 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows20 pointslow upkeep 20; middling 12; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 10 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Easiest flowers to grow for beginners 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: rated high maintenance by source data: not beginner-friendly regardless of popularity.
How little skill it demands40 pointslow upkeep 40; middling 23; demanding 7; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 21 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Forgives beginner mistakes25 pointsshrugs off both drought and poor soil 25; drought only 18; poor soil only 12; neither documented 6; no data 10 Read from: stress tolerances.
Shows results long enough to keep you hooked25 pointseight or more months 25; six to seven 22; four to five 19; three 13; two 7; one 3; no bloom data 7 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Survives the neighborhood deer10 pointsRutgers A, rarely damaged 10; B 7; C 3; D, deer candy 0; not rated 5 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
Best low-maintenance perennials 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: annual or woody shrub: this list is herbaceous perennials and bulbs.
Documented maintenance load40 pointslow upkeep 40; middling 22; demanding 6; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 20 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Handles neglect at the edges25 pointsshrugs off both drought and poor soil 25; drought only 19; poor soil only 12; neither documented 6; no data 10 Read from: stress tolerances.
Stands up to deer15 pointsRutgers A, rarely damaged 15; B 11; C 5; D, deer candy 0; not rated 7 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
Payoff window20 pointsfour or more months of bloom 20; two to three 13; one 5 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Flowers that bloom all summer long 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: does not bloom through June; does not bloom through July; does not bloom through August.
Months of the growing season in bloom50 pointsin flower all six months May through October 50; five 42; four 34; the three core summer months 25 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Carries into October15 pointsstill going in October 15; finished earlier 0 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Upkeep through the marathon20 pointslow upkeep 20; middling 11; demanding 3; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 9 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Documented heat proof15 pointsheat tolerance documented 15; not documented 6 Read from: stress tolerances.
Best cold-hardy flowers for zones 3 and 4 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: an annual cannot be cold-hardy: it dies everywhere by winter; not rated hardy to zone 4.
Deep-cold reach40 pointsproven to zone 2 40; zone 3 34; zone 4 26 Read from: the zones it survives.
Bloom packed into a short season25 pointseight or more months 25; six to seven 22; four to five 19; three 12; two 6; one 3; no bloom data 6 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows20 pointslow upkeep 20; middling 11; demanding 3; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 9 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Takes rough northern ground15 pointsshrugs off both drought and poor soil 15; drought only 11; poor soil only 7; neither documented 3; no data 6 Read from: stress tolerances.
Best drought-tolerant flowers for full sun 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not a full-sun plant; no extension source documents drought tolerance.
Takes hungry dry ground too30 pointsdocumented for both sandy and poor rocky soil 30; sandy only 22; poor rocky only 14; neither 7; no data 12 Read from: stress tolerances.
Care while it grows25 pointslow upkeep 25; middling 14; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 12 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Bloom on rationed water35 pointseight or more months 35; six to seven 31; four to five 27; three 17; two 9; one 4; no bloom data 9 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Dry gardens are deer country10 pointsRutgers A, rarely damaged 10; B 7; C 3; D, deer candy 0; not rated 5 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
Most fragrant flowers for the garden 100 points across 5 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: no more than light fragrance on record: cannot rank among the most fragrant.
Scent intensity on record40 pointsroom-filling, documented strong 40; clearly noticeable, moderate 26 Read from: how strong the scent is on record.
Months the scent is in the garden20 pointseight or more months 20; six to seven 18; four to five 15; three 10; two 5; one 2; no bloom data 5 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Scent you can cut and bring in15 pointssold in most shops cut 15; sold by specialist growers 11; garden cut 8; not grown for cutting 3 Read from: whether it is grown as a cut flower.
Care while it grows15 pointslow upkeep 15; middling 8; demanding 2; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 6 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Indoor fallback for winter10 pointslives indoors year-round 10; temporary indoor bloom 6; outdoor only 3 Read from: indoor viability.
Best flowers to start from seed indoors 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: no extension source documents growing it from seed.
Blooms the same year you sow30 pointsan annual that flowers the year it is sown 30; perennials that make you wait a season 12 Read from: whether it returns on its own.
Forgives a rookie seed-starter25 pointslow upkeep 25; middling 14; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 12 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Months of payoff per packet25 pointseight or more months 25; six to seven 22; four to five 19; three 12; two 6; one 3; no bloom data 6 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Takes imperfect garden soil after transplant20 pointsshrugs off both drought and poor soil 20; drought only 15; poor soil only 10; neither documented 5; no data 8 Read from: stress tolerances.
Best fall-planted bulbs for spring bloom 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not a bulb; does not bloom in spring; not hardy enough to overwinter in the ground.
Spring months it fills30 pointsblooms across all three spring months 30; two 22; one 12 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Survives deer and squirrel country25 pointsRutgers A, rarely damaged 25; B 18; C 8; D, deer candy 0; not rated 11 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
Cold it is proven to survive25 pointsproven to zone 3 25; zone 4 20; zone 5 14; milder only 7 Read from: the zones it survives.
Plant-and-forget upkeep20 pointslow upkeep 20; middling 11; demanding 3; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 9 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Best bulbs to force for winter bloom 100 points across 3 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not a bulb; no documented indoor bloom.
Winter window it can fill indoors35 pointsavailable in bloom across all four winter months 35; three 28; two 20; one 12; window unproven 5; no window data 10 Read from: florist availability months.
Forcing without a manual35 pointslow upkeep 35; middling 20; demanding 6; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 18 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Scent on the windowsill30 pointsroom-filling scent 30; noticeable up close 22; light 13; documented scentless 6; sources silent 10 Read from: how strong the scent is on record.
Best fall-blooming flowers 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: no documented bloom in September, October or November.
Share of fall it covers35 pointsblooms across all three fall months 35; two 26; one 15 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Care while it grows25 pointslow upkeep 25; middling 14; demanding 4; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 12 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Fall deer are the hungriest20 pointsRutgers A, rarely damaged 20; B 14; C 6; D, deer candy 0; not rated 9 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
Feeds the late pollinators20 pointsfeeds three or more pollinator groups 20; two 14; one 8; none documented 4 Read from: pollinator groups.
Longest-lasting cut flowers for a vase 100 points across 3 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not documented as a cut flower.
Guaranteed vase-life floor45 pointsworst documented case still two weeks 45; ten days 34; a week 22; four days 11; under four 4; no published vase data means no rank here Read from: days it holds in plain water.
Peak vase-life potential35 pointsbest case three weeks or more 35; two weeks 26; ten days 17; a week 9; under a week 4 Read from: days it holds in plain water.
Bred to survive the supply chain20 pointssold in most shops cut crop 20; sold by specialist growers 14; garden-cut only 8 Read from: whether it is grown as a cut flower.
Best flowers for a cutting garden 100 points across 5 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not documented as a cut flower.
Cut-flower pedigree20 pointssold in most shops crop 20; sold by specialist growers 16; garden-cut tradition 10 Read from: whether it is grown as a cut flower.
Vase life once cut20 pointstypically ten days or more 20; a week 16; four days 10; less 6; no data 8 Read from: days it holds in plain water.
Length of the cutting window20 pointssix or more months to cut from 20; four to five 15; two to three 10; one 5 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Palette for mixed bouquets20 pointsfive or more documented colors 20; three to four 15; two 8; single color 4; no data 8 Read from: flower color.
Deer pressure on the cutting patch20 pointsRutgers A, rarely damaged 20; B 14; C 7; D, deer candy 1; not rated 8 Read from: the Rutgers deer rating.
Best flowers for a wedding 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not documented as a cut flower.
Holds from ceremony through the week35 pointstypical vase life two weeks 35; ten days 28; a week 19; four days 10; less 5; no published vase data means no rank here Read from: days it holds in plain water.
Available when your date is30 pointsflorists can source it year round 30; nine to eleven months 24; six to eight 16; five or fewer 7; window not yet verified 12 Read from: florist availability months.
Fragrance for the aisle15 pointsroom-filling 15; noticeable up close 11; light 6; scentless 3; sources silent 5 Read from: how strong the scent is on record.
Safe to have around guests20 pointslisted non-toxic 20; never evaluated 12; toxic 3 Read from: the ASPCA toxicity listing.
Best winter flowering gifts 100 points across 5 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: outdoor-only plant: cannot be kept or given as a blooming indoor gift; not available in bloom in November, December or January.
Winter is its own season35 pointsblooms itself through all three winter months 35; two of them 26; one 16; reaches winter shelves only through forcing or the greenhouse trade 8 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Lives on after the holidays20 pointskeeps going as a true flowering houseplant 20; one-season gift pot 14 Read from: indoor viability.
Safe under the tree20 pointslisted non-toxic 20; never evaluated 10; toxic 3 Read from: the ASPCA toxicity listing.
Care while it blooms15 pointslow upkeep 15; middling 9; demanding 3; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 7 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Scent as part of the gift10 pointsroom-filling scent 10; noticeable up close 8; light 5; documented scentless 4; sources silent 3 Read from: how strong the scent is on record.
Best flowers for Valentine's Day 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not documented as a cut flower.
Reads as romance across the room30 pointscarries red 30 or pink 24, the colors the holiday runs on; other palettes 7 Read from: flower color.
Survives the week after the date30 pointstypical vase life two weeks 30; ten days 24; a week 16; four days 8; less 4; no published vase data means no rank here Read from: days it holds in plain water.
In the shops in February25 pointsdocumented florist availability in February 25; winter window unproven 5; no window data 10 Read from: florist availability months.
Scent that carries the message15 pointsroom-filling scent 15; noticeable up close 11; light 6; documented scentless 3; sources silent 5 Read from: how strong the scent is on record.
Best flowers for Mother's Day 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not documented as a cut flower.
In the shops for the May weekend30 pointsdocumented florist availability in May 30; May window unproven 6; no window data 12 Read from: florist availability months.
Still fresh the following week35 pointstypical vase life two weeks 35; ten days 28; a week 19; four days 10; less 5; no published vase data means no rank here Read from: days it holds in plain water.
Fragrance20 pointsroom-filling scent 20; noticeable up close 15; light 9; documented scentless 4; sources silent 7 Read from: how strong the scent is on record.
Safe around grandchildren15 pointslisted non-toxic 15; never evaluated 9; toxic 3 Read from: the ASPCA toxicity listing.
Best flowers for a birthday 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not documented as a cut flower.
Available whatever the birth month35 pointsflorists can source it year round 35; nine to eleven months 28; six to eight 19; five or fewer 8; window not yet verified 14 Read from: florist availability months.
Holds in the vase35 pointstypical vase life two weeks 35; ten days 28; a week 19; four days 10; less 5; no published vase data means no rank here Read from: days it holds in plain water.
Fragrance20 pointsroom-filling scent 20; noticeable up close 15; light 9; documented scentless 4; sources silent 7 Read from: how strong the scent is on record.
Safe at a family table10 pointslisted non-toxic 10; never evaluated 6; toxic 2 Read from: the ASPCA toxicity listing.
Best housewarming plant gifts 100 points across 5 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not a lives indoors year-round: a housewarming gift has to move in for good.
Easy for busy new homeowners30 pointslow upkeep 30; middling 17; demanding 5; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 15 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Flowers, not just leaves30 pointseight or more months 30; six to seven 26; four to five 23; three 15; two 8; one 3; no bloom data 8 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Safe if a cat moves in too15 pointslisted non-toxic 15; never evaluated 8; toxic 2 Read from: the ASPCA toxicity listing.
Safe if a dog moves in too15 pointslisted non-toxic 15; never evaluated 8; toxic 2 Read from: the ASPCA toxicity listing.
Fragrance10 pointsroom-filling scent 10; noticeable up close 8; light 5; documented scentless 3; sources silent 4 Read from: how strong the scent is on record.
Best sympathy and funeral flowers 100 points across 3 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: not documented as a cut flower.
Holds through the services45 pointstypical vase life two weeks 45; ten days 34; a week 22; four days 11; less 5; no published vase data means no rank here Read from: days it holds in plain water.
Sourceable on short notice30 pointsflorists can source it year round 30; nine to eleven months 24; six to eight 16; five or fewer 7; window not yet verified 12 Read from: florist availability months.
Scent kept respectful25 pointslight scent 25; scentless 20; noticeable 15; room-filling, too much for a closed room 5; sources silent 12 Read from: how strong the scent is on record.
Best flowers to give a teacher 100 points across 4 criteria
Excluded from this ranking: cannot live on a classroom windowsill.
Survives a teacher's schedule35 pointslow upkeep 35; middling 20; demanding 6; sources disagree, we average the range; no rating 18 Read from: how much upkeep extension guides report.
Fits a windowsill20 pointstypical height under 40 cm 20; under 60 15; under 90 9; too big for a sill 4 Read from: how tall it grows.
Weeks of flower for the classroom25 pointseight or more months 25; six to seven 22; four to five 19; three 12; two 6; one 3; no bloom data 6 Read from: the months it is in bloom.
Safe in a room of children20 pointslisted non-toxic 20; never evaluated 12; toxic 3 Read from: the ASPCA toxicity listing.
Limits
Where these rankings stop
Pets and poison
The pet rankings report what the ASPCA lists and what university extensions publish. That is not veterinary advice, and no plant list is ever complete. If an animal may have chewed any plant, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 rather than waiting for symptoms.
What a score is not
A score answers one question for one job. It says nothing about how a flower will look in your yard, what it costs at your florist, or whether you will love it. Two flowers within a point or two are, for practical purposes, the same answer.
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