5 Flowers to Plant in Spring for Instant Color

1. Calibrachoa Hybrids (perennial in zones 8, 9, 14–24; annual elsewhere). Tougher than petunias, smaller flowers last longer and self-clean. MiniFamous series includes first doubles; Superbells are heat-resistant with large flowers ('Tequila Sunrise': orange streaked yellow). Use trailing types in hanging baskets, mounding as bedding (8–10 in apart). Pair Trailing Light Blue or cherry red Superbells with 'Palace Purple' heuchera or purple Ipomoea batatas 'Ace of Spades' in large pots.

2. New Guinea Impatiens Hybrids (perennial in zones 24, H1, H2; annual elsewhere). Need sun to bloom—morning sun, light afternoon shade (full sun at coast). Ample water, regular feeding from 3 weeks after planting. Pure Beauty series: solid colors, 18–24 in mounds. Celebration series: 3-inch flowers, trailing for baskets. Pair in pots with colorful foliage like Iresine herbstii 'Blazin' Rose'.

3. Salvia splendens (perennial in zones 21–24, H2; annual elsewhere). Full sun in mild summers; partial shade in hot summers for longer bloom. Moderate water, occasional feeding. Picante series: 15 in high, huge spikes in red/salmon/wine. 'Van Houttei': 3–4 ft, maroon-scarlet flowers. Mix colors for zing; bed under high-branched trees.

4. Twinspur (Diascia barberae) (perennial in zones 1–10, 14–24, H1; annual in colder zones). Full sun or afternoon shade in hot summers. Regular water, feed at planting and summer's end. Shear after each bloom cycle. 'Denim' (Sun Chimes series): deep blue with pink wash, 10 in stems, twin spurs attract bees. Mass in beds or pair with roses in 22-in containers—same conditions, complementary colors.

5. Zinnia elegans (annual all zones). Full sun, good air circulation. Regular feeding, deadhead for rebloom. Easy from seed; protect from snails/slugs. 'Zowie!': intricate flame-colored flowers, 2½–3 ft, not a series. Magellan series: 12–14 in, red/pink/white/yellow/orange. Space 18 in apart; mass in pots or trio with trailing blue scaevola.