Gardeners can look forward to an exciting array of new annual flowers debuting in the 2026 growing season. Among the standout selections are two vibrant mandevilla vines, a striking caladium with deep black leaves, and a resilient zinnia that thrives even in high summer heat. These new additions were highlighted by experts from local garden centers and growers as part of PennLive’s annual best-new-plants series, which serves as a guide for enthusiasts planning their gardens.
The list of new annual flowers is particularly relevant now, as many gardeners begin to strategize their planting for the upcoming spring. Some varieties are already available in seed form or as young plants through various online retailers and plant catalogs, while others will be arriving in local garden centers from late April to early May.
Highlighted New Varieties for 2026
One of the most eye-catching new entries is the compact mandevilla known as Sun Parasol FiredUp Orange. This variety emerged as a crowd favorite at Penn State’s Trial Gardens Open House last summer, winning the People’s Choice Award. With its striking neon orange pinwheel-style flowers, FiredUp Orange grows to approximately two feet tall and ideally thrives when trained on a small trellis, offering a vibrant show throughout the summer.
Accompanying it is the equally impressive FiredUp Coral, which features vibrant neon-pink blooms. Both varieties are products of Suntory Flowers and are suitable for full sun to part shade environments.
From Proven Winners comes the Crème Brulee caladium, notable for its creamy white leaves accented with pinky-bronze margins. According to Chris Wallen from Quality Greenhouses, this variety is best suited for shaded areas. Another intriguing option is the Midnight Oil, which boasts nearly charcoal-black leaves that appear burgundy in shade, earning accolades at last year’s Cultivate ’25 trade show.
In terms of annuals resistant to heat and disease, Nirvana XDR ‘Blackberry’, developed by Syngenta Flowers, has garnered attention for its dark purple petals and performance throughout the season. With a height of 14 to 18 inches, this vinca thrives in sunny spots and is notably resilient against root-rot disease.
A Diverse Selection for Every Gardener
Another captivating mandevilla on the horizon is Strawberry Lemonade, praised by Katie Tamony, Chief Marketing Officer at Monrovia Nursery. This variety features bright pink flowers with sunny yellow centers, set against variegated green foliage. It can reach up to eight feet tall, making it an excellent choice for vertical gardening.
The Profusion Double White Improved zinnia has also made a splash, earning the esteemed 2026 Gold Medal from All-America Selections. Its large, three-inch double blooms maintain their bright white color throughout the summer without the need for deadheading. This compact variety, growing to about 14 inches, is also resistant to powdery mildew, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.
On the rudbeckia front, the Claire Orange and Pawnee Spirit varieties have both been recognized for their vibrant blooms. Claire Orange is a smaller plant at around 12 inches tall, while Pawnee Spirit grows up to 20 inches and features large, gold-petaled flowers that attract pollinators.
The Cherie dahlias series from Danziger has also caught the eye of experts, praised for its compact growth and range of colors. Notably, the Black Forest Ruby dahlia, with its striking red flowers and dark foliage, stands out for its visual appeal and resilience.
As the gardening season approaches, these new annual flowers provide a wealth of options for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. With their vibrant colors and hardiness, they promise to bring beauty and joy to gardens throughout the year.
