Biennial flowers have a unique two-year life cycle. In the first year, they focus on developing strong roots, stems, and leaves, building energy reserves. They typically remain vegetative, storing nutrients to survive winter dormancy. In the second year, biennials shift to reproduction, producing vibrant blooms that attract pollinators. This flowering phase is their peak, showcasing a range of colors and forms in gardens or natural settings.
After flowering, biennials set seeds, often self-sowing to ensure future generations. Once seeds are dispersed, the plant typically dies, completing its life cycle.These plants thrive in varied conditions, often preferring well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Mulching in the first year helps protect them through cold winters, ensuring robust growth.
Biennials add structure to gardens, filling gaps in mixed borders or cottage-style designs. Their staggered growth complements annuals and perennials, providing seasonal interest.Climate impacts their performance—warmer regions may see them act as annuals, while colder areas require extra care. With proper planning, they enhance landscapes with minimal maintenance.
Biennial Flowers
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white. Blooms in the second year, thrives in partial shade, and is toxic if ingested.
Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
Produces tall stalks with large, colorful flowers (pink, red, white, or yellow). Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; blooms in the second summer.
Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium)
Bell-shaped flowers in blue, pink, purple, or white. Grows well in full sun to partial shade, flowering in the second year.
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)
Clusters of small, vibrant flowers in red, pink, white, or bicolor patterns. Blooms in the second year, prefers full sun.
Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri)
Fragrant flowers in orange, yellow, or red. Blooms in spring of the second year, loves sunny spots and well-drained soil.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Yellow, cup-shaped flowers that open in the evening. Self-seeds readily, blooms in the second year, and prefers full sun.
Honesty (Lunaria annua)
Purple or white flowers followed by translucent, coin-like seed pods. Blooms in the second year, thrives in partial shade.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Golden-yellow petals with dark centers. Often grown as a biennial, blooms in the second year, loves full sun.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Tall spikes of yellow flowers. Woolly leaves in the first year, blooms in the second, and prefers dry, sunny conditions.
Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
Fragrant, purple, pink, or white flowers in loose clusters. Blooms in the second year, thrives in sun or partial shade.
Siberian Wallflower (Erysimum x allionii)
Bright orange or yellow flowers. Blooms in the second year, prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)
Spiky, purple flower heads that attract wildlife. Blooms in the second year, grows in sun or partial shade.
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Star-shaped blue flowers, often grown as a biennial. Blooms in the second year, edible, and loves sunny spots.
Iceland Poppy (Papaver nudicaule)
Delicate, cup-shaped flowers in yellow, orange, or white. Blooms in the second year, prefers cool climates and full sun.
Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis sylvatica)
Small, blue flowers with yellow centers. Blooms in the second year, thrives in moist, shady areas.
Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
Large, umbrella-like clusters of white or greenish flowers. Blooms in the second year, prefers moist, partial shade conditions.
Larkspur (Delphinium consolida)
Spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers. Blooms in the second year, prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris)
Delicate, bell-shaped flowers in various colors (blue, pink, white, or red). Blooms in the second year, thrives in partial shade.
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Spikes of pink, purple, or white bracts with fragrant flowers. Blooms in the second year, loves full sun and dry soil.
Stock (Matthiola incana)
Fragrant, spiked flowers in pink, purple, or white. Blooms in the second year, prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Pansy (Viola tricolor)
Colorful, flat-faced flowers in purple, yellow, blue, or white. Often biennial, blooms in the second year, thrives in cool weather.
Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus)
Thistle-like purple flowers atop tall, silvery foliage. Blooms in the second year, prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Lupine (Lupinus perennis)
Tall spikes of pea-like flowers in blue, pink, or white. Blooms in the second year, loves full sun and slightly acidic soil.
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers that attract pollinators. Blooms in the second year, prefers sunny, dry conditions.
Viper’s Bugloss (Echium vulgare)
Bright blue, funnel-shaped flowers. Blooms in the second year, thrives in full sun and poor, well-drained soil.
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Vibrant blue (sometimes pink or white) flowers. Often grown as a biennial, blooms in the second year, loves full sun.
Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Purple, thistle-like flowers on tall stalks. Blooms in the second year, prefers full sun and tolerates poor soils.
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Bright blue, daisy-like flowers. Blooms in the second year, thrives in full sun and well-drained, even poor, soils.
Salvia (Salvia viridis)
Colorful bracts in pink, purple, or white (not true flowers). Blooms in the second year, prefers full sun and dry conditions.
Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro)
Spherical, metallic-blue flower heads. Blooms in the second year, loves full sun and well-drained, poor soil.
Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata)
Clusters of small, white flowers with fern-like leaves. Blooms in the second year, prefers partial shade and moist soil.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Small, daisy-like white flowers with yellow centers. Blooms in the second year, thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.