Short plants may fill in the gaps, but tall flowers bring the drama. Whether you want to create a natural privacy screen, add vertical interest, or simply make your garden look more dynamic, height is a game-changer. The right towering blooms can draw the eye upward, making your space feel larger and more layered.
Delphiniums, foxgloves, and hollyhocks stand like floral skyscrapers, bursting with color while attracting pollinators. Meanwhile, sunflowers add a cheerful touch, and ornamental alliums bring an architectural element with their globe-like blooms. Even in smaller gardens, a few well-placed tall flowers can transform the entire look of your space.
If your garden feels a little flat, these 25 towering blooms will give it the depth, movement, and elegance it’s been missing.
Delphinium
Standing as a beacon of blue, Delphinium spikes reach for the sky with their vibrant hues. Each flower head brims with a cascade of blossoms that create a mesmerizing display. These striking perennials thrive in cooler climates and require staking to support their towering growth. Plant them in groups for an impactful splash of color that can transform any garden corner. Their preference for full sun and well-drained soil makes them ideal companions for other sun-loving plants. Watch as they attract bees and butterflies, contributing to a bustling ecosystem.
Hollyhock
Hollyhocks stand tall with their elegant spires, reminiscent of a classic English cottage garden. Their velvety blooms come in an array of colors, offering a delightful spectacle. These biennials often reseed, ensuring a perennial presence in your garden. Plant them against walls or fences to provide support and create a charming backdrop. They thrive in sunny spots and tolerate various soil types, making them versatile additions. Watch as they become a favorite of hummingbirds, adding life and movement to your garden scene.
Sunflower
With their cheerful faces, Sunflowers bring a sense of warmth and joy. These giants can soar to impressive heights, creating natural screens or focal points. Their iconic yellow petals encircle a seed-filled center, providing food for birds and pollinators alike. Sunflowers are remarkably easy to grow, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Use them to add height to borders, or plant in rows for a dramatic summer show. Their seeds offer a tasty treat for both wildlife and humans, extending their appeal beyond the garden.
Foxglove
Foxgloves add an air of mystique with their tall spires adorned with bell-shaped blooms. These biennials are known for their intricate patterns and pastel shades. Thriving in partial shade, they make excellent additions to woodland gardens or shaded borders. Ensure they have moist, well-drained soil to support their growth. As they mature, they self-seed, ensuring a continuous presence. Foxgloves attract bees, and their towering presence can create a magical woodland atmosphere. Use caution, as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Gladiolus
Gladiolus stands as a testament to elegance with their tall, stately spikes. Their flowers open sequentially from bottom to top, offering a long-lasting display. Ideal for cutting gardens, they bring a touch of sophistication indoors. Gladiolus prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making them easy to grow in sunny spots. Plant in succession for a prolonged blooming period throughout summer. Their vertical form adds structure to beds and borders, and their wide range of colors can complement any garden palette.
Lupine
With their towering presence, Lupines introduce texture and color to gardens. Their dense spikes are filled with pea-like flowers, creating a stunning vertical display. These perennials flourish in full sun and prefer sandy, well-drained soil. They are nitrogen-fixing plants, enriching the soil they grow in. Perfect for cottage gardens, Lupines attract bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity. Plant them in groups for maximum impact, and enjoy their vibrant colors that range from deep purples to soft pastels.
Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flowers command attention with their brilliant red blooms and towering stature. These perennials thrive in moist, shaded areas, making them ideal for woodland gardens or alongside water features. Their striking color attracts hummingbirds, adding a dynamic aspect to your garden. Plant in rich, well-drained soil, and provide ample water to support their growth. Their vertical form complements other shade-loving plants, offering height and drama. As a native plant, they are well-suited to naturalized areas and wildlife gardens.
Joe-Pye Weed
Joe-Pye Weed is a native beauty that towers over most garden plants. With its mauve flower clusters, it adds a touch of wild wonder to gardens. Known for attracting butterflies, this perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade. Its preference for moist soil makes it perfect for rain gardens or near ponds. Joe-Pye Weed’s imposing height and airy blooms provide texture and depth. Use it to create a backdrop for shorter plants, or let it stand alone as a statement piece. Its resilience makes it a favorite among gardeners.
Giant Allium
Giant Allium captures attention with its orb-like flowers atop tall stalks. These bulbous perennials offer architectural intrigue and a unique shape. Flower heads can reach impressive sizes, providing a focal point in beds and borders. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming in late spring. Plant among grasses or other textured plants for an interesting contrast. As they fade, their seed heads remain attractive, extending their season of interest. They are also deer resistant, making them a practical choice for many gardens.
Verbascum
Verbascums bring a touch of the Mediterranean with their tall, graceful spikes and soft yellow flowers. These biennials thrive in sunny, well-drained locations, often gracing rock gardens and dry landscapes. Their resilience in drought conditions makes them perfect for sustainable gardening. Each plant offers a vertical statement, and planting them in groups increases their visual impact. Verbascums attract a variety of pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity. Their soft colors blend well with other sun-loving plants, offering a gentle contrast to vibrant hues.
Canna Lily
Incorporating bold foliage with vibrant blooms, Canna Lilies provide a tropical flair. These towering beauties are perfect for adding height and drama. Their large, colorful flowers bloom atop lush, banana-like leaves. Thrive in full sun and rich, well-drained soil, making them ideal for borders or container gardens. Cannas are known for their rapid growth and ability to create privacy screens. They require regular watering but reward with a stunning display from mid-summer to fall. While they attract hummingbirds, their rhizomes should be lifted in colder regions.
Russian Sage
Russian Sage introduces texture and color to gardens with its airy branches and lavender-blue flowers. These perennials love full sun and dry, well-drained soil, thriving in challenging conditions. Known for their drought tolerance and deer resistance, they are a reliable choice. Plant Russian Sage in drifts for a cloud-like effect, or use as a filler among other perennials. Their light fragrance and silvery foliage create a calming atmosphere. As fall approaches, their color deepens, offering a new dimension to the garden’s palette.
Meadow Rue
Meadow Rue adds elegance with its tall, airy stems and delicate blooms. This perennial’s fern-like foliage provides soft texture, complementing other shade-loving plants. They thrive in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making them perfect for woodland gardens. Their tall stature and light purple flowers offer a gentle contrast to darker greens. Meadow Rue attracts pollinators, enhancing garden vitality. Despite their delicate appearance, they are surprisingly hardy, withstanding various conditions. Plant them in groups for an ethereal, meadow-like effect.
Tithonia
Often called the Mexican Sunflower, Tithonia bursts forth with vibrant orange blooms. These annuals can reach impressive heights, bringing warmth and color to gardens. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, they are heat tolerant and easy to grow. Plant Tithonia as a backdrop in borders or as a striking focal point. Their bright flowers attract butterflies and bees, supporting garden biodiversity. Despite their tropical appearance, they require little maintenance, making them ideal for busy gardeners. Enjoy their fiery display from summer through to fall.
Liatris
Liatris, with its feathery spikes of purple blooms, offers a vertical accent to gardens. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them perfect for prairies and wildflower gardens. Known for attracting butterflies, Liatris also makes excellent cut flowers. Plant in drifts to create a sweeping effect or intersperse among grasses for a natural look. Their blooms open from top to bottom, offering a long-lasting display. Liatris is low maintenance and returns year after year, providing consistent beauty and ecological benefits.
Cleome
Cleome stands tall with its unique spider-like blooms and airy foliage. These annuals reach impressive heights, adding vertical interest. Ideal for sunny borders, Cleome thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Their fast growth and self-seeding nature ensure a consistent presence. Plant Cleome en masse for a cloud-like effect, and enjoy their ability to attract pollinators. Despite their delicate appearance, they are robust and adaptable. Their enchanting flowers and light fragrance create a dreamy garden atmosphere, perfect for summer enjoyment.
Cosmos
Cosmos brings a touch of whimsy with its daisy-like flowers and feathery foliage. These annuals can grow quite tall, swaying gracefully in the breeze. They thrive in full sun and poor to average soil, making them easy to grow. Cosmos are excellent for cutting gardens, offering continuous blooms from summer to fall. Plant them in masses for a meadow-like effect, or intermingle with other cottage garden favorites. Their flowers attract bees and butterflies, enhancing ecological diversity. Cosmos’s carefree nature makes them a delightful addition to any garden.
Amaranthus
Amaranthus captivates with its dramatic, tassel-like blooms and bold presence. These annuals reach towering heights, providing a striking vertical element. Thriving in full sun and a variety of soils, they are as versatile as they are beautiful. Use them as a focal point or backdrop in garden beds. Amaranthus’s deep reds and purples add rich color that persists from summer into fall. Their unique form attracts attention and can be used in both fresh and dried floral arrangements. Despite their exotic look, they are easy to grow and maintain.
Tall Phlox
Tall Phlox adds charm with its clusters of fragrant blooms. These perennials stand as a symbol of summer, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Their sweet scent and vibrant colors range from pinks to whites, offering a classic garden appeal. Plant Tall Phlox en masse for a show-stopping display, or use as a fragrant border. They attract hummingbirds and butterflies, inviting life into the garden. Despite their delicate flowers, they are hardy and resilient, returning year after year with minimal care required.
Yucca
Yucca stands out with its spiky leaves and towering flower stalks. These evergreen perennials bring a touch of the desert to gardens. Ideal for xeriscaping, Yuccas thrive in full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. Their architectural form adds a unique texture. The tall flower spikes appear in summer, offering a dramatic display. Use Yucca as a focal point or as part of a drought-tolerant landscape. Despite their exotic look, they are low maintenance and can withstand harsh conditions, providing beauty and resilience in equal measure.
Jerusalem Artichoke
Jerusalem Artichokes offer both beauty and utility. Their sunflower-like blooms tower over most plants, while their edible tubers provide a tasty treat. These perennials thrive in full sun and rich, well-drained soil, spreading easily. Use them to create a living screen or windbreak. As they grow, their bright yellow flowers attract pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity. Despite their name, they are neither from Jerusalem nor related to artichokes, adding an element of intrigue. Enjoy their dual purpose as both ornamental and edible additions to the garden.
Queen Anne’s Lace
Queen Anne’s Lace brings elegance with its delicate, lacy blooms. These biennials reach impressive heights, offering a soft, airy presence. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, they are perfect for naturalized areas and meadows. Their intricate flowers attract beneficial insects, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem. Use Queen Anne’s Lace to add height and texture to borders or mixed plantings. Despite their fragile appearance, they are hardy and self-seed readily, ensuring their continued presence. Their wild beauty is both captivating and functional.
Giant Sunflower
Giant Sunflowers boast impressive heights, creating a bold statement in any garden. Their large heads follow the sun, offering a dynamic display. These annuals thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, growing quickly to create natural screens or focal points. Plant in rows for a striking effect or use as a whimsical backdrop. Their seeds provide nourishment for birds, while their towering form adds vertical interest. Despite their size, they are easy to grow, making them a popular choice for gardeners seeking impact with minimal effort.
Tall Sedum
Tall Sedum presents a robust solution for gardeners seeking beauty and resilience. Their fleshy leaves and clusters of pink flowers create a striking contrast. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, ideal for rock gardens and borders. Tall Sedum attracts pollinators, contributing to a lively garden ecosystem. Their drought tolerance and ability to withstand poor soil conditions make them low maintenance. As fall approaches, their foliage often shifts to warmer tones, adding seasonal interest. Use them to add structure and color to garden compositions.
Dragon’s Whiskers
Imagine a flower that seems plucked from the pages of a fantasy novel: Dragon’s Whiskers. Standing majestically at six feet, this plant boasts slender, feathery petals that shimmer in hues of iridescence. These blooms sway gently with the breeze, casting an otherworldly allure upon any garden.
Ideal for a mystical garden theme, Dragon’s Whiskers thrive in both sunlight and shade, adapting effortlessly to various garden styles. Plant them in clusters for a dramatic visual impact or as singular focal points. Their low-maintenance nature makes them perfect for gardeners of all skill levels, offering both beauty and ease.