New Mexico Annuals

Geraniums are colorful, low-maintenance plants that grow well in New Mexico with proper care. They prefer moderate watering, well-drained soil, and full to partial sun—though afternoon shade helps protect blooms from intense heat. Regular deadheading and light pruning encourage continuous blooms and a neat shape. Ideal for containers, beds, or borders, they add lasting color through the warm months.

Petunias are colorful, fast-growing annuals that do well in New Mexico’s sunny, dry climate with regular care. Though sun-loving, they perform best when sheltered from intense late-day heat. Petunias need consistent watering and well-drained soil, especially in containers. Deadheading encourages more blooms, and their spreading habit makes them ideal for borders, beds, and hanging baskets.

Marigolds are hardy, sun-loving annuals that grow well in New Mexico’s dry, warm climate. Their natural heat tolerance allows them to bloom consistently through the summer, though a bit of afternoon shade can help extend flowering during extreme heat. Regular deadheading promotes more blooms, and their compact, bushy growth makes them perfect for borders, containers, or companion planting. Marigolds also help repel common garden pests, adding both beauty and function to any landscape.

Cosmos are tall, airy annuals that thrive in New Mexico’s hot, dry climate with minimal care. Easy to grow from seed, but growing huge when grown from starts, these low-maintenance flowers bloom profusely with occasional deadheading and do best when not overwatered or over-fertilized. Their feathery foliage and bright, daisy-like blooms make them great for borders, wildflower gardens, or pollinator-friendly spaces.

Snapdragons are cool-season annuals that grow well in New Mexico, especially during spring and fall. They prefer full to partial sun and well-drained soil, with regular watering to keep them blooming. In Albuquerque’s climate, they benefit from some afternoon shade as temperatures rise. Deadheading encourages longer blooming, and their upright form and bright colors make them ideal for borders, garden beds, and cut flower arrangements.

Calibrachoa, also known as million bells, are trailing annuals that thrive in New Mexico with the right care. While heat-tolerant, they benefit from protection during the hottest part of the day to keep blooms vibrant. They need regular watering, especially in containers, but dislike soggy soil. With proper care and occasional deadheading, calibrachoa produce a nonstop display of small, petunia-like flowers, making them perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and cascading over garden edges.

Lobelia is a trailing annual that thrives in New Mexico’s cooler seasons, offering vibrant blue, purple, or white blooms. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, with regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. In Albuquerque’s hot summer months, some afternoon shade can help protect it from the intense heat. Lobelia is perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, or as a border plant, adding a splash of color and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Verbena is a low-maintenance, heat-tolerant annual that thrives in New Mexico’s sunny climate. It needs plenty of light but benefits from a break from the harshest afternoon sun. It prefers well-drained soil and requires moderate watering once established. In Albuquerque’s summer heat, verbena flourishes with minimal care, blooming profusely with vibrant colors. Deadheading encourages continued flowering throughout the season. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets, containers, and borders, adding long-lasting color while attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Nasturtiums are vibrant, easy-to-grow annuals that thrive in New Mexico’s sunny, dry climate. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant. Nasturtiums require moderate watering but do best when not overwatered. Their bright, edible flowers and round, peppery leaves make them a great addition to gardens, containers, or hanging baskets. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies and are perfect for adding color to borders or as ground cover.

Dianthus, often called carnations or pinks, bring color and fragrance to New Mexico gardens with little effort. These hardy annuals handle drought well once established and do best in well-drained soil. Though sun-loving, they don't mind a bit of afternoon shade in intense heat. Their clove-like scent and range of bright hues make them a charming addition to borders, containers, and rock gardens—plus, they’re a magnet for bees and butterflies.

With its bold, flame-like blooms, Celosia adds striking texture and color to any New Mexico garden. This heat-loving annual thrives in dry conditions and doesn’t mind the intense Albuquerque sun, as long as the soil drains well. Once established, it only needs occasional watering. Available in vivid shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink, Celosia works beautifully in containers, borders, or as eye-catching cut flowers. Its unique shape and vibrant color also make it a favorite for pollinators.

Hollyhock is a tall, striking biennial or short-lived perennial known for its dramatic spires of large, colorful flowers. Blooming from mid to late summer, hollyhocks attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. While it can tolerate some drought, it performs best with moderate watering and benefits from rich, well-drained soil. It thrives in full sun and adds a classic cottage-garden look to xeric or traditional landscapes in New Mexico.

Gazanias bring bold, daisy-like blooms to dry landscapes and thrive with minimal care. Native to hot, arid environments, they’re right at home in New Mexico’s climate, especially in spots with full morning light and some relief from the harshest afternoon sun. These hardy annuals need little water once established and prefer well-drained soil. Their vivid colors make them perfect for brightening up borders, rock gardens, or containers, while also drawing in bees and butterflies.

Zinnias are vibrant, heat-loving annuals that thrive in New Mexico’s sunny, dry climate. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, needing moderate watering once established. Zinnias are highly drought-tolerant and bloom profusely throughout the summer, making them ideal for Albuquerque gardens. Regular deadheading encourages continuous flowering, and their bright, colorful blooms attract pollinators. Perfect for borders, containers, and cut flower gardens, zinnias add bold color and a cheerful touch to any landscape.

California Poppy is a bright, cheerful annual that thrives in New Mexico’s dry, sunny climate. Known for its vibrant orange, yellow, or red flowers, it blooms from spring to early summer, adding a splash of color to gardens. This drought-tolerant plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun, making it ideal for xeriscaping or wildflower meadows. California Poppy requires minimal water once established and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for low-maintenance, water-wise gardens.

Portulaca, or moss rose, is a heat-loving, drought-tolerant annual that thrives in New Mexico’s dry climate. With vibrant, rose-like blooms in shades of pink, red, orange, and yellow, it adds color to gardens from summer to fall. This low-growing succulent prefers full sun and well-draining soil, making it perfect for rock gardens, borders, or containers. Requiring little water, Portulaca is an excellent choice for xeriscaping and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Sunflowers are hardy, sun-loving annuals that flourish in New Mexico’s hot, dry climate. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring moderate watering once established. In Albuquerque’s summer heat, they do best with consistent moisture but are relatively drought-tolerant. Sunflowers can grow tall, with vibrant yellow blooms that make a striking addition to gardens, fields, or as a backdrop for smaller plants. They’re perfect for attracting pollinators and adding a bold splash of color to any landscape.

Alyssum is a low-growing, fragrant annual that thrives in New Mexico’s sunny, dry climate. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, requiring moderate watering, especially during dry spells. Alyssum blooms in small, delicate clusters of white, pink, or purple flowers, creating a carpet of color that adds charm to any garden. It’s perfect for borders, containers, or ground cover, and its sweet fragrance attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Once established, Alyssum is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it ideal for Albuquerque’s arid conditions.

Impatiens are shade-loving annuals that can thrive in New Mexico with proper care and protection from intense sun. They prefer morning light and consistent moisture, making them well-suited for shady spots in Albuquerque gardens. Plant them in rich, well-drained soil and water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Their vibrant blooms and lush foliage make impatiens perfect for containers, shaded beds, and borders where other flowers may struggle.

Begonias are shade-loving annuals that thrive in New Mexico’s cooler seasons, offering vibrant blooms in a variety of colors. They prefer partial to full shade and well-drained soil, with regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. Begonias are ideal for Albuquerque’s hot summers, as they provide a burst of color in shaded areas. Their delicate flowers and attractive foliage make them perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and shaded garden beds, adding beauty and texture while being relatively low-maintenance.

Coleus is a vibrant, shade-loving annual that thrives in New Mexico’s warm climate with the right care. It prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil, with regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. Coleus offers a variety of colors and patterns in its foliage, ranging from deep reds to greens, purples, and yellows, making it an eye-catching addition to any garden. It’s perfect for containers, hanging baskets, or shaded garden beds, adding bold color and texture while being relatively low-maintenance and heat-tolerant.

Fuchsia is a vibrant, shade-loving annual that thrives in New Mexico’s cooler months, adding a pop of color to gardens. It prefers partial to full shade and well-drained, moist soil, requiring regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Fuchsia produces stunning, pendulous flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, and white, making it a striking addition to hanging baskets, containers, and shaded garden beds. Ideal for Albuquerque's hotter months, it provides a refreshing burst of color while attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and bees.

Wintergreen boxwood is a hardy, low-maintenance evergreen shrub that thrives in New Mexico with proper care. It prefers moderate water but is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for Albuquerque’s dry climate. This shrub does best in partial to full sun but benefits from afternoon shade to protect against intense summer heat. Regular pruning maintains its shape, making it ideal for hedges, borders, or foundation plantings, while mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Pansies are vibrant, cool-season annuals known for their large, colorful flowers that bloom in a wide range of shades, from bright yellows and purples to reds and whites. Perfect for Albuquerque’s milder seasons, pansies thrive in cool, shaded spots, making them an ideal choice for early spring or fall gardens. These low-maintenance flowers are great for adding color to garden beds, borders, containers, or hanging baskets. Pansies are also known for their ability to tolerate light frost, providing long-lasting blooms.