Yellow is definitely not a color that ranks favorably, even if you’re not Wednesday Addams. Many go so far as to despite the color, deeming it childish, garish, or offensively bright. In the Victorian language of flowers, yellow was denoted as a color of jealousy, often used to express disdain. 

But yellow, when used appropriately, can evoke feelings of joy, optimism, and positivity, especially when paired with complimentary colors. It’s the color of choice for the sun god Apollo, a deity brimming with vitality and youthful charm. 

Here’s a list of yellow flowers that are pleasing enough to live in the garden of Elysium. 

1. Yellow Jessamine    

Carolina jessamine is one of the most enduring vines of the South, covering woodlands and open roadsides with its abundance of yellow blossoms. With Juiced Orange jessamine, which factors in an orange tint, you get a plant that is both pollinator-friendly and drought-tolerant. Because it’s a perennial vine, it lives for multiple years. When seen trailing trellises, it achieves a particular aesthetic affect, its soft fragrance floating in the breeze.

2. White Linen California Poppy 

Poppies have become synonymous with its intoxicating crimson hue, but in contrast, this variety produces beautiful, creamy white to yellow flowers. An excellent self-seeder that flourishes in full sun, it’s one of those types you can sow and forget; its elegant, unobtrusive color makes it ideal for natural settings, informal beds, and country gardens. 

3. Sun Parasol® Sunbeam Mandevilla

A florid flower with a poetic name, this beautiful mandevilla has a full appearance. Each summer, its lemony yellow blossoms can be seen cascading from hanging baskets or adorning the front porch. Mandevillas are very much tropical flowers, thriving in zones 10 and 11, and will look great with a medley of similar blooms.  

4. St. John’s Wort   

St. John’s wort has traditionally been used as a medicinal herb, but nowadays, it’s more commonly sold in florist bouquets for its cherry-like fruits. Still, some gardeners grow it to treat depression. While it’s not the most fun sounding plant, its robust appearance provides an interesting late-season display – especially after it has borne fruit. Depending on the variety, its berries can range from red to orange, brown, and even white, though it is the peachy-pink that is popular. 

5. Yarrow       

The yellow shades of yarrow are often cast away in favor of deeper reds, but yarrow remains a hardy perennial that is able to tolerate difficult places. Able to handle heat, drought, and other stressors, yarrow doesn’t mind poor soil – rich soil can actually cause it to flop. Full sun is a necessity to keep it from becoming leggy. While common yarrow is considered an aggressive weed, many of the newer cultivars have a clump-forming habit that limits its spread; use raised beds to further contain it. 

6. Irises 

With their abundance of colors, irises offer an exciting foray into the world of yellow plants. 'Butter and Sugar' is an unobtrusive variety that acts as a more fanciful version of a daffodil. However, if you happen to see a butter yellow iris in the wild, don’t be fooled by its lovely façade. The yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus), growing along aquatic habitats, is reported as invasive and is known to choke shallow waterways.  

7. Marigolds 

Though it seems that marigolds haven’t changed much from their original incarnation, new selections are constantly being introduced – the newer novelty varieties feature yellow centers and red-tipped petals. The Happy™ ‘Yellow’ French marigold is happy to flower in even the harshest conditions. If you prefer the massive, pom-pom style, look for the Big Top™ ‘Gold.’ 

8. Superbells® Lemon Slice® Calibrachoa

Its alternating yellow and white petals evoking the crisp feel of a lemon meringue pie, this flower is striking enough to pique the interest of those that don’t like the color yellow. Calibrachoa can be planted in-ground, but it’s recommended that you grow them in containers, raised beds, or hanging baskets. 

9. Decadence® ‘Lemon Meringue’ Baptisia

This variety of baptisia forms upright sprays of yellow flowers, appearing typically in late spring. It prefers full sun and average to dry soil. While it can be a slow grower, it is long-lived once established. 

10. Zinnias        

The sight of a butterfly perched atop a zinnia flower is always a welcoming sight. A must-grow for a butterfly garden, zinnias require minimal upkeep, flowering in dozens to dance in the summer breeze. Zinnias are highly tolerant of hot weather, and because of their coarse texture, you likely won’t see any nibbled plants. 

11. Sungold Tall Sunflower 

The very essence of the sun seems to be encapsulated in these lovable, teddy bear-like flowerheads. These fuzzy flowers make for a beautiful border, along a fence, or just a few placed throughout the garden in areas that need brightening up. 

12. Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan

'Goldsturm' Black Eyed Susan features radiant golden flowers that bloom tirelessly all summer long. Flowers are supported by pliant stalks, forming a tidy dome. It’s a versatile support plant that can be integrated into a variety of landscapes, from wildflower borders to sections of ornamental grasses. 

13.  Peony ‘Yellow Crown’

A flower that wears a golden crown, it produces upright blooms, its crimson-streaked centers nearly obscured by its large petals. Itoh peonies like ‘Yellow Crown’ (also known as intersectional peonies) combine the hardiness of traditional peonies with the prolific blooms of tree peonies. 

14. Dahlias  

Few flowers rival the dazzling variety of dahlias – some are flared like water lilies, while others have spidery petals that twist and curl. Dahlia 'Yellow Hammer' is a simple variety characterized by its singular blooms. If you’re looking for more dramatism, cactus dahlias share an eye-catching, spiked form.