5 Must-Have Annuals for a Stunning April Garden

April is when gardens start to wake up and what better way to celebrate than with bold, beautiful blooms? Annuals are your go-to for instant color and nonstop flower power, and we’ve rounded up five of our favorites to brighten up your beds, containers, and patios this spring. These garden stars are easy to grow, full of character, and ready to shine all season long.

Bacopa
Nemesia
Geraniums
Verbena
Petunia

1. Bacopa – The Blooming Backdrop

Soft and trailing with a waterfall of tiny flowers, bacopa is a must for hanging baskets and mixed containers. It may look delicate, but this plant is tougher than it seems, thriving in sunny spots and continuing to bloom well into summer.

Try This:
Snowstorm® Giant Snowflake® Bacopa from Proven Winners offers larger-than-usual white blooms that give a dreamy, cloud-like effect. It’s perfect for filling in and softening up any container combo.

Where to plant: Hanging baskets, window boxes, or around the edges of pots.

2. Nemesia – Fragrant & Frost-Friendly

Don’t let cool April mornings fool you, nemesia thrives in early spring weather and brings with it a sweet, sugary fragrance you’ll love. These petite blooms come in a variety of colors and keep going strong with just a little deadheading.

Try This:
Aromance® Mulberry Nemesia by Proven Winners is a standout with its deep mulberry-purple tones and delicious scent. It performs beautifully in containers and adds a touch of elegance to any early-season arrangement.

Where to plant: Front porch planters, accent pots, or nestled in mixed containers.

3. Geraniums – Classic with a Colorful Twist

You can’t go wrong with geraniums in your April garden. These classic bloomers are known for their big, bold flower heads and sturdy growth habit. Available in a rainbow of reds, pinks, corals, and whites, geraniums offer both color and structure to your spring displays at all of our locations.

Where to plant: Porch pots, flower beds, or anywhere you want a reliable pop of color.

4. Verbena – Colorful & Carefree

When it comes to all-season blooms and trailing beauty, verbena is a winner. It handles heat like a champ, resists mildew, and attracts pollinators with its clusters of bright flowers.

Try This:
Superbena® Sparkling Amethyst Verbena from Proven Winners features vibrant purple blooms with a white center—an eye-catching combo that shines in both containers and garden beds.

Where to plant: Container edges, garden borders, or spilling from hanging baskets.

5. Petunias – Artful and Unforgettable

Petunias are beloved for their bold color and continuous blooming, but if you're looking for something a little different, Supertunia® Picasso in Purple® by Proven Winners is a must-try. This striking variety features rich lavender-purple blooms with an unexpected chartreuse green edge—a real conversation starter in any garden.

It’s vigorous, self-cleaning, and thrives in both containers and landscapes. If you're going for bold and artistic this April, this petunia delivers.

Where to plant: Containers, hanging baskets, or massed in garden beds for a painterly splash of color.

 

These five annuals are the perfect way to kick off your spring gardening season. Need help picking the perfect combo? Our Green Team is always here to lend a hand with design tips, plant care advice, and Proven Winners favorites. To stay inspired and grow with us, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to dig into the joys of gardening!