Fireworks in the Flower Bed

Fireworks displays come around just once a year (except for whenever the Giants win, or the Golden Gate Bridge turns 75, or whenever your rowdy neighbors feel like it), but the fun of fireworks can continue in your garden all summer long, and even into the fall. Firework-esque flowers are festive, much quieter than actual fireworks, and don’t freak out your dogs…

1. & 2. Spider mums are so fireworks-y it’s ridiculous. I find them a bit difficult to incorporate into bouquets because of their long tentacles, but I can’t deny how fun they are. The first photo is by Yvonne Scott and is available from Fine Art America, and the second was taken by Garden Planet in their impressive garden.

3. & 4. Multicolored dahilas definitely evoke fireworks, and their season is fast upon us. This Cheer Bomb Dahlia photo by Jessica Brogan and the Pink Dahlia photo by Dolcechic capture their bright, festive feel.

5. Protea “Pincushion”, shown in this picture by Briana Gray Photo, is a very odd, almost plasticky plant- and obviously very fireworks-y.

6. If there’s one word I would use to describe an allium in bloom, it is “explosive”. They are pompons, powder puffs, and fireworks rolled into one. Unfortunately, in my experience, the bulbs are quite expensive. Has anyone had any luck growing them, especially the huge ones? Allium Blooms was taken by 630Photo.

7. Finally, it’s not a flower but this variety of Pennisetum grass is known as “Fireworks”, and I can see why in this photo from ItSaul Plants of Georgia. I love cool, colorful grasses, and this is an exceptional one.

Any other favorite plants that remind you of fireworks?

(Images: As credited above.)