There are a few flowers that contain gold or golden colors. Some of the most popular gold flowers include marigolds, sunflowers, dahlias, roses, chrysanthemums, and black-eyed Susans.
Marigolds
Marigolds are one of the most common flowers that exhibit gold colors. There are over 50 species of marigolds that come in a range of golden yellow, orange, and red colors. Some popular marigold varieties include:
- African marigolds – Large, golden orange blooms
- French marigolds – Smaller blooms in yellow, gold, and mahogany colors
- Signet marigolds – Tiny single blooms in red, gold, and yellow shades
Marigolds contain carotenoid pigments like lutein and zeaxanthin that give them their rich golden hues. These antioxidant compounds are also found in dark leafy greens and egg yolks.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers sport bright golden yellow petals surrounding a large brown center. They are one of the most iconic gold flowers. There are two main types of sunflowers:
- Annual sunflowers – Grow to heights of 3-8 feet and bloom once a year
- Perennial sunflowers – Grow 2-4 feet tall and come back every year
Popular annual sunflower varieties include ‘Sunburst’, ‘Italian White’, and ‘Chocolate Cherry’. The Jerusalem artichoke is a common perennial sunflower grown for its edible tubers.
Dahlias
Dahlias are available in just about every color except blue, including rich gold tones. Some golden varieties include:
- ‘Gold Rush’ – Bright golden yellow blooms
- ‘Goldsturm’ – Golden orange semi-cactus flowers
- ‘Yellow Star’ – Soft golden yellow pompom flowers
Dahlias need warm weather to thrive and grow from tubers planted in spring. They bloom from midsummer into fall. Dahlias come in different flower shapes like pompoms, cactus, anemone, and more.
Roses
Roses have an exceptionally diverse range of colors. While red roses are the most iconic, yellow roses symbolize friendship and care. Some popular yellow and gold rose varieties include:
- ‘Gold Medal’ – Rich golden yellow hybrid tea roses
- ‘Julia Child’ – Buttery gold flowers with a mild fragrance
- ‘Golden Celebration’ – Bright yellow blooms that resist fading
Yellow roses tend to be hardier and have less disease problems than other colors. They make cheerful additions to bouquets and gardens.
Chrysanthemums
Also known as “mums”, chrysanthemums come in a rainbow of fall colors, including golden yellow. Some popular yellow varieties include:
- ‘Gold Elf’ – Early blooming petite yellow flowers
- ‘Gold Meditation’ – Bright golden daisy-like blooms
- ‘Ashley Gold’ – Soft golden pompom flowers
Chrysanthemums are versatile perennial flowers that add pops of color to fall gardens, containers, and flower arrangements. They make low-maintenance blooming plants.
Black-eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans sport cheerful golden yellow petals surrounded by a dark brown-black center. Other names for this flower include brown-eyed Susan, brown betty, gloriosa daisy, and yellow ox-eye daisy. Key facts about black-eyed Susans:
- Native wildflower found in meadows and prairies
- Blooms from June to October
- Grows 1-3 feet tall
- Perennial in zones 3-9
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds
Black-eyed Susans grow well in sunny spots and tolerates heat and drought once established. They can be grown from seeds or transplants.
Other Gold Flowers
Beyond the most popular flowers, many other blooms also come in golden shades, including:
- Zinnias – ‘Golden Yellow’, ‘Scarlet and Gold’
- Calibrachoa – ‘Superbells Gold’
- Snapdragons – ‘Gold Standard’
- Daffodils – ‘Trevithian’, ‘Baby Moon’
- Daylilies – ‘Happy Returns’, ‘Gold Zone’
- Gerbera daisies – ‘Bold Gold’, ‘Gold Strike’
- Lilies – ‘Gold Band’
- Celosia – ‘Gold Feather’, ‘Chief Gold’
The wide range of gold flower varieties allows gardeners to find the perfect shade and plant to complement their landscape.
Why Do Flowers Contain Gold Pigments?
Flowers develop gold pigments like carotenoids for several important reasons:
- Attract pollinators – The bright colors attract beneficial insects and birds for pollination.
- Protect from stress – The pigments help shield plants from excess sunlight and damage.
- Deter pests – Gold colors can act as a warning signal to repel certain harmful insects.
- Filter light – Certain wavelengths are filtered to optimize photosynthesis.
In addition to their biological roles, the striking gold colors add cheer and natural beauty to our environments.
Growing Gold Flowers
Here are some tips for successfully growing gold flowers:
- Select the right site – Most prefer full sun exposure.
- Prepare soil – Enrich with compost or manure.
- Plant at the proper time – Follow the directions for each variety.
- Water when dry – Don’t overwater.
- Fertilize occasionally – Use a balanced fertilizer.
- Deadhead spent blooms – To encourage more flowers.
- Watch for pests – Treat early to prevent spreading.
- Cut flowers for bouquets – Early in the day to enjoy indoors.
With proper care, gold flowers will thrive and add a touch of sunshine to your garden or vase.
Conclusion
The vibrant gold hues found in certain flowers come from natural plant pigments. Popular gold flower varieties include marigolds, sunflowers, dahlias, roses, chrysanthemums, and black-eyed Susans. These flowers develop gold tones to attract pollinators, protect against stress, and filter light. With proper planting and care, gold flowers can make stunning additions to gardens, containers, and flower arrangements.
