25 Plants for a Pop Culture–Inspired Garden

Just like the unpredictable Lady Gaga, the following five flowers are over-the-top, theatrical, and ironic. Subtle? Not exactly.

White flower clusters so enormous (a foot wide!), they're almost comical. And like Gaga, held up by very sturdy stems. Sunset climate zones A3; 1-21

Nothing modest about this cone-flower. Except for a miniskirt of tiny pink petals, it's all look-at-me core. Zones A2, A3; 1-24, needs full sun.

An unusually bold pattern for such a small plant. Like the pint-size diva herself, it's proof that drama doesn't depend on size. Climate zones 8, 9, 12-24, part shade.

A blue so intense, it feels hot rather than cool. A prolific bloomer and a real show-off. All zones.

Perfect symmetry and high drama with black-outlined leaves. And check out those spines. Zones 4-24.

Frilly, floaty, fanciful, and feminine, these next flowers are a total embrace of the soft side, just like the queen herself.

Shaped like a twirly skirt in the sunny color of optimism. Innocent and idealistic. All zones as an annual.

Jewel-like buds, seemingly always in bloom, with petals like pink petticoats and dainty stems. Zones 14-24. Needs full sun.

The girliest of grasses: Predominantly pink, billowy, and, in summer, it dresses up with tassels. Zones 8-24; H1, H2. Needs part shade.

A flower with the flared shape and rich colors of the finest haute couture gown. Zones 8, 9, 14-24. As an annual: zones 2-7, 10-13.

Blackish red foliage topped with baby pink flowers--a romantic pairing of radical and sweet. Zones 6-9, 14-24. As an annual: all zones.

Spicy, jewel-toned, gilded, and otherwise adorned, these flowers have an Indian flair. Jai Ho!

The saturation level in these petals rivals that of the best saris. A color you'd like draped around you. Zones 8, 9, 14-24. As an annual: zones 2-7, 10-13.

A coneflower that looks like it swirled its way out of a train-station dance number. The red centers resemble bindi beauty marks. Zones A2, A3; 1-24. Needs full sun.

A sizzling chartreuse that we'd love to see in a bolt of silk. The every-which-way foliage is fun too. Zones 2-24; H1, H2. Needs part shade.

As intricate as a henna tatoo. The searing orange color and strong aromatic scent make is especially exotic. All zones as annual.

Red sedge is already extravagant. But add some twists and turns and you've got a real melodrama. Zones 4-6, 15-17.

These next flowers are gothic, brooding, mysterious, and definitely dark. Maybe even dangerous.

White streaks dissolving into velvety black petals like shooting stars disappearing in dark skies. All zones as annual. Needs full sun.

This exotic canna has leaves so dark, you'll wonder how it photosynthesizes. Sinister, to say the least. Zones 6-9, 12-24; H1, H2; or dig and store.

Pale, pale foliage that looks even more so thanks to its blood-red edges. Ethereal or ominous, you decide. Otherworldly either way. Zones 8, 9, 12-24. Needs part shade.

Dark red blades and sharp white teeth--just the right amount of menace. Zones 4-24.

A heart-of-darkness tropical plant. Inky splotches across its mammoth leaves give this new elephant's ear a gothic sort of glamour. Climate zones 12, 16-24; H1, H2.

A batch of buds that have exuberant exhibitionism paired with wholesome innocence--just like our favorite show.

Knockout color, simple bold shape, and stems as strong as a cheerleader's legs. Center stage only, please. Zones A2, A3; 1-24. Needs full sun.

More modest than some of its fellow cast members, but showy in its own quiet way. A sweet little explosion of color. Zones 1-24.

Looks as if it might burst into song. And when it blooms, you'll swear it has--the flower shares the same three colors of the leaves. Zones 3-24. Needs part shade.

Full of juice and raring to go. That's the impression these propeller-shaped leaves create--especially in sizzling red and lime. Zones 8, 9, 12-24.

Cayenne red veins streaking across saffron yellow leaves. Imagine this spicing up a bland patch of shade. Zones 1-9, 14-24.