Many gardeners find it more challenging to maintain their gardens as spring fades and summer takes place. Many flowering plants bloom throughout the summer with little effort.
Summer Flowers
Petunias
Petunias are one of the plants that have the most extended blooming season, from mid-spring until late fall. Hybrids like ‘Purple Wave’ are trailing and highly floriferous. They’re also available in various colors, including white, pink, purple, and blue. Plant them in a sunny, well-draining location after the danger of frost is past. You can also put them into containers or hanging pots. You need to water and feed them regularly.
Zinnias
Zinnias bloom reliably in the summer. There are single-flowered varieties, large pom poms, and everything in between. They thrive in sunny locations. With regular feeding and watering, they thrive in hot weather.
Blanket Flowers
Gaillardias are summer flowering plants that continue to bloom throughout the entire season. Native to North America, the bright yellow flowers are often adorned with maroon and rust-colored centers. The flowers will bloom whether or not you deadhead them, but deadheading keeps the plants neat. They are short-lived but will last longer if divided every 2-3 years.
Amaranth
Globe Amaranths bloom all through the summer and into the fall. When dried, they retain the majority of their original color. For flower arrangements or potpourri, dry bunches under the shade. These drought-tolerant, deer-resistant annuals are great for borders. The most common color is purple, but there are also light pink, white, lilac, and red varieties.
Summer blooming shrubs
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas bloom all through spring and summer. Bigleaf varieties include Oakleaf and Smooth. Hydrangeas like morning sun and afternoon shade when hot, but they will take full sun in cooler regions.
Althea
Rose of Sharon grows in USDA zones 5 to 8. Rose of Sharon blooms in pink, peach, and red shades. This plant blooms profusely from late spring to frost. Hardy Hibiscus should be grown in sunny, rich soil. In areas where summers are hot, give them shade during the afternoon. Mulch the ground and keep it moist. Feed your plants occasionally.
Annuals and perennials
Coreopsis
The coreopsis has been a favorite for ages. In warmer climates, it is perennial. However, in other regions, it’s primarily grown as an annual. They bloom continuously until the fall once they appear in spring. For more flowers, deadhead the plants. These plants should be grown in a sunny location. These are excellent as groundcovers and bedding plants.
French marigolds
French Marigolds have a compact size and a bushy habit that is slightly spreading. They are more upright and taller than their African cousins and produce large pom-poms of yellow, orange, and cream. These types of marigolds, as well as smaller ‘Signet’ varieties, love warm weather and bloom continuously until the first frost. Marigolds can be grown quickly from seeds but may not grow true. Regular watering of marigolds is required.
Yarrow
With a long bloom season, yarrows will add color and variety to your summer garden. Grow yarrows in full sunlight. Cut off the flower heads to reduce self-seeding. In USDA zones 5-9, they retain their leaves throughout the winter.
Candytuft
Iberis can be grown in both full sun and partial shade. Keep the soil moist. This native plant should be in every garden. There are many new hybrids available in a variety of colors and forms.
Coneflowers
Purple Coneflower can be propagated through root or clump divisions. This perennial should be planted where it will remain. It doesn’t like being disturbed. All parts of this plant are medicinal. It flowers all summer long and into the fall.
Sea Holly
Eryngium has silvery blue spikey flowers and unusual foliage. It is an excellent choice for xeriscaping because it tolerates neglect, salt, poor soil, and drought. The flower spikes are significant for fresh or dried floral arrangements. Plant them in areas with plenty of sunlight.
Asters
You can start asters from seeds, but it is better to buy young plants—plant in the spring to enjoy summer blooms, which can last into fall. Asters can tolerate full sun and partial shade but not too much heat. They thrive in moist, rich soils with good drainage.
Daylilies
The flowers of daylilies are produced on long stalks and bloom from spring through fall. The heights of the different varieties vary, as do their bloom times. Divide them. ‘Stella de Oro’ has a 5-month bloom span.
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia, a wildflower with large flowers and a profuse habit, has earned its place in gardens. The contrast between the yellow petals and brownish-black discs in the center makes these giant, striking flowers even more impressive. Rudbeckia can be grown annually, but if you start it early enough. In most zones, they begin flowering early in the summer and continue through to fall. In areas with hot summers, flowering begins in the fall and continues into winter.
Snapdragon
Snapdragons are another annual that is reliable and has a long blooming season. Snapdragons used to be a favorite of summer gardens. A succession of shades of pink, yellow, red, and peach blooms appear on terminal spikes. The throats are usually a darker color or contrast. Plant them in the spring. Plant them in spring.
Monarda
Bee Balm/Monarda, a native North American plant that blooms in the early summer and into fall, has whorls around each branch of tubular-shaped flowers. The flowers are red or pink in various shades. Bee Balm is a perennial that can be planted from fall to early spring in USDA zones 4-9. Select a location with rich soil, good drainage, and part to full shade. This attracts butterflies and birds.
Dahlia
Dahlias are available in large plants that can fit on a dinner plate or smaller plants with ruffled and pom-pom shapes. You can choose from various solids, bi-colors, and even variegated varieties. In warmer climates, Dahlias can be perennials. However, in most parts of America, they must be started from tubers yearly. The temperature must be above 60 orF to plant them.
