Best Summer Flowers to Grow

Flowers don’t have to stop blooming and growing after spring, in fact, your garden can be overflowing with colorful and fragrant blooms, even on the hottest days. Fill your beds and containers with lovely little petals or bright and bold show-stoppers. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best summer flowers, so read on for a little bit of summer flower garden inspiration.

Flowers that Bloom All Summer

Petunias

If you are looking for plants with stunning, prolific blooms that bloom and bloom all summer long, petunias will not disappoint. Petunias are grown as annuals in most climates but can be perennials in warmer climates. These plants thrive with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, but in hotter climates tend to get dried out. Try protecting petunias from the late afternoon sun to mitigate this issue and ensure their soil is kept moist throughout the summer.

Hibiscus

Hibiscuses are perennial favorites with glossy, broad leaves that make the perfect summer flowers to grow. They continuously produce bright and bold blooms throughout the summer. This easily makes them one of the best summer flowers. Be sure they have well-draining soil and that they’re watered regularly; they need to be kept hydrated. Hibiscus will need to be fertilized monthly, as they are heavy feeders.

Hydrangeas

This elegant flower is a perennial and is best grown in zones 3-7. They produce wonderful, cloud-like blooms with dark green foliage that add old-fashioned charm to every garden. Hydrangeas thrive in moist, well-draining soil with plenty of morning sunshine. The afternoon sun may burn them. Be sure to check your hydrangea variety as some require fall or summer pruning

Drought-Tolerant Flowers

Black-Eyed Susan’s

These are the perfect summer flowers to grow! Not only are these perennials spectacular in color, easy to maintain, and drought-tolerant, but they are also well sought after by birds and bees alike. So bring in the pollinators and plant some Black-Eyed Susan! These summer flowers enjoy full to partial sun conditions and light fertilization in the fall.

Geranium

These annual flowers come in a stunning array of colors and shapes. They also thrive both in containers or in the ground. If you’re looking for an easy pop of color for a water-wise garden, consider the hardy geranium. Plant in full sun with well-draining soil and fertilize every six weeks throughout their active growing season.

Sunpatiens

Sunpatiens are perfect for drought conditions or forgetful gardeners. Not only that, but they’re easy to care for and come in an exciting assortment of colors, making them the perfect plant to add to our list of summer flowers to grow. Plant these perennials in well-draining soil and fertilize them at the time of planting.

Flowers that Love Sun

Zinnias

Zinnias offer a wide range of colors, petal formations, and sizes, making them one of the most fun and exciting summer flowers to grow in your garden. If you feel like adding a little adventure to your gardening, plant some of these annuals! Zinnias thrive in full sun with average to rich, well-draining soil.

Pentas

Pentas are sun-loving perennials who also have a knack for attracting butterflies. If you’re looking for butterflies and petals to fill some of the empty spaces in your summer garden, plant these! Keep them in full sun with moist soil. Add fertilizer monthly to encourage consistent and prolific blooms.

Salvia

Most varieties of salvia are native to hot and dry climates. These hardy perennials add rich color to gardens all summer long. As long as salvia is planted in soil that drains well and is watered occasionally, they should thrive. Watch out for signs of over-watering as they may begin to flop over if kept too moist.

Low-Maintenance Flowers for Summer

Lantana

These flowers are small, but they are mighty! Lantana flowers offer tons of bold color and fragrance while enticing pollinators. They’re incredibly easy to care for and often thrive with some neglect. Lantana is grown as a perennial in frost-free zones. Water once a week and fertilize at the time of planting. They may like to be fertilized one or two more times later in the summer.

Marigolds

Marigolds are fun and inviting annual plants that are speedy growers and require minimal care. Once their roots are established, they won’t need very much watering. Plant these summer flowers in a sunny location with well-draining soil.

Shasta Daisy

These perennials add a classic, summery touch to the garden. Moderately fertilized soil is perfect for producing plenty of flowers. Water shasta daisies once or twice a week, they’re usually tolerant of dry periods. Cut back stems after the first frost.

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