Easy Flower Ideas for Summer

Easy Flower Ideas for Summer

After a long, cold winter there is nothing more welcome than the sight of flowers beginning to bloom and long, warm days.  We love their bold, bright colors and cheery smiling faces that greet us each morning.  We’ve put together a few of our favorites for you to enjoy…and who knows?  Maybe we’ll awaken your green thumb and you’ll plant some of your own!

Beautiful Ideas for Summer Flowers

Dahlias

There is perhaps no flower more synonymous with summer than a dahlia.  They bloom from mid-summer to the first frost, and their amazing, bold colors will bring cheer even on the grayest day.

Region:  West Coast.

Soil:  Loamy, sandy.

Sun:  Full.

Gloriosa Daisy (Black-eyed susan)

These sunny flowers are very tolerant of cooler weather, and can be grown almost anywhere.  It blooms mid-summer, and will attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds to your garden.

Region:  Zone 3-Zone 10.

Soil:  Moderately acidic-weakly alkaline.

Sun:  Full/partial.

Marigolds

Marigolds

Second only to dandelions as the most recognizable flower in the country, these bright little buttons are a gardeners friend.  They deter insects from eating plants, and are among the easiest of flowers to grow.

They thrive almost anywhere, in any type of soil, and can withstand extremely hot temperatures as long as they have enough moisture.

Region:  All

Soil:  Poor to average, as long as it is not soggy.

Sun:  Full

Snapdragon

These chirpy little flowers will brighten up your garden…but make sure you give them proper space, as they don’t like to be crowded!  They attract hummingbirds, making them a fun flower to have in your garden space.

Region: West Coast.

Soil:  Moderately moist-dry.

Sun:  Full.

Perennial Hibiscus

pink hibiscus

One of the quintessential “Southern” blooms that also grows really well on the East Coast.  These gorgeous flowers will bloom from late spring until the first frost, and some of the blooms can get to be as much as a foot across!

Zone:  5-10

Soil:  Moderate with abundant water

Sun:  Full

Profusion Zinneas

profusion zinnia cherry

If you are looking for flowers that you can cut by the armload and bring inside, you’ve found them.  These beautiful flowers will bloom well into fall, providing you with color both inside and out for most of the year!

Zone:  All

Soil:  Moderate with regular water

Sun:  Full

Globe Amaranth

globe amarynth

These clover-like beauties come in a variety of colors, and are wonderful for drying to brighten your home even during the winter months.  Their papery blooms last an extra long time both in the garden and as part of an arrangement.

Zone:  All

Soil:  Moderate

Sun:  Full sun, partial shade

Sea Holly

sea holly

These spiky green blooms provide contrast and texture to your garden and flower arrangements.  Colors range from deep steel blue to silvery, and it’s resemblance to thistle makes it an excellent choice for gardens and dried arrangements alike.

Zone:  3-8

Soil: Moderate, with moderate water

Sun: Full

Evergreen Candytuft

evergreen candytuft

These small white blooms grow in bunches and make a lovely contrast for brighter plants.  Their dark green leaves stay on all winter, making them a lovely choice for the gardener who wants to enjoy beauty year-round.

Zone:  5-9 (perennial)

Soil:  Moderate

Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Joe Pye Weed

joe pye weed

This beautiful flower is anything but weedy.  It’s beautiful blooms draw butterflies and birds, and some varieties can grow to as much as a foot across.

Zone:  4-8 (perennial)

Soil: Moderate, with average to abundant water

Sun: Full

Purple Coneflower

purple coneflower

This beautiful flower resembles a daisy and is especially hardy.  The blooms draw butterflies to your garden, and last very well as cut flowers.

Zone: All

Soil:  Moderate

Sun: Full

Sunflower

sunflower

A garden just isn’t complete without sunflowers.  These magnificent flowers are easy for even the youngest gardeners to grow, and with some varieties producing flowers as large as dinner plates and standing 10-15 feet tall, they are the perfect showpiece for your garden!

Zone: All

Soil: Moderate with regular water

Sun: Full

Aster

Aster

These perky little flowers grow best if you just leave them alone.  Just make sure you pick off the dead blooms so that new ones can shine through.

Zone: 1-24, depending on variety

Soil: Moderate

Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Guara

Gaura (G. lindheimeri)

These sweet white flowers resemble butterflies with their airy “wings” and beautiful blooms.  They grow to be almost 4 feet tall and make a perfect addition to your summer garden!

Zone:  All

Soil:  Moderate

Sun: Full

Purple Fountain Grass

Purple fountain grass ( Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum')

This feathery plant makes a perfect “background” for brighter, more colorful blooms and provides texture as well.  Perfect for cut flower arrangements.

Zone:  8-24

Soil: Moderate

Sun: Full

Lewisia

Lewisia

This beautiful bloom is native to California and Southern Oregon.  Multi-colored blooms grow to a foot high and about 10 in. wide, and provide carefree color for your summer garden.

Region: West Coast

Soil: Moderate

Sun:  Full

Pacific Coast Iris

Pacific coast iris

These beautiful blooms range in color from white to maroon, many with elaborate veins.  Depending on the variety, they can reach up to 24 in. high and provide a gorgeous backdrop for your summer garden.

Region: West Coast

Soil:  Well-drained (too much water causes plant rot)

Sun:  Moderate with light shade

Bee Balm

Bee balm (Monarda)

These funny little blooms look like little sea anemones.  Their bright pink color is the perfect backdrop for your summer garden and best of all, they bring the hummingbirds to you!

Region: Hot climates

Soil: Moderate

Sun: Full with light shade

We have given you some great ideas for planting your summer garden–now we need you to add your suggestions!  What is your favorite flower to plant where you live?  Tell us in the comments below, and make sure to include a picture!

Happy Gardening!

Scroll to Top