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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!