Pool weather and barbecues are nice, but the kaleidoscope of colors that springs from the ground might be summertime’s greatest draw. Let these 21 summer flowers—in bright colors and beguiling shapes—inspire you to plant a posy-filled plot of your own. Among these picks, you’ll find perennials beloved by pro-gardeners as well as low-maintenance buds fit for beginners. There are blossoms that reach 15 feet tall, blooms that’ll scent the breeze coming through your windows, and petals sure to attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard. So locate your trowel and ready your watering can. It’s time to get growing.
How do you care for summer flowers?
Care instructions for the following 21 blooms vary depending on the flower and where you live. But there’s one detail every grower should know—their hardiness zone. This is the standard gardeners use to determine which plants will thrive in a given location. To know your zone, simply enter your zip code at the top of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
What summer flowers are best for a balcony garden?
No need to have rolling acreage or even a lawn. Below you’ll find small garden ideas with flowers that are suitable for porches and balconies. Pay particular attention to hydrangeas, marigolds, geraniums, gardenias, petunias, and petite knockout roses.
Which summer flowers are the most fragrant?
For a garden that not only looks great, but smells sweet too, consider certain varieties of geraniums (more below), gardenias, lavender, and bee balm.
What summer flowers are best for bouquets?
Skip the florist and head out to your own garden for cut flowers and artful arrangements. The key to growing blooms that’ll work in a bouquet is choosing plants with hardy stems. Zinnias, gerbera daisies, and oriental lilies offer a range of colors that are snip worthy.
