Complete Gardening
Explore a delightful selection of 20 plants that will add continuous color and vibrancy to your garden all summer long.
From vibrant perennials to radiant annuals, these blooms will keep your garden lively and enchanting throughout the hottest months.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, these plants are sure to inspire and beautify your outdoor space.
1. Lavender
Lavender’s soothing presence is undeniable. With its aromatic scent and soft purple blooms, this perennial not only adds beauty but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Plant it in well-drained soil under full sun for best results.
Lavender’s calming fragrance can also be used in homemade sachets or essential oils, making it a versatile addition to any garden. Its drought-resistant nature ensures it thrives even in harsh summer conditions.
Did you know? Lavender has been cherished for centuries in aromatherapy for its relaxing properties.
2. Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susans are like sunshine in plant form. With their cheerful yellow petals and distinctive dark centers, they brighten up any garden. These hardy perennials are drought-tolerant and thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil.
They’re also a favorite among bees and butterflies, adding to your garden’s ecosystem. Try planting them in clusters for a more dramatic effect.
A fun fact: Black-eyed Susans are the state flower of Maryland, symbolizing resilience and strength.
3. Zinnia
Zinnias are the showstoppers of summer gardens. Known for their vibrant colors ranging from pink to red and yellow, they create a dazzling display. These annuals are easy to grow and love the sun, making them perfect for beginners.
Plant Zinnias in well-drained soil and watch them attract butterflies, adding fluttering beauty to your garden. They make excellent cut flowers for bouquets, bringing summer indoors. Did you know? Zinnias are native to Mexico and symbolize lasting affection.
4. Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers, or Echinacea, are beloved for their daisy-like appearance and vibrant hues. These hardy perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them perfect for low-maintenance gardens.
Their long-lasting blooms are a magnet for pollinators, enhancing your garden’s biodiversity. Known for their medicinal properties, Echinacea is often used to boost immunity.
Interesting tidbit: Native Americans used Echinacea for centuries as a natural remedy.
5. Petunia
Petunias bring a splash of color with their trumpet-shaped blooms and diverse palette. These annuals can be planted in beds, borders, or containers, thriving in full sun and well-draining soil.
They’re excellent for adding color to balconies or patios and require regular watering to maintain their vibrant appearance. Petunias also attract hummingbirds, adding life to your garden.
Fun fact: Petunias are native to South America and symbolize soothing presence. Their versatility makes them a gardener’s favorite.
6. Marigold
Marigolds are the quintessential summer bloomers. With their fiery orange and yellow hues, they bring warmth and vigor to any garden. These annuals are easy to grow, thriving in sunlit areas and well-drained soil.
Known for their pest-repelling properties, marigolds are often planted alongside vegetables to protect them naturally. They’re also popular in cultural celebrations for their vibrant color and symbolism of prosperity.
Did you know? Marigolds are considered a symbol of the sun in some cultures.
7. Geranium
Geraniums are garden classics, loved for their rich blooms and versatility. These perennials come in shades of red, pink, and white, adding elegance to any setting. Plant them in containers or garden beds with well-drained soil and full sun exposure.
Regular deadheading encourages a longer blooming period, ensuring your garden stays lively. Geraniums are also known for their mosquito-repelling properties, making them practical as well as beautiful.
Fun tidbit: They’re often associated with friendship and good health.
8. Salvia
Salvia is a stunning addition with its spikes of deep blue and purple flowers. This perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, offering low-maintenance beauty.
Salvia is particularly appealing to hummingbirds and bees, enhancing your garden with lively visitors. Its long blooming season ensures color throughout summer.
Salvia’s resilience makes it suitable for various climates. An interesting fact: Salvia is part of the mint family, known for its aromatic leaves.
9. Phlox
Phlox is a charming perennial that brings a carpet of color to gardens. With clusters of pink, purple, and white blooms, Phlox thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soil. Its fragrance attracts butterflies, creating a lively summer scene.
Perfect for borders or rock gardens, Phlox requires minimal care, making it ideal for beginner gardeners. Fun fact: The name ‘Phlox’ comes from the Greek word for flame, reflecting its vibrant colors. Phlox symbolizes sweet dreams and harmony.
10. Daylily
Daylilies are renowned for their resilience and striking blooms. These perennials grace gardens with orange and yellow flowers that appear to glow in the sun. Daylilies thrive in various soil types and conditions, requiring little maintenance.
Each bloom lasts only a day, but their continuous flowering ensures constant color. Daylilies are perfect for those who want an easy-care garden with a big impact.
Did you know? Despite their name, Daylilies are not true lilies but belong to the Hemerocallis genus.
11. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are the quintessential romantic bloom. Known for their large clusters of flowers in blue, pink, or white, they add elegance to any garden. These shrubs prefer morning sun and afternoon shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Hydrangeas are versatile, suited for both formal gardens and casual landscapes. A unique trait is their color variation with soil pH. Want a garden showpiece? Hydrangeas are your answer.
Did you know? In Japan, Hydrangeas are associated with heartfelt emotions and apologies.
12. Begonia
Begonias are beloved for their vibrant blooms and lush foliage. These shade-loving plants thrive in well-drained, fertile soil, making them perfect for garden areas with dappled sunlight.
Begonias come in various colors, adding splashes of red, pink, and orange throughout summer. They’re easy to care for, needing regular watering to maintain their beauty. Begonias also do well in containers, brightening patios and balconies.
Fun fact: Begonias are named after Michel Begon, a French botanist.
13. Shasta Daisy
Shasta Daisies are the epitome of summer simplicity. With their white petals and sunny yellow centers, they convey purity and cheer. These perennials enjoy full sun and well-drained soil, thriving with minimal care.
Perfect for garden borders or as cut flowers, Shasta Daisies bring a fresh look to landscapes. They symbolize innocence and hope, making them a thoughtful addition to any garden.
Interesting tidbit: Shasta Daisies were developed by American botanist Luther Burbank in the early 20th century.
14. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, often called tickseed, adds a burst of yellow sunshine to gardens. These perennials are easy to grow, thriving in sunny areas with well-drained soil. Coreopsis blooms throughout the summer, offering a continuous display of color.
They’re drought-tolerant, making them perfect for low-maintenance gardens. Plant them in borders or wildflower gardens for a natural look.
Fun fact: Coreopsis is Florida’s state wildflower, symbolizing cheerfulness and love. Their bright, daisy-like flowers attract butterflies, enhancing your garden’s beauty.
15. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are garden favorites, known for their vibrant colors and edible blooms. These annuals thrive in poor soil and full sun, making them easy to grow. Nasturtium flowers add a peppery flavor to salads, offering both beauty and utility.
They’re perfect for hanging baskets or covering fences, with sprawling vines that create a lush look. Interesting tidbit: Nasturtiums were popular in Victorian-era gardens for their bright colors and ease of growth. They symbolize patriotism and victory.
16. Lantana
Lantanas are vibrant and hardy, perfect for sunny gardens. These shrubs produce clusters of small flowers in a mix of orange, pink, and yellow. Lantanas thrive in full sun and tolerate drought well, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
Their blooms attract butterflies, adding life and movement to your garden. Lantanas are often used in borders or as ground cover, providing color all summer long. Did you know? Lantana is native to tropical regions and symbolizes rigor and precision.
17. Impatiens
Impatiens are shade-loving annuals known for their bright blooms and lush foliage. They thrive in well-drained soil with partial to full shade, making them ideal for garden areas under trees.
Impatiens offer a range of colors, from red to pink to purple, brightening shaded spots effortlessly. Regular watering keeps them looking fresh and vibrant. Impatiens are perfect for borders, containers, or hanging baskets.
Interesting tidbit: Their name comes from the Latin word for ‘impatient,’ as the seed pods burst open at the slightest touch.
18. Rudbeckia
Rudbeckias, often known as Black-eyed Susans, are cheerful additions to any garden. With their vibrant yellow petals and striking dark centers, these perennials provide a sunny disposition throughout summer.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Plant them en masse for a bold display that attracts pollinators.
Rudbeckias are ideal for wildflower gardens or naturalistic landscapes. Fun fact: They’re named after Olaus Rudbeck, a Swedish botanist, and symbolize encouragement and justice.
19. Verbena
Verbenas are captivating with their clusters of small blooms in shades of purple, pink, and red. These perennials enjoy full sun and well-drained soil, providing a continuous display of color.
Verbenas are low-maintenance, making them perfect for busy gardeners. They’re ideal for borders, containers, or hanging baskets. Their long blooming season attracts butterflies, adding charm to any garden.
Did you know? Verbena is associated with healing and protection in folklore, making it a mystical choice for any garden.
20. Cosmos
Cosmos flowers are known for their delicate, daisy-like appearance and vibrant colors. These annuals thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, offering a carefree gardening experience.
Cosmos are perfect for wildflower gardens or mixed borders, adding a touch of whimsy. They attract butterflies and bees, boosting your garden’s biodiversity.
Interesting tidbit: Cosmos are native to Mexico and symbolize harmony and peace. Their airy foliage and cheerful blooms create a light, effortless look.