Summers used to mean a lackluster garden for our family. That all changed when I stumbled upon these 16 flowering shrubs.
Now, our backyard is a kaleidoscope of colors from June to September, and I can’t wait to show you how!
16 Flowering Shrubs for Summer-Long Blooms
1. Crepe Myrtle
I absolutely adore crepe myrtles! These elegant shrubs, ranging from 6 to 30 feet tall, have become the stars of my garden. Their crinkled flowers come in various colors, and I’ve even used them as a charming privacy screen along our property line.
2. Summer Sweet
Native to my region in the Eastern United States, summer sweet has become a personal favorite. Its sweet fragrance reminds me of warm summer evenings spent in the garden. The blooms last for 4-6 weeks, starting in midsummer, filling our yard with their delightful scent.
3. Japanese Spirea
If you’re looking for a fast-growing option like I was when we first moved in, Japanese spirea is a great choice. It produces abundant summer blooms, but be warned – it can be a bit of a handful. I’ve learned the hard way that regular pruning is a must to keep it from taking over!
4. Rose of Sharon
From July through fall, my Rose of Sharon steals the show. I love how its flowers come in a variety of colors – red, pink, purple, and white. This deciduous shrub has become a real conversation starter when friends come over for backyard barbecues.
5. Abelia
For those tricky spots along borders or walls, abelia has been my go-to shrub. Its bell-shaped flowers are not only beautiful but also low-maintenance – a win-win in my book! They thrive in full sun and keep blooming from late spring all the way to fall.
6. Oleander
Oleander has been a tough and resilient addition to our garden, blooming tirelessly throughout summer. However, I always make sure to wear gloves when handling it and keep an eye on the kids, as it’s toxic if ingested.
7. Butterfly Bush
True to its name, our butterfly bush has turned our garden into a butterfly haven! Its spiky blooms in purple, white, pink, and yellow are a magnet for these delicate creatures. It’s become a favorite summer activity for the kids to count how many different butterflies they can spot.
8. Tropical Hibiscus
While the blooms may be short-lived, our tropical hibiscus adds an undeniable charm to our summer garden. The vibrant pink, white, and red flowers make me feel like I’m on a tropical vacation right in my backyard!
9. Potentilla
Living in an area prone to drought, I’ve found potentilla to be a real lifesaver. It’s incredibly easy to care for and keeps blooming from early summer until the first frost, providing consistent color even when other plants start to fade.
10. Rose
No summer garden is complete without roses, in my opinion. Their timeless beauty and fragrance have made them a family favorite. We love cutting a few to bring inside, filling our home with their sweet scent from spring through fall.
11. Cape Plumbago
Cape plumbago has been a versatile addition to our garden. Its sky blue or white flowers bloom from summer into fall, and I’ve enjoyed experimenting with growing it both as a vine and a shrub.
12. Red Vein Enkianthus
The delicate bell-like blossoms of red vein enkianthus add a striking contrast to our garden. Its white or pink flowers with red veining always catch visitors’ eyes and have become a unique focal point in our landscape.
13. Summer Snowflake Viburnum
Our compact, multi-stemmed summer snowflake viburnum graces our garden with delicate white blooms from late spring through summer. It’s like having a touch of winter’s beauty in the heat of summer!
14. Weigela
Weigela’s trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors have become a family favorite. They bloom beautifully from late spring to early summer, and we always get excited when we spot a light reblooming in fall – it’s like a bonus round of flowers!
15. Bluebeard Spirea
Despite its misleading name (it’s not actually blue), our bluebeard spirea puts on a beautiful summer show. Its compact size has made it perfect for container gardening on our patio, bringing the garden’s beauty right up to our back door.
16. Dwarf Pomegranate
Living in a warm climate, we’ve had great success with dwarf pomegranate. Not only does it produce stunning red-orange blooms, but the kids get so excited when the edible fruits appear. Just remember, it needs full sun all day to really thrive.
By incorporating these flowering shrubs into my garden, I’ve created a summer paradise that blooms continuously. It’s become a beautiful backdrop for family memories and a source of joy throughout the season. Which of these shrubs will you add to your garden this year?