As a busy mom who loves gardening, I’ve learned that some flowers are just easier to grow than others.
After years of trial and error in my backyard garden, I’ve discovered these seven summer flowers that practically grow themselves.
Perfect for both beginner gardeners and those of us who don’t have endless hours to spend tending to our beautiful plants!
7 Summer Flowers Anyone Can Grow
1. Sunflowers
I absolutely adore growing sunflowers with my kids – they’re like sunshine on stems!
These cheerful flowers are perfect for beginners because they’re incredibly forgiving. Trust me, if my five-year-old can grow them, anyone can!
All they need is a sunny spot and well-draining soil. I’ve had great success growing them both in my garden beds and in large containers on my patio.
Just remember to give them enough space to spread out and water them deeply. My little gardening tip: stick your finger in the soil – if it’s dry past your first knuckle, it’s time to water.
2. Daylilies
These beauties have become my go-to flowers for adding instant color to any garden space.
While each bloom only lasts a day (hence the name), don’t let that worry you! These plants produce so many flower buds that you’ll have continuous blooms.
I love how they come in every color imaginable – from sunny yellows to deep purples. The best part? They’ll grow in almost any soil, as long as it drains well.
3. Marigolds
These were my grandmother’s favorite flowers, and now I know why!
They’re practically indestructible – perfect for those of us who sometimes forget to water. I plant them every spring, and they reward me with non-stop blooms until the first frost.
What I really love about marigolds is that they naturally keep pests away from my vegetable garden. I plant them around my tomatoes, and they work better than any store-bought pest control!
4. Begonias
When it comes to brightening up shady spots, begonias are my secret weapon.
These pretty plants have been lifesavers in my north-facing flower beds where most other flowers refuse to grow. Their colors range from hot pink to deep red to bright orange.
The key to happy begonias is keeping their soil moist but not waterlogged. I check mine every other day during hot summer months.
5. Dahlias
Let me tell you about the show-stoppers of my late summer garden!
Some of my dahlias produce flowers as big as dinner plates – up to 10 inches across! They’re absolutely stunning for cut flower arrangements.
Just remember to give them support stakes early on. I learned this the hard way when my beautiful blooms flopped over after a summer rain!
6. Cannas
If you’re looking for drama in your garden, cannas are your answer.
These tropical-looking beauties have been the talk of my neighborhood with their bold leaves and striking flowers. They’re perfect for adding that vacation vibe to your backyard.
For those of us in colder areas, don’t forget to dig up the roots before winter and store them somewhere frost-free. I keep mine in my garage wrapped in newspaper.
7. Peonies
My absolute favorite spring-to-summer transition flower!
There’s nothing quite like the moment when peonies burst into bloom. Their large, often fragrant flowers make the perfect backdrop for other garden plants.
Plant them in a sunny spot with good soil, and they’ll reward you with years of beautiful blooms. Mine have been going strong for over a decade now!