When summer rolls around, my garden becomes my happy place. There’s nothing quite like stepping outside and being greeted by a riot of colors and fragrances.
If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space into a blooming paradise, you’re in the right place!
Today, I’m excited to share my top 25 summer flowering plants that will turn your garden into a stunning haven.
Top 25 Summer Flowering Plants
1. Delphiniums
Oh, how I adore delphiniums! These striking perennials never fail to make a statement in my garden. With over 300 varieties to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice.
Colors: Blue, purple, white, and pink Height: Up to 6 feet tall Growing conditions: Full or partial sun, well-drained soil
I love using delphiniums to add vertical interest to my flower beds. Their tall, spiky blooms create a gorgeous backdrop for other summer flowers.
2. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, or tickseed as some call it, is my go-to plant for a cheerful burst of color.
Growing conditions: Full sun or light shade, consistent watering, well-drained fertile soil
I’ve found these sunny blooms work wonderfully in containers or garden beds. Plus, they’re a favorite of bees, which is always a bonus in my book!
3. Globe Amaranth
When I want to add a unique touch to my garden, I turn to globe amaranth.
Native to Central America Colors: Purple to white Growing conditions: Full sun, regular watering
I love using these annual plants in my garden beds, borders, and containers. Their globe-shaped flowers never fail to catch the eye.
4. Lantana
Lantana is my secret weapon for a low-maintenance yet stunning garden.
Colors: Pink, yellow, red, orange Growing conditions: Full sun, weekly watering when mature
I’ve used lantana in borders, containers, and as ground cover. It’s incredibly hardy and always puts on a show for my butterfly visitors.
5. Morning Glories
There’s something special about waking up to morning glories unfurling their blooms.
Family: Convolvulus Growing conditions: Full sun, moist well-drained soil
I’ve trained these fast-growing vines over trellises, fences, and arbors. They’re a beautiful way to add vertical interest to the garden.
6. Portulaca (Purslane)
Portulaca, or purslane, is my go-to plant for tough spots in the garden.
Growing conditions: Full sun, well-drained fertile soil, water when soil is dry
I use it as a ground cover and in containers. It’s wonderfully pest-resistant, but I’m always careful to keep it away from areas where my pets might nibble.
7. Allium
Alliums are like nature’s lollipops in my garden!
Colors: Purple and white Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, full sun
I love using these drought-tolerant beauties in both fresh bouquets and garden displays. Their spherical blooms always draw the eye.
8. Sneezeweed
Don’t let the name fool you – sneezeweed is a delightful addition to any summer garden.
Colors: Yellow, orange, red Growing conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
I’ve incorporated these perennials into my borders and wildflower gardens. They’re a magnet for bees and butterflies!
9. Calamint (Calamintha)
Calamint is my secret weapon for adding both visual appeal and fragrance to the garden.
Colors: White and light purple Growing conditions: Full sun to light shade, light watering
I love using it in my garden beds, borders, and containers. The pollinators seem to love it as much as I do!
10. Geraniums
Geraniums are my go-to for reliable, colorful blooms all summer long.
Growing conditions: Fertile well-drained soil, full sun
I use them in hanging baskets, beds, and pots. Their resistance to diseases and pests makes them a dream to care for.
11. Dahlias
When I want to make a bold statement in my garden, I turn to dahlias.
Colors: White, red, pink, purple Growing conditions: Full sun, well-drained fertile soil, regular watering
From midsummer to fall, these showstoppers keep my garden looking fabulous. They’re perfect for beds, borders, containers, and cut flowers.
12. Bacopa
Bacopa, also known as Sutera or Chaenostoma, is my secret for creating stunning cascading effects.
Colors: White, blue, lavender Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, regular watering
I love using bacopa in my container gardens and hanging baskets. Its trailing habit creates a beautiful waterfall of blooms.
13. Aster
Asters are my late-summer saviors, bringing fresh color to the garden when other plants are fading.
Colors: White, purple, blue, pink Growing conditions: Full sun or light shade, loamy well-drained soil, regular watering
I use these fast-growing perennials in borders, wildflower gardens, and mixed beds. They’re a favorite of bees and butterflies too!
14. Bougainvillea
For a tropical touch in my garden, I always turn to bougainvillea.
Colors: Magenta, red, orange, white Growing conditions: Sunny areas, well-drained soil
These drought-tolerant vines are perfect for hanging baskets, pots, and garden beds. They bring a vibrant, exotic feel to any space.
15. Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)
Angelonia, or summer snapdragon, is my go-to for continuous color without the fuss.
Colors: Lavender, pink Height: Up to 18 inches Growing conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
I love that these plants don’t need deadheading. They’re perfect for my garden beds, borders, and containers.
16. Clematis
When I want to add vertical interest to my garden, clematis is my first choice.
Growing conditions: At least 6 hours of full sun per day
I use these climbing vines on trellises, fences, and arbors. Just remember, pruning needs vary by type!
17. Salvia
Salvia is my secret weapon for attracting pollinators to the garden.
Colors: Red, purple, blue, white Growing conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, minimal fertilizer
I use salvia in borders, containers, and mixed flower beds. It’s a joy to watch the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flock to these blooms.
18. Marigolds
Marigolds are my trusty companions in the garden, adding cheerful color and pest-repelling properties.
Colors: Yellow, orange, red Growing conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
I use them in borders, containers, and as companion plants in my vegetable garden. Their bright blooms never fail to make me smile.
19. Sunflowers
No summer garden is complete without sunflowers, in my opinion.
Growing conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
I use these tall annuals as borders, backdrops, and focal points. Plus, I love harvesting the edible seeds at the end of the season!
20. Peonies
Peonies are the grand dames of my summer garden.
Colors: White, pink, red, yellow Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil
These long-lived perennials are a staple in my garden beds and borders. Their fragrant flowers are a joy both in the garden and in vases.
21. Carnations
Carnations add a touch of elegance to my summer garden.
Colors: Red, pink, white, yellow Height: 9-24 inches depending on variety Growing conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
I use these classic flowers in borders, containers, and for cut flowers. Their sweet fragrance is an added bonus!
22. Hibiscus
For a tropical feel, I always include hibiscus in my summer garden.
Growing conditions: Full sun, ample water, and fertilizer during blooming
These show-stopping flowers are perfect for garden beds, borders, and large containers. The hummingbirds and butterflies love them as much as I do!
23. Gladiolus
Gladiolus adds a touch of drama to my summer garden.
Growing conditions: Well-drained soil, moderate moisture, abundant sunlight
I use these tall spikes of flowers in garden beds, borders, and for cut flowers. Just remember to provide support for taller varieties!
24. California Poppy
California poppies bring a touch of golden sunshine to my garden.
Colors: Red, pink, orange, yellow, cream Height: 6-15 inches Growing conditions: Full sun, poor well-drained soil
I love direct sowing these in my garden for a natural, wildflower look. Remember to deadhead for continuous blooming!
25. Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia)
Blanket flowers are my go-to for adding warm, sunset hues to the garden.
Colors: Yellow, orange, red, burgundy Growing conditions: Bright sunlight, avoid shade
These cheerful flowers are perfect for garden beds, borders, and containers. They’re real pollinator magnets too!
There you have it – my top 25 summer flowering plants! With these beauties in your garden, you’re sure to have a colorful, vibrant outdoor space all summer long. Remember, gardening is all about experimentation and personal taste. Don’t be afraid to try new plants and combinations. Happy gardening!