Last summer, my neighbor Susan peeked over the fence and asked, “How on earth do you keep your garden so colorful? Mine always looks dead by July!” I had to laugh, because five years ago, I couldn’t keep a plant alive to save my life.
After countless trips to the garden center (and yes, plenty of plant casualties), I’ve finally cracked the code on summer flowers.
These 25 plants are my tried-and-true favorites that keep my yard looking amazing all season long!
My 25 Best Summer Flowering Plants
1. Delphinium
I’m absolutely in love with these stunning perennials! In my garden, they create the most dramatic backdrop I could imagine. With over 300 varieties to choose from, you’ll find gorgeous shades of blue, purple, white, and pink that can grow up to 6 feet tall.
They’re pretty easy-going plants that love full or partial sun and well-drained soil. I’ve found they make the perfect background plants, adding that vertical interest that makes everyone stop and stare.
2. Coreopsis
These cheerful little flowers have become my go-to for reliable summer color. They’re incredibly easy to maintain and bring such bright, sunny energy to the garden.
I keep mine happy with consistent watering and well-drained fertile soil. Whether in full sun or light shade, they just keep blooming! One of my favorite things about coreopsis is how they attract bees and other pollinators to my garden.
3. Globe Amaranth
I stumbled upon these unique flowers a few years ago, and now I can’t imagine my summer garden without them! Native to Central America, these eye-catching annuals produce the most adorable globe-shaped blooms in shades from purple to white.
In my experience, they’re pretty easy to please – just give them full sun and stick to a regular watering schedule. I use them everywhere – in my garden beds, borders, and containers. The best part? The blooms last forever!
4. Lantana
Let me tell you about lantana – it’s literally the superhero of my summer garden! This hardy plant has saved me during those scorching summer days. Once established, it only needs weekly watering, and it rewards me with gorgeous clusters of pink, yellow, red, and orange flowers.
I’ve planted them in borders, containers, and even as ground cover. The butterflies in my garden absolutely adore them, which makes my morning coffee on the patio even more delightful.
5. Morning Glory
Every morning, I look forward to seeing these beautiful climbers put on their daily show! These fast-growing vines have transformed my plain garden fences into stunning vertical displays.
They love full sun and moist, well-drained soil. I’ve trained them up trellises, fences, and arbors, and they never disappoint. There’s something magical about watching their bright, bold flowers open up each morning.
6. Plectranthus (Pilaka)
This is my go-to plant for those tricky garden spots! It’s incredibly resilient and thrives in full sun with well-drained fertile soil. I only water it when the soil feels dry, which makes it perfect for busy gardeners.
Just a heads-up though – keep this beauty away from areas where your pets hang out, as it can be toxic to cats and dogs. I’ve found it works beautifully in containers and as ground cover.
7. Allium
These drought-tolerant beauties add such whimsy to my garden! Their perfectly spherical blooms in purple and white look like nature’s lollipops standing tall in my flower beds.
I love cutting them for bouquets, and they create the most incredible garden displays. Plant them in well-drained soil with full sun, and they’ll reward you with the most spectacular show.
8. Sneezeweed
Don’t let the name fool you! This late-summer bloomer has become one of my garden favorites. Despite what you might think, it doesn’t actually cause sneezing – the name comes from its historical use in snuff.
I’ve planted these cheerful flowers in my borders and wildflower gardens, where they bloom in beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red. The bees and butterflies can’t get enough of them!
9. Calamint (Calamintha)
This fragrant herb has stolen my heart! It’s so low-maintenance – just give it full sun (though it doesn’t mind a bit of shade) and light watering, and it’ll thrive.
The delicate white and light purple flowers might seem subtle, but they create such a lovely, soft effect in my garden. Plus, the fragrant foliage makes working in the garden an aromatic delight.
10. Geraniums
These are my faithful friends in the garden! I’ve planted them everywhere – in hanging baskets, beds, and pots. They’re such troopers, showing off their vibrant blooms all summer long.
What I love most about geraniums is how resilient they are to pests and diseases. Just be careful not to overwater them – that’s the only way I’ve ever managed to disappoint them!
11. Dahlias
Oh my, where do I begin with dahlias? These showstoppers bloom from midsummer to fall, and they never fail to make my heart skip a beat. I grow them in my cutting garden, and they provide the most spectacular bouquets.
They need full sun and well-drained fertile soil, plus regular watering, but they’re worth every bit of attention. The range of colors is incredible – from pure whites to deep reds and everything in between.
12. Bacopa (Bopas)
These dainty flowers are my secret weapon for creating stunning hanging baskets! Their jewel-like blooms in white, blue, and lavender cascade beautifully over the edges.
I keep them happy with regular watering and a spot that gets full sun to partial shade. They’re perfect for adding that soft, romantic touch to any garden space.
13. Aster
When late summer rolls around, my asters steal the show! These fast-growing perennials produce the most charming daisy-like flowers in white, purple, blue, and pink.
I plant them in loamy, well-drained soil and give them regular water. They’re absolute champions at attracting pollinators, which keeps my garden buzzing with life.
14. Bougainvillea
Want to add a tropical touch to your garden? Bougainvillea is your answer! This vigorous vine has transformed my garden with its magnificent displays of magenta, red, orange, and white.
It’s surprisingly drought-tolerant once established, and I love how versatile it is – whether in hanging baskets, pots, or climbing up my garden walls.
15. Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)
These have become my go-to flowers for continuous summer color! Their tall spiky flowers in lovely shades of lavender and pink grow up to 18 inches tall, creating beautiful vertical interest.
The best part? No deadheading required! They just keep blooming and blooming with minimal care from me.
16. Clematis
I’m absolutely smitten with these climbing beauties! My clematis transforms ordinary fences and arbors into flowering masterpieces. They need at least 6 hours of full sun daily to perform their best.
Just remember that different varieties need different pruning approaches – I learned that the hard way!
17. Salvia
These are the workhorses of my summer garden! Available in red, purple, blue, and white, salvias are incredibly low-maintenance and keep blooming all season long.
The hummingbirds and butterflies they attract make them even more special. I’ve planted them in borders, containers, and mixed flower beds – they look fantastic everywhere!
18. Marigolds
These cheerful flowers are my vegetable garden’s best friends! Their bright yellow, orange, and red blooms not only look beautiful but also help repel pests from my precious veggies.
They’re incredibly easy to grow and maintain, making them perfect for novice gardeners. Just give them full sun and well-drained soil, and they’ll reward you with months of color.
19. Sunflowers
Nothing says summer quite like sunflowers! These gentle giants bring such joy to my garden with their cheerful yellow faces tracking the sun across the sky.
They’re incredibly rewarding to grow – just plant them in full sun with well-drained soil, and watch them reach for the sky. Plus, the birds absolutely love the seeds in fall!
20. Peonies
These are truly the queens of my garden! Some of my peonies have been blooming faithfully for over a decade now, producing the most luxurious puffball blooms in white, pink, red, and yellow.
They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. I especially love cutting them for gorgeous indoor bouquets.
21. Carnations
These classic beauties range from 9-24 inches tall and come in the most beautiful shades of red, pink, white, and yellow. Their sweet fragrance makes them a must-have in my cutting garden.
I grow them in full sun with well-drained soil, and they provide endless blooms for both my garden and vase arrangements.
22. Hibiscus
Talk about tropical drama! My hibiscus plants stop traffic with their enormous trumpet-shaped blooms in various color combinations. The hummingbirds simply can’t resist them!
They do need regular watering and fertilizing during blooming season, but those spectacular flowers are worth every effort.
23. Gladiolus
These tall, elegant spikes of flowers add such wonderful vertical interest to my garden! They need well-drained soil and moderate moisture to thrive.
I’ve learned to plant them in sheltered spots to protect them from strong winds – nothing’s sadder than seeing these beauties topple over!
24. California Poppy
These charming flowers have taught me that sometimes less is more! They actually prefer poor soil and don’t like being transplanted, so direct sowing is the way to go.
Standing 6-15 inches tall with blooms in red, pink, orange, yellow, and cream, they’re perfect for adding that wildflower charm to any garden.
25. Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia)
Last but definitely not least, these sun-loving flowers bring the colors of a sunset right into my garden! Their daisy-like blooms in yellow, orange, red, and burgundy are simply stunning.
They’re real sun worshippers, so I make sure to plant them in bright, open spots. The pollinators they attract make them even more valuable in my garden.