Summer bloomers are the absolute stars of the garden, turning your outdoor space into a vibrant paradise once the warm weather hits. If you’re looking to add some serious curb appeal, here are some of the most popular varieties and what makes them so special.
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++Windflower (Anemone)
++Hibiscus
Hibiscus is famous for its stunning, oversized blooms that scream summer. This plant grows as a shrub and can easily reach over six feet tall. If that feels a bit too big for your space, don’t worry—you can easily manage its size with a little pruning. The flowers come in gorgeous shades of white, pink, and purple. Fun fact: if you dry the petals, you can even brew them into a delicious, aromatic herbal tea!
++Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint is a hardy summer perennial from the mint family that every low-maintenance gardener should know about. It thrives in sunny spots with leaner soil. As long as you give it plenty of light, Catmint is incredibly easy to care for and rewards you with a lovely fragrance. Pro tip: if you shear the plant back after the first round of flowers fades, it’ll often treat you to a second bloom in late summer.
++Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are a total classic and a staple in cottage-style or romantic gardens. These shrubs offer a beautiful contrast between lush green leaves and massive flower heads. They generally prefer partial shade or dappled light, so try to avoid planting them in spots with intense, direct afternoon sun. One of the coolest things about hydrangeas is that their color can actually change based on the soil’s pH level, giving you some fun “creative control” over your garden’s look.
++Begonia
Begonias are versatile ornamental plants that come in almost every color imaginable. They are perfect for those trickier, shadier spots in your yard, as direct midday sun can actually scorch their leaves. They also appreciate a bit of shelter from the wind. When planting, make sure to include a drainage layer to prevent “wet feet” (root rot). Once they’re settled in, they’ll keep producing new flowers all season long, giving you a very long blooming window.
++Dahlia
If you want a real showstopper, look no further than the Dahlia. Few plants can compete with the explosion of color they provide during their bloom time. Originally from Latin America, they love the heat of summer. Dahlias crave bright sunlight and a bit of compost to keep them happy. Since their flower heads can get quite heavy, it’s a good idea to support them with a stake so they don’t snap in a summer breeze.
++Gladiolus
Gladioli (or “Glads”) are another fan favorite for the summer garden. Part of the iris family, these plants grow tall, elegant spikes of flowers that look absolutely stunning in a vase. While they make world-class cut flowers, they also look impressive in the back of a flower bed or even in large containers. With so many varieties and colors available, there’s a Gladiolus for every style.
++Canna Lily (Canna indica)
The Canna Lily is a bit of an “insider secret” for gardeners who want that tropical look without living in the tropics. They grow quite tall and produce blooms with a distinct exotic flair. Adding Cannas to your garden is the easiest way to create a vacation vibe right in your own backyard. They’ll keep your garden looking bold and bright all through the peak of summer.