Summer is the best season to make your backyard a colorful bouquet of flowers. Hot weather and long days are perfect conditions for growth of various blooming plants. Here’s a guide to some of the most beautiful summer flowering plants that will bring beauty and brightness to your garden.
Marigolds
Known for their cheerful, bright coloring, marigolds are the mainstay of summer gardens.
The range includes: Shades such as yellow, orange or red.
When to Plant: Set out transplants in spring after all danger of frost has passed or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks earlier.
Cultural Considerations: Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Water regularly; keep moist but not too dry. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.
Petunias
Petunias are popular annuals that provide a stunning display of color throughout the summer months.
There are numerous varieties available with solid colors, stripes, and bicolors among others.
When to Plant: Set out transplants in spring after all danger of frost has passed or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks earlier
Cultural Considerations: Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Keep soil moist watering around plants only so that leaves stay dry.Water regularily ,but avoid overhead watering which can lead to diseases such as powdery mildew.Deadhead regularly for more blooms
Zinnias
Zinnias are brightly colored annuals that are easy-to-grow .
They come in different shades of red, pink,yellow ,orange,and white among other shades.
When to Plant: Set out transplants in spring after all danger of frost has passed or direct sow seed outside two weeks before last frost date.
Cultural Considerations: Grow plants in well-drained soil under full sun.Water at the bottom,not on the leaves .Deadhead spent blooms for more flowers
Geraniums
Geraniums are versatile plants that can be grown in beds, borders, and containers.
The colors available include red, pink, white and purple.
When to Plant: Set out transplants in spring after all danger of frost has passed or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks earlier.
Cultural Considerations: Grow in well-drained soil under full sun to part shade. Allow soil to dry slightly between watering.Water regularly but don’t keep the soil soaked dead-heading will also help them to produce more blooms
Dahlias
Dahlias are stunning flowers that come in a variety of forms and colours.
They come in almost every color except blue.
When to Plant: Set tubers outside after danger of spring frost is past or start tubers indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost date.
Cultural Considerations: Plant dahlias in well-drained soil so they receive full sunshine.Irrigate sufficiently especially during hot weather.Stake tall varieties and deadhead regularly
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are iconic summer flowers that can grow very high indeed.
This plant comes in different sizes and colors such as yellow, red or orange .
When to Plant: Direct-seed or transplant sunflower seedlings into your garden after the last frost date in spring or early summer.
Cultural Considerations : Grow them on well drained soils with full exposure.Water regularly especially during drought periods.In case some are too tall prop-up by tying them to stakes
Black-Eyed Susans
Black-eyed susans are hardy perennials that flower profusely over summer season .
These have bright yellow petals with dark brown centers surrounding a yellow cone-shaped eye at their centers .
When to Plant: Sow seeds directly into the garden just before last frost, or set out potted plants purchased from garden centers in early spring.
Cultural Considerations: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Keep watering until they establish then water them occasionally. Deadhead spent blooms to have more flowers grow.
Coneflowers
Coneflowers are hardy perennials that attract butterflies and other pollinators.
They come in various shades of pink, purple, white and yellow among others .
When to Plant: Sow seeds directly into the garden just before last frost, or set out potted plants purchased from garden centers in early spring.
Cultural Considerations: Grow plants in well-drained soil under full sunlight .Keep regular watering for dry spells.Deadheading encourages re-blooming
Lantana
Lantana is a drought-tolerant plant with clusters of small, showy flowers.
Variety: It is available in a variety of colors such as yellow, orange, pink and red.
Planting Time: Lantana should be planted in the spring after the last frost.
Care: They can only do well in well drained soils that have enough sunlight. Make sure to water regularly but allow it to dry out between the waterings. Prune when needed, in order to maintain shape and promote new growth
Hibiscus
Hibiscus plants produce large tropical-like flowers which add an exotic touch to any garden.
Variety: This plant comes in different colors like red, pink, orange and white.
Planting Time: Hibiscus must be planted during spring after the last cold snap has ended.
Care: They prefer well-drained soil and full sun or part shade. Water deeply on a regular basis. Prune back to keep its shape right for more flowering stems.
Conclusion
During summer time you may fill your garden with colors of vibrant flowers. By mixing annuals and perennials you can observe blooming throughout the season continuously; all this requires is careful planning. When taken care of properly these summer flowering plants will thrive giving beauty to your garden.
