Top 27 Summer Flowers for a Colorful Display
Your garden can sizzle with summer vitality when you plant these top 27 summer flowers.
These varieties, known for their resilience to heat and bright blooms, ensure that your outdoor space remains a riot of color even during the hottest months.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers thrive in full sunlight and bloom beautifully during the summer.
The ‘Magnus’ variety showcases large magenta petals surrounding a striking brownish-orange center, adding drama to any garden. Reaching heights of up to 6 feet, these flowers make a bold statement while attracting butterflies.
A medium amount of water keeps them healthy, and they can even handle poor drainage soil. Growing well in zones 5 through 8, coneflowers symbolize strength and health while tolerating hot summer days easily.
Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias Curassavica)
Bright clusters of orange and yellow flowers bring a cheerful vibe to gardens during summer and autumn.
Known for attracting butterflies, especially the Monarch butterfly, this tropical milkweed is also a favorite among bees and hummingbirds. Ideal conditions include well-drained soil with neutral pH levels, along with plenty of sunlight or partial shade.
Symbolizing hope, nurturance, and love adds depth to its presence in any garden space. Suitable for growing zones 8 to 11 makes it accessible for many gardeners.
Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia Hirta)
Bright yellow petals with a dark center make Black-Eyed Susans instantly recognizable.
Known for their cheerful appearance, these flowers thrive in well-drained soil and enjoy full sun or partial shade. Their blooming season stretches from spring to early fall, adding color when many other plants fade away.
This hardy flower adapts well to hot and dry conditions, proving resilient even in tough climates. Drought tolerance enhances their appeal, making them an excellent choice for gardens looking to shine under the summer sun while symbolizing justice and equality.
Begonia (Begonia Grandis)
Begonia grandis shines brightly in shady gardens, thriving in zones 8 to 11.
This flower blooms from summer until frost, showcasing large petals that can reach up to 4 inches wide. Colors like pink, red, and white create a lively display.
Impressive foliage with broad leaves adds beauty alongside the blossoms. Easy care has kept begonias popular for many years, making them a beloved choice for gardeners everywhere.
Strawflower (Xerochrysum Bracteatum)
Summer blooms like strawflowers add warmth and color to any garden.
Their petals come in various shades, including yellow, pink, red, purple, and white. These flowers thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained soil with dry to medium water needs.
From summer until the first frost, they maintain their beauty beautifully when dried for arrangements. Cutting stems just as the flowers start to open ensures a lasting display; hanging them upside down in a cool space preserves their vibrant colors perfectly.
Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena Globosa)
Globe amaranth thrives in full sun and blooms from summer until frost.
This flower, known for its round, clustered blossoms, comes in colors like pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. Growing well even in average or poor soil that drains properly suits it perfectly to hot and dry conditions.
As a long-lasting cut flower that also dries nicely for arrangements adds charm to any setting. Symbolizing immortality makes this annual not only beautiful but meaningful as well.
Cosmos (Cosmos Bipinnatus)
Cosmos, with its lovely daisy-like blooms, adds a cheerful touch to summer gardens.
This annual plant thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys full sunlight. Colors range from white to vibrant red, making it visually appealing throughout the growing season.
Associated with peace and order, cosmos flowers bloom all summer until frost arrives. Easy to cultivate and great for cutting arrangements, these plants bring joy wherever they are placed.
Tickseed (Coreopsis)
Tickseed, a member of the sunflower family, brings joy with its bright blooms.
Known for its cheerful nature, this flower flourishes in full sun and thrives from spring to fall. The ‘Sungold’ variety showcases deep golden yellow petals with darker centers that stand out beautifully.
With minimal water needs and an ability to grow in average or poor soil, maintenance remains easy throughout summer. Butterflies are attracted to tickseed as it adds a sunny flair to gardens while offering edible seeds by autumn's arrival.
Peony (Paeonia Bowl of Cream)
Fragrant peonies add beauty and charm to gardens, thriving in full sun or partial shade.
Known for their creamy white petals and sweet scent, these flowers symbolize honor and wealth. Hardy by nature, they resist drought and deer while living for over a century.
Ideal soil is fertile with good moisture retention; watering should be kept at medium to wet levels. Patience proves essential as it may take three years before a newly planted peony produces its lovely blooms during late spring through early summer.
Larkspur (Delphinium)
Larkspur brightens gardens with its lovely blue, pink, white, and purple blooms.
These flowers symbolize lightness and joy while thriving in growing zones 2 to 10. Watering requires a medium amount for optimal growth in moist, well-drained soil rich in humus.
Blooming from spring through summer means these flowers can add color when many others fade away. For dried arrangements, cutting stems just as the blossoms start to open works best; hanging them upside down ensures they maintain their beauty over time.
Periwinkle (Vinca Minor)
Periwinkle, also known as Vinca Minor, offers beauty with minimal effort.
This hardy groundcover thrives in various conditions and grows well in zones 4 to 9. Blooming from late spring through summer, it displays flowers in blue, lavender, pink, and white shades.
Deep green leaves fill gaps beautifully while resisting deer damage. Low water needs make this plant a smart choice for areas that require less attention.
Rosa Radrazz (Rosa Knock Out)
One of the most loved bush roses is the knock-out rose, known for its robust growth and generous blooms from spring until frost.
This red beauty thrives in various soil types but prefers loamy soils for optimal health. Regular watering helps maintain moisture depending on the climate, while full sun to partial shade supports its growth needs.
Growing well in zones 5 to 9 makes it accessible to many gardeners. Symbolizing gratitude and appreciation, this rose brings both color and joy to any garden space with minimal care required.
Transvaal Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)
Bright colors fill the garden with Transvaal daisies, known for their cheerful nature.
Flowers can reach up to 5 inches across and bloom from late spring through summer, often lasting into fall. Stems stand around 12 inches tall, making them suitable for cutting and arranging in vases.
This plant thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in humus and prefers full sun or partial shade. Found mainly in growing zones 8 to 11, these flowers come alive in shades of yellow, orange, pink, red, and white.
Allium Globemaster (Allium Giganteum)
‘Globemaster’ brings elegance to any garden with its impressive 3-4 inch round blooms in early summer.
This ornamental onion thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil. After the vibrant flowers fade, glossy green leaves continue to add charm through fall.
Growing zones 5 to 9 suit this plant perfectly, making it a wonderful choice for various gardens. Low water needs ensure that care remains simple while adding height and drama wherever planted.
Gloriosa Daisy (Rudbeckia Gloriosa)
Gloriosa Daisies bring a splash of cheerful color to gardens.
These perennials have bright yellow petals surrounding a dark center, attracting bees and butterflies throughout summer and fall. Growing well in zones 3 to 8, they thrive in full sun with medium water needs and prefer well-drained soil.
Symbolizing joy and gratitude, these flowers will keep blooming season after season.
Flame Lily (Gloriosa Lily Superba)
A garden can truly shine with the addition of flame lily, known for its stunning appearance.
Bright yellow petals adorned with deep red tips create a striking visual display. Long vines twist elegantly, showcasing glossy green leaves that enhance the beauty of this plant.
Blooming from mid-summer to fall, it flourishes best in rich soil and needs plenty of sunlight or partial shade. Cold weather poses a challenge since this tropical flower isn't frost-resistant; therefore, growing it in containers is wise for those living in cooler areas.
Zinnia (Zinnia Elegans)
Zinnias bring bright colors to summer gardens with their long-lasting blooms.
These flowers thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained soil, making them easy to care for. Heat and drought tolerance allow zinnias to flourish even in tough conditions.
Their vibrant shades include pink, orange, yellow, red, white, and purple. Enjoying a blooming season from summer until frost adds life to any garden space while also providing lovely cut flowers for indoors.
Lantana (Lantana Camara)
Lantanas, named after the Latin word for lantern, thrive in full sunlight and bloom from late spring until frost.
Their bright flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds while keeping deer and rabbits away with their strong citrus scent. Growing well in zones 7 to 11, these plants need medium water and prefer well-drained soil but can tolerate poor conditions.
Grouping multiple lantanas enhances their colorful display as a low-maintenance groundcover.
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)
Tall stalks of red hot poker catch the eye with their bright tubular flowers.
This plant symbolizes excitement and passion, adding energy to any garden space. Growing zones range from 4 to 9, while it thrives in well-drained soil and can handle sandy conditions.
Full sun or partial shade provides ideal lighting for this beauty, which blooms from late spring to early summer. Once established, red hot poker requires little water and stands strong as a striking feature at the back of borders or on its own.
Shoeblackplant (Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis)
Blooming from early spring to late summer, the tropical hibiscus shoeblackplant adds a striking element to any garden.
Flowers can reach an impressive size of 8 inches and display deep maroon centers that transition to ruby on the edges. This evergreen plant thrives in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter and prefers full sun or partial shade for optimal growth.
Symbolizing love and passion, it holds cultural significance as well as beauty. Regular fertilization encourages more blooms throughout its growing season in zones 10 to 12, ensuring a vibrant display all summer long.
Geranium (Pelargonium)
A cheerful burst of magenta flowers lights up any garden during summer.
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and can grow well in average or slightly poor soil, as long as it drains properly. Known for its lovely lemony scent, the foliage adds an extra layer of charm.
Geranium symbolizes love and trust, making it a meaningful choice for many gardeners. With water needs ranging from dry to medium, this delicate variety is manageable with the right care in growing zones 9 to 12.
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea)
Bougainvillea brings a burst of color to gardens, brightening up any space.
This hardy plant thrives in full sun and can handle high temperatures, making it suitable for walls or trellises in warm regions. Cooler climates benefit from growing bougainvillea in pots, allowing easy movement indoors as nights get chilly.
The blooms are resistant to drought and salt, perfect for challenging spots in your yard. Among the various colors available, white or ivory flowers shine beautifully against the dark green foliage.
Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius)
Safflower has roots in North America and has been grown for thousands of years.
This plant symbolizes faithfulness and thrives in full sunlight, needing well-drained soil with low water requirements. Blooms appear from summer through frost, offering beauty to any garden space.
The flower's petals once served as a red dye while the seeds produced oil for cooking and cosmetics. Today, safflower seeds remain a nutritious source of protein enjoyed by many.
Dahlia (Dahlia Hybrids)
Dahlias add a burst of color to any garden during summer and continue blooming until frost.
These flowers thrive in full sunlight and prefer well-drained soil, making them easy to care for. Originally from Mexico, dahlias were once cultivated as food, with tubers similar to potatoes.
Various colors and sizes contribute to their popularity among gardeners. Planting dahlias can enhance the beauty of gardens or containers throughout the warm months.
Sunflowers (Helianthus Annuus)
Sunflowers are among the most beloved summer blooms, celebrated for their big flowers that turn towards the sun.
Known for easy growth, these annuals thrive best in full sunlight and well-drained soil with a neutral pH. Their vibrant appearance symbolizes loyalty and adoration, making them a favorite choice for many gardens.
Blooming from summer into autumn, they also serve as fantastic cut flowers to brighten indoor spaces. Regularly removing spent blossoms helps promote additional flowering throughout the season.
Marigold (Tagetes Erecta)
Marigolds thrive in summer and bloom into autumn, showcasing a wide range of colors except blue.
These flowers grow well in average, well-drained soil with light to medium water needs. Full sun is essential for their growth, making them perfect for sunny gardens.
Many gardeners appreciate marigolds not only for their beauty but also as natural pest repellents when planted along vegetable patches. Their resilience to heat and drought makes caring for them quite easy; just a bit of deadheading keeps the blooms coming all season long.
Scarlet Sage (Salvia Splendens)
Scarlet Sage, with its bright red blooms, holds meanings of wisdom and protection.
This flower thrives in full sunlight and enjoys well-drained soil. Blooming begins in early summer, making it a lovely addition to gardens from zones 5 to 8.
Besides its beauty outdoors, sage serves as a flavorful herb in cooking too. Gifting this plant can convey good luck or serve protective intentions through various rituals.
