The Top 27 Summer Flowers to Bring the Heat to Your Garden

Summer flowers are some of the most beautiful and diverse blooms you can find. Just like various types of evergreen trees, they are the perfect way to add color and life to your garden. While annuals like impatiens and petunias are always popular choices, don’t forget about colorful perennials like daylilies and coneflowers. And don’t forget the foliage! Plants like coleus and sweet potato vine can add as much color as the flowers themselves.

27 Stunning Summer Flowers to Plant in Your Garden

Use summer flowers to brighten up your porch or patio, or plant them in your landscape for a pop of color. If you are looking for color and pizzazz, summer flowers are the way. With their bold hues and interesting shapes, these blooms will add some excitement to your garden. With so many beautiful summer flowers to choose from, you can create a unique garden.

1. Sunflowers (Helianthus Annuus)

One of the most popular summer flower plants in the world, sunflowers are known for their large blooms that follow the sun throughout the day. These annual plants are pretty easy to grow and make for excellent cut flowers. Be sure to plant them in full sun for the best blooms possible. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooming.

2. Zinnia (Zinnia Elegans)

These annuals are known for their long-lasting flowers in various colors, including pink, orange flowers, yellow, red, white, purple, and more. Zinnias are heat- and drought-tolerant, suitable for summer gardens. Plant them in full sun in well-drained soil for the best blooms. They are easy to grow and make excellent cut flowers.

3. Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias Curassavica)

This tropical milkweed is a must-have for butterfly gardens. The flowers are very attractive to bees, other insects, and hummingbirds. It’s the only host plant for the unique Monarch butterfly in some areas, so it’s also an important nectar source. The showy clusters of orange and yellow flowers are a bonus and perfect for images of summer flowers. These flowers grow best in full sun but can tolerate some light shade. It does best in well-drained soil.

4. Cosmos (Cosmos Bipinnatus)

With its beautiful, daisy-like flowers, the cosmos is a classic garden plant that has been associated with peace and order. This annual is a must-have for the summer garden. Cosmos come in a wide variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red. These annuals are easy to grow and make for excellent cut flowers—plant cosmos in full sun for best results.

5. Dahlia (Dahlia Hybrids)

Blooming Season: Summer until Frost These types of summer flowers come in a wide range of colors and sizes, making them very popular. Dahlias are native to Mexico and were once used as a food crop. The tubers were eaten like potatoes. Today, dahlias are grown for their beautiful flowers in many shapes and sizes. Plant dahlias in your garden or in containers for a splash of color all summer long.

6. Gloriosa Daisy (Rudbeckia Gloriosa)

Daisies are a garden classic for a good reason. The Gloriosa Daisy is a cheery addition to any garden with its large, yellow petals and brownish-red center. They will add a touch of brightness to any bouquet and are loved by bees and butterflies, depicting amazing pictures of summer flowers with a yellow tone. Gloriosa daisies are tough perennials that will come back year after year, providing you with an abundance of cheery yellow blooms.

7. Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius)

The safflower is a plant that has been cultivated for thousands of years. The flower’s petals were once used to produce a red dye, and the oil from the seed was used as lamp oil. Today, the safflower is still grown for its oil used in cosmetics and cooking. The plant is also known for its symbolism of faithfulness. Safflowers are native to North America and are used as a food crop. The seeds are still eaten today and are a good source of protein.

8. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea)

With its riot of color, bougainvillea adds excitement to any garden. This tough plant can take full sun and heat, making it perfect for planting along foundations or on trellises and fences in hot summer areas. If you live in a cooler climate, grow this summer flower plant in containers so you can bring it indoors when the temperature starts to dip at night. Bougainvillea is known for withstanding drought and salt, making it a great choice for those difficult-to-plant areas in your yard. While bougainvillea comes in many colors, white or ivory blooms stand out the most against the plant’s dark green leaves.

9. Peony (Paeonia ‘Bowl of Cream’)

Fragrant and beautiful peonies make an excellent addition to any garden. They are among the longest-lived perennials, with some plants living for over 100 years. The classic bowl of cream peony owes its creamy white petals and sweet fragrance to parentage, including the Chinese tree peony. Despite its light color, this bush is quite hardy and resistant to drought and deer. Be patient when growing this heirloom plant because it can take up to three years for a newly planted peony to bloom.

10. Marigold (Tagetes Erecta)

Marigolds are the workhorses of the flower world. They are easy to grow, heat and drought tolerant, and bloom all season long with just a little deadheading. Marigolds come in just about every color except blue, so it is easy to find one (or several) that coordinates well with your other plants. We like to use marigolds as edge planting in vegetable gardens to help repel rabbits and other pests.

11. Tickseed (Coreopsis)

A sunflower family member, tickseed’s disk flowers are made up of many smaller florets. Tickseed comes in many colors, but the ‘Sungold’ variety is a favorite for its sunny disposition. The petals are a deep golden yellow, and the center of each flower is darker still. Tickseed is drought tolerant and will bloom all summer long with very little care. Butterflies are especially drawn to this cheerful flower. You’ll love the way it brings a touch of sunshine to your garden, and you may even find yourself snacking on the edible seeds come fall.

12. Allium ‘Globemaster’ (Allium Giganteum)

Ornamental onions are a great way to add height and drama to the garden. ‘Globemaster’ is an Allium that doesn’t disappoint, displaying enormous 3-4″ globe-shaped blooms in early summer. After the flowers fade, the glossy green foliage lingers, providing interest through fall, perfect images of summer flowers. Because of its statuesque form, ‘Globemaster’ is often a focal point for mass plantings. It also looks great when planted in containers.

13. Begonia (Begonia Grandis)

These types of summer flowers are an oldie but a goodie. Begonias have been popular for centuries because of their showy flowers and easy care. This variety features large blooms as big as 4 inches wide. The petals are ruffled and come in pink, red, or white shades. While the flowers are undoubtedly the show’s star, the foliage is impressive with its giant elephant ear-like leaves. Begonia grandis is best suited for shady areas of the garden.

14. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia Hirta)

Black-eyed Susans are one of the most cheerful flowers you can grow. Nearly everyone recognizes their bright yellow petals accented with a black or brown center that resembles a button. They are easy to grow and make excellent cut flowers. You will often see them growing wild along roadsides and in open fields. These plants are very drought tolerant, so they make a perfect choice for hot, dry areas.

15. Flame Lily (Gloriosa Lily Superba)

With its climbed stems and brightly colored flowers, the flame lily is a showstopper in any garden. The flowers feature bold yellow petals with deep red tips. Aptly named, flame lily is a genuinely magnificent plant. It features long, twining vines that are covered in glossy green leaves. The vines are topped with large, bright flowers from late spring through early fall. Each flower has six petals that curl back from the center to reveal bright yellow stamens. This tropical plant is not frost-hardy, so it must be brought indoors or grown in a container in cooler climates.

16. Periwinkle (Vinca Minor)

This shade-loving groundcover is great for problem areas in your garden. With its dense, spreading habit and deep green foliage, periwinkle will quickly fill any gaps. Best of all, it’s relatively maintenance-free and deer resistant. This summer flower plant blooms in blue, lavender, pink, and white shades. So, if you’re looking for a beautiful, easy-to-grow groundcover, periwinkle should be at the top of your list.

17. Coneflower (Echinacea)

The coneflower is a North American native, a popular choice for butterfly gardens. The large petals of the ‘Magnus’ variety unfurl to reveal a brownish-orange center that contrasts beautifully with the magenta petals. This variety can reach up to 6 feet tall when blooming, making it a dramatic addition to any garden. Coneflowers are also drought-tolerant, so they’re perfect for hot, dry summers.

18. Larkspur (Delphinium)

Larkspur blooms in shades of blue, pink, white and purple flowers. The petals are spiked, and the blooms grow on long stems generating beautiful pictures of summer flowers. They’re lovely in fresh or dried arrangements. If you want to dry them, cut the stems when the blooms are just beginning to open and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place.

19. Geranium (Pelargonium)

The vivid magenta flowers of geranium are a cheerful addition to any garden, and the plant is known for its long blooming season. As a bonus, the foliage has a pleasant lemony scent. While this variety of geranium is a bit more delicate than some others, it is easy to grow if given the right conditions.

20. Transvaal Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)

The showy flowers of the Transvaal daisy come in a rainbow of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, red, and white. Each flower can be up to 5 inches wide, borne on 12-inch-tall stems. They make excellent cut flowers. You may also hear this plant called Gerbera jamesonii, and it’s sometimes confused with the closely related garden gerbera (Gerbera jovis).

21. Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena Globosa)

The globe amaranth is a long-lasting cut flower that blooms in various colors. The most common are pink, purple, and red shades, but white and yellow varieties also exist. All have the same clustered, round blooms that dry well and make lovely additions to dried flower arrangements producing good images of summer flowers. The globe amaranth is fun and easy-to-grow annual that’s perfect for hot, dry conditions.

22. Strawflower (Xerochrysum Bracteatum)

https://pixabay.com/hu/photos/xerochrysum-bracteatum-3670653/

The papery petals of strawflowers can be many different colors, including yellow, pink, red, purple, and white. These types of summer flowers are ideal for dried arrangements because they hold their color and shape so well. Cut the stems when the blooms are just beginning to open and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place.

23. Shoeblackplant (Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis)

A tropical hibiscus shoeblackplant is an evergreen that produces showy flowers. While the blooms may only last one day, they can reach up to 8 inches in diameter. The centers of the flowers are often a deep, rich maroon red that fades to ruby on the outer petals. Shoeblackplant has been used for centuries to symbolize love and passion. Fertilizing with a balanced formula promotes more flowers throughout the season.

24. Rosa Radrazz (Rosa ‘Knock Out’)

The knock-out rose is one of the most popular bush roses. It’s easy to see why with its vigorous growth habit and ability to produce abundant flowers from early spring until frost. This carefree red rose is also tolerant of a wide range of soil types and is virtually disease-resistant.

25. Lantana (Lantana Camara)

Aptly named after the Latin word for the lantern, lantanas are often used in hanging baskets or container gardens. The sun-loving blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds, while the robust and citrusy scent deters deer and rabbits. Plant several lantanas together to create a colorful, low-maintenance groundcover.

26. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)

With its towering stalks of tubular red flowers, red hot poker is impossible to miss in the garden. Although the plant may appear a delicate tropical, it’s pretty challenging and easy to grow. Once established, it’s also relatively drought-tolerant. Because of its tall stature, red hot poker is best suited for the back of a border or as a standalone specimen.

27. Scarlet Sage (Salvia Splendens)

Sage is a popular choice for those who appreciate its beauty and utility in creating perfect pictures of summer flowers. In cooking, sage is used as an herb to flavor various dishes. But did you know that this red flower also has many meanings? For example, it can be given as a gift to wish someone good luck or used in spells for protection. Because of its unique properties, it’s no wonder that sage is considered one of the most powerful herbs around.

27 Perfect Summer Flowers to Brighten Up Your Garden

When the days start getting shorter, and the weather gets cooler, it can only mean one thing: summer is coming to an end. But that doesn’t mean your garden has to suffer. When the weather warms up and the days start getting longer, it’s time to add some color to your yard with summer flowers. From annuals to perennials, there are many different types of flowers that you can plant that will bloom throughout the summer season. Consider adding some of these beautiful blooms to your garden this year.