18 Plants That Bloom All Summer: A Guide to Continuos Color in the Garden
We all want a showy garden with flowers that bloom for months on end – I know I do! If you’d like your garden to stay vibrant throughout the summer and fall, then you need to choose the right plants – that’s the secret.
And you can do this by combining both perennial and annual plants. Perennials and annuals planted together make the perfect combination for a colorful, long-blooming garden.
This list offers a range of beautiful and easy-to-care-for plants that bloom throughout the summer and even into the early weeks of fall.
You’ll find various colors, shapes, and sizes on this list so you’re bound to find a few plants that catch your attention and meet your needs.
They’re also suitable for both large and small gardens – you don’t need a large space to grow summer-blooming plants! If you’re working with a smaller space, take advantage of hanging baskets, vertical garden smalls and containers.
Before we talk about each flower, I’ll go over a few basic care tips that’ll help keep your plants looking good throughout the hottest months of the year.
Understanding Blooming Cycles
Perennials vs Annuals
Let’s cover the differences between perennials and annuals. You might discover you like one over the other or prefer to purchase both types for your home (which is what I recommend).
Put simply, perennials are plants that come back year after year, while annuals grow and bloom for only one season.
Perennials are known for their long blooming period once established, but annuals enjoy a reputation for their rich, vibrant color.
Perennials need a longer time to reach bloom but once they do, they’ll come back to your garden for at least two or more years. Annuals, on the other hand, need to be purchased every year.
Sunlight Needs
You can’t expect plants to bloom if you don’t provide them with enough sunlight.
Most blooming plants need at least six hours of sunlight each day to set flower buds.
Some, however, might prefer partial shade, such as the popular hydrangea shrub.
Before purchasing your plants, observe your yard’s daily access to sunlight. Different areas of your yard or space might get shorter or longer periods of sunlight exposure.
For instance, your side yard or side patio might get less sunlight exposure than your backyard. Take note of any large trees or objects that provide shade in the afternoon.
Remember to always check a plant’s sunlight requirements before purchasing.
Avoid shade-loving perennials if your yard has limited shade.
Soil and Water Requirements
Ample sunlight isn’t the only thing your plants need.
The quality of your soil and the amount of water it receives are also critical factors.
Plants usually require well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Some plants on this list are less picky than others and can survive in low-quality soil.
You don’t need anything fancy; a standard potting mix made for flowers will work just fine!
Also, it’s best to water plants at the soil level to keep leaves and blooms healthy.
Avoid overhead watering to prevent diseases like powdery mildew. You’ll usually need to water when the soil feels dry about two inches deep.
Top 8 Perennial Plants for Summer Blooms
Let’s look at these work-horse perennials below. They’re among the most popular and beloved plants, and for good reason.
Keep in mind that perennials are a valuable addition to the garden because they only need to be planted once and can then be enjoyed for many years to come. This means you can design your garden around them, and fill in spaces with other plants, like annuals and ground covers, where needed.
Perennials are excellent building blocks in landscape design!
Here are ten of the prettiest perennial plants that bloom all summer long:
1.Spanish Lavender
Who doesn’t love lavender? This plant is so hardy and resilient, even in drought conditions.
It’s a fragrant perennial that blooms from mid-summer to fall and even performs well in containers.
Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Plant it in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and water it every few days. with
If your plant starts to wilt, give it a generous drink of water, and it’ll perk right back up.
Prune lavender to encourage new blooms.
Hardiness zone: 7-9
Bloom Time: Spanish lavender, late spring to early fall
Height: 24-30 inches tall
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Learn More about Lavender:
Care Tips for Growing Lavender
2.Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are hardy perennials that bloom from mid-summer to fall. Purple coneflower is among the most popular type (and a personal favorite!).
The flower blooms that grow in a downward direction which makes it an interesting sight in the garden. It’s what helps to set them apart from other daisy-like plants.
You can find them in different colors, including pink, purple, and white. Birds and butterflies love this plant, so let the birds feed on the seeds at the end of the blooming season!
They’re also easy to care for and can tolerate drought conditions, making them a very low-maintenance yet showy flower to add to the summer garden.
Hardiness zone: 4-9
Bloom Time: Early summer to fall
Height: 3-4 feet tall
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Learn more about Coneflowers:
How to Care for Purple Coneflower Echinacea
3.Black-Eyed Susans
Black-Eyed Susans are a cheerful sight in the garden and are super easy to care for.
These daisy-like flowers bloom from mid-summer to fall and have bright yellow petals with a dark center.
Their foliage is rich, too, and the plant grows tall, so they provide plenty of interest when not in bloom.
Black-eyed Susans are easy to grow and can tolerate various soil conditions, making them a great choice for beginners. They’re not fussy!
Hardiness zone: 3-9
Bloom time:
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Height: 3-4 feet tall
4.Roses
Roses are a classic choice and great for traditionalists!
There are so many varieties and hybrids to choose from, too.
They bloom all summer long and are beloved for their lovely fragrance. They make beautiful cut roses, too. The climbing varieties look stunning on a pergola or trellis.
Some popular types include the David Austin rose, hybrid tear rose, and English rose.
Plant them in the front yard for improved curb appeal or use them as a privacy hedge!
- Zones: 5-8
- Bloom time: late spring to early fall
- Height: 3-6 feet tall; shrub roses up to 15 feet tall
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
5.Hydrangeas
For a pop of color in your garden, try planting some hydrangea shrubs. Their large flower blooms and leaves are eye-catching and perfect for bordering a front porch.
They come in various colors, including pink, blue, and white, and the perennial shrub grows quite large with its lush foliage.
Hydrangeas prefer partial shade and moist soil, so be sure to plant them in a spot that receives shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Otherwise, they can quickly burn and get sun-stressed.
- Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Bloom time: Mid-spring to early fall
- Height: 2-6 feet feet tall
- Sun Requirements: Partial sun
Read more About Hydrangeas:
How to Care for Hydrangeas
6.Russian Sage
Russian sage is a gorgeous plant with a long bloom period.
- Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Bloom time:
- Height: 1-4 feet feet tall
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
7.Shasta Daisies
Shasta Daisies are pretty flower that are ultra low-maintenance.
They bloom from mid-summer to fall and feature white petals with a yellow center. They can tolerate poor soils too, and don’t need a ton of care, making them a great choice for beginners.
8.Phlox
Phlox is a fragrant perennial that blooms from mid-summer to fall.
You can find phlox in a range of colors, including pink, purple, and white.
For those yearning for a charming cottage-style garden, phlox is the perfect pick. With its tall stature and fluffy blooms, it’s sure to add a touch of whimsy to your garden.
The perennials listed above are not only stunning, but they are also low-maintenance and will grace your garden for at least two consecutive growing seasons.
Top 10 Annual Plants for Summer Blooms
Annuals flower put on quite a show during the summer.
Annuals are a must if you’re looking for rich color and abundant blooms!
Here are 10 annual plants that bloom all summer long. They even perform incredibly well in my hot and dry climate.
One of the best aspects of annual plants and flowers is their exceptional performance in pots and containers, making them ideal for small gardens, balconies, front porches, and narrow side yards.
Many of them are great in hanging baskets and even vertical wall gardens.
The sun-loving plants listed below deliver a vibrant burst of color and boast long-lasting blooms that last from the summer season well into fall.
Make sure to snip off the spent flower heads to promote new growth!
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are a popular choice for summer blooms and they also repel mosquitoes!
They’re an excellent option for beginners due to their low-maintenance nature, and they also offer valuable pest-repelling benefits in the vegetable garden.
- Zones: 2-11
- Bloom time: Early summer to frost
- Height: Dwarf varieties 6-8 inches tall
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
2.Zinnias
Zinnias are a beloved option for summer blossoms, offering various colors and sizes.
They thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making them a versatile choice.
Zinnias are fantastic for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, too. If you’re considering a cut garden, zinnias are an absolute must-have!
- Zones: Grows as annuals in zones 2-11
- Bloom time: Late spring to frost
- Height: Dwarf varieties 6-12 inches tall, some varieties up to 4 feet tall
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
3.Petunias
Petunias are a timeless summer favorite, available in a diverse range of colors and fun patterns.
They are exceptionally prolific, thriving in both containers and garden beds. Petunias are also excellent for drawing bees and butterflies to your garden.
Make sure to water and deadhead regularly to keep your plant producing blooms for months!
- Zones: Grows as annual in all zones, winter hardy in zones 9 -11
- Bloom time: Spring to frost
- Height: 6-18 inches long
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
4.Impatiens
Impatiens are colorful flowering plants that are also known as “busy Lizzies” because of their abundant blooms.
They come in various colors and bloom for long periods. They prefer shady areas, though, so this is not the plant that will perform out in full sun during the hottest days of the year.
Keep the soil moist and they’ll be happy.
Grow them in hanging baskets, containers, or directly in the ground.
Use them to feed beautiful hummingbirds to your garden!
- Zones: Grows as annual in all zones, winter hardy in zones 10-11
- Bloom time: Spring to first frost
- Height: 1-3 feet feet tall
- Sun Requirements: Partial sun; they need shade in the afternoon
5.Begonias
If you love unique flowers, begonias are an excellent option. They boast waxy foliage and deep, saturated colors.
They perform best in the shade, though, so plant this lovely flower in your shade garden. It looks beautiful in containers and hanging baskets, but also stuns as a ground cover.
They attract pollinators, too, another plus.
- Zones: Grows as annual in all zones, winter hardy in zones 10-11
- Bloom time: Spring to frost
- Height: 1-2 feet feet tall
- Sun Requirements: Partial sun; they need shade in the afternoon
6.Geraniums
Geraniums are a classic flower known for their long bloom season. They’re available in so many pretty colors, too.
They are easy to grow and can be grown in both containers and in the ground. Geraniums are also great for repelling pests such as mosquitoes and aphids.
- Zones: Grows as annual in all zones, winter hardy in zones 10-11
- Bloom time: Spring to falll
- Height: 2-4 feet feet tall for common varieties
- Sun Requirements: Full sun, but might need some afternoon shade during high temps
7.Celosia
Celosia is a distinctive flower known for its tall, feathery plumes in vibrant colors, making it a standout plant in the garden.
It complements daisy-like flowers beautifully. Plant it along the garden border with other sun-loving annuals such as zinnias, cosmos, and marigolds for a lovely display.
- Zones: Grows as annuals in 3-11
- Bloom time: Summer to fall
- Height: 6-36 inches tall
- Sun Requirements: Full sun, 6 hours daily
8.Cosmos
Who doesn’t love cosmos?!? They’re incredibly popular and one of the easiest flowers to grow and maintain.
They add a burst of color to any garden with their bright hues and look stunning when planted in a cottage-style garden or cutting garden.
Personally, I enjoy growing them in pots and sometimes even grow them from seed.
- Zones: 10 to 11
- Bloom time: Early to mid-summer until first frost
- Size: Up to 4 feet tall x 2.5 feet wide
- Sun requirements: Full sun
9.Sunflowers
Sunflowers are beautiful as cut flowers and make a classic addition to any summer garden with their wide variety of sizes and colors.
They are extremely easy to care for and thrive equally well in containers and garden beds.
Sunflowers also attract birds so if you love to bird-watch, sunflowers are a must!
- Zones: Grown as annuals; perennials in zones 4-8, depending on type
- Bloom time: Summer to fall
- Size: 9-16 feel tall; dwarf varieties 1-4 feet tall
- Sun requirements: Full sun
10. Snapdragons
Snapdragons are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a plant that blooms early in the growing season.
They burst into colorful flowers during the early summer months, adding a vibrant touch to the garden when other flowers are yet to bloom.
You can find them in various colors and they’re suitable for planting in the ground or in containers.
Use them as a cut flower for your floral arrangements, too!
- Zones: Grown as annuals; perennials in zones 4-8, depending on type
- Bloom time: Summer to fall
- Size: 9-16 feel tall; dwarf varieties 1-4 feet tall
- Sun requirements: Full sun
Plant Care Tips for Summer
Watering Perennials and Annuals
Proper watering is essential for the health of summer-blooming plants.
During the hot summer months, plants require more frequent watering than in the winter because the soil dries out much faster.
It’s important to water deeply and thoroughly, allowing the water to reach the roots.
Even with drought-tolerant plants, it’s important to keep a consistent watering schedule.
Heat waves are becoming common occurrences during the summer. To help your plant survive such high temperatures, be sure to water every few days and try to so in the mornings.
You can also apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture in the soil and keep the roots cool.
This will help to keep your plants (especially young plants) from getting scorched.
Also, try to avoid getting water on the leaves, which can lead to fungal growth.
A layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture in the soil and keep the roots cool.
Fertilizing Your Plants
Fertilizing can help keep summer-blooming plants healthy and promote continuous blooming.
Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
To ensure plenty of blooms on your plants, avoid over-fertilizing your plants – don’t get carried away; more is not always best.
Too much fertilizer can result in an abundance of foliage growth but very few flower buds. This won’t get you the colorful garden you’re hoping for!
Find a good, reputable fertilizer at your local garden center that’s appropriate for your type of garden, and follow their instructions for when and how to apply the fertilizer solution.
Pruning and Deadheading to Promote Blooms
Pruning can help maintain the shape, height, and size of summer-blooming plants while deadheading can encourage new blooms to form.
If you want your flowers to bloom all summer long, you’ll need to get comfortable with deadheading your flowers regularly.
Deadheading is the process of cutting off dead flowers from a plant, which helps the plant to produce more flowers. Removing spent flowers can stimulate the plant to send out new bloom growth, instead of producing seeds or more foliage.
It’s important to know when to prune your plants, however, as different species have different requirements.
Some plants may require pruning after blooming, like lilacs, while others may benefit from pruning in early spring.
Be sure to research the specific needs of your plants before picking up the pruning shears!
Pest Control
Remember to keep an eye out for pests and diseases during the summer months.
These can wreak havoc on your plants if not caught early.
Being mindful of your garden and checking your plants at least weekly can help you identify and diagnose any issues before they become problematic.
I hope this list of plants that bloom all summer has inspired you to choose some perennials and annuals for your garden!
Many of the plants on this list are great for beginners – just be sure to do some quick research about their care needs to ensure you can provide them with the right environment.
Remember that by bringing home a selection of plants that have different blooming periods means you can enjoy a garden that has color and lively flowers for several months, from spring to early fall!
All you need is a little planning!
Give your plants good soil, access to sunlight, consistent watering, a little fertilizing, and some deadheading and you’ll be on your way to growing a bountiful flower garden.
Pollinators will thank you for it, too!
LEARN MORE ABOUT GROWING PERENNIALS AND ANNUALS IN YOUR GARDEN:
18 Low-Maintenance Perennials for Your Garden
16 Annuals that Bloom ALL Summer Long
How to Grow a Cut Flower Garden
Annuals vs Perennials: Which Should You Plant in Your Garden?
Best Heat-Resistant Annuals for Beautiful Flower Blooms