In this guide we’ll explore some of the best flowers that can keep your garden lit with color and life all summer long.

Verbena

Verbena is a resilient flower that thrives in the warm summer months, providing clusters of bright blooms that can withstand drought. With its sprawling habit, it makes an excellent ground cover or container plant, often attracting butterflies with its sweet nectar. Verbena comes in various shades, including purple, red, and white, making it easy to pair with other blooms. Their tendency to bloom continuously encourages a lively atmosphere in any garden setting.

Lily

These elegant flowers aren’t just for spring weddings; certain lily varieties will bloom all summer if planted correctly. Their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers exude a captivating fragrance. Varieties such as Asiatic and Oriental lilies are perfect for summer, blossoming in stunning hues like orange, pink, and yellow. Lilies add a sophisticated touch to your floral landscape, often drawing attention for their majestic stature and robust blooms.

Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans are quintessential summer flowers that are both hardy and cheerful. Their bright yellow petals surround a dark central cone, creating a striking visual impact. These perennial favorites thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, often flourishing in wildflower gardens or natural settings. They are also pest-resistant and drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.

Borage

Borage, often overlooked, is a lovely herb that produces stunning star-shaped blue flowers throughout summer. Known for attracting pollinators, borage makes a delicious addition to salads and drinks. With its bright blooms and bushy green foliage, it works wonderfully in cottage gardens or mixed borders. Plus, the entire plant is edible, offering a unique touch to your garden both visually and culinarily.

Penstemon

Penstemon, or beardtongue, is a vibrant summer bloomer that thrives in drier conditions, making it perfect for rock gardens or xeriscaping. Their tubular flowers come in various colors, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. With a peak bloom time from early summer to late summer, Penstemon is a fantastic choice for gardeners who want to extend their floral displays well into fall.

Yarrow

Yarrow is an enduring perennial, famous for its fine fern-like foliage and clusters of tiny flowers that bloom in July and August. With colors ranging from white to shades of yellow and pink, it’s a versatile addition to any garden. Beyond its beauty, yarrow is often used in herbal remedies and has a long history in traditional medicine, adding an extra layer of value to this beloved plant.

Crocosmia

Crocosmia dazzles in the garden with its bright orange and red tubular flowers. Blooming from mid-summer into fall, these hardy bulbs add a tropical flair to garden displays while faring well in various soil conditions. Their upright growth adds height and drama to flower beds, and they also attract hummingbirds, offering a lively dynamic to your outdoor space.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are iconic summer bloomers known for their large, lush flower clusters. Depending on the variety, they can exhibit blue, pink, or white flowers that change color based on soil pH. These graceful shrubs are perfect for brightening shady spots in your garden. They are relatively low-maintenance, requiring periodic pruning to encourage robust blooms year after year, providing continuous beauty throughout the summer.

Roses

Roses are the classic choice for any garden, with countless varieties available to suit every gardener’s taste. Modern hybrid roses bloom profusely and are available in every conceivable shade, adding elegance and fragrance to any landscape. Continuous care, such as deadheading and disease management, ensures their blooms flourish throughout the summer months, making them a must-have for any flourishing garden.

Zinnia

Zinnias are the epitome of cheerful summer flowers. Available in a multitude of colors, these annuals are known for their vibrant, daisy-like blooms that are easy to grow from seed. They thrive in hot, sunny environments and are incredibly hard-working pollinator plants, attracting butterflies and bees to your garden. With tall and dwarf varieties available, Zinnias can be used in borders or as cut flowers to brighten up indoor spaces.

Bee Balm

Bee balm is a charming perennial that adds not only colorful flowers but also a significant attraction for bees and butterflies. Belonging to the mint family, its nectar-rich blooms come in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. This fragrant plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and makes an ideal addition to herb gardens or flower borders, providing a vivid display throughout the summer months.

Marigold

Marigolds are a gardener’s delight; not only are they beautiful, but they’re also highly beneficial for repelling pests. Their bright, sun-kissed petals bloom throughout the summer, making them perfect for attracting pollinators. They come in various sizes, from compact varieties to larger, bushier types, fitting into any garden design seamlessly. Planting marigolds is a fantastic way to infuse your space with vibrant pops of orange and yellow.

Begonia

Begonias are versatile and stunning flowers that bloom in vibrant colors from late spring to frost. Ideal for shaded areas or patios, these plants offer an explosion of color with their thick leaves and bell-shaped flowers. Available as both annuals and perennials, tuberous begonias thrive in well-drained soil, ensuring your garden stays colorful regardless of sun exposure.

Shasta Daisy

Shasta daisies are the quintessential summer flowers, characterized by their white petals with a cheerful yellow center. These perennials bloom from late spring through summer and are incredibly adaptable, thriving in various soil conditions. They make fantastic cut flowers and can bring a classic charm to any bouquet, providing a sense of joy and nostalgia that transports you to sunny meadows.

Sweet William

Sweet Williams, also known as Dianthus, are loved for their fragrant and colorful clusters that bloom all summer long. With shades ranging from deep reds to soft pinks, these charming flowers are excellent for borders and cottage gardens, inviting both butterflies and bees to your green space. They thrive in sunny conditions and well-drained soil, presenting beautifully throughout the season.

Geranium

Perennial geraniums are reliable summer bloomers with delicate, cup-shaped flowers. Known for their resilience and non-fussy growth, they produce a delightful array of colors that often attract pollinators to your garden. These ground-covering plants enhance the landscape while easily coexisting with other flowers, offering a gentle burst of color alongside robust annuals.

Petunia

Petunias are classic garden favorites, known for their vibrant colors and versatility. They bloom continuously throughout the summer in hanging baskets, mixed beds, or borders. Available in a wide array of colors, petunias inspire creativity in garden design and bring seasonal joy. Regular deadheading encourages an even longer bloom period, making them perfect for those looking to keep their floral displays vibrant throughout the hotter months.

Daylily

Daylilies are incredibly resilient flowers that boast an array of shapes and colors. Despite their name, each bloom lasts just a single day, which is quickly followed by new blooms opening each day throughout the summer. A drought-resistant plant, daylilies are perfect for low-maintenance gardens and offer a splash of brilliance that can brighten any corner of your outdoor space.

Cosmos

Cosmos are charming annuals known for their delicate, daisy-like flowers that sway gently in the breeze. They bloom from early summer until frost, showcasing an array of heights and colors that fit beautifully into cottage or wildflower gardens. Cosmos thrive in poor soil and full sun, proving that sometimes the simplest plants can produce the most stunning results.

Blanket Flower

Blanket flowers, or Gaillardia, are vibrant sunflowers with daisy-like blossoms that bloom all summer long. Available in shades of red, yellow, and orange, they provide a stunning, warm contrast against green foliage. These hardy perennials attract butterflies and are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for sunny spots in your garden as they happily spread and reseed themselves.

Salvia

Salvia, or sage, is a diverse group of plants known for their lovely flowers and aromatic foliage. They produce spikes of vibrant blooms in various colors, attracting pollinators and enhancing summer gardens. Salvias thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, requiring minimal maintenance while providing reliable summer-long blooms. With different varieties available, there’s sure to be one that fits any garden aesthetic.

Fuchsia

For a touch of elegance, fuchsia flowers deliver a burst of color and unique shape. Known for their teardrop petals in shades of pink and purple, these plants thrive in shady areas and can add charm to hanging baskets and container gardens. Their continuous blooms attract hummingbirds and bees, bringing life and movement to garden spaces, particularly in shaded corners.

Peony

Peonies are sumptuous blooms that command attention with their large, fragrant flowers. While they traditionally bloom in late spring, some varieties enjoy a summer resurgence, offering a delightful display in early summer gardens. Their lush flower heads and romantic fragrance make them a cherished choice for bouquets, ensuring they’re not only a feast for the eyes but also the senses.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are the cheerful representatives of summer flowers, embodying the warmth of the season with their striking yellow blooms. Their towering presence and ability to follow the sun make them a joy to include in both gardens and fields. Providing both beauty and utility, sunflowers attract bees and can even yield edible seeds, enhancing their appeal as a versatile garden flower.

Foxglove

Foxgloves are iconic for their majestic spikes of tubular flowers that bloom from early to late summer. Their stunning bell-shaped blooms come in various hues, often attracting hummingbirds and bees. Foxgloves thrive in part shade and can create a vertical drama in borders or woodland gardens, demonstrating that beauty can exist in both wild and cultivated landscapes.

Clematis

Clematis is a climbing plant that offers an exquisite array of flowers throughout summer, creating a stunning vertical display. With a multitude of varieties, these perennials can grace trellises, fences, and arbors with colors ranging from soft pastels to bold, vibrant hues. Regular pruning encourages abundant flowering, ensuring that clematis becomes a cherished focal point in any garden.

Chrysanthemum

While chrysanthemums are often associated with fall, certain summer-blooming varieties offer stunning flower displays during the height of summer. Known for their dark green foliage and vibrant blooms, these hardy perennials provide a brilliant burst of color and are often admired for their durability and resilience in changing weather conditions.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis, often referred to as tickseed, is a carefree perennial known for its cheerful yellow flowers. They bloom generously throughout summer, thriving in poor soils and delivering a dazzling display that attracts butterflies. Low-maintenance and resilient, coreopsis brings a sunny, carefree spirit to any garden space, making them a delightful choice for those seeking continuous summer blooms.

Lavender

Lavender not only graces gardens with its soothing aroma but also produces stunning spikes of purple flowers throughout summer. Its drought-resistant nature and ability to attract beneficial pollinators make it an essential addition to herb gardens. Both a culinary herb and a beloved ornamental plant, lavender’s calming scent and vibrant blooms embody the essence of summer relaxation.

Cardinal Flower

Cardinal flowers are strikingly beautiful, with their vibrant red blossoms adding a bold statement to any garden. They thrive in moist soil and often attract hummingbirds, making them an excellent choice for water gardens or areas with high humidity. Their stunning color and ability to brighten shaded areas create a dynamic and engaging summer landscape.

Columbine

Columbine blooms beautifully in early summer with unique, spurred flowers often seen dancing in the breeze. They come in an array of colors, including blue, yellow, and red, and thrive in various growing conditions. Columbines love partial shade and often self-seed, creating delightful new plants for consecutive summers. Their whimsical appearance adds a delightful and enchanting element to the summer landscape.

Tiger Lily

Tiger lilies are charming, bulbous blooms that often grace gardens with their stunningly patterned petals. Characterized by vibrant orange flowers speckled with black, they are both hardy and vigorous, making them excellent long-term choices for summer gardens. Native to many regions, they thrive in diverse soils and conditions, bringing effortless beauty wherever they grow.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus flowers bring an exotic flair to summer gardens, boasting enormous blooms in hues of red, pink, yellow, and white. These bold flowers thrive in warm climates, and their tropical appearance adds a sense of paradise to your garden. Hibiscuses attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making them not only a stunning visual but also a hub of activity during the summer months.

Daisy

Daisies are beloved summer flowers known for their simple charm and resilience. Their classic white petals and yellow centers make them a versatile addition to garden settings, easily adapting to various styles, from wildflower patches to formal gardens. Daisies thrive in most soil types and require minimal care, bursting joyfully into bloom all summer long.

Liatris

Liatris, or gayfeather, is known for its striking spikes of purple flowers that bloom from the top down. Attracting butterflies and other pollinators, these hardy perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Their unique vertical growth pattern adds interest to floral arrangements and garden borders, providing summer blooms while allowing for diversity in texture and color.

Iris

Iris blooms in late spring and can extend its flowering into early summer, depending on the variety. With stunning, elaborate flowers ranging from royal purple to bright yellow, irises add sophistication to any garden bed. Hardy and easy to care for, they thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. This timeless flower continues to enchant garden lovers with its elegance and grace.

Delphinium

Delphiniums are majestic perennials known for their tall spikes of clustered blooms. Available in an array of shades, from white to deep blue, they bring height and drama to garden beds. Although they require good soil and regular watering, the showy flowers are absolutely worth the effort. Delphiniums attract butterflies and lend a romantic touch to any summer garden.

Balloon Flower

Balloon flowers are unique perennials that start as balloon-like buds before unfurling into star-shaped blooms. Their sky-blue flowers bloom continuously through the summer, making them an exciting and whimsical addition to flower borders. Thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, these hardy flowers provide enjoyment throughout the season, bringing playful charm to any space.

Phlox

Phlox is renowned for its colorful clusters of flowers that bloom through summer. They are particularly attractive to butterflies, making them ideal for pollinator gardens. With a wide variety of colors and growth habits, phlox makes lovely additions to borders or flower beds. Their sweet fragrance and visual appeal ensure they remain a favorite among gardeners.

Dahlia

Dahlias are remarkable perennial flowers that create a vibrant summer spectacle with their lavish blooms. Ranging in size, shape, and color, dahlias provide garden enthusiasts with endless options for design and style. These flowers require sunny spots with good drainage but offer magnificent, long-lasting color through the summer into fall, making them beloved focal points of any garden.

Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia, often called black-eyed Susans, are cheerful, sun-loving perennials that thrive in summer gardens. Their golden yellow petals and dark centers create a delightful contrast, attracting bees and butterflies. Tough and drought-resistant, rudbeckia provides reliable blooms that last through late summer, enhancing garden resilience and brightness.

Aster

Asters are familiar summer bloomers that provide stunning bursts of color as they transition into fall. However, some varieties bloom in summer, producing vibrant daisies in hues from purple to white. These perennials thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, making them an appealing choice in wildflower gardens or mixed perennial borders.

Canna Lily

Canna lilies are exotic, tropical-looking flowers popular for their large blooms and lush foliage. They bloom throughout the summer, offering shades of vibrant red, orange, and yellow. Perfect for creating dramatic displays in sunny spots, canna lilies thrive in rich, moist soil and can also be used to create beautiful borders around ponds and water features.

Coneflower

Coneflowers, or echinacea, are hardy perennials known for their daisy-like blooms. Ranging in color from pink to purple to white, these flowers attract pollinators and are often used in herbal medicine. Coneflowers thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, presenting a cheerful array of flowers that persist throughout summer, making them an essential in any pollinator-friendly garden.

Sea Holly

Sea holly is a unique perennial that stands out with its striking blue flowers and spiky foliage. Blooming in summer, it thrives in drought-prone areas and poor soil, making it a worthy addition to coastal gardens or prairie landscapes. With its textured form and distinctive color, sea holly adds a distinct visual element to floral arrangements and garden borders.