As the last wisps of winter fade, many gardeners and homeowners eagerly await the vibrant blooms of summer. With the right plants, your outdoor space can transform into a kaleidoscope of colors, enticing pollinators and passersby alike. The question on everyone's mind is, "What can I plant now for summer color?" In this article, we'll guide you through the best plants to sow in different regions and share expert advice on creating a stunning summer display.
Seasonal Variety: Plants for Early Summer (Northern Hemisphere)
- In areas with frost, it's best to start with hardy annuals and perennials, which thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C and 27°C).
- Marigolds: These bright bulbs come in a variety of sunshine hues and can be sown directly into the ground as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Their strong, pungent scent also repels nematodes, whiteflies, and other pests.
- Pansies: With over 70 varieties to choose from, these delicate flowers offer a multitude of colors, from purple and blue to gold and pink. They're easy to care for and bloom quickly, so you can enjoy a show of color in as little as six weeks.
- Zinnias: These vibrant flowers burst into bloom in just three to five weeks, making them an ideal choice for adding a splash of color in early summer. Their diversity of colors and heights, ranging from 6 inches to 3 feet, ensure a dramatic display.
- Wheat and Oats: Planting these crops can help add a wildlife-friendly barrier to your lawn, while providing your space with a pop of color. As they mature, they can be harvested and added to homemade bread recipes.
Regional Variations
- In warmer climates (USDA zones 8 and above), consider this alternative:
- Bougainvillea: This shrub can be grown in a container, making it perfect for small spaces. Its vining habit renders it difficult to insinuate within confined garden bed spaces.
- Lantana: A symbol of hospitality in many Latin American countries, this low-maintenance shrub thrives in warmer climates and requires minimal maintenance.
Flowers for Shading and Foliage
- Ferns: Despite not being known for their bold colors, many species of ferns offer lush, vibrant greenery that provides significant texture to garden arrangements. They thrive in dappled shade and work best under nearly 100% humidity.
- Sweet Bay: With glossy, edible leaves and fragrant white flowers, sweet bay plants provide a versatile addition to perennials.
Seasonal Variety: Plants for Late Summer (Northern Hemisphere)
- In the heat of summer (or the warmth that comes with regional growing zones 3 through 8) focus on keeping your summer vibes going with an array of plant options for late summer color.
- Zinnias: In warmer climates, these flowers really come alive with prolonged exposure to heat.
- Begonias: These stunning flowers come with a morning glory type of behavior and an array of flower duration periods based on individual pruning - one in our Leucogastris series typically lasts 90 days, while differing from an ant-trech(discovered-AKperfect.(licable2438 Dark Pink variety lasts 130).
- Vinca minor (Periwinkles): Growing around 4-6 inches tall, making it an excellent option for maintaining colored flower systems and understated understating through a fuller foreground of multi-sewer sweat-store green- and bud basal shoulders.
