Summer’s almost here, and even if overtime, gas prices, or inflation are keeping you home more than you would like, flowers can help brighten your day. Just because spring is over doesn’t mean an end to pops of color in the garden. Summer blooms include bright blue blossoms and flower fields for road trips.
Even though April showers bring May flowers, your garden doesn’t need to go dormant after Memorial Day. Many flower varieties bloom well into the summer, extending the time you can have color in your yard into late summer or early fall. When choosing which flowers to plant, keep in mind whether they prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade, and pick according to where you will be planting them.
To help you find blooms that can handle the heat, we’ve put together a list of the 40 best flowers that bloom in summer. We’ve included both the common and scientific names along with some other important information about each bloom.
Peonies
Paeonia spp.
Ruffles on ruffles on ruffles! Just as you start to break out your summer wardrobe, these voluminous blooms begin to appear on farms and in gardens.
With feathery petals and bright hues, what’s not to love about peonies?
Anthuriums
Anthurium spp.
Since you might be canceling your vacation this year, you might want to consider bringing home a taste of the tropics with anthurium!
With a nickname of flamingo flower, you’ll find yourself flocking to this lush plant.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis spp.
It’s no surprise that this plant goes by the name, “pot of gold.” Just look at its flowers!
The vibrant yellow blooms can add a bit of brightness to dark days… Even better? They can thrive in poor soil, so you can grow them in that rocky spot next to your patio. Just make sure to provide them with full sun.
Lavender
Lavandula spp.
Most of the previously mentioned flowers made the list because—let’s be real—they’re gorgeous. Lavender, on the other hand, has it all: the delicious summer look and an inviting scent that can help you relax.
So if you want a full sun flower with a next-level smell and eye-catching color, then lavender is the right summer flower for you. Just make sure to plant it in a location with well-drained soil.
Morning Glories
Ipomoea spp.
With bloom periods that are short yet sweet, morning glories remind us to take it one day at a time.
While they don’t thrive as cut flowers (we all have our flaws), they look stunning trailing up a fence or over an arbor.
Daisies
Asteraceae family
Another seasonal flower that sings summer is the daisy — the epitome of cheerfulness! On a cute scale from 1-10, we’re giving daisies an 11!
The name “daisy” comes from the Old English word dægeseage, meaning “day’s eye.” They get this name from the fact that they close their petals over their central eye during the nighttime hours before opening them back up in the early morning. Who knew!
Sunflowers
Helianthus spp.
What flower is synonymous with hot summer months? It’s sunflowers, duh. I mean, “sun” is right there in the name! Also, we’re going to give a shout-out to sunflower fields for being perhaps the most Instagram-worthy shot a girl can get. Eight feet tall flowers, anyone?
Unfortunately, you can’t spend every second of summer strolling through sunflower fields. But you can bring some sun to even cloudy days with a bunch of sunflowers.
Dahlias
Dahlia spp.
Dahlias are perhaps the most versatile summer flower, considering they come in nearly every size and color.
Go ahead and plant some in your garden; just choose a location that has well-drained soil and bright sun.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangea spp.
Although hydrangeas bloom from early spring all the way until autumn, they’re considered one of summer’s most popular flowers.
Ever wonder about the differences between blue and pink flowers? It’s not a difference in variety, but rather soil chemistry!
Marigolds
Tagetes spp.
Marigolds’ luscious, orange-yellow color makes you feel like royalty on even the toughest days.
While we love them, insects don’t. No wonder they’re so popular in gardens with well-drained soil.
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
With hundreds of flowers forming clusters that remind us of billowy clouds, yarrow is a summer must-have.
Want to create a tranquil vibe? White flowers have you covered. Want to liven things up? Choose bright pink or yellow flowers.
You’re not the only one in love with these blooms. Butterflies flock to the flowers to enjoy a sweet snack of nectar.
Amaranth
Amaranthus spp.
You’ll feel like royalty with the tassel-like blooms of amaranth. So, if you want to feel like the queen you are, seek out some of these cascading blooms.
Fun fact: amaranth is closely related to quinoa. Slide that knowledge to your friend during your next phone call.
Zinnias
Zinnia spp.
With blooms in almost every color, zinnias know how to please. The plants quickly send up flowers in the garden, and they thrive as cut flowers.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
When you’re stuck at home, hibiscus brings you a bit of the tranquil tropics. Their dramatic pink/red flowers wave gently in the summer breeze, reminding you to take a deep breath, sit back, and relax.
Black-eyed Susans
Rudbeckia spp.
You might mistake these cuties for a sunflower’s little sister. But as we know, siblings have their own unique personalities!
Unlike sunflowers, black-eyed Susans are perennials. So, if you plant them in a full sun spot with well-drained soil, you’ll get to enjoy their blooms year after year. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving.
Coneflowers
Echinacea spp.
Native plants are all the rage. After all, who doesn’t want to save the bees?
Coneflowers are some of the best flowers for bees and butterflies. Better yet, their gently drooping pink and purple petals are gorgeous! So add some to a full sun spot in your garden ASAP.
Bee Balm
Monarda spp.
Looking for another bloom that attracts flying critters? Then look no further than bee balm.
You’ll appreciate their distinctly shaped flowers and get lost watching the butterflies and hummingbirds each blooming flower attracts.
If you want to impress your gal pals, tell them that bee balm is related to mint — you can tell by the square stems.
Bougainvilleas
Bougainvillea spp.
Bougainvillea is tough and beautiful — just like you. Its bright red/pink color is gorgeous. But, don’t mess with it or it’ll stick you with its thorns.
These plants hold a secret: their flowers aren’t actually flowers! Rather, they’re a type of leaf called a bract. No matter what they are, one thing’s for certain: you need them in your life.
Celosia
Celosia spp.
Looking to add some drama to your garden? Celosia has you covered.
Heat things up with spiky, flame-like plumes or add some flair with funky blooms that will remind you of the coral you saw on your Caribbean snorkeling trip.
Cosmos
Cosmos spp.
We’re all a little bit stressed right now. The future is uncertain, travel plans have been canceled, and
Cosmos embrace that feel with graceful petals that flow in the wind. And their vivid pink and magenta hues keep your garden lively.
Poppies
Papaveraceae family
While thousands have flocked to see the super bloom of poppies in years past, this won’t be the case this year. However, you can see beautiful poppies.
To get your own taste of those California hillsides, sprinkle some poppy seeds in a full sun spot in your garden. When summer arrives, they’ll be hit with a vibrant display.
Lantana
Lantana spp.
Get ready to enjoy some floral fireworks with lantana. With each bloom exploding with different colors, this flower really puts on a show.
Like an orange/yellow hue? You got it. Prefer pink/red? Uh-huh, lantana provides that too.
Petunias
Petunia spp.
No garden? No problem. Petunias thrive in containers and bloom all summer long. So fill some planters or hanging baskets to become the talk of the neighborhood.
Daylilies
Hemerocallis spp.
A short-lived beauty, day lily flowers bloom for only one day. But don’t fear — each stem contains multiple flowers for continuous color.
Astilbe
Astilbe spp.
Also known as false goat’s beard, astilbe might be the GOAT in the shady summer garden. If you’re looking for a companion to keep you company under your umbrella, astilbe is your friend.
Like all good friends, this plant will cheer you up. All you have to do is look at its bright, feathery plumes.
Lisianthus
Eustoma spp.
Looking for a splash of summer elegance? Then add some lisianthus to your life.
This plant is notoriously difficult to grow. Luckily for you, pro growers have mastered these summer-flowering beauties.
Gomphrena
Gomphrena spp.
Need a cheerleader? These bright pompom blooms have your back.
Plant some of these cuties in a full sun spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Before long, you’ll be able to add the perfect amount of spirit to fresh or dried arrangements.
Strawflowers
Xerochrysum spp.
Don’t let the name fool you — these flowers are not one bit drab. What’s with the straw name then?
While strawflowers look a bit like vibrant daisies, their petals feel just like straw! Beauty and intrigue, now that’s what we’re talking about.
Salvias
Salvia spp.
Lacking a green thumb? Salvia to the rescue!
This group of summer flowers can survive some serious neglect…we’re a drought kind of neglect. And they can thrive in part shade.
Just because they’re tough doesn’t mean they aren’t beautiful. Their blooms come in colors ranging from red to purple to blue.
Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria spp.
Al who? The name might be tricky, but you know this summer flower. It’s flashy colors, speckled petals, and long stem life make it a fave in the world of cut flowers.
Larkspur
Delphinium spp.
Tall and full of bold color, larkspur knows how to make a statement. If you’re looking to add some oomph to your garden, plant some larkspur in a full sun or part sun spot.
If you plant it in your garden get ready to break out the high heels — the plant can get up to six feet tall!
Sea Holly
Eryngium spp.
Ready to mix things up? Cue sea holly.
You’ll be mesmerized by the beauty and mystique of its spiny, silvery-blue flowers.
Geraniums
Pelargonium spp.
A star in container gardens, geraniums add pops of red, pink, and white color to countless porches and patios.
Take a note from self-help columns and help this plant remove excess baggage. As long as you deadhead your plants, you’ll have fresh blooms all summer long.
Foxgloves
Digitalis spp.
Foxglove is sure to steal the show in your garden. With a tall spike of blooms dotted with cute freckles, how can it not?
With colorful blooms you can stick your finger into, this flower takes its name from the Latin word digitus, which means finger.
Portulaca
Portulaca grandiflora
Can’t decide between a succulent and a flower? No need to!
Portulaca gives you the sleek succulent look you crave while also throwing in flowers that resemble tiny roses. Add it to hanging baskets or try it out in one of your indoor rock gardens and for a natural chic look.
Canna Lilies
Canna spp.
Want to feel like you’re at a posh tropical resort? Then add some canna lilies to your life. Their lush waxy leaves and bright color will instantly transport you to another world.
Need another reason to love this plant? It’s low maintenance and easy to grow.
Calla Lilies
Zantedeschia spp.
With sleek, vase-like blooms we know and love, it’s no wonder callas are some of the most popular summer flowers.
What you may not know is that this plant isn’t a true lily. Surprise!
Gladioli
Gladiolus spp.
With tall spikes filled with large, elegant blooms, you’ll be glad you decided to add some of these flowers to a full sun spot in your garden.
Don’t go looking like a fool by searching for gladiolus seeds; these beauties start off their lives as an underground plant stem called a corm.
Bachelor Buttons
Centaurea cyanus
You’re bound to fall in love with this flower’s bright blue color.
Better yet? You can have a hands-off relationship yet still watch it thrive. Just throw some seeds and watch it grow (if only all relationships were that easy).
Periwinkle
Vinca minor
Looking for a groundcover plant that thrives in full sun or part shade? Then periwinkle is the plant of your dreams.
Summer Flowers for Your Garden
How can you decide which summer flowers are good for your home garden? For starters, check which USDA Plant Hardiness Zone you live in – flowers that thrive in Texas, California, or Florida may not fare as well in Maine, New York, or Minnesota. Heat and humidity are big factors in how well blooms do in different climates, as well as whether or not they can tolerate a light frost.
Next, choose plants that work well in your garden’s conditions. Full sun exposure is considered at least six hours per day of direct sunlight, the partial sun is about half that, and shade means little to no direct sunlight.
Here are some summer-blooming flowers that do especially well in gardens:
- Sweet Alyssum comes in white, pink, yellow, salmon, and purple and loves sunshine.
- Caladium needs mostly shade, can be brought indoors in the fall, and produces striking foliage that features green and pink heart-shaped leaves.
- Cuphea – also called firecracker plant – needs full sun. Its bright red or orange-red tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
- Fanflower is a low-growing annual that needs full sun and comes in shades of white, pink, and purple.
- Ranunculus is a popular choice for flower arrangements and is a perennial in zone 8 and warmer climates. Available in a variety of bright colors, ranunculus needs full sun.
- Begonias need mostly shade, don’t require deadheading, and will bloom all season long in colors like hot pink, bright orange, and deep red.
- Succulents come in numerous varieties, need full sun, and are heat- and drought-tolerant, making them ideal for hot, dry climates.
- Chrysanthemums are found in a rainbow of colors and do best when planted in the spring so their roots have time to grow.
- Mandevilla will grow up fences and lattices, bringing spectacular color to vertical surfaces.
- Allium is part of the garlic and onion family and provides a lovely scent along with dense balls of white or purple flowers.
Still can’t decide which blooms are best for your garden? Check out the 50 official state flowers for locally relevant inspiration.
Celebrate With Summer Blooms
So there you have it, a list of the summer flowers for both your home and garden. Choose some of your favorites and get ready to celebrate the arrival of summer with farm-fresh bouquets! Fabulous flower arrangements from The Bouqs Co. are ideal for every summer occasion from birthdays to backyard barbecues, from engagements to babies, and many more.
Why are Bouqs fresher than flowers from other companies? The Bouqs Co. cuts out the middlemen to bring you fresh flowers fast for all the special occasions in your life. We source our flowers directly from farms rather than wholesalers, and our farmers – who are committed to sustainability through eco-friendly practices like minimizing waste and recycling water – don’t cut your flowers until after you order them.
Shop All