In the summertime, we all want to make the most of the warm weather by basking in the sunshine, enjoying delicious seasonal veggies, seeking out cool spots to swim, and taking in the beauty of vibrant summer gardens. Perennial flowers that bloom throughout the summer are a great way to add pops of color to our outdoor space, making it a truly magical time of year. When the days are longer, we tend to spend more time outside, and it’s wonderful to be surrounded by magnificent blooms, stunning colors, and the cheerful vibes that summer perennial flowers bring.

One such flowering plant that is a perfect choice for summer is the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus). With its showy flowers that come in shades of pink, purple, white, and blue, this hardy shrub is a real stunner. It’s easy to grow and maintain, making it a popular choice for gardeners of all skill levels. The Rose of Sharon blooms in mid to late summer, attracting bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers. It can also tolerate drought and heat, making it an ideal choice for hot summer climates.

Other popular summer perennials include Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Orienpet Lilies (Lilium sp.), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and Clematis. Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus), Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea), Blue Mist Flower (Conoclinium coelestinum), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Allium (Allium “Globemaster”), Coreopsis/Tickseed (Coreopsis sp.), Hummingbird Mint/Hyssops (Agastache sp.), Bee Balm (Monarda sp.), and Lavender (Lavender angustifolia) are also great options to add color and life to your summer garden.

The Rose of Sharon plant belongs to the hibiscus family and can thrive in zone 5. To witness a breathtaking display of summer flowers, consider planting Rose of Sharon bushes. These hibiscus produce large and striking flowers and can grow up to 8-12 feet tall if left unpruned. The bush or tree (depending on your pruning style) displays various colors and produces flowers from mid-summer until fall. During the day, the flowers open up to soak up the sun, while they close at night to rest. This plant is a popular choice for natural borders and hedgerows. If you are looking for a specific color, Rose of Sharon comes in several choices such as Lavender Chiffon, Red Heart, Lucy, and Bluebird. Rudbeckia hirta, also known as Black-Eyed Susan, is another beautiful plant worth considering.

Black-Eyed Susans are a beloved summer perennial, but did you know that there are many varieties with different coloring? These flowers are a staple in summer gardens and their bright yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center practically scream “summer”. However, there are other options to choose from, such as the “Cherry Brandy” with its cherry-red petals and dark chocolate center, or the “Chocolate Orange” with its deep orange and mahogany petals. “Cherokee Sunset” is a stunning mix of reds, yellows, browns, and bronze. If you prefer the classic bright yellow, the “Marmalade” cultivar is perfect. Don’t forget about Orienpet Lilies (Lilium sp.) as well!

Orienpet lilies are a recent addition to the world of perennials, boasting a unique combination of features from both oriental and trumpet lilies. Their impressive size, vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and fragrant aroma make them a stunning hybrid. These lilies have sturdy stems and can grow up to 8 feet tall without requiring staking. They are also more tolerant of heat and drought than either of their parent species and are hardy in zones 5-9. Among our top choices for Orienpet lilies are “Anastasia,” a rosy pink bloom with white petals and a high flower yield, “Black Beauty,” which features deep crimson petals and a green center, “Robert Swanson,” with an orange-red center and yellow edges, and “Belladonna,” a gorgeous buttery yellow flower. In addition to Orienpet lilies, we also recommend butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa).

Butterfly weed is a flower that attracts not only butterflies but also other important pollinators like honey bees and bumblebees. It has small, brightly colored flowers that bloom throughout the summer and early fall, which always bring smiles to those who see them. The foliage is deep green and lance-shaped, and the flowers sit atop the foliage like stars at a show. This summer perennial grows up to 18-24 inches tall and bushy as it matures. Not just for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds also love the nectar. Butterfly weed comes in vibrant orange, yellow, pink, and red colors, and is hardy in zones 3-9. Another popular flower that attracts pollinators is the coneflower (Echinacea purpurea).

Looking for a low-maintenance, eye-catching, and beneficial addition to your summer garden? Look no further than the Coneflower! This native North American prairie plant is perfect for any perennial flower garden. With little care needed, Coneflowers look stunning when planted in large groups and are loved by butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. While traditionally known for their purple blooms, there are now dozens of fascinating varieties available on the market. With Coneflowers, you can turn your garden into an artist’s dream palette. These flowers bloom continuously for months in the summer and thrive in zones 4-10. Some noteworthy varieties include “Butterfly Kisses” with lilac-pink petals, “Art’s Pride” with tangerine-colored petals, “Sunrise” with lemony-yellow petals, “Tiki Torch” with dark-orange petals, and “Tomato Soup” with creamy red petals. Add these Coneflowers to your garden for a pop of color and to attract pollinators.

Clematis vines are a great addition to any garden as they can add visual interest and cover unattractive areas while serving as a focal point. With countless varieties available, you’re sure to find the Clematis of your dreams. It’s hard to ignore the huge, brightly colored star-shaped flowers that instantly make this perennial the center of attention. The blooms last for months, from mid-summer through fall, and are so plentiful that they almost completely cover the foliage below. Many Clematis also emit a pleasant scent, making it the perfect choice for highlighting those long summer evenings. Plant it near a porch or on a balcony to fully enjoy its beauty. Keep in mind that while Clematis is hardy from zones 4-11, the specific species may vary, so be sure to double-check before planting. Another lovely option to consider is the Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus).

Have you ever heard of balloon flowers? These unique plants are not only a lot of fun, but they also bloom into beautiful flowers. It’s surprising that they’re not more well-known, which means you have the chance to add something truly distinctive to your garden! When the plant starts to bud, it looks like a colorful paper bag that’s just waiting to be popped. This adds a charming intrigue to any perennial garden. Despite being popular, most gardeners aren’t aware of the subtle beauty of the balloon flower. While it’s not very tall and its colors aren’t too bright, the balloon-shaped buds add an element of interest that you won’t find in other plants. Once the buds turn into flowers, the plant becomes a stunning display of broad, star-shaped blooms. You’ll usually find purple or blue flowers, but there are also cultivars available in white and pink. Balloon flowers are hardy in zones 3-8. Another lovely plant to consider is the foxglove, also known as Digitalis purpurea.

Foxgloves are a perfect choice for those who want to add some height and drama to their gardens. These hardy plants can grow up to 3-5 feet tall and are available in a range of colors, including the original violet purple with white and dark purple specks. The flowers are bell-shaped and cascade down each stem, giving them a delicate appearance similar to orchids. Nowadays, there are pure white, peach, blush pink, light purple, rose, and yellow varieties available as well. Planting them in groupings of at least 4-5 plants will create an impressive display, making them perfect as borders or accents around your yard. Foxgloves are hardy enough to survive across most growing zones, from zones 4 to 9.

Blue Mist is a great addition to any perennial garden, blooming in late summer and serving as a food source for pollinators. Although some may consider it a weed, keeping an eye on its growth can prove beneficial. Its versatility allows for use as a natural groundcover, rehabilitation of disturbed landscapes, or as part of a native plant meadow. This playful and colorful flower bursts forth in mid-summer with bright blue flowers on tall stems, loved by bees and butterflies. Its late-season bloom also provides nourishment for beneficial insects, and it’s hardy from zones 4-11. Another option to consider is the Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis).

Cardinal flowers are a versatile plant that can thrive in almost any zone, and they’re a frequent hangout spot for hummingbirds. It’s hard to find a flower that can replicate the bright and bold red hues that Cardinal Flowers possess. Their stunning, delicate blooms are sure to catch anyone’s attention and leave a lasting impression on the senses. The bright color also attracts bees and hummingbirds, who love this perennial flower.
These plants are tall and upright, with plenty of blooms growing along their stems above the foliage. As a native wildflower, they are not a favorite food for deer or rabbits, and they can survive in zones 3-9. Another versatile and beautiful plant is Allium “Globemaster”.

Allium flowers have a long-lasting and attractive appearance that can be easily spotted by birds and bees. These flowers are a great addition to any perennial flower garden as they have impressive architectural allure. The most popular type, “Globemaster,” has deep-purple flower heads that resemble giant violet dandelion puffs on 3-foot tall stems. Planting them en masse creates a striking display that lasts for several weeks and attracts lots of butterflies while keeping deer away from your garden.

In addition to “Globemaster,” other Allium varieties like “Gladiator” and “Mount Everest” offer reddish-purple and pure white flower heads that are equally beautiful. Ornamental Alliums are hardy plants for zones 4-9, depending on the cultivar.

Another great addition to any garden is Coreopsis or Tickseed. These bright yellow flowers with a deep red center add a pop of color to borders and beds. They are also easy to grow and maintain, making them an excellent choice for beginners. So, if you want to add some color and life to your garden, consider planting these stunning flowers.

Tickseed, a drought-resistant flower, can serve as an important source of food for pollinators during tough times. Its perennial blooms are the epitome of summer, radiating joy and brightness with their vibrant colors and open display. The traditional Tickseed flower boasts a bright golden-yellow hue with a yellow center resembling a tiny sun basking in the garden. A cluster of these blooms is spectacular and memorable, with an abundance of flowers that may obscure the plant underneath. Beloved by bees and butterflies, Tickseed comes in over 100 species of Coreopsis and countless hybrids, making it hard to choose just one. We suggest selecting ten or fifteen for a beautiful flower garden. If you’re wondering about its hardiness, it can survive in zones 4-9, depending on the type. Another pollinator-friendly option is Hummingbird Mint or Hyssops (Agastache sp.).

If you’re fond of hummingbirds, then you wouldn’t want to miss having mint-scented hyssops in your summer garden. There are numerous types of hyssops available, but if you’re looking for a plant with appealing green foliage, sweet aroma, and flowers that last for months, then Hummingbird Mint is the perfect choice. The hummingbirds have already developed a liking for it, and so have butterflies and other pollinators. Hummingbird Mint blossoms grow on tall stems that create flower clusters above the leaves. Although petite and delicate, these flowers look stunning in large numbers. Additionally, the scent of both leaves and flowers resembles that of mint. With countless color options available, picking some Hyssop varieties for your garden can be an exciting endeavor. Moreover, Hyssop is capable of surviving between zones 5-10. Monarda sp., commonly known as Bee Balm, is also an excellent option.

Bee Balm, the easy-to-grow flower, not only adds a pop of color to your garden but also attracts bees and other pollinators. With its bright and frilly petals, Bee Balm stands out at any garden party. These flowers grow singularly on top of stems and come in various colors, creating a stunning fireworks display that lasts from mid-summer through fall. What’s more, this perennial plant requires minimal care, can grow in full sun or partial shade, and is drought-resistant. It makes an excellent informal border plant or accent piece in your flower garden. Additionally, it emits a lovely fragrance that will enhance your garden’s ambiance. Bee Balm comes in an extensive range of colors, including pinks, purples, blues, and reds, and is hardy in zones 4-9.

Lavender is a beloved plant with countless benefits that make it a must-have in every garden. Did you know that there are various Lavender species, including those with white and pink flowers? Adding Lavender to your summer garden not only adds visual appeal, but its incredible fragrance as well. We love having Lavender near our porch and front doors, so we can enjoy its calming scent throughout the day. Even when not in bloom, the blue-green foliage is attractive. Lavender is a hardy, adaptable, drought-resistant plant that deer and rabbits don’t find appealing, while butterflies and bees adore it. With proper care, these perennials can last for years. You can also harvest the leaves and flowers to use as an impromptu room freshener throughout the year.