Summer Blooming Flowers Suggestions by Horticulture Experts: Top 8 Attractive Choices
Summer isn't complete without a splash of color in your garden, even if you're a busy bee, new to gardening, or just lacking the green thumb. A handful of easy blooming plants can transform any garden or patio, giving you a stunning space that'll leave your neighbors green with envy.
From low-growing perennials to summer-loving annuals, these no-fuss flowering beauties suit every garden style - whether you're following the latest garden trends or channeling a classic cottage garden vibe. And, if you're a novice gardener, starting with these blooming buddies might just boost your confidence as you get the knack of things.
We've asked gardening gurus for their top picks for the easiest flowering plants to add a pop of color to your summer garden. We've also got some handy tips to make sure they bloom their hearts out for you.
Easy Blooming Summer Flowers to Add to Your Garden
1. Erigeron karvinskianus
This charming little plant, with its sweet daisy-like flowers, will easily seed itself in crevices and romp all over your garden, thanks to Harriet Worsley, a garden designer with a penchant for minimalist landscaping. Sarah Raven, gardening expert and advocate of its "Profusion" variety, agrees. The masses of pink daisy-like flowers provide excellent color for garden steps, walls, and patios, and will continue to bloom for months. This incredible value plant is a must for every summer garden. Just make sure it's planted in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and don't forget to deadhead to encourage re-growth.
2. Echinacea
Lucie Bradley, an expert gardener from Easy Garden Irrigation, recommends echinacea as an excellent flowering perennial that's low-maintenance and pest-resistant. Available in purple, pink, white, green, and red varieties, Lucie suggests trying the pink or purple varieties, such as "Elton Knight," "Rubinstern" (from Crocus), or "Ruby Giant." These varieties tend to perform best. Plant them in late spring or early summer in full sun and well-draining soil (any type will do), and water them regularly for the first year; once established, they can handle dry soil and will thrive best if allowed to dry out between waterings.
3. Pelargoniums
White pelargoniums are perfect for brightening up patio pots, borders, or anything requiring a pop of color. They aren't fussy about care - just water them once or twice a week and make sure they're in a sunny spot. Deadheading is optional, but pulling off spent flower stems will keep them tidy and encourage further blooming. Pelargoniums are tender plants, so bring them indoors when temperatures drop.
4. Geranium "Rozanne"
Hardy geraniums - not to be confused with the pelargoniums mentioned above - are versatile perennials that can handle cold weather and provide plenty of vibrant color during summer. "Rozanne" is a top pick, with its deep violet-blue flowers, white centres, and maroon veins. Plant them in well-draining soil and water well during the growing season. A layer of mulch will help retain soil moisture and prevent weeds.
5. Bacopa
Bacopa, also known as Chaenostoma cordatum, is a delightful trailing plant with small, white flowers that add a touch of romance to pots, troughs, and window boxes. It prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates partial shade, and the flowers last all summer. Water regularly and feed them throughout the growing season for best results. Try the "Snowflake" variety, available from Crocus, for a stunning addition to your summer garden.
6. Dahlias
With their bold colors, dahlias are show-stoppers in every summer garden. Sarah Raven picks the "Molly Raven" as her favorite, due to its striking pink petals and popular Venetian-marbled-paper texture. plant dahlias in moist but well-drained soil and give them plenty of sunlight. Snipping off spent flowers encourages more blooms. For longer blooming periods in colder regions, dig up the tubers and store them indoors over winter, then replant them in spring.
7. Nepeta
Known as catmint, Nepeta is an easy-going perennial with lavender-blue flowers. Similar to lavender, it attracts cats and has other varieties with white and yellow flowers. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil but tolerates both. Water regularly at first, and watch it thrive with minimal maintenance. Plant "Walker's Low" variety for a charming addition to your garden.
8. Repeat-Flowering Roses
David Austin Roses offer a range of repeat-flowering roses that provide vibrant summer color from early summer to the first frosts. The English roses combine the beauty and fragrance of old-fashioned roses with the reliability of modern breeding, making them an elegant choice for any garden. Try "Olivia Rose Austin" and "Gertrude Jekyll" for an impressive display.
And don't forget to stock up on the essentials - a good trowel, watering can, and gardening gloves will make managing your easy-care summer garden a breeze.
- Incorporating the beauty of easy blooming plants, such as Erigeron karvinskianus and Geranium "Rozanne," into your home-and-garden can significantly boost the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space, ensuring a stylish lifestyle that may leave your neighbors envious.
- Health-conscious habits extend beyond the walls of your home; nurturing plants such as Echinacea, a low-maintenance and pest-resistant perennial, can have positive benefits for both your garden and your overall wellness.
- Fashion and gardening may seem unrelated, but adding colorful, trendy blooms like Bacopa, Dahlias, and pelargoniums to your garden can be the perfect accessory for your home-and-garden, enhancing your lifestyle and creating a fashionable outdoor oasis.
- The tranquility and relaxation brought about by gardening can even have an impact on your mental health. So, take the time to tend to your garden, whether you're engaging in the art of felting or simply enjoying a cup of tea in the midst of your floral fashion show.
