51 Summer Flowers You Must Have In Your Garden

If you want to add some color to your summer garden but have no idea what to grow (or how to grow it), or if you just want some fresh ideas on flowers for summer, we’ve got you covered.

We collected ideas from gardeners around the country and compiled a huge list of flowers that bloom in summer (and beyond).

All of these flowers are gorgeous in their own way, and most of them are pretty easy to grow. Scan through the list below, pick a few of your favorites, and spruce up your garden with some beautiful blooms.

Daffodils

	botanical name Narcissus spp.

These friendship-symbolizing flowers have a trumpet-shaped structure set against a star-shaped background. The trumpet is often a contrasting color to the background and bears six petals in white or yellow. Their leafless stems hold one to 20 flowers. Sometimes they need to be staked so the stems won’t droop.

They require a full sun site with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Plant them in spring before the trees leaf out so they can get the nutrients they need for the growing season. Don’t plant them under evergreen trees, since they cast shade throughout the entire year.

Asters

	botanical name Aster, Symphyotrichum spp.

Named for their star-shaped blooms, asters are perennial plants. These bright, daisy-like flowers have sherry-shaped heads. They have alternate, simple leaves that are toothed or untoothed, rarely lobed. Plus, they come in many different colors, and their center is usually yellow. Depending on the type, they can grow from eight inches to eight feet tall!

They are easy to grow and prefer a site with full sun and average soil. Plant them from early to late spring, and they will bloom in the later months of summer. If you plant them, they will not only add a pop of color to your garden but also attract butterflies.

Impatiens walleriana

	botanical name Impatiens walleriana

These perennial flowers can grow from six to 24 inches tall. They have lanceolate leaves that are mostly alternate but can be opposite near the top of the plant. The flowers have five petals and a spur. The stem of the flower is partially succulent, and all parts of the flower are soft.

You should not grow these flowers in full sun. While some can survive partial sun, most get sunburned. They prefer light to medium shade in a well-drained area. Water them regularly to moisten the surface, but not enough to make it soggy. Never allow the site to dry out completely. The best time to water them is in the morning. They can attract bees, butterflies, and birds.

Beardtongue

	botanical name Penstemon spp.

These partly tube-like beauties have opposite leaves that can be two-lipped and have seed capsules. They can grow up to three feet tall and are easy to start from seed. Be aware that most species are short-lived.

Seeds might germinate better after aging, so it’s safe to store the seeds for several years before planting. If you sow the seeds in the garden, the best time to do it is in autumn. If you plan on starting them inside, you can also stratify the seeds in the refrigerator for three months. Make sure you give these beauties their space; they don’t compete well with other plants. Plant them during spring in an area that gets full sun. They prefer rocky or sandy lean soil types.

Bleeding Heart

	botanical name Lamprocapnos spectabilis

Bleeding hearts have mounded foliage with arching stems of heart-shaped flowers. Their heights can range from six inches to two feet, depending on variety. You can find them in yellow, pink, white, and red. They bloom in spring and also might rebloom throughout summer in cooler temperatures.

You can choose to plant them in planters if you’d like. They thrive in cooler, moist conditions. The best site to plant them is somewhere that has light to medium shade and rich, organic, well-drained soil. If you live near a woodland area, these flowers are a great choice because they are deer-resistant. They also make great cut flowers.

Bee Balm

	botanical name Monarda spp.

These crown-shaped flowers are usually pink, red, and white. Their blooms are tubular and bilaterally symmetric with a narrow upper lip and a wider lower lip. Their lanceolate leaves are slender, serrated, and oppositely arranged. They can grow up to four feet tall, depending on the type.

When picking a site, choose one that has full sun to light shade. The growing site must have well-drained soil, although some species can tolerate wet soil. Plant them in spring or fall. Place them one to two feet apart. They are the perfect flower for gardeners who want to attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other nectar-seeking creatures. You can also use the flowers to make tea.

Bougainvillea

	botanical name Bougainvillea glabra, Bougainvillea spectabilis

Bougainvilleas are thorny, woody vines with leaves that are alternate, simple, and ovate-acuminate. Their thorns have a black, waxy substance on the tips. The flower itself is small and usually white, growing in a cluster of three and surrounded by six bracts. The bracts are the bright colors associated with the plant.

Pick a site with a lot of shade. They grow in dry soil and need frequent fertilization. They don’t need much water. In fact, they won’t thrive if overwatered.

Brown-Eyed Susan

	botanical name Rudbeckia hirta

These bushy rudbeckias have much-branching stems. They are bright yellow with a brown-colored disk that blooms from June through November. The leaves are lanceolate, with fine to coarse teeth, and the bases are narrowly winged or clasping. The lower three leaves are lobed but usually shed before flowering time. They can grow up to five feet and are a heat- and drought-tolerant species.

Brown-eyed Susans require little care. They are self-feeding and can grow in various types of soil. They prefer a neutral soil pH and a full sun to light shade site. Their nectar attracts butterflies and bees.

Joe Pye Weed

	botanical name Eutrochium spp.

This plant produces pale pink-purple flowers from midsummer through fall, reaching a height of anywhere between three to 12 feet. It prefers a garden that gets full sun to partial shade and grows well in average to rich soil. It can tolerate overly wet soil but not dry sites. Plant it in the spring or fall.

Its sweet nectar attracts multiple types of butterflies. It has a light fragrance of vanilla, which grows stronger when crushed. Both the flowers and seeds have also been used for producing pink and red dye.

Butterfly Ginger

	botanical name Hedychium coronarium

Hedychium coronarium produces flowers that resemble the wings of a butterfly and are quite fragrant. The waxy blooms come in white, pink, orange, and red tones and appear on flower stalks that rise above the foliage. They can grow up to seven feet tall and bloom fragrantly in the summer and fall.

Planting them can be tough. A light freeze is all it takes to kill them to the ground, but they will come back in the spring. Butterfly gingers grow well in both sunlight and shade. They also love water and will grow quite quickly. They thrive in moist, organic soil. Once the color has faded, extract the old stems to encourage new growth. They have also been known to attract butterflies.

Caladium

	botanical name Caladium x hortulanum

Caladiums are known for their foliage rather than their blooms. There are two types: strap-leaved and fancy-leaved. Strap-leaved caladiums have more narrow, elongated leaves and grow under 12 inches. Fancy-leaved caladiums have leaves shaped in a heart or partial heart and grow up to 30 inches tall. Their foliage comes in a variety of bicolored patterns that create a striking appearance.

They grow in shaded areas and thrive in either a large container or garden bed with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. They require supplemental water to keep the soil evenly moist.

Calla Lily

	botanical name Zantedeschia aethiopica

Also known as calla lilies, these flowers are related to the jack-in-the-pulpit and skunk cabbage. They have a leaf-like sheath called a spathe. The flowers are small and grow inside the spathe.

They aren’t hard to grow and require loose, well-drained soil. The best time to plant them is in spring, but wait until the soil has warmed before planting. Space them approximately a foot apart. They benefit from a monthly dose of fertilizer.

Canna

	botanical name Canna x generalis

These colorful bulbs have ruffled spikes tapering to refined buds. They have large, broad, flat foliage that is often veined, paddle-shaped, and in shades of green or bronze.

They are tropical and need sunshine and moist soil to thrive. Once planted, they won’t need much watering. You can start them in small pots and plant them in the early summer when you’d plant your tomatoes. They are also an agricultural plant and one of the world’s richest starch sources. Their seeds can even be used for jewelry.

Crocosmia

	botanical name Crocosmia spp.

These flowers have sword-shaped foliage and brightly colored, funnel-shaped blooms. They have a subtle scent that increases when dried. Their slender stems can grow two feet or more in height. They bloom in May and June and grow from corms, which are like bulbs but lack the rings on the interior.

When you plant them, make sure the garden bed is rich in nutrients and well-drained. Plant them in spring about six to eight inches apart. Plant them in clusters for the maximum effect. For the best results, plant them in full sun.

Dahlia

	botanical name Dahlia x hortensis

These beauties have one flower head per stem and can be as small as two inches or one foot in diameter. They have leafy stems, with heights ranging from 12 inches to six to eight feet. They don’t produce a scent, and the blooms can come in most hues except blue.

You can grow dahlias from seed for flowering the same season as sowing. Sow the seeds in late winter under glass, and they will bloom in late spring to early summer. Once planted, they thrive in heavy soil and respond well to feeding. They require a sunny site, and regular watering is necessary.

Daylily

	botanical name Hemerocallis spp.

These flowers have long, lanceolate foliage. Their leaves vary in size from slender and grass-like to husky, wide, and nearly corn-like. They may arch and range from six to 36 inches in length. Many types have thickened roots where they store food and water. They have three petals and three sepals, each with a midrib in either the same or a contrasting color.

These plants can tolerate many soil conditions and aren’t troubled by diseases or pests. They prefer moist yet well-drained soil. When planting them, place them 12 to 18 inches apart. They can bloom for years without much attention. The lifespan of a single daylily bloom is 24 hours. Choose a species for your garden that won’t invade nearby natural areas.

Evergreen Candytuft

	botanical name Iberis spp.

These delicate white flowers grow in clusters. This subshrub forms a tidy cushion of shiny, dark green leaves. In late spring and early summer, flattened clusters of four-petaled flowers cover the foliage. They can grow from six to 12 inches in height and bloom in spring and fall.

They require full sun to part shade in a well-drained site. These beauties are a year-round flower. To keep them alive during winter, avoid clay soil because it retains too much moisture. Plant them 12 to 15 inches apart. These flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds.

Fragrant Gladiolus

	botanical name Gladiolus murielae

These gorgeously fragrant flowers have sword-like foliage. The flower heads are star-shaped and two inches in diameter. They are often white with mahogany-purple centers. They prefer a site with full sun and well-drained soil. Come winter, you can leave the corms in a well-mulched bed. When new growth appears, fertilize it.

Plant corms four to five inches deep and four inches apart after the threat of the last frost. They should bloom eight weeks after planting. Staking may be needed if their foliage and flower spikes get top-heavy.

Gaura

	botanical name Oenothera lindheimeri

These flowers have lance-shaped foliage. The stems are wiry and bear many one-inch flowers that have four petals each. They have a long bloom time, from summer to fall.

They require full sun, but some afternoon shade is tolerated. Choose your planting site carefully. The long taproot makes them very drought-tolerant but often difficult to transplant successfully. They prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine. Water them infrequently, but to help establish their roots, water them deeply. These perennials have a much longer bloom time than most others.

Globe Amaranth

	botanical name Gomphrena globosa

These garden favorites have fine white hairs covering young growth, which matures into thick green stems. They have broad leaves arranged alternately along the stem. The flower heads are clusters of florets that resemble large clover flowers. They bloom in June and can last until October.

When growing them from seed, start indoors six weeks before the last frost. To sow them outdoors, wait until the threat of frost is gone. Choose a site in full sun with good drainage. They can grow in almost any soil type except alkaline and thrive best in garden soil. Space them 12 to 18 inches apart. They can tolerate dryness but perform best with even moisture.

Once in full bloom, they will attract butterflies and other important garden pollinators. They also dry well and can make an excellent addition to an everlasting bouquet.

Globe Thistle

	botanical name Echinops spp.

These stalwart perennials produce metallic blue or white blossoms with perfectly round flower heads atop ribbed stems. These plants can grow two to five feet tall and almost as wide. Their leaves are spiny-edged, white, and woolly underneath.

Plant them in a full sun site in well-drained, moderately acidic soil. They perform well in hot, dry climates. These flowers are deer-resistant and may self-seed, but not very aggressively. They attract bees and butterflies. They also dry well and make a perfect addition to an everlasting bouquet.

Hibiscus

	botanical name Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

The hibiscus is a huge, trumpet-shaped flower. It has five or more petals, with colors ranging from white to pink, red, orange, peach, yellow, or purple. In certain species, flower colors can change as they mature. Their leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate, with toothed or lobed margins.

They need plenty of room to grow. Individual blooms seldom last for more than a day, but are abundant and appear over several weeks. Grow these flowers in rich, loose, well-drained soil where you can water easily and regularly during dry spells. The large leaves tend to attract Japanese beetles.

Hollyhock

	botanical name Alcea rosea

These garden favorites can grow up to nine feet tall and produce multiple blooms on central stems. The most common color is red, but other colors include pink, white, yellow, and purple. Their leaves are large and veined. They have long taproots and produce multiple seeds.

Choose a sunny spot that needs some height or color in your landscape. Plant them in the spring after the last frost. They can do well in almost any soil but thrive in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0, from slightly acidic to alkaline.

Plant them at least 18 inches apart. Water them thoroughly during hot, dry weather. To prevent disease problems, keep water off the leaves when watering.

Hollyhock Mallow

	botanical name Alcea setosa

This herbaceous perennial brims with pink blossoms. It can grow on average to about two to four feet tall and two to three feet wide. It blooms from late spring to early fall.

Rich soil will cause it to flop, and poor soil will cause it to grow upright. Pick a site that is well-drained, full of sunlight, and protected from high winds. Sow seeds in lean soil and water lightly until they germinate. The plant is drought-tolerant, so all you need to do is water it weekly.

Lavender

	botanical name Lavandula spp.

These plants are small, branching, and spreading shrubs. They have gray-green leaves and long flowering shoots. The leaves can be simple or pinnate and can grow one to two inches in length. The plant produces flowers on shoots or spikes that can be eight to 16 inches long. The flowers are lilac or blue in color. They can grow to 1.3 feet in height and live for two to three years.

They can tolerate many growing conditions but thrive in warm, well-drained soil in full sun. To enhance their fragrance, choose an alkaline or especially chalky soil. Lavender is a tough plant that is very drought-resistant once established. When first planted, however, add some compost to the planting hole and keep them regularly watered through their first growing season.

Marigolds

	botanical name Tagetes spp.

These daisy-like or double, carnation-like flowerheads grow singly or in clusters. They add a wealth of gold, copper, and brass into any summer and fall garden.

Pick a site that has plenty of sunshine. They can grow up to two feet tall. They grow in almost any soil but thrive in well-drained soil. Once the soil is warm, sow them directly into the garden. You can also start them six weeks before the last spring frost date. Separate seedlings when they are about two inches tall. Plant them in loose soil or transplant them into the garden.

Monkshood

	botanical name Aconitum spp.

These tall, long-lived perennials produce a stout, unbranched stem growing up to one to two meters tall. They have deep green, glossy leaves that are often smooth. The flowers are blue or white. They have modified sepals that look like petals. The uppermost sepal forms the helmet or hood. The true petals are two tube-like projections around the stamens. They bloom from mid- to late summer and into fall.

They grow best in full sun or partial shade. If they get the right amount of sun, they don’t require staking. They can grow in any kind of soil but thrive in acidic or alkaline soil.

New Guinea Impatiens

	botanical name Impatiens hawkeri

These hybrids feature a shrubby habit and large flowers. The flowers are typically single, with five flat petals. Their leaves are lush and lanceolate, often tinged with red-bronze or splashed with bright green or yellow. They can tolerate moderate amounts of sunshine but thrive in the shade.

The ideal location for these beauties is on the east side of a building or house, so they can get morning sunshine and afternoon shade. Fill the bed with mass plantings for the best look. If you plant them 18 inches apart, they will grow in mounds that cover the entire space within weeks.

Oriental Lily

	botanical name Lilium orientalis

These graceful beauties have big blooms that come in white, pink, yellow, or a combination of hues. Some can even sport spots or stripes.

They prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil. Improve your soil by adding compost, peat, or leaf mold. Plant lily bulbs in a site with filtered sunshine. Avoid areas that are windy and receive hot afternoon sun. Add a layer of mulch to keep the bulbs cool and conserve moisture.

Oxalis

	botanical name Oxalis oregana

They bear colorful, cloverlike leaves that close up at night. The cup-shaped blooms appear in shades of yellow, pink, and white.

They don’t like soggy soil. Pick a site with well-drained soil where they will get full-day sun. They can grow in light shade but thrive in stronger sunlight. Water them well, gently soaking the soil.

Peonies

	botanical name Paeonia officinalis

These lovely herbaceous perennials can grow from 0.82 to 3.28 feet tall. They have compound, deeply lobed leaves and large, fragrant flowers. The best time to plant them is in early fall.

They grow best in colder climates and will only flourish if they experience a pronounced period of winter chilling. Plant them in full sun; they can tolerate light shade. They can grow in pretty much any soil and will thrive if you add organic material and compost into the planting hole. They need good drainage and a soil pH that is close to neutral or, at most, only slightly acidic. Plant them away from large trees or shrubs.

Periwinkle

	botanical name Vinca spp.

These popular plants are known for their glossy foliage and flowers. They can grow one to two feet tall. Also, they are heat and drought-tolerant, making them the perfect flowers to add to your garden if you live in hot and dry areas.

They can grow in a range of light conditions, from full sun to shade. Space them 12 to 15 inches apart. When planting, water well. Once established, you only need to water them during extended droughts.

Pineapple Lily

	botanical name Eucomis bicolor

These flowers have fleshy leaves with flower spikes that resemble miniature pineapples at the top of each stem. They have hundreds of waxy, one-inch, starry flowers that are perfectly shaped. They are mostly edged in maroon and bloom from the bottom up.

When you grow them, protect them from winter-to-spring rains. They do best when planted under a roof overhang or in pots. They prefer full sun, but when it’s hot, they can tolerate light shade. It is normal for them to wilt during a hot midday.

Pink and White Phlox

	botanical name Phlox subulata

These perennials sport many star-shaped, colorful flowers when in bloom.

Plant them in the spring and space them one to two feet apart. They like moist, well-drained, and average to rich soil. Plant in a site with full to partial sun. They need regular watering throughout summer. Each spring, put a thin layer of compost and a two-inch layer of mulch around the plants to keep the soil moist.

Plumeria

	botanical name Plumeria rubra

These popular tropical beauties have thick stems, leathery leaves, and an abundance of flowers. They bloom from early summer until fall. Some varieties can grow to over 30 feet tall! Their waxy, two- to four-inch flowers are fragrant and work well planted by windows so you can enjoy a fresh scent. They come in pink, red, white, and yellow. They are often planted in containers and make excellent cut flowers.

Pick a site with full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. Plant them in spring and space them 10 to 20 feet apart. If you have poor soil, amend it with a small amount of compost. Plumeria flowers are also used to make leis in the tropics.

Purple Coneflower

	botanical name Echinacea purpurea

These daisy-like flowers have drooping petals. They can grow from one to eight feet tall and one to two feet wide. You can find them in blue, orange, pink, and white. They spread beautifully to add color and joy to your garden.

These grow best in a site with full sun and good soil. They attract many birds and butterflies and are bothered by few pests or diseases. And they also make great cut flowers to add to a bouquet.

Purple Fountain Grass

	botanical name Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’

These popular plants have purple and burgundy-colored foliage. They have soft, fuzz-like blossoms followed by purplish seed heads. They can reach about four feet tall, and sometimes just as wide. Plant these to make a bold statement in your garden.

Before considering planting this tender perennial, know that this grass won’t survive cold winters and is only hardy in warmer zones. The grass may not return the next year if you live in zones 6 or lower. You can, however, transplant them into a container every winter and bring them indoors. Keep them in a cool area in your home and water once a month to keep the soil moist, not soggy. Once the threat of freezing weather and frost has passed, you can set them back outdoors.

When growing them, you can plant at any time, but spring is best. Pick a site with full sun and well-draining soil. Give them plenty of room to grow, spacing additional plants three to five feet apart.

Purple Wave® Petunia

	botanical name Petunia x hybrida ‘Wave®’

These beauties have large, lush, and intensely colored three-inch blooms. They can grow four to six inches tall and spread 48 to 60 inches. You can start them early indoors and transplant outside after the threat of frost has passed, or grow them in containers.

Sow them indoors eight weeks before the last frost and keep the soil moist and at 70°F-75°F (21°C-24°C). As soon as seedlings show up, put them in an area with plenty of light. Select a site in full sun with good, rich, well-drained soil. They respond well to soil amended with organic matter. Space them six to 12 inches apart in the garden. Keep them well watered during the growing season.

Scarlet Sage

	botanical name Salvia splendens

These bright, tender perennials can grow from eight inches to three feet in height. The spikes of flowers are composed of bright bracts with flowers in the center of each. The flowers are either the same color as the bracts or contrasting.

Pick a site in full sun to partial shade. They need average soil and continuous moisture to perform best. Sow them indoors six to eight weeks before the final frost. Transplant seedlings into the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Space them eight to 12 inches apart.

Sea Holly

	botanical name Eryngium planum

These flowers can grow anywhere from 18 to 36 inches tall with a one-foot spread. They have green or silvery blue stems that give way to green or blue cones surrounded by spiky silver, white, green, blue, or violet bracts, which bloom from summer throughout fall.

All types thrive in full sun and moist soil with good drainage. They also do well in sandy soil. They can tolerate poor soil conditions and drought. Sow the seeds directly in the garden. Don’t be disappointed if they don’t bloom in the first year! The seeds require a warm, moist stratification for one month followed by a cold stratification the next month.

Shasta Daisy

	botanical name Leucanthemum × superbum

These cheerful perennials look similar to the roadside daisy but have larger and more robust blooms. They tend to bloom in clumps two to three feet tall and one to two feet wide. These plants have all-white petals, yellow disk florets, and contrasting glossy, dark green leaves. They return every spring or early summer and bloom into fall. If you want a March bloom, start them in October.

Plant the bulbs in a clean container half-filled with moist potting mix. Place the container in a refrigerator with a plastic bag covering it. The ideal temperature is 45°F (7°C) or colder. When they are ready to be planted, pick a site with full sun and soil that is moderately fertile, not overly rich, and moist but well-drained. You can also sow seeds in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring.

Sunflower

	botanical name Helianthus annuus

These annual flowers have big, daisylike flower faces with bright yellow petals and brown centers that ripen into heavy heads filled with seeds. They are tall and coarse with bristly leaves. Some grow up to 16 feet tall! Most types are tough and easy to grow, as well as heat and drought-tolerant.

They grow best in sites with direct sun and prefer long, hot summers to flower well. For soil, they like loose, well-drained, slightly acidic to somewhat alkaline soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. They make excellent cut flowers and can attract bees and birds.

Surprise Lily

	botanical name Lycoris squamigera

This herbaceous plant has basal, simple leaves that are not present when the flowers bloom. The leaves sprout in the spring and die during June. In late July or early August, the flowers appear on large, two-foot-tall naked stems. The flowers are either white or pink and very fragrant.

Traditional surprise lilies are easy to grow. They aren’t too picky about soil and don’t do well in wet areas. They bloom best in full sun sites but will tolerate partially shaded sites as well. These flowers will suddenly bloom overnight, which is how they get their name.

Tiger Lily

	botanical name Lilium lancifolium

These beauties can grow to four feet tall and produce hairy stems covered with green, lance-shaped leaves. Their midsummer blooms feature petals that curl backward. They are bright orange with black spots. Mature bulbs can develop at least ten two-inch-wide flowers each summer.

They adapt to nearly any type of soil, though they thrive in well-draining soil. They prefer full sun sites and work well in most climates. Plant them with their roots in the shade and their tops in the sunlight.

Tuberous Begonia

	botanical name Begonia tuberhybrida

These stunning flowers can grow up to eight inches in diameter. Their varieties include cascading and upright forms. The cascading varieties are perfect in baskets or suspended from branches of a large tree. The upright forms can grow up to about a foot tall and work well in planters or along the edge of a walkway. They bloom from summer to fall and provide all-season color when planted.

They grow best in high humidity and cool nights. Start them indoors several weeks before your last frost date. They must be grown in well-drained soil, and it is important to water them when it hasn’t rained for a while.

Wax Begonias

	botanical name Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group)

This annual flower produces single or double one-inch flowers in red, white, or pink. They have succulent stems, and the leaves are shiny bronze or green in color. You must start the seeds four to six months before transplanting. Most types will grow six to nine inches tall.

Sow them in December or January to have large, husky plants by May. They prefer well-drained, rich sites that see full sun. They tolerate full but bright shade. These are great flowers for a summer annual border and combine well with other cool-colored flowers in mixed plantings and containers.

Yarrow

	botanical name Achillea millefolium

This perennial has showy flower heads composed of tiny, tightly packed flowers. Its fern-like leaves are often aromatic. It produces one to several stems that can be 0.66 to 3.28 feet tall. The leaves are distributed along the stem, with the highest concentration near the middle and bottom. Most types can grow two to four feet tall. They are easy to care for and versatile.

Pick a planting site with well-drained, average to poor soil. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and don’t tolerate wet soil. Space them one to two feet apart. They quickly establish and spread. They are excellent for cutting or drying.

Zinnia

	botanical name Zinnia elegans

These annual flowers have bright, solitary, daisylike flower heads on top of a single stem. They can grow from four to 40 inches tall. They have opposite and usually sessile leaves. The shapes of their leaves range from linear to ovate, and the colors range from pale to medium green.

They grow very quickly from seeds. Pick a site that sees full sun. They are adaptable but prefer fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. They will grow more quickly if the soil is amended with compost. Space plants four to 24 inches apart.

Coreopsis

	botanical name Coreopsis lanceolata

These bright summer beauties are usually yellow with a toothed tip. They have a showy head with involucral bracts in two series of eight each, the outer being connate at the base. They can grow from 16 to 47 inches in height.

Seed a prepared area of unamended soil in spring. They prefer a full sun location. They need light to germinate, so cover lightly with soil or press the seeds into moist soil. Keep them watered until germination, usually within 21 days.

Gaillardia

	botanical name Gaillardia aristata

These sunflower-like flowers are usually short-lived. The leaves are lance-shaped and gray-green, and sometimes lobed. The flowers grow three to five inches across and come in various shades of yellow and red. Some disks have surrounding petals that produce florets. Others have trumpet-shaped florets surrounded by the entire disk.

They grow best in full sun but can survive in partial shade on hot days. Sow them in spring and see them bloom from midsummer through fall. They can grow in somewhat moist conditions, but heavy clay soil will kill them. They are drought-tolerant. Poorer soils seem to encourage more blooming.

Geraniums

	botanical name Pelargonium spp.

These popular summer flowers have a horseshoe-shaped band of dark color on their leaves. They are known for their rounded, often variegated leaves and showy clusters of red, pink, or white irregular flowers.

You can plant them indoors or outdoors. Plant them outdoors in a spot with full sun, in loose, well-drained soil to which you should add a generous amount of compost, leaf mold, or peat moss. They thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.5. Plant them after all danger of frost has passed. Water them once a week if it hasn’t rained. An essential oil can be obtained from the leaves of some species.

Phew! That was a huge list. I’d love to know if you have any favorites that I missed, so please let me know in the comments below.