- Daylily – Daylilies are named for the fact that their flowers last only one day. The flowers bloom during the day, and wither away at nightfall. Their short lifetime is made up for by the fact that each stalk can produce many buds that can bloom in succession over a couple of days. These low-maintenance plants thrive in hardiness zones 3 to 9 and require full sun. Their blooms are relatively last and only last from mid to late summer. Daylilies are popular for their bright colors which include, orange, yellow, and red.
- Marigold – Although they are popular for their bright orange and full blooms, marigolds are widely used in gardens for a practical reason: as a natural pest repellant. Their distinctively strong odor is highly effective in keeping pests away including both insects and animals. They are also effective at deterring pests underground including nematodes, which are microscopic worms, and are great for adding nutrients to the soil they are planted in. In fact, it is best to plant them in poor soil for this reason, as they can be easily over-nourished.
- Purple Coneflower – Known for its medicinal properties, purple coneflowers are part of the Echinacea family and exhibit prickly spines on their daisy-like flower heads. In fact, the name Echinacea is derived from the Greek word, “echinos”, meaning sea urchin or hedgehog. Purple coneflowers are great for gardens because they attract butterflies. They are also the perfect summer flower because they are heat and drought-resistant. Use them in a summer floral arrangement to add some unique texture and shape, as they can last quite long as cut flowers.
- Dahlia – These flowers are popular for their layered petals and showy blooms. Dahlias are annuals that bloom starting in midsummer until the first frost. While fuchsia is a popular choice, dahlias are available in a number of rich colors ranging from red and orange, to yellow, violet, and pink.
- Gladiolus – Named after the word for sword, “gladius”, the Ancient Romans named the plant Gladiolus, meaning little sword for their sword-shaped leaves. They are known for their sweet fragrance and bear beautiful flowers against their large sheath-like leaves. They are relatively easy to care for, but do require regular watering and thrive under full sun. Due to their fragrance and bright colors, gladiolus make a great addition to any home decor.
- Foxglove – The foxglove consists of a tall stalk lined with tubular-shaped flowers that come in lavender, white, pink and red. They can grow under full sun to partial shade, depending on the heat. If growing in hotter climates, planting them under partial shade is best. These flowers tend to reseed themselves profusely, so it is best to use them as cut flowers to reduce their abundance. These tall plants can grow up to 6 feet in some varieties and hummingbirds love paying them a visit for their sweet nectar.
- Hydrangea – Hydrangeas are one of the hardiest plants to grow in your summer garden. Although they are classic summer flowers, they do not enjoy full sun, and prefer being cool beneath the shade. One of the most fascinating aspects about this plant is that the flowers change colors from blue to pink to white depending on the acidity of the soil. Due to their ever-changing colors, you can create a variety of color combinations in your garden from just one plant! Because their globe-like flowerheads are so large, use them as cut flowers in a vase by themselves to make a dramatic impact in any room in your home.
- Ginger – Did you know that ginger isn’t just for eating? Although the edible ginger root is just one of 1,300 related species, the ginger flower has one of the most exotic looking flowers in the world. They are an underutilized summer plant that deserves a place in any home and garden. Since they originated from tropical climates, plant them in indirect sunlight, and cut the flower stalks for a great floral centerpiece.
- Peony – A romantic flower, peonies are one of the most popular flowers used in wedding decor. The incredibly lush flowers make them the perfect focal piece for any floral arrangement, and they are available in a wide variety of light pastel pinks and whites, to bright and bold magentas and reds. According to legend, it is said that the peony should be left alone once planted. If it is disturbed, it will cease to flower forever. If left on its own, it will consistently produce beautiful flowers for decades. Find discount Anniversary Flowers at FTD! Go through this Ftd flowers coupon and save up to 10% OFF!
- Tuberous Begonia – Begonias bear attractively large rose-like flowers and are popular for growing in outdoor containers, including window boxes and hanging baskets. Although they bloom in the summer, they prefer partial shade as opposed to direct sun. They may not be the easiest plants to care for, however their beautiful blooms and attractive foliage make them a great addition to any patio, deck, or garden.
- Hibiscus – As the quintessential flower of the tropics, these large blooms exhibit a number of showy colors ranging from oranges and reds, to pinks and yellows, as well as many colors in between! The hibiscus is a large shrub that grows upwards of 15 feet tall. Additionally, the flowers themselves can reach widths of 6 inches. When provided with full sun and a warmer climate, this perennial flower can bloom all summer. They are also ideal for growing in containers, making it easier to bring them inside during colder months.
- Calla Lily – Named after the Greek word for beautiful, “calla”, these elegant flowers add a touch of class to any garden or home. They also symbolize purity and holiness, and are often depicted within images of the Virgin Mary. With a bloom time in late spring, these perennials can thrive throughout summer. Although they make a beautiful arrangement for any home, they are highly poisonous when ingested, so it is best to keep them in an area away from small children and pets.
- Chrysanthemum – Also known as mums, chrysanthemums are popular for their full and lush flower heads. They share the same family as the classic daisy, and originated in China during the 15th century BC where they are traditionally used as sympathy flowers. In Western culture however, they are popular as cut flowers and are commonly featured in weddings and floral bouquets. Due to their ornamental qualities, chrysanthemums have garnered a huge following around the world and have been bred into many exotic hybrids of all shapes and sizes.
- Pineapple Lily – These tropical plants bear flower stalks that look just like pineapples. Each individual bloom is shaped like a star, and the flower stem is topped with a burst of delicate leaves. Available in cream, green and pink, the yellow variety are by far the most popular. They bloom in late summer until early fall, and prefer full sun.
- Asiatic Lily – Asiatic lilies are a classic flower used in floral arrangements. Their large and fragrant blooms make them a focal point in any room they are placed in. These lilies prefer full sun, are quite hardy, and can bloom from early to midsummer. Use them as cut flowers in your home as their blooms can actually last for quite a while in a vase.
- Coreopsis grandiflora – This daisy-like flower is also known as the large-flowered tickseed. This is because the genus name Coreopsis is derived from two Greek words, “koris” meaning bug, and “opsis” meaning alike, which refers to the plant’s seed which resembles a tick. Unlike a daisy, the coreopsis grandiflora has yellow petals that are zig-zagged at the edges. The unique design makes them a great decorative addition to your summer flower garden, or in a floral bouquet. They are effective at attracting butterflies, and prefer full sun with little watering.
- Shasta Daisy – This classic white daisy adds a playful touch to any garden. Their large yellow centers and long white petals make them attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. When cut, the Shasta Daisy is popular in rustic floral arrangements paired with wildflowers. Their dark green foliage make great accent pieces as well. Named after Mt. Shasta, these snowy white perennials bloom all summer starting in early summer and lasting into early fall. Plant them in full sun, and be careful not to overwater as they prefer moist and well-drained soil.
Now that you’ve seen the many floral color combinations you can create using summer flowers, we hope that we’ve inspired you to decorate your home and garden with the bright, bold colors and unique floral textures that summer has to offer. For more color inspiration, visit our guide on spring flowers for more creative color palette ideas!
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