Most gardens benefit from an additional splash of color as the summer heat sets in and picture-perfect pansies and other cool-season spring blossoms start to fade. The addition of well-fed roses, magnificent hydrangeas, and other summer-blooming shrubs can boost the moods of the season. Summer gardens are transformed into living tapestry of color by simple, fuss-free fillers made to last just one growing season.
The following low-maintenance garden stalwarts can be grown around the country to highlight scorching summer color and celebrate the season with continuous, heat-defying blooms:
- The easiest flower to grow in the summer is the zinnia. Even though they only have a single growing season, these annuals are simple to grow from seeds and produce blooms that last all season long on strong stems. These heat- and drought-tolerant flowers, which are native to Mexico and the American Southwest, come in a wide range of heights and blossom sizes to accommodate every planting scheme. All summer long, zinnias produce a variety of blooms, from low-growing, creeping varieties to tall, back-of-the-border beauties. The flat, open blossoms are ideal for butterfly drinking stations and long-lasting accents to casual, country-style bouquets, whether they come in conventional reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows or fashionable chartreuse and candy-cane stripes. Fun fact: The first flowers to bloom in space were zinnias. 1
- African daisies, also known as gazanias, are exotic plants with daisy-like blooms that thrive in hot, sunny climates. These indigenous South African plants will not add to your moonlit garden because they close their flowers at night, but they will brighten the long summer days with dazzling orange, yellow, pink, red, and white flowers. The majority of American gardeners regard gazanias as annuals and let them wither with the first frost of the fall. However, in the milder climes of USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, these delicate perennials can survive year-round. By growing gazanias in decorative containers, you can extend the summer’s splendor. They can overwinter indoors as houseplants if you bring them inside when the outside temperature falls to 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the fall.
- Nasturtiums are vibrant, drought-resistant flowers that require little maintenance to grow. They are native to South America and are particularly suitable for spilling out of combination planters and hanging baskets or filling in at the base of taller plants. Common nasturtiums are annuals that grow quickly from seed and only last one season, similar to zinnias. Until cold closes them down, their mounds of vibrant red, orange, and yellow blooms continue. The fact that nasturtiums are the perfect edible flower is an added benefit. They lend a delicious, peppery taste and eye-catching color when sprinkled on dishes, added to salads, or frozen in ice cubes. All of the above-ground components of nasturtiums, from their flowers and leaves to their caper-like seeds, can be eaten, although most edible flowers only have petals that can be eaten.
- Globe amaranths, often referred to as annual gomphrenas, are endemic to tropical regions and can withstand intense heat and dry soil. The globe-shaped, clover-like “flowers,” which are actually modified papery leaves known as bracts, attract butterflies and other pollinators and range in color from strawberry-red to vivid magenta. The plant’s actual blossoms, however, are tiny, covert, pale blooms that are concealed inside. Even after summer is over, the bracts can still be vibrant. Wait until gomphrenas are at their pinnacle of open bloom before purchasing dried “everlastings.” Long stems are then cut, tied loosely together, and hung upside down to dry. Long after the season is through, you’ll still enjoy their vibrant summer hue.
- Marigolds thrive in warm, sunny environments that bring out the most in their lacy leaves and fragrant, citrus-scented blooms. These bright annuals grow easily from seed each year and feature vibrant, butterfly-friendly flowers that come in hues ranging from tangerine and lemon to russet red and fiery combinations. Despite being an American native, marigold seeds were transported to other continents where they gained popularity, favor, and common names. Shorter, more compact marigolds are known as French kinds, whereas tall, erect marigolds are frequently referred to as African marigolds. Many people think marigolds keep nuisance insects away and stop bunnies from nibbling, however scientists disagree with this gardener’s myth. Marigolds do, however, appear to aid in the management of root-knot nematodes, a problem that many gardeners face. 3
Give these vibrant classics the attention and nutrition they require for blooms that last throughout the whole growing season to get the most out of your summer garden. Using a complete fertilizer, such as Pennington UltraGreen All Purpose Plant Food 10-10-10 or Pennington UltraGreen Colorblooms & Bulbs Plant Food 15-10-10, will give your plants a strong nutritional base as well as an extra boost from vital micronutrients to support their vigorous, healthy growth and gorgeous, long-lasting blooms. Both of these premium fertilizers feed your plants for up to four months, making it even simpler to maintain summer color.
Despite the fact that these flowers thrive in hot weather, they are prone to pests and illnesses including aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and powdery mildew. A visible indicator can be withered petals, holes in the leaves, or fluffy, white leaves. Sevin Sulfur Dust does not harm flowers but begins killing as soon as it comes into touch with them. To maintain your vibrant flowers healthy and free from pest and disease damage, routinely apply a thin dusting.
Whatever your current gardening challenge, Pennington is here to support your success. Pennington is dedicated to assisting you in growing and taking pleasure in every moment of color in the summer and throughout the year. This commitment extends beyond the full array of their top lawn and garden products to gardening inspiration and email advice.