Summer is roughly 93.6 days. It’s the time to take a break with loved ones at home or on vacation and enjoy the warmest weather of the year outdoors. Summer is also the season of vibrant blooms, and whether you’re sprucing up your garden for backyard brunch with friends or adding a splash of color to your interiors for evening hosting, the perfect flower can elevate any space. From classic sunflowers to striking snapdragons and tropical hibiscus, we have 25 summer flowers that will bring joy and beauty wherever they’re placed or planted. Let’s dive into the top flowers to brighten your summer days.
1. Sunflowers
This cheerful annual thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Sunflowers come in a variety of sizes, from small decorative types to towering giants reaching up to 10 feet. Known for their bright yellow petals and dark centers, they’re a favorite for gardens and cut arrangements. Plant seeds in late spring for blooms that last throughout the summer.
2. Hydrangeas
These lush blooms prefer partial shade and rich, moist soil. With over 70 species, hydrangeas offer a range of colors, including blue, pink, white, and purple. Their color can even change based on the soil’s pH. Perfect for your gardens or floral bouquets, hydrangeas bloom from late spring to early fall.
3. Marigolds
Very simple to grow and even easier care for, marigolds thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. These are considered hardy annuals and come in warm shades of orange, yellow, and red. We recommend you plant seeds in early summer and then you can enjoy their blooms well into fall.
4. Lavender
This fragrant perennial loves full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Lavender is well-known for its calming scent, delicate purple flowers, and is perfect for gardens or as a dried arrangement indoors. Plant it in late spring for summer-long blooms.
5. Roses
Classic, timeless, and effortlessly elegant, roses thrive in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. There are thousands of varieties available and you can choose colors from classic red to soft peach and even beautiful striped patterns. Roses bloom from late spring through early fall with the right care.
6. Petunias
These versatile annuals are perfect for your garden beds or even hanging baskets. Petunias do the best in full sun and well-drained soil, which helps produce vibrant blooms in nearly every color you can imagine. Plant them in late spring for flowers that last all summer long.
7. Zinnias
Zinnias are every gardener’s favorite flower because of their vibrant colors and low maintenance. They grow best in full sun and in well-drained soil. Typically available in shades of pink, red, orange, and yellow, these annuals bloom continuously from early summer until frost.
8. Dahlias
Dahlias bring beauty and the drama to any garden with their intricate, colorful blooms. Like most flowers of this variety, they do the best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant tubers in late spring for flowers that last until the first frost.
9. Snapdragons
Did you know that when you squeeze a snapdragon, the flower opens to look like a dragon's mouth? These striking flowers prefer cool weather, which makes them ideal for early summer. Snapdragons enjoy full sun and well-drained soil, and their tall, colorful spikes are perfect for adding height to floral arrangements.
10. Geraniums
Geraniums are a classic choice for your summer gardens and planters. They thrive in full sun and moderately moist soil (don't overwater!). Available in shades of red, pink, and white, geraniums bloom from late spring to early fall.
11. Black-Eyed Susans
The official state flower of Maryland, these hardy perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. With their bright yellow petals and dark centers, black-eyed Susans bloom from mid-summer to early fall, adding a cheerful touch to any garden.
12. Cosmos
Cosmos are incredibly easy-to-grow annuals that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Their delicate, daisy-like blooms come in shades of pink, white, and red. We recommend planting seeds in late spring for summer-long flowers to enjoy in your garden.
13. Begonias
Perfect for shaded gardens, begonias thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil. A gardener's favorite, these versatile flowers bloom in shades of red, orange, pink, and white, brightening any summer space. They are a warning against bad luck while symbolizing gratitude and peace!
14. Gladiolus
Nicknamed "The Sword Flower" due to their sword-like leaves, these tall, elegant flowers thrive in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. We recommend planting gladiolus bulbs in spring for stunning blooms in mid to late summer. Their vibrant spikes make excellent cut flowers as well!
15. Hibiscus
16. Impatiens
One of the most popular garden plants, impatiens are ideal for shady areas, thriving in partial to full shade and moist soil. These compact flowers come in vibrant shades of red, pink, orange, and white, adding color to shaded spaces. They also do very well as bedding plants!
17. Peonies
Peonies are most known for their large, fragrant blooms. Plus, they're absolutely gorgeous! These pillowy stems prefer full sun and well-drained soil. With colors ranging from white to deep red, peonies bloom in late spring to early summer but can last indoors for weeks as cut flowers (change your water every few days).
18. Carnations
The official flower for first wedding anniversaries, these classic flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Carnations come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and red (each color carries its own symbolism). They bloom continuously from late spring through summer.
19. Coreopsis
One of the few flowers that is called its scientific name, the Coreopsis, also seen as tickseed, is a hardy perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. With bright yellow or orange blooms, it’s a cheerful addition to any garden. Coreopsis blooms from early summer to fall.
20. Lantana
Did you know the lantana flower changes color as they mature? Lantana thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for hot climates. These heat-tolerant flowers come in vibrant clusters of orange, yellow, pink, and purple, blooming all summer long.
21. Phlox
Coming from the ancient Greek word meaning "flame" the phlox flower adds a splash of color to gardens with its fragrant blooms. It thrives in full sun and rich, moist soil. Phlox comes in shades of pink, purple, white, and red, blooming from early summer to fall.
22. Gaillardia
Also known as blanket flowers, gaillardia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. While these hardy perennials are often confused with daisies, they produce vibrant red, orange, and yellow blooms throughout the summer.
23. Verbena
Verbena is a low-maintenance and long blooming annual that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its small, colorful blooms come in shades of purple, pink, and white, creating a carpet of color all summer.
24. Morning Glories
Opening in the morning and closing in the evening, these fast-growing vines thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Morning glories produce trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. One of the most popular flowers in Japan, they bloom from mid-summer through fall.
25. Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are incredibly fragrant annuals that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Their delicate, pastel-colored blooms are perfect for cutting and arranging. Plant seeds in late spring for flowers and watch them climb throughout the summer.
Summer Flower Bouquets Delivered to Your Door
Looking for a way to enjoy summer flowers with and without gardening? UrbanStems offers a stunningly gorgeous collection of summer bouquets, perfect for brightening your indoor and outdoor spaces this season. From roses to peonies, our beautiful arrangements bring the best of summer directly to your door. Explore our summer collection and find the perfect bouquet for you or a loved one today.
FAQs
Which flower blooms all summer?
There are many flowers that bloom all summer, but petunias, zinnias, and sunflowers are standout choices for your spaces. These hardy blooms thrive in warm weather and continue to produce beautiful flowers from early summer to late fall with proper care.
What’s the most popular summer flower?
Sunflowers are arguably the most popular summer flower. Their bold, cheerful appearance, and easy-growing potential make them a favorite for gardens and floral arrangements.
What flower represents summer?
The sunflower is often seen as the quintessential symbol of summer. Its bright yellow petals and sunny ambiance perfectly capture the warmth and joy of the season.
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