Have you ever wondered how to keep your garden vibrant and lively during the scorching summer months?
Selecting the best plants for summer can seem like an uphill task considering the relentless heat and long daylight hours. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the myriad of plant options available, each boasting of their own unique features and care requirements. Luckily, there are a variety of summer-hardy plants that not only withstand the heat but actually thrive in it, gracing your garden with color and life.
Here is a sneak peek of the five summer power players we’ll be diving into:
- Profusion Zinnias
- Lantana
- Portulaca
- Sunflower
- Hibiscus
Stay tuned for a deep dive into each of these exceptional plants. With a dollop of patience and a sprinkle of care, you too can cultivate a summer garden that’s both stunning and sustainable.
Let’s dive in!
Profusion Zinnias: The Award-Winning Summer Bloomer
Profusion Zinnias, a spectacular variety of zinnia, is a gardener’s dream, especially in the sweltering summer heat. These plants are renowned for their ability to thrive in hot weather and bring a splash of color to any garden.
Description of Profusion Zinnias and their ability to thrive in hot weather
Profusion Zinnias are warm-season annuals that are known for their resilience in the face of heat. Their daisy-like flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, orange, and cherry, each of which has won multiple garden awards. These plants are heat lovers, blooming vibrantly well into the fall season, regardless of the weather.
Tips on How to Care for Profusion Zinnias
While these plants are quite hardy, they do need some care to thrive. First, ensure they have plenty of sun; these are full-sun plants that love the heat. Next, water them regularly, but avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent powdery mildew. Good soil drainage is also important to prevent root rot. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms, and provide a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote growth.
How Profusion Zinnias Can Enhance the Beauty of Your Garden
Profusion Zinnias are a fantastic choice if you’re looking to add a pop of color to your garden. Their vibrant, daisy-like flowers make a beautiful addition to any landscape design. As a bonus, they’re also great for attracting pollinators like butterflies to your garden, enhancing not just the aesthetic appeal but also the overall health of your garden ecosystem.
Next, let’s explore another stunning summer bloom – the Lantana.
Lantana: The Butterfly Magnet
Summer gardens are all about color, fragrance, and attracting delightful pollinators. When it comes to these criteria, Lantana is one of the best plants for summer.
Description of Lantana and its Heat-Tolerant Nature
Lantana is an exuberant plant with clusters of vibrant flowers that come in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. It’s a sun-loving, heat-tolerant perennial, making it an exceptional choice for a summer garden. This plant is a real crowd-pleaser, not only for its beautiful blooms but also for its ability to withstand the summer heat with ease.
Tips on How to Care for Lantana
Lantana is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s drought tolerant, which means it can handle periods of dry weather without losing its vibrant charm. However, like any plant, it appreciates a little care now and then. Watering it occasionally during dry spells and trimming it back once in a while will keep it looking its best all summer.
How Lantana Attracts Pollinators to Your Garden
One of the most appealing characteristics of Lantana is its ability to attract a variety of pollinators. Butterflies, in particular, are drawn to its vibrant, nectar-rich flowers. Planting Lantana in your garden not only adds a burst of color but also helps create a thriving ecosystem by attracting these beneficial insects.
In the next section, we’ll introduce another resilient and vibrant plant that is perfect for a summer garden. If you’re eager to start planning your summer garden now, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help transform your space into a flourishing summer oasis.
Portulaca: The Drought-Tolerant Wonder
Adding a splash of color to your garden in the sweltering summer heat can be a challenge. But fret not! Portulaca, also known as moss rose, is here to save the day.
Portulaca: The Jewel of Summer
Portulaca is an annual succulent that serves as a beautiful summer ornament for your garden. With jewel-toned flowers, it is not just a delight to look at but also a wonder plant that withstands the driest and hottest weather. This low-growing plant loves full sun and blooms all summer long, making it one of the best plants for summer.
Caring for Portulaca
Portulaca is extremely heat and drought tolerant, thanks to its fleshy leaves that store water. This makes it a low-maintenance plant, perfect for busy homeowners. While it can thrive in most soil types, it prefers loose, well-draining soil. Portulaca doesn’t require much watering – only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
The Colorful Charm of Portulaca
Portulaca’s vibrant and abundant blooms can turn any garden into a lively summer spectacle. It’s especially effective when planted in rock gardens or at the front of borders. The colorful, cup-shaped flowers open during the day and close at night, providing a dynamic visual display.
If you’re looking for a plant that offers a vibrant display of color and requires minimal care, Portulaca is a fantastic choice. With its ability to withstand heat and drought conditions, it’s not just a beautiful addition to your garden, but a smart one too.
Sunflower: The Iconic Summer Plant
Sunflowers are more than just a pretty face in the garden; they are actually one of the best plants for summer. Native to North America and Mexico, sunflowers are a delightful sight during the hot months. They come in many sizes and colors, and the most common ones are the tall annuals that sport large, heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow petals.
The Love for Full Sun
Sunflowers are named aptly for their love of sunlight. They thrive in full sun, making them a perfect addition to any summer garden. The strong sunlight helps them grow tall and produce those iconic large, yellow blooms. So, if you have a sunny spot in your garden, consider filling it with these cheerful plants.
Caring for Sunflowers
In terms of caring for these summer favorites, sunflowers are relatively low-maintenance. They can be started from seeds or small potted plants. Sow the seeds 2 to 3 feet apart in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. If you’re planting small sunflower plants, set them 2 to 3 feet apart in the garden in the late spring or summer.
Sunflowers prefer a moist, well-draining, neutral-to-slightly-acidic soil. During dry periods, ensure they get adequate water, but be wary of overwatering as too much moisture can harm the plants.
The Focal Point of Your Garden
Sunflowers make a striking focal point in any garden. Their tall height and vibrant colors draw attention, making them a fantastic choice for adding visual interest to your landscape. Plus, the large sunflower heads, filled with seeds, attract a variety of birds, adding another layer of life and movement to your garden.
At Liberty Landscape, we believe that choosing the right plants can transform your outdoor space into a vibrant and inviting oasis. With our extensive knowledge of local climate and aesthetics, we can help you select the best plants for summer, like sunflowers, to create a garden that not only looks stunning but also thrives in the heat.
Don’t let the summer heat keep you from enjoying a beautiful garden. Contact us today to start planning your perfect summer garden with sunflowers and other heat-tolerant plants.
Hibiscus: The Tropical Showstopper
Regarding the best plants for summer, the Hibiscus stands out as a true showstopper. Known for its large, bold blooms, this tropical beauty thrives in the summer heat, making it a great choice for your garden.
Description of Hibiscus and its Ability to Thrive in Summer Heat
The Hibiscus plant is known for its large, vibrant flowers that can range from bright yellows to deep reds. This tropical plant is a perennial, meaning it will continue to bloom year after year. It’s hardy in zones 9-11, but those in cooler zones can still enjoy this tropical beauty by treating it as an annual or by bringing it indoors during the colder months.
Hibiscus loves the summer heat and full sun, making it one of the best plants for summer gardens. In fact, it thrives in temperatures of 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tips on How to Care for Hibiscus
Caring for a Hibiscus plant is relatively straightforward. They need well-draining soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize them every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer to promote blooming.
While Hibiscus loves the sun, it’s important to protect the plant from extreme midday heat. Position the plant in a location where it will receive morning sun and afternoon shade.
How Hibiscus Adds a Tropical Touch to Your Garden
Adding a Hibiscus plant to your garden instantly transports you to a tropical paradise. The large, colorful blooms provide a stunning focal point and can make any space feel more exotic and inviting.
Moreover, Hibiscus flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding life and movement to your garden. Whether planted in the ground or in a container, Hibiscus is sure to bring a touch of the tropics to your outdoor space.
In our journey of exploring the best plants for summer, we’ve delved into Profusion Zinnias, Lantana, Portulaca, Sunflowers, and Hibiscus. Each of these vibrant, heat-loving plants brings a unique charm to your garden, transforming it into a summer haven.
Starting with the award-winning Profusion Zinnias, which bloom beautifully regardless of the weather, to the butterfly magnet Lantana that adds a splash of color to your garden. We then admired the drought-tolerant Portulaca and the iconic sun-loving Sunflowers. Finally, we ended our journey with the tropical showstopper, Hibiscus, known for its vibrant, large flowers.
Each of these plants not only thrives in summer heat but also contributes to the overall aesthetics and health of your garden ecosystem. So, we encourage you to experiment with these amazing summer plants and discover the joy of creating a stunning and sustainable outdoor space that mirrors your personality.
Gardening in summer can be a truly rewarding experience. It’s not just about the aesthetic appeal, but also about the therapeutic value it brings. As Gwenn Fried, manager of Horticulture Therapy at NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation, says, “Nature has a huge impact on health and wellness.” So, immerse yourself in the process of nurturing these summer plants and reap the benefits of a calm, green environment right in your backyard.
At Liberty Landscape, we’re passionate about creating enchanting outdoor spaces that stand the test of time and weather. Our Gallery showcases some of our work, and we would be thrilled to bring your garden dreams to life. If you’re ready to start planning your summer garden or need more ideas and advice, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you create the green oasis of your dreams.
