23 Easy-to-Grow Summer Flowers to Plant in Your Garden
Plant these colorful blooms in your garden this summer.
Sure, summer can be hot and muggy, but that doesn't mean your garden has to look drab and wilted. Many summer flowers are perfectly suited to the soaring temperatures, and they're easy to grow, too. Whether you plant in garden beds, containers, or window boxes, adding flowers to your landscape attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds, creates instant curb appeal, and will make you happy every time you pull into your driveway or sit on your balcony.
You should include both annuals (plants that grow for one season) and perennials (plants come back for many years) in your garden for season-long color. When shopping, read the plant tag or description so you know what you're buying, and then give it the right conditions. For example, full sun plants need six or more hours per day, while part sun is considered about half that. Shade plants require no direct sunlight or only a little morning sun.
With perennials, make sure to choose those in your USDA Hardiness zone (find yours here). And if you’ve planted in containers, check pots daily during dry spells, especially as the plant gets bigger and uses more water. Containers, especially porous materials such as clay or ceramic, dry out more quickly than plastic, so there may be times you'll need to water more than once a day during the height of the summer.
Ahead, our favorite annuals and perennial summer flowers for show-stopping color all growing season:
Arricca Elin SanSone is a freelance writer, editor, and digital content developer. She specializes in lifestyle and interior design content with a focus on gardening. Arricca earned dual bachelor’s degrees summa cum laude in English and classics from Hiram College, as well as an MBA cum laude from Georgia Southern University. Before writing full-time, Arricca studied in Rome, traveled in Europe, and taught school in Asia. With over a decade of experience, Arricca has pitched, researched, and crafted fresh story ideas and content to appeal to national audiences. She has written thousands of articles for print and digital publications such as Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, House Beautiful, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
![Headshot of Kelly Allen Headshot of Kelly Allen](https://cdn.statically.io/img/hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/826f3770-10c6-44d0-b174-ffefc4f0af99_1634748623.jpg?fill=1:1&resize=120:*)
Kelly Allen is the Associate Editor at House Beautiful, where she creates design, culture, and travel content online and in the magazine. She’s been on the team since 2019, writing features on and , in-depth , and inspiring . From researching to discovering can’t-miss onscreen, she’s always eager to answer burning pop culture questions through a design lens. In her five-year career, she’s built a strong network of designers across disciplines to tap for their invaluable expertise. Her background includes honing reporting skills while tackling viral news for Delish and contributing to Cosmopolitan’s entertainment coverage. When she’s not watching every new and , she’s browsing vintage home stores, attending industry events, and wandering around —highlighting it all .
Watch Next
![Video player poster image preview for Styling](https://cdn.statically.io/img/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/hb-edgewood-shelf-10-1560463460.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=1200:*)
![amazon inflatable nightclub amazon inflatable nightclub](https://cdn.statically.io/img/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/screenshot-2024-07-18-at-2-33-00-pm-6699610d24fce.png?crop=0.505xw:0.984xh;0.495xw,0&resize=360:*)
Yes, Amazon Sells a 30-Foot Inflatable Nightclub
![emily janak teton mountains emily janak teton mountains](https://cdn.statically.io/img/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/hbx120122emilyjanak-011-6499b88de1ebe.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.120xw,0&resize=360:*)
Cheap Fence Ideas That Designers Actually Love
![this sandstone patio, just beyond the glass doors of a bedroom by designer brooke wagner, is outfitted with palecek seating and a custom fireplace for enjoying the southern california climate durable, sedimentary rock pavers like these can be sourced in a wide color range to suit any style this sandstone patio, just beyond the glass doors of a bedroom by designer brooke wagner, is outfitted with palecek seating and a custom fireplace for enjoying the southern california climate durable, sedimentary rock pavers like these can be sourced in a wide color range to suit any style](https://cdn.statically.io/img/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/hbx030123inspoopener-002-66919b0550144.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.668xh;0,0.332xh&resize=360:*)
20 Elevated Fire Pit Ideas for Your Backyard
![a table and chairs outside a table and chairs outside](https://cdn.statically.io/img/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/amykalikow10212021-32966web-6679960fa3ea1.jpeg?crop=0.707xw:1.00xh;0.147xw,0&resize=360:*)
33 Balcony Decorating Ideas for Any Outdoor Space