Summer’s in full swing, but it’s not too late to add a splash of color to your garden. According to the 2023 National Gardening Survey, 80% of U.S. households participate in gardening and lawn care activities – the highest level in five years.1
July offers a prime opportunity to join their ranks or expand your floral repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a novice gardener, these fifteen flowers can still be planted this month for a vibrant late-summer display.
1. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers are the perfect choice for a quick and dramatic impact. Plant these sun-loving giants now, and you’ll have cheerful blooms by late summer. They’re incredibly easy to grow, with some varieties reaching heights of up to 12 feet.
2. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Not only do marigolds add a burst of orange and yellow to your garden, but they also act as natural pest deterrents. These hardy annuals thrive in full sun and can bloom until the first frost.
3. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
With their feathery foliage and daisy-like flowers, cosmos bring a touch of whimsy to any garden. These low-maintenance beauties are drought-tolerant and will continue blooming well into fall.
4. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
For a rainbow of options, look no further than zinnias. These fast-growing flowers come in a variety of hues and sizes, making them perfect for both borders and cutting gardens.
5. Morning Glories (Ipomoea purpurea)
Transform fences and trellises with the rapid growth of morning glories. These vining plants produce trumpet-shaped blooms that open in the morning and close by afternoon, adding a dynamic element to your garden.
6. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender isn’t just beautiful; it’s also incredibly drought-tolerant once established. Plant it now for fragrant purple blooms that will attract pollinators and provide a calming aroma.
7. Gaillardia (Gaillardia aristata)
Also known as blanket flowers, gaillardia offers eye-catching blooms in fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow. These perennials are easy to grow from seed and will flower from summer through fall.
8. Asters (Aster spp., Symphyotrichum spp.)
For a burst of color when other flowers are fading, plant asters. These native North American perennials bloom in shades of purple, pink, and white, providing a late-season feast for pollinators.
9. Salvias (Salvia spp.)
Salvias come in a wide range of colors and are beloved by hummingbirds. These sun-loving plants are drought-resistant and will continue blooming until the first frost.
10. Pansies (Viola × wittrockiana)
While typically associated with spring, pansies planted in July will provide color through fall and even winter in milder climates. Their cheerful “faces” are sure to brighten up any garden bed or container.
11. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
These cheerful, daisy-like flowers with golden petals and dark centers are easy to grow and bloom profusely from midsummer to fall. They’re excellent for attracting butterflies and make great cut flowers.
12. Cleome (Cleome hassleriana)
Also known as spider flower, cleome produces tall, airy blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. These unique flowers are heat-tolerant and will continue blooming until frost.
13. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
These fast-growing annuals produce vibrant flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and red. Not only are they beautiful, but their leaves and flowers are also edible, adding a peppery flavor to salads.
14. Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora)
Also called moss rose, these low-growing succulents produce bright, rose-like blooms in a variety of colors. They’re extremely heat and drought-tolerant, making them perfect for rock gardens or as ground cover.
15. Celosia (Celosia argentea)
With their unique, brightly colored plumes or crests, celosia adds texture and interest to any garden. They come in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink, and will bloom from summer until frost.
Source:
1. National Gardening Survey
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.