It’s summer in the northern hemisphere, the sunshine and heat send people off to the beach or running into an air-conditioned room, but for some plants – it’s time to bloom. Here are 19 of the summer’s most beautiful blossoms in all their glory.
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Allium, often known as ornamental onions, are a striking addition to any summer garden. These perennial bulbs are part of the same family as garlic, leeks, and chives, and they bring a unique architectural beauty with their spherical clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers. Allium flowers range in color from deep purple and blue to white and pink. They are particularly loved for their ability to add height and drama to flower beds and borders, reaching heights of up to four feet. Besides their aesthetic appeal, alliums are also highly valued for their ability to repel pests like aphids, making them a practical choice for gardeners looking to maintain a healthy, vibrant garden. Their long-lasting blooms make them excellent for cut flower arrangements, providing a striking centerpiece that can brighten any room.
Baby's Breath, or Gypsophila, is a delicate and airy plant that is often used as a filler in bouquets and floral arrangements. This charming flower produces clouds of tiny white or pink blossoms, creating a soft and romantic feel. It's a favorite among florists due to its light, airy appearance and versatility. In the garden, Baby's Breath is a hardy perennial that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance option for summer gardens. Baby's Breath can also be dried easily, retaining its beauty and form, which makes it popular for use in dried flower crafts and arrangements. Its long flowering period ensures a continuous display of delicate blooms throughout the summer months.
The Bird of Paradise, scientifically known as Strelitzia, is an exotic and stunning flower that resembles a brightly colored bird in flight. Native to South Africa, this plant brings a tropical flair to gardens with its striking orange and blue flowers. The Bird of Paradise thrives in warm climates and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is a perennial that can grow up to five feet tall, making it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to garden spaces. Besides its ornamental value, the Bird of Paradise is also known for its resilience and can tolerate drought conditions once established. Its dramatic flowers make it a standout in any garden, and it is also popular as a cut flower due to its long vase life and unique appearance.
Calla Lilies, or Zantedeschia, are known for their elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush, arrow-shaped leaves. These perennials come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and deep purple, making them a versatile choice for summer gardens. Calla Lilies prefer moist, well-drained soil and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. They are often associated with purity and rebirth, making them popular in both wedding bouquets and funeral arrangements. In the garden, Calla Lilies can be grown in borders, containers, or even as pond plants, as they can tolerate wet conditions. Their long-lasting blooms and striking form make them a favorite among gardeners and florists alike.
Campanula, commonly known as Bellflower, is a charming addition to any summer garden with its bell-shaped flowers and trailing habit. This hardy perennial blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, creating a lovely display from late spring through summer. Campanula thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is a versatile plant that can be used in rock gardens, borders, or as ground cover. Some varieties are also suitable for growing in containers. Campanula is relatively low-maintenance and can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden. Its delicate flowers and long blooming period make it a delightful choice for gardeners looking to add color and charm to their outdoor spaces.
Carnations, or Dianthus, are beloved for their ruffled, fragrant flowers and long blooming season. These perennials come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, and yellow, making them a versatile choice for any garden or floral arrangement. Carnations prefer full sun and well-drained soil and are relatively easy to care for. They are drought-tolerant once established, making them a practical choice for summer gardens. Carnations are also popular as cut flowers due to their long vase life and pleasant fragrance. In addition to their ornamental value, carnations have a long history of use in herbal medicine and as a symbol of love and admiration.
Chrysanthemums, or "mums", are a quintessential summer flower known for their vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms. These perennials come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from daisy-like forms to more intricate, pom-pom styles. Chrysanthemums thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and require regular watering to produce their best flowers. They are highly valued for their ability to provide a burst of color in late summer and fall, extending the garden's blooming season. Chrysanthemums are also popular in floral arrangements due to their wide range of colors, including yellow, white, pink, red, and purple. Their resilience and ease of care make them a favorite among gardeners looking to add enduring beauty to their outdoor spaces.
Cockscomb, or Celosia, is a striking annual flower known for its unusual, velvety blooms that resemble a rooster's comb. These flowers come in vibrant colors such as red, pink, yellow, and orange, adding a bold splash of color to summer gardens. Cockscomb prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can tolerate hot, dry conditions, making it a resilient choice for summer planting. In addition to their ornamental value, cockscomb flowers are also edible and can be used as a garnish or in salads. Their unique texture and bright colors make them a favorite for adding interest and drama to garden beds, borders, and containers. Cockscomb flowers are also long-lasting when cut, making them an excellent choice for fresh and dried floral arrangements.
Cosmos are a delightful addition to summer gardens, known for their daisy-like flowers and feathery foliage. These annuals come in a range of colors, including pink, white, red, and orange, and they bloom profusely from summer to fall. Cosmos are easy to grow and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant and can self-seed, making them a low-maintenance option for adding continuous color to garden beds and borders. Cosmos flowers are also attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a valuable addition to any pollinator-friendly garden. Their long stems and delicate blooms make them ideal for cut flower arrangements, adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to indoor spaces.
Dahlias are a showstopper in any summer garden with their large, vibrant blooms and wide range of colors and forms. These perennials can be grown from tubers and thrive in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Dahlias come in various sizes, from small, single blooms to large, dinner-plate-sized flowers, providing endless possibilities for garden design. They are known for their long blooming period, which extends from midsummer to the first frost. Dahlias require regular watering and feeding to produce their best flowers, but their stunning display makes the extra care worthwhile. They are also popular as cut flowers due to their striking appearance and long vase life. Dahlias can add a dramatic focal point to garden beds, borders, and floral arrangements, making them a favorite among gardeners and florists.
Delphiniums are majestic perennials known for their tall spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers. These stately plants can reach heights of up to six feet, making them a striking addition to summer gardens. Delphiniums prefer full sun to partial shade and rich, well-drained soil. They require regular watering and feeding to support their tall growth and abundant blooms. Delphiniums are often used as a backdrop in flower beds and borders, adding vertical interest and a touch of elegance. They are also popular as cut flowers due to their long stems and vibrant colors. While delphiniums can be susceptible to pests and diseases, their stunning beauty and ability to attract pollinators make them a worthwhile addition to any garden.
Foxglove, or Digitalis, is a biennial or short-lived perennial known for its tall spikes of tubular flowers. These blooms come in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow, creating a striking display in summer gardens. Foxgloves prefer partial shade and well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of growing conditions. They are often used in cottage gardens and naturalistic plantings due to their charming, old-fashioned appeal. Foxgloves are also known for their medicinal properties, as the plant contains compounds used to treat heart conditions. However, they are toxic if ingested, so they should be planted with caution in gardens where children or pets are present. Despite this, their tall, elegant flower spikes and ability to attract pollinators make foxgloves a beloved choice for summer gardens.
Gladiolus, commonly known as "glads," are a popular summer flower known for their tall, elegant spikes of blooms. These perennials grow from corms and produce a wide range of colors, including pink, red, yellow, white, and purple. Gladiolus can reach heights of up to six feet, making them a striking addition to flower beds and borders. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they benefit from regular watering during their growing season. Gladiolus are often used in floral arrangements due to their long-lasting blooms and vibrant colors. They are also popular for their ability to add height and drama to garden designs. With proper care, gladiolus can provide a stunning display of color throughout the summer months.
Heather, or Calluna vulgaris, is a hardy perennial known for its small, bell-shaped flowers and evergreen foliage. These plants are native to Europe and thrive in acidic, well-drained soil and full sun. Heather blooms in a range of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white, creating a carpet of color in summer gardens. Heather is often used in rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover due to its low-growing, spreading habit. It is also popular in heather gardens, where different varieties are combined to provide year-round interest. Heather is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate poor soil conditions, making it a versatile choice for gardeners. Its long flowering period and ability to attract pollinators add to its appeal.
Hydrangeas are beloved for their large, showy flower heads and long blooming season. These deciduous shrubs come in a variety of types, including mophead, lacecap, and panicle, each with its unique flower form. Hydrangeas are known for their ability to change color based on soil pH, with blue flowers in acidic soil and pink flowers in alkaline soil. They prefer partial shade and well-drained, moist soil. Hydrangeas are versatile and can be used in borders, hedges, or as standalone specimens. They are also popular as cut flowers due to their large, vibrant blooms. Hydrangeas require regular watering and benefit from mulching to retain soil moisture. With proper care, they can provide a spectacular display of color from summer into fall.
Hypericum, commonly known as St. John's Wort, is a versatile perennial known for its bright yellow flowers and medicinal properties. This plant is often grown for its ornamental value, producing clusters of star-shaped flowers in summer. Hypericum prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. In addition to its attractive flowers, hypericum produces berries in late summer and fall, which add visual interest and are popular in floral arrangements. The plant is also known for its use in herbal medicine, particularly for its potential antidepressant properties. Hypericum's resilience and multiple uses make it a valuable addition to summer gardens.
Irises are a diverse group of perennials known for their striking flowers and sword-like foliage. These plants come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, yellow, white, and pink. Irises are named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, reflecting their wide color range. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil and can thrive in both garden beds and containers. Irises are divided into two main groups: bearded and beardless, each with its unique flower form. They are popular for their early summer blooms and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Irises are also prized as cut flowers due to their elegant appearance and long vase life. With their bold colors and distinct form, irises can add a touch of sophistication to any garden.
Lilacs, or Syringa, are deciduous shrubs known for their fragrant, cone-shaped flower clusters. These plants bloom in late spring to early summer, producing flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue. Lilacs prefer full sun and well-drained soil and can grow up to 15 feet tall, making them suitable for use as hedges or standalone specimens. Their sweet fragrance and attractive blooms make them a favorite in cottage gardens and traditional landscapes. Lilacs are relatively low-maintenance but benefit from regular pruning to maintain their shape and encourage blooming. Their flowers are also popular for cut arrangements, adding a delightful scent to indoor spaces. With their classic beauty and pleasant fragrance, lilacs are a cherished addition to summer gardens.
Star Gazer lilies are a type of Oriental lily known for their large, fragrant flowers and striking color pattern. These perennials produce blooms with white edges and deep pink centers, often speckled with darker spots. Star Gazers thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are prized for their dramatic, upward-facing flowers and strong, sweet fragrance. Star Gazer lilies can grow up to three feet tall, making them a stunning focal point in garden beds and borders. They are also popular as cut flowers due to their impressive appearance and long vase life. In addition to their beauty, Star Gazer lilies are relatively easy to grow and can provide a spectacular display of color and fragrance in summer gardens. Their showy blooms and delightful scent make them a favorite among gardeners and florists alike.
