Top 10 Summer Flowers for a Vibrant Garden

For anyone who’s spent even a little time outdoors, summer months are a period when a garden can quietly take over your whole mood. But not every flower holds up when the heat really kicks in. That’s why picking the right summer flowers makes all the difference.

If you're hoping to create a yard that feels a little more alive this year, it helps to know which flowers that bloom in summer actually do well without constant attention. Here are ten you can count on.

Zinnias

Zinnias are a type of easy summer flower to grow that can quietly take over a space with color. They don’t mind dry weather, they bounce back after a little neglect, and they’ll keep blooming as long as you keep picking.

Marigolds

You have probably seen marigolds everywhere, but there’s a reason they’re always around. They are low effort, and they don’t need fancy soil or complicated care routines. A bonus- many gardeners believe they keep pests away, so planting them near veggies is not a bad idea either.

Also Read: Birth Month Flowers

Coneflowers (Echinacea)

These tough flowering plants do especially well when the heat is relentless. Coneflowers are one of those flowering plants for summer that look like they’re doing more work than they are. They come in different shades, but even the plainest ones draw bees and butterflies.

Black-eyed Susans

A classic, for good reason. They don’t take over, but they hold their ground. Black-eyed Susans don’t ask for much beyond some sun, and they’re often still standing when everything else starts giving up by late August.

Petunias

Petunias come in more colors than you think. And they work well whether you’re planting them in the ground or setting up containers. For people looking to experiment with summer flower arrangements, petunias offer options without much stress. You’ll spot these often in local gardens and even featured by a Lansing florist or two this time of year, also because they are reliable.

Cosmos

Cosmos start slow, but once they get going, they don’t stop. These are true summer blooming flowers - light, airy, and always moving with the breeze. You won’t need to water them every day, which is another point in their favor.

Salvias

Not always top of mind, but salvias are great for these months. They are another one of those easiest flowers to grow, especially if you’re tired of things that droop by mid-July. They also bring in pollinators, which helps if your garden has anything edible nearby.

Lantanas

If you’ve had a rough time keeping things alive in heat waves, you may want to try lantanas. These compact plants just keep blooming. Some people use them in hanging baskets or raised beds, but they hold up pretty well in the ground too.

Even in areas like Okemos, MI, where things can heat up quickly, gardeners often include lantanas because they’re not high maintenance.

Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia)

Bright, long-lasting, and fine with full sun, blanket flowers don’t need rich soil. They won’t be the first thing your neighbor compliments, but they’ll still be blooming long after other plants fade out.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are iconic for a reason- they are tall, strong, and easy to grow from seed. Plus, nothing says summer like walking out one morning and realizing your garden just got a foot taller overnight.

If you’re based nearby and ever need a quick gift that reflects the season, Smith Florals offers flower delivery in Haslett, Lansing, and we often feature many of these same blooms in our seasonal bouquets. Order today!