- USDA Zones: 10–11 (annual elsewhere)
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Loose, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
Versatile with vibrant flower clusters and aromatic foliage that deters pests. Great in containers or beds.
Care: Fertilize monthly, water when topsoil is dry, remove yellow leaves and spent flowers.
5. Daylily (Hemerocallis)
- USDA Zones: 4–9
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, tolerates poor soil
Individual flowers last one day but plants produce many buds over weeks. Reblooming hybrids extend the season.
Care: Remove faded flowers, divide clumps every 3–5 years, mulch in summer.
6. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
- USDA Zones: 3–10
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky; avoid rich soil
Bright red and yellow flowers that thrive in heat and drought. Attracts pollinators and requires little care once established.
Care: Deadhead regularly, avoid fertilizing, cut back mid-summer for a second bloom.
7. Petunia
- USDA Zones: Annual in most zones
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Rich, well-drained
Trumpet-shaped flowers with continuous blooms, great for beds and containers. Varieties like Wave and Supertunia bloom especially long.
Care: Feed biweekly, deadhead or shear midseason, water consistently.
8. Marigold (Tagetes)
- USDA Zones: Annual in most zones
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, tolerates poor soils
Vivid yellow, orange, or red blooms known for pest-repelling. Good vegetable garden companions.
Care: Water at soil level, deadhead, start from seed or transplants.
9. Salvia
- USDA Zones: 4–9 perennial; annual elsewhere
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, tolerates dry conditions
Spikes of purple, red, or blue flowers attract hummingbirds. Some bloom into fall.
Care: Cut back after first bloom, avoid overwatering, divide every few years.
10. Coreopsis (Tickseed)
- USDA Zones: 4–9
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Sandy or loamy, well-drained
Cheerful daisy-like flowers bloom early summer to fall. Drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly.
Care: Deadhead or shear after first bloom, divide every 2–3 years, water deeply but infrequently.
11. Verbena
- USDA Zones: Annual most zones, perennial 8–10
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile
Clusters of small flowers form colorful carpets; great for containers and borders.
Care: Trim regularly, maintain moisture, fertilize every few weeks.
12. Bee Balm (Monarda)
- USDA Zones: 3–9
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained
Tubular flowers in red, pink, purple, and white. Attracts bees and hummingbirds. Aromatic leaves useful in teas.
Care: Divide every 2–3 years, water regularly, ensure good air circulation.
13. Impatiens
- USDA Zones: Annual most zones
- Sun: Partial to full shade
- Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
Excellent for shady spots, with nonstop colorful blooms. Some varieties tolerate more sun.
Care: Consistent watering, pinch back for bushiness, feed balanced fertilizer.
14. Lantana
- USDA Zones: 9–11 (annual elsewhere)
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Dry to average, well-drained
Bold multicolored flowers bloom continuously late spring to fall, attracting butterflies.
Care: Water sparingly once established, prune to shape, tolerates salt and poor soils.
15. Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
- USDA Zones: Annual most zones
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Slightly acidic, well-drained
Mini petunia-like flowers that trail over containers in vibrant colors.
Care: Use iron-rich fertilizer to prevent chlorosis, keep moist but not soggy, deadhead occasionally.
Final Tips for Continuous Summer Blooms:
- Deadhead regularly to encourage new flowers
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Water deeply but less often to build strong roots
- Fertilize every two weeks with balanced or bloom-boosting fertilizer
- Monitor and treat pests early
By choosing a mix of these long-blooming plants, you can create a garden bursting with color from early summer until the first frost.
Pages: 1 2
