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    • Blooms Summer

    Summer is a time for vibrant colors and lush growth in the garden, and perennial flowers are the stars of the show! When selecting plants for your garden, consider your local climate, soil conditions, and the amount of sunlight your garden receives. With a little planning, you can create a vibrant and colorful summer garden that will bring you joy for years to come.

    • Hosta CAPTAIN KIRK 25 BR Plants Hosta CAPTAIN KIRK 25 BR Plants

      Hosta

      Hosta 'Captain Kirk' (25) BR Plants

      Hosta 'Captain Kirk' (Brill 1999) (25) Bare Root Plants An impressive, eye-catching large hosta; makes an excellent specimen plant An improved sport of 'Gold Standard' with much wider, dark green margins, gold centers, and heavier substance Pale...

      $252.29
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    • Hosta CATHEDRAL WINDOWS PP17295 20ct Flat Hosta CATHEDRAL WINDOWS PP17295 20ct Flat

      Hosta

      Hosta 'Cathedral Windows' PP17295 (20)ct Flat

      Hosta 'Cathedral Windows' PP17295 (20)ct FlatCommon Name: Hosta Improving on his award-winning hybrid ‘Stained Glass’, this new selection from Hans Hansen is a large, tetraploid conversion. Like a brighter version of ‘Holy...

      $273.31
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    • Hosta 'Coast to Coast' PP26469 (20)ct Flat Hosta 'Coast to Coast' PP26469 (20)ct Flat

      Hosta

      Hosta 'Coast to Coast' PP26469 (20)ct Flat

      Hosta 'Coast to Coast' PP26469 CPBR5335 (20)ct FlatSHADOWLAND® CollectionCommon Name: Hosta ‘Coast to Coast’ is a giant, solid gold hosta that makes a striking specimen in the shade garden. Its foliage emerges gold in spring and turns...

      $272.56
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    • Hosta 'Curly Fries' (20)ct Flat Hosta CURLY FRIES 20ct Flat

      Hosta

      Hosta 'Curly Fries' (20)ct Flat

      Hosta 'Curly Fries' (20)ct Flat This irresistible miniature to small sized hosta is the perfect accompaniment for bright blue hostas like ‘Prairie Sky’, especially when planted together in containers or near the front of the border. It...

      $246.98
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    • Hosta 'Dancing Queen' Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc. Hosta 'Dancing Queen' Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

      Hosta

      Hosta 'Dancing Queen' (20)ct Flat

      DANCING QUEEN Hosta (Terpening 2005) (20)ct Flat We are thrilled to be able to offer this exceptionally unique large, yellow hosta from Kent Terpening.  Unlike other yellow hostas which emerge or turn chartreuse, ‘Dancing Queen’...

      $246.98
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    • Hosta 'Dancing Queen' (4) 1-gallons Hosta 'Dancing Queen' (4) 1-gallons

      Hosta

      Hosta 'Dancing Queen' (4) 1-gallons

      DANCING QUEEN Hosta (Terpening 2005) (4) 1-gallons Large. Yellow leaves lighten to soft yellow late in the season.The large leaves have a prominent pie crust edge. 13 inch long by 7-inch-wide leaves. Pale lavender flowers. Parentage: H. 'Split...

      $122.72
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    • Hosta Dancing with Dragons PP32040 20ct Flat Hosta 'Dancing with Dragons' PP32040 (20)ct Flat

      Hosta

      Hosta 'Dancing with Dragons' PP32040 (20)ct Flat

      Hosta 'Dancing with Dragons' PP32040 (20)ct Flat This beautiful blue hosta positively dances when you look at it. Heart-shaped leaves have margins that are heavily rippled and give the hosta an overall wavy appearance. As an added bonus, 'Dancing with...

      $261.30
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    • Hosta Diamond Lake PPAF 20ct Flat Hosta Diamond Lake PPAF 20ct Flat

      Hosta

      Hosta 'Diamond Lake' PP30769 (20)ct Flat

      Hosta 'Diamond Lake' PP30769 CPBRAF (20)ct FlatSHADOWLAND® CollectionCommon Name: Hosta Attractive, heart-shaped, thick and heavily corrugated blue leaves have wavy margins. The large size of this plant also translates to large leaves: they can...

      $274.00
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    • Hosta DREAM WEAVER 20ct Flat Hosta DREAM WEAVER 20ct Flat

      Hosta

      Hosta 'Dream Weaver' (20)ct Flat

      Hosta 'Dream Weaver' (B. Reutenik, K. Walek 96) (20)ct Flat Medium - Large. A sport of 'Great Expectations' Large, distinctive leaves have very wide, blue-green margins and sharply contrasting creamy white centers Leaves are nearly round and...

      $240.36
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    • Hosta Drop Dead Gorgeous PPAF 20ct Flat Hosta Drop Dead Gorgeous PPAF 20ct Flat

      Hosta

      Hosta 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' PP33318 (20)ct Flat

      Hosta 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' PP33318 (20)ct Flat A beautifully variegated large, majestic hosta. Large, ovate leaves have green centers with brightly contrasting yellow margins. The margins are heavily rippled and give the leaves a lightly wavy...

      $273.31
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    • Hosta EARTH ANGEL 20ct Flat Hosta EARTH ANGEL 20ct Flat

      Hosta

      Hosta 'Earth Angel' (20)ct Flat

      'Earth Angel' Hosta (Hansen/Shady Oaks Nursery 2002) Medium to Large. A superb introduction from Hans Hansen. A sport of 'Blue Angel' Large, heart-shaped, blue-green leaves with wide, creamy-white margins that are creamy yellow in spring. Nicely...

      $246.98
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    Compare Selected

    Summer blooming perennial plants are a delightful addition to any garden, offering vibrant colors and continuous beauty throughout the warmest months.

    Perennials like yarrow, coneflowers, and daylilies thrive in the summer sun and return year after year with minimal maintenance. Yarrow, for instance, is known for its resilience and ability to flourish in dry conditions, producing clusters of flowers that can range from white to deep red. Coneflowers are another popular choice, attracting pollinators with their bright and large flower heads. For those seeking a splash of color, daylilies come in a variety of hues and are known for their hardiness and ability to withstand hot, dry climates.

    When selecting perennials, it is important to consider the specific growing zone to ensure the plants can thrive in the local climate. With the right care, these perennials can provide a stunning display from late spring through fall, making them a perfect choice for gardeners looking to create a long-lasting and low-maintenance garden landscape.

    • Sunlight: Most summer-blooming perennials prefer full sun, but some can tolerate partial shade.
    • Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained with sufficient organic matter.
    • Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
    • Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

    By incorporating these summer-blooming perennials into your garden, you can create a vibrant and colorful space that will attract pollinators and provide beauty throughout the season.

    Some popular summer blooming plants include:
    Achillea, Aconitum, Alcea, Alchemilla, Anthemis, Aruncus, Asclepias, Astilbe, Buddleia, Campanula, Clematis, Coreopsis, Crocosmia, Delphinium, Dianthus, Digitalis, Echinacea, Gaillardia, Gaura, Geranium, Gypsophila, Heliopsis, Hemerocallis, Heuchera, Hibiscus, Hosta, Iris, Lavandula, Leucanthemum, Liatris, Ligularia, Lobelia, Lupinus, Lysimachia, Malva, Monarda, Nepeta, Oenothera, Ornamental Grasses, Paeonia, Penstemon, Perovskia, Phlox paniculata, Platycodon, Polemonium, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Scabiosa, Sedum, Stokesia, Tanacetum, Thalictrum, Thymus, Tradescantia, Verbascum, Veronica, Yucca and the following plants - 

    Summer blooming perennial FAQ

    Summer is a great time for perennial plants to shine! Here are a few popular choices, with some details to help you decide what to plant:

    For sunny spots:

    • Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): These tough native plants bloom in shades of purple, pink, and white and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
    • Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): Another pollinator favorite, these cheerful yellow flowers with dark centers bloom from mid-summer to fall. They are drought-tolerant and easy to grow.
    • Phlox (Phlox paniculata): These fragrant flowers come in a variety of colors and bloom in mid- to late summer. They prefer full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.
    • Daylily (Hemerocallis): These low-maintenance plants produce an abundance of colorful flowers in mid-summer. They come in a wide variety of colors and forms and tolerate a range of conditions.
    • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): These drought-tolerant plants produce clusters of small flowers in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red. They are also deer-resistant.

    For shady spots:

    • Astilbe: These shade-loving plants produce feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. They prefer moist, well-drained soil.
    • Hosta: These foliage plants are known for their large, showy leaves, but they also produce delicate flowers in shades of white, lavender, and purple. They prefer shade to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.
    • Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis): These charming plants produce heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white in late spring to early summer. They prefer part shade and moist, well-drained soil.
    • Columbine (Aquilegia): These unique flowers come in a variety of colors and forms and bloom in late spring to early summer. They prefer part shade and well-drained soil.
    • Foamflower (Tiarella): These low-growing plants produce delicate spikes of white or pink flowers in late spring to early summer. They prefer shade to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.

    This is just a small selection of the many beautiful summer-blooming perennials available. When choosing plants, be sure to consider your local climate and growing conditions. Happy gardening!

    It is tricky to find perennials that bloom non-stop all summer, but these come close with long bloom periods and some tricks to keep them going:

    Long Bloomers with Staying Power:

    • Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii): This fragrant favorite produces lavender-blue flowers for weeks on end. Deadhead spent blooms for repeat performances.
    • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Tough and colorful, yarrow blooms in clusters for an extended period. 'Moonshine' yarrow is a popular choice with sulfur-yellow flowers. Deadhead for prolonged blooming.
    • Rozanne Geranium (Geranium 'Rozanne'): This vigorous geranium blooms from late spring until frost, producing a continuous supply of violet-blue flowers with white centers.
    • Veronica (Speedwell): These come in various heights and colors, with spiky blooms lasting for weeks. 'Red Fox' is a long-blooming red variety, while 'Sunny Border Blue' offers vibrant blue flowers.
    • Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida): These cheerful yellow flowers with dark centers bloom profusely from mid-summer into fall. 'Goldsturm' is a particularly long-blooming variety.

    Tips for Encouraging Continuous Blooms:

    • Deadheading: Remove faded flowers to prevent the plant from setting seed and encourage more blooms.
    • Fertilizing: Provide regular fertilization to support continuous flower production.
    • Watering: Consistent watering is crucial, especially during hot, dry periods.
    • Variety Selection: Choose varieties known for their long bloom times or repeat-blooming habits.

    By selecting the right plants and providing proper care, you can enjoy a garden filled with color throughout the summer months!

    It is tricky to find perennials that bloom non-stop all summer, but these come close with long bloom periods and some tricks to keep them going:

    Long Bloomers with Staying Power:

    • Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii): This fragrant favorite produces lavender-blue flowers for weeks on end. Deadhead spent blooms for repeat performances.
    • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Tough and colorful, yarrow blooms in clusters for an extended period. 'Moonshine' yarrow is a popular choice with sulfur-yellow flowers. Deadhead for prolonged blooming.
    • Rozanne Geranium (Geranium 'Rozanne'): This vigorous geranium blooms from late spring until frost, producing a continuous supply of violet-blue flowers with white centers.
    • Veronica (Speedwell): These come in various heights and colors, with spiky blooms lasting for weeks. 'Red Fox' is a long-blooming red variety, while 'Sunny Border Blue' offers vibrant blue flowers.

    Veronica (Speedwell) 'Sunny Border Blue'

    • Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida): These cheerful yellow flowers with dark centers bloom profusely from mid-summer into fall. 'Goldsturm' is a particularly long-blooming variety.

    Tips for Encouraging Continuous Blooms:

    • Deadheading: Remove faded flowers to prevent the plant from setting seed and encourage more blooms.
    • Fertilizing: Provide regular fertilization to support continuous flower production.
    • Watering: Consistent watering is crucial, especially during hot, dry periods.
    • Variety Selection: Choose varieties known for their long bloom times or repeat-blooming habits.

    By selecting the right plants and providing proper care, you can enjoy a garden filled with color throughout the summer months!

    Mass planting perennials creates a stunning visual impact in the garden. Here are some excellent summer-blooming choices that thrive when planted in groups:

    For Sunny Locations:

    • Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): These tough natives are perfect for mass plantings, creating a sea of purple, pink, or white blooms that attract pollinators.
    • Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida): 'Goldsturm' is a popular variety for massing, producing a profusion of golden-yellow flowers with dark centers.
    • Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii): Plant catmint in drifts to create a haze of lavender-blue flowers and enjoy its lovely fragrance.
    • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Mass plantings of yarrow create a tapestry of colorful flower clusters. 'Moonshine' yarrow, with its sulfur-yellow flowers, is a popular choice.
    • Daylilies (Hemerocallis): With their wide range of colors and bloom times, daylilies are perfect for creating a long-blooming display in mass plantings.

    For Shady Locations:

    • Astilbe: Plant astilbe in groups to create a dramatic display of feathery plumes in shades of pink, red, white, and purple.
    • Hosta: Mass plantings of hosta create a lush carpet of foliage with delicate flower spikes emerging in summer.
    • Coral Bells (Heuchera): Combine different varieties of coral bells to create a tapestry of colorful foliage and delicate flower spikes.

    Tips for Mass Planting:

    • Spacing: Follow spacing guidelines for each plant to ensure proper air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
    • Repetition: Repeat the same plant throughout the border to create a sense of unity and rhythm.
    • Color echoes: Use different plants with similar flower colors to create a harmonious flow.
    • Contrast: Combine plants with contrasting foliage colors or textures to add visual interest.
    • Layering: Plant in layers, with taller plants at the back and shorter plants in front.

    With careful planning and the right plant choices, you can create stunning mass plantings that bring your garden to life with summer color!

    Want to add some height and drama to your summer garden! Tall perennials create a stunning vertical element, and these summer bloomers fit the bill:

    Stately Beauties for Sun:

    • Giant Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum): Reaching 4-5 feet tall, this fragrant beauty produces spikes of lavender-purple flowers that attract pollinators. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun.
    • Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum): With its tall, slender spires of white or lavender flowers, Culver's Root adds an elegant touch to the back of the border. It prefers moist soil and full sun to part shade.
    • Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum): This native plant can reach 6 feet tall and produces large, dome-shaped clusters of mauve-pink flowers in late summer. It prefers moist soil and full sun to part shade.
    • Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani): This late-blooming sunflower can reach 10 feet tall and produces masses of golden-yellow flowers in late summer and fall. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun.
    • Hollyhock (Alcea rosea): These classic cottage garden favorites produce tall spires of colorful flowers in a variety of shades. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

    Tall Plants for Shade:

    • Bugbane (Actaea simplex): This shade-loving perennial can reach 4-6 feet tall and produces tall spires of fragrant white flowers in late summer. It prefers moist, well-drained soil.
    • Japanese Anemone (Anemone x hybrida): These elegant plants produce tall stems with beautiful white or pink flowers in late summer and fall. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

    Tips for Tall Perennials:

    • Staking: Some tall perennials may require staking to prevent flopping, especially in windy locations.
    • Background planting: Use tall perennials at the back of the border to create a backdrop for shorter plants.
    • Vertical interest: Combine tall perennials with plants of varying heights to create a dynamic and visually interesting garden.

    With these tall and stunning perennials, you can add height, drama, and long-lasting summer color to your garden!

    The tough guys of the perennial world! These summer bloomers can handle challenging conditions and keep on flowering:

    For Extreme Cold:

    • Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris): One of the first to bloom in spring, this beauty is hardy to Zone 3 and tolerates poor soil. Its fuzzy foliage and cup-shaped flowers add charm to rock gardens.
    • Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi): This succulent groundcover thrives in hot, dry conditions and survives winters down to Zone 5. Its daisy-like flowers bloom in vibrant magenta all summer long.
    • Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A native prairie plant, it is incredibly tough, tolerating drought, heat, and poor soil. It is hardy to Zone 3 and attracts pollinators with its purple blooms.  
    • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): This drought-tolerant workhorse handles poor soil and thrives in Zones 3-9. Its flat flower clusters come in various colors and bloom for a long period.
    • Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia): With its airy blue flower spikes and silvery foliage, Russian sage adds a touch of elegance to the garden. It is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and hardy to Zone 4.

    For Heat and Drought:

    • Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii): This fragrant favorite tolerates heat and dry conditions with ease. Its lavender-blue flowers bloom for weeks, attracting pollinators. Hardy to Zone 3.
    • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Known for its fragrant purple flowers, lavender is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in sunny locations. Hardy to Zone 5.
    • Sedum (Stonecrop): These succulents come in various forms, from groundcovers to tall upright plants. They store water in their leaves, making them extremely drought-tolerant. Hardy to Zone 3.
    • Blanket Flower (Gaillardia): With their vibrant red and yellow daisy-like flowers, blanket flowers bring a cheerful touch to the garden. They are drought-tolerant and thrive in hot, sunny locations. Hardy to Zone 3.

    Remember to choose plants appropriate for your specific growing conditions and hardiness zone for the best results!

    A beautiful garden without the constant fuss? I hear you! Here are some low-maintenance perennials that bring the summer color with minimal effort:

    Easygoing Bloomers:

    • Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea): These tough natives tolerate drought, heat, and poor soil. They attract pollinators with their purple, pink, or white blooms and require minimal care once established.
    • Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida): Cheerful and reliable, these golden-yellow flowers with dark centers bloom profusely throughout summer. They are drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun. 'Goldsturm' is a popular long-blooming variety.
    • Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii): This fragrant favorite produces lavender-blue flowers for weeks on end. It is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and requires little maintenance.
    • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Tough and adaptable, yarrow thrives in various conditions and produces clusters of colorful flowers all summer. Deadhead occasionally for prolonged blooming.
    • Daylilies (Hemerocallis): These adaptable plants come in a wide array of colors and bloom forms. They tolerate various soil types and require minimal care once established.
    • Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia): With its airy blue flower spikes and silvery foliage, Russian sage adds a touch of elegance to the garden. It is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and thrives in full sun.
    • Sedum (Stonecrop): These succulents come in various forms and are incredibly low-maintenance. They store water in their leaves, making them drought-tolerant and perfect for busy gardeners.

    Tips for Low-Maintenance Gardening:

    • Choose the right plants: Select plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions.
    • Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
    • Water deeply but infrequently: Encourage deep root growth by watering deeply but less often.
    • Deadhead spent blooms: This encourages more flowers and prevents self-seeding.
    • Divide overgrown plants: Divide perennials every few years to maintain their vigor and prevent overcrowding.

    With a little planning and the right plant choices, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden that requires minimal upkeep. Enjoy your summer blooms!

    looking for those shade-loving beauties that brighten up those dimmer corners of the garden! Here are some excellent choices for summer-blooming perennials that thrive in the shade:

    Stars of the Shade Garden:

    • Astilbe: These elegant plants produce feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and thrive in partial to full shade.
      • Recommended varieties: 'Fanal' (deep red), 'Bridal Veil' (white), 'Vision in Pink' (pink)
    • Hosta: Known for their stunning foliage, hostas also produce delicate flowers in shades of lavender and white. They prefer shade to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.
      • Recommended varieties: 'Halcyon' (blue-green leaves), 'Francee' (white margins), 'Sum and Substance' (giant gold leaves)
    • Coral Bells (Heuchera): These versatile plants offer colorful foliage in shades of purple, red, and gold, along with delicate flower spikes in summer. They tolerate a range of shade conditions and prefer well-drained soil.
      • Recommended varieties: 'Palace Purple' (deep purple leaves), 'Caramel' (amber leaves), 'Lime Rickey' (chartreuse leaves)  
    • Foamflower (Tiarella): These low-growing plants produce delicate spikes of white or pink flowers in late spring to early summer. They prefer shade to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.
      • Recommended varieties: 'Pink Skyrocket' (pink), 'Black Snowflake' (dark leaves, white flowers), 'Iron Butterfly' (red-veined leaves)
    • Japanese Anemone (Anemone x hybrida): These elegant plants produce tall stems with beautiful white or pink flowers in late summer and fall. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
      • Recommended varieties: 'Honorine Jobert' (white), 'Queen Charlotte' (pink)

    Tips for Shade Gardens:

    • Improve the soil: Amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
    • Water regularly: Shade gardens tend to dry out less quickly, but consistent moisture is still important.
    • Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
    • Combine textures and colors: Create visual interest by combining plants with different foliage colors, textures, and flower forms.

    With these beautiful and resilient perennials, you can create a vibrant and inviting shade garden that is bursting with summer color!

    Groundcover perennials are fantastic for suppressing weeds, preventing erosion, and adding a lush, textured look to your garden. Here are some summer-blooming varieties that will carpet your landscape with color:

    For Sunny Spots:

    • Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi): This succulent groundcover thrives in hot, dry conditions and produces a profusion of vibrant magenta flowers all summer long. It is hardy to Zone 5.
    • Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): Fragrant and low-growing, creeping thyme forms a dense mat covered in tiny pink, purple, or white flowers in summer. It is drought-tolerant and perfect for pathways or between stepping stones.
    • Sedum (Stonecrop): Many sedum varieties offer groundcover options with summer blooms. 'Angelina' sedum has golden foliage and yellow flowers, while 'Dragon's Blood' boasts deep red foliage and pink flowers.
    • Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens): This evergreen groundcover produces a blanket of white flowers in spring, often with a second flush of blooms in late summer. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

    For Shady Spots:

    • Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans): This vigorous groundcover tolerates deep shade and produces spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers in spring and early summer. Its foliage comes in various colors, including bronze and variegated forms.
    • Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): This fragrant groundcover thrives in shade and produces delicate white flowers in spring. It spreads quickly, forming a dense mat that suppresses weeds.
    • Lamium (Deadnettle): With its silver-marked foliage and pink, purple, or white flowers, lamium brightens up shady areas. It is a fast spreader, so it is best for areas where you want it to naturalize.

    Tips for Groundcover Success:

    • Prepare the soil: Amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
    • Space properly: Follow spacing guidelines to allow for adequate growth and prevent overcrowding.
    • Water regularly: Provide consistent moisture, especially during the establishment period.
    • Weed regularly: Keep weeds at bay, especially when the groundcover is young.

    With these beautiful and low-maintenance groundcovers, you can create a lush and colorful tapestry in your garden!

    There are many great summer-blooming perennials, but some of the best include:

    Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida): A classic summer flower with daisy-like blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Blooms from mid-summer to fall.

    Daylily (Hemerocallis): Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, with blooms that last for just one day but open continuously over several weeks.

    Coneflower (Echinacea): These daisy-like flowers come in various colors, including purple, pink, and white. They are tough and easy to care for, and they attract butterflies.

    Lavender (Lavandula): Fragrant purple flowers that bloom in mid-summer. Lavender is also a drought-tolerant plant.

    Phlox paniculata: Tall plants with large clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Blooms from mid-summer to fall.

    Coreopsis: Cheerful daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Blooms from early summer to fall.

    Salvia nemorosa: Another great choice for attracting butterflies, with spikes of purple, blue, or pink flowers. Blooms from early summer to fall.

    Sedum: Succulent plants with clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and yellow. Blooms in late summer and fall.

    Gaillardia (Gaillardia grandiflora): Blanketflower blooms in late summer and fall with daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, red, and orange.

    Aster: These fall-blooming perennials come in a wide range of colors, including purple, pink, and white. They are a valuable food source for pollinators.

    Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii): A low-growing plant with fragrant lavender flowers that bloom from late spring to fall. It is deer-resistant and attracts pollinators.

    Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): A tough and adaptable plant with flat clusters of white, yellow, pink, or red flowers that bloom from early summer to fall. It is drought-tolerant and attracts butterflies.

    These are just a few of the many great summer-blooming perennials. When choosing perennials for your garden, consider your climate, soil conditions, and the amount of sunlight the plants will receive. With a little planning, you can enjoy beautiful flowers in your garden all summer long.

    Many summer blooming perennial plants are excellent at attracting pollinators! In fact, incorporating them into your garden can be a wonderful way to support the important work of bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects. Here is how:

    Features that attract pollinators:

    • Bright colors: Pollinators, especially butterflies and bees, are drawn to vibrant colors like yellow, orange, purple, pink, and blue.
    • Open flower shapes: Flat or cup-shaped flowers with easy access to nectar and pollen are more pollinator-friendly than closed or tubular blooms.
    • Fragrance: Many summer bloomers release sweet scents that attract pollinators from afar.
    • Nectar and pollen: Of course, the ultimate draw for pollinators is a reliable source of both nectar and pollen for their energy and reproduction needs.

    Popular pollinator-attracting summer bloomers:

    • Coneflowers: A classic choice with daisy-like flowers in various colors, loved by bees and butterflies.
    • Daylilies: Easy to care for and offer continuous blooms throughout the summer, attracting bees and hummingbirds.
    • Lavender: Fragrant blooms and foliage, beloved by bees and butterflies.
    • Sedum: Drought-tolerant succulent with showy flower clusters, attracting a variety of pollinators.
    • Butterfly weed: As the name suggests, specifically attracts Monarch butterflies by providing food for their larvae.
    • Catmint: Fragrant blue or purple flowers adored by bees and hummingbirds.
    • Zinnia: Easy to grow annuals with bright, long-lasting blooms that attract all types of pollinators.

    Tips for creating a pollinator-friendly garden:

    • Plant a variety of bloom times: Ensure a continuous food source for pollinators by choosing plants that bloom throughout the summer, starting early and ending late.
    • Group similar plants together: This creates larger patches of color and scent, making them more noticeable to pollinators.
    • Provide shelter and nesting sites: Include rocks, logs, or even small birdhouses to offer safe havens for pollinators.
    • Avoid pesticides: Opt for natural pest control methods to protect beneficial insects.

    By incorporating these ideas, you can create a beautiful summer garden that not only brings you joy but also supports the valuable work of pollinators in your local ecosystem.