Summer is the season when the garden truly comes alive—bursting with color, fragrance, and the hum of happy pollinators. It’s a time to enjoy the rewards of earlier planting, but also a chance to add new blooms that thrive under warm skies and long days.
At Heirloom Boulevard, we believe every season tells its own garden story. Summer’s tale is one of abundance—lush flowers spilling over borders, bouquets gathered in the morning light, and the simple pleasure of bringing the outdoors in.
Here are five beautiful flowers to plant in summer that will keep your garden blooming beautifully into fall.
1. Zinnias
Zinnias are the quintessential summer bloom—bright, cheerful, and wonderfully easy to grow. They come in every color imaginable and attract butterflies by the dozen.
Why we love them: Zinnias are prolific bloomers that thrive in the heat and make long-lasting cut flowers.
Planting tip: Sow seeds directly into sunny beds after the last frost. Cut frequently to encourage even more blooms.
photo by: By Reinhold Möller, CC BY-SA 4.0
2. Marigolds
Bold and sun-loving, marigolds are both beautiful and practical. Their golden-orange blossoms add warmth to garden beds and help deter pests naturally.
Why we love them: Marigolds symbolize positivity and protection—perfect for gardeners who value both color and purpose.
Planting tip: Plant in full sun with well-draining soil. Deadhead spent blooms to keep plants flowering all season.
Photo by: By Ezhuttukari - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
3. Lavender
Few flowers capture the spirit of summer like lavender. Its soothing scent, silvery foliage, and delicate purple blooms create a timeless look in gardens and arrangements alike.
Why we love them: Lavender’s fragrance fills the air, and its dried stems make beautiful gifts or sachets for the home.
Planting tip: Choose a sunny, dry spot with sandy soil. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage regrowth.
4. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Sturdy and resilient, coneflowers are native perennials that love the summer sun. Their daisy-like blooms draw bees, butterflies, and birds, bringing life to your garden all season long.
Why we love them: They’re low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and stunning both fresh and dried in arrangements.
Planting tip: Plant in full sun with moderately rich soil. Divide clumps every few years to keep plants vigorous.
Photo by: By Moxfyre - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
5. Black-Eyed Susans
With their sunny yellow petals and dark centers, black-eyed Susans are the essence of summer charm. These hardy perennials bloom abundantly from midsummer into fall.
Why we love them: They’re the kind of flower that feels like sunshine—unfussy, enduring, and radiant.
Planting tip: Plant in full sun and water regularly until established. Once settled, they’re drought-resistant and nearly care-free.
Photo by: Jeffdelonge - from [1], CC BY 3.0,
A Thought to Grow On
Summer gardening is about embracing abundance—the fullness of life, the joy of color, and the satisfaction of watching something thrive under your care. From the first zinnia bloom to the last whisper of lavender, each flower is a quiet celebration of the season’s warmth and generosity.
Take time to gather, gift, and savor your blooms. After all, beauty is meant to be shared.
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