For those of us who call the PNW home, the last week of sunshine gave us hope of warm summer days filled with sunshine. With summer months comes the desire to brighten your landscape with seasonal color, and while there are many container varieties, these few summer flowers will help elevate your outdoor space, boost your curb appeal, and awaken your garden with beautiful vibrant colors that you can enjoy year after year.
Summer Flowers to Brighten Your Landscaping
Pacific Bleeding Hearts
Pacific Bleeding Hearts are a captivating perennial perfect for shady garden areas. Their delicate, fern-like leaves provide a lush backdrop to the pendulous, heart-shaped flowers that dangle gracefully from arching stems. Thriving in the cool, temperate climate of the Pacific Northwest, these flowers prefer partial to full shade and well-draining soil. Consistent moisture will keep these summer flowers healthy, making them an ideal choice for woodland gardens.
Dahlias
Garden Dahlias are renowned for their diverse and stunning blooms. These perennials come in various sizes and colors, from petite pom-poms to large, dinner-plate-sized flowers making them beautiful summer flowers to add to your garden. Dahlias flourish in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring regular watering to maintain their vibrant display. In areas with mild winters, they can stay in the ground year-round, while in harsher climates, they need to be dug up and stored during the winter. With proper care, dahlias will provide a spectacular show of colors and blooms from summer into fall.
Tulips
Tulips are iconic spring bloomers that bring elegance and vibrant colors to any garden. Washington is often famous for its stunning northern Tulip Gardens, and with a little care you can bring these beautiful flowers home. These bulbous perennials feature slender, lance-shaped leaves and come in a wide array of colors, including red, yellow, pink, purple, and white. Plant tulip bulbs in the fall in well-draining soil and a location with full to partial sunlight. Allow the foliage to wither naturally after blooming to ensure healthy growth for the next season. Tulips are a perennial favorite for their simplicity and stunning early spring display.
Shasta Daisies
Shasta Daisies offer a timeless and cheerful addition to gardens. Their classic white petals with yellow centers stand atop long, sturdy stems, making them excellent for cutting and adding to floral arrangements. Shasta daisies are resilient and adaptable, thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Moderate watering and occasional deadheading will keep them blooming profusely throughout the summer, attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.
Rhododendrons
Pacific Rhododendrons are striking evergreen shrubs native to the Pacific Northwest that are one of the most common summer flowers you may see within your neighbors gardens. These plants feature large, leathery leaves and clusters of showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, lavender, and white. They thrive in acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade, mimicking their natural woodland habitat. Regular moisture is essential, especially during dry spells. As a cherished emblem of the region’s natural beauty, Pacific Rhododendrons add vibrant color and lush greenery to gardens in early spring.
Common Camas
Common Camas adds beauty and historical significance to Washington gardens. These native perennials produce star-like, violet-blue to purple flowers on dense spike like stalks, creating a vibrant spring display. Thriving in well-drained soil and full sun to light shade, common camas requires minimal care once established making them a great option for those who want to enjoy summer flowers without high maintenance or upkeep.
Blanket Flowers
Blanket Flowers are known for their striking, daisy-like blooms and resilience. With vibrant red, yellow, or orange petals and a prominent central disk, these perennials add a burst of color reminiscent of a Southwestern-style blanket. Ideal for sunny spots with well-drained soil, blanket flowers are drought-tolerant once established and this beautiful summer flower also attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees, a welcome site in any garden! Their long-lasting blooms make them a low-maintenance and vibrant addition to gardens throughout the summer and fall.
Black-Eyed Susans
Black-Eyed Susans are beloved for their cheerful, golden-yellow to orange petals and distinctive dark centers. These perennials are adaptable, thriving in various soil types and full sun to partial shade. Drought-tolerant once established, they attract pollinators and provide long-lasting color in summer gardens. Their low-maintenance nature makes them a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their landscape without constant upkeep or maintenance.
Washington’s climate may see heavy rainfall, but this rain helps create a beautiful and bright summer landscape that can be enjoyed even more with the help of some summer flowers. Whether you’re hoping to incorporate seasonal color into your garden with some of the above-mentioned summer flowers, or you’re ready to completely re-design your yard, our team of professional landscapers are here to help create the yard of your dreams! Contact us today to get started!