Best Perennial Plants for Summer Color

Perennials are the backbone of a garden, returning year after year with increasing vigor. By selecting a succession of summer bloomers, you can enjoy continuous color from June through August.

Color Strategy

Limit dominant colors to two or three for cohesion. Reds and oranges energize; yellows warm; blues cool; white harmonizes. Plan for sequential bloom so the garden evolves through the season—columbines in spring, peonies in early summer, black-eyed Susans in late summer.

Top Summer-Blooming Perennials

• Bearded Iris – various colors
• Bellflower – white, blue
• Butterfly Weed – orange
• Cardinal Flower – red
• Coral Bells – pink, red, white
• Coreopsis – yellow
• Corydalis – yellow
• Cupid's Dart – blue
• English Daisy – pink, white
• European Columbine – various
• Fernleaf Yarrow – yellow
• Foxglove – various
• Foxtail Lily – pink, yellow, white
• Harebell – blue, violet, white
• Hollyhock – various
• Italian Aster – purple
• Oriental Poppy – red, orange, pink
• Peony – red, pink, white, yellow
• Phlox – white, pink, red, lavender
• Purple Coneflower – purple
• Red Valerian – red
• Rose Mallow – white, pink, rose
• Sea Holly – gray
• Shasta Daisy – white
• Spiderwort – purple
• Sweet William – various
• Yellow Foxglove – yellow

Five Steps to a Successful Perennial Garden

1. Site: Choose partial to full sun (more plant options).
2. Selection: Match plants to your USDA Hardiness Zone.
3. Soil Prep: Amend with organic matter for rich, loose, well-draining soil.
4. Planting: Follow label instructions for depth and spacing.
5. Watering: Deep weekly watering beats daily sprinkling.

Visit your local nursery, research your zone, and enjoy the lasting rewards of a well-planned perennial garden.