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Organic Gardening

11 Perennial Flowers That Bloom All Summer Long +Grow Guide

Who doesn’t love the ambiance perennial plants provide? Besides keeping the outdoors vibrant, these plants can save you the hassle of replanting each spring while providing full bloom periods in the summer, spring, and fall. However, most perennial plants only bloom for a short period.

Fortunately, several perennial plant species with longer bloom periods can start blooming in spring, stay in full bloom throughout summer until fall and naturally repeat the cycle next year.

bellflowers that bloom all summer

Here’s a comprehensive list of the top 11 perennial flowering plants you can plant in your flower garden to make it low maintenance and bloom throughout the summer. 

“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul.”

Luther Burbank.


1. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella) 

Blanket Flower
Blanket Flower

The blanket flower is a brightly-colored perennial flowering plant producing flowers in shades ranging from yellow, bronze, orange, and red. The vibrant colors create a soothing sense of excitement and serenity in your garden. 

The plant is also drought-resistant and low-maintenance, making it a perfect choice for a hassle-free garden. 

Botanical Name:  Gaillardia pulchella
Growth Rate:  Fast
Native Range:  Western States like the Great Plains, Great Lakes, and areas of New England
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Dangers: Can cause skin and eye irritation
Soil Needs:  Loamy, sandy, well-drained soil
Tolerate: Salt and Dry Sites
Ease of Care: Does not require much care and can thrive well in hot and sunny climates
Diseases:    Leaf spots, powdery mildew, aster yellows
Propagation: Through seed, division, shoot-tip cuttings, or tissue culture
Fertilizer: These plants don’t require overlay fertilizer or a nutrient-rich soil to thrive
Pests: These plants don’t require overlay fertilizer or nutrient-rich soil to thrive
Blooming Period: Long (Summer to Fall)
Pruning: Late summer to let the plant flower through fall
Water needs: One inch of water per week
Blanket Flower Growing Guide Chart

2. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)

Shasta Daisy
Shasta Daisy

It’s a cheerful perennial flowering plant that pairs beautifully with other plants like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and salvia. 

Typically, the plant has been used as a filler in container gardens or used as a border. The flowers are large and are white or yellow. They’re known for their delicate petals that are often mimicked by other flowers that look like daisies. 

Botanical Name:  Leucanthemum × superbum
Growth Rate:  Fast
Native Range:  Although plants in the Leucanthemum genus are native to Asia and some parts of Europe, the Shasta Daisy was created in the U.S. after a quadruple hybrid cross
Hardiness Zones: 5,6,7,8,9
Dangers: All varieties of Leucanthemum are toxic to pet animals like dogs and cats
Soil Needs:  Loamy, well-drained, and moist soil
Tolerate: Changing temperature and humidity levels
Ease of Care: Can be grown on varying soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. Partial or full sun can be used
Diseases:    Verticillium wilt
Propagation: Division of clumps formed over time
Fertilizer: Compost, organic matter, or a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) can be added in early spring
Pests: Leafminers, caterpillars, and cutworms, whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, thrips
Blooming Period: Long
Pruning:  Start in the fall and cut the plant back to three inches above the ground
Water needs: One to two inches of water per week
Shasta Daisy Growing Guide Chart

3. Hardy Geranium (Geranium)

Geranium
Geranium

Commonly referred to as cranesbills, this low-maintenance and versatile flowering plant produces vivid and delicate flowers starting in late spring with shades of blue, white, and purple. 

Add these blooms to your garden for a touch of elegance or to provide ground cover and suppress unwanted growth of weeds. 

Botanical Name:  Geranium
Growth Rate:  Five to six feet in one season
Native Range:  Woodlands of Eastern North America
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Dangers: Non-irritant but can cause skin irritation, allergy, or trigger contact dermatitis in some people
Soil Needs:  Well-drained and nutrient-rich soil
Tolerate: Tolerant to extremely cold temperatures
Ease of Care: Low maintenance
Diseases:    Gray mold, Leaf spot disease, powdery mildew, cucumber mosaic, rust
Propagation: Seeds, stem rooting, root division, and semi-ripe wood cuttings
Fertilizer: Don’t add fertilizer unless the soil is very poor. Adding compost throughout the year will suffice. For poor soil, add a time-release balanced fertilizer
Pests: Geranium sawflies, aphids, fall cankerworms, cabbage loopers, four-lined plant bugs, and slugs
Blooming Period: Long (Late spring to late fall)
Pruning:  Cut to the ground level after the first lower flush
Water needs: Always water when the top inch of soil feels dry
Geranium Growing Guide Chart

4. Reblooming Daylily (Stella de Oro)

Reblooming Daylily
Reblooming Daylily

These perennial flowering plants have a long blooming season which starts in late Spring and continues throughout fall. This long blooming period is the main reason most gardeners like adding the reblooming daylily to add accent and color to their garden. 

Botanical Name:  Stella de Oro
Growth Rate:  Medium
Native Range:  Eurasia
Hardiness Zones: 2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9
Dangers: Poison, irritation, toxicity to pets, etc.
Soil Needs:  Moist, well-drained, and fertile loam
Tolerate: Tolerance against droughts
Ease of Care: Although the plant is tolerant to changing temperatures and humidity, it requires frequent watering for better foliage
Diseases:    Daylily rust caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia hemerocallis
Propagation: Division in spring and Autumn
Fertilizer: Organic compost or a low-nitrogen fertilizer (10-16-10)
Pests: Mostly pest-free except for fungal rust, thrips, aphids, and spider mites
Blooming Period: (May to August)
Pruning:  Prune the flowers and flowering stalks when they begin to fade
Water needs: One inch of water per week
Reblooming Daylily Growing Guide Chart

5. Black-eyed Susan -(Rudbeckia hirta)

Black eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan

The Black-eyed Susan plant produces attractive flowers which are bright and yellow-orange in color with a distinct dark center. If you have a wildflower garden or want to add a splash of color, this plant is a feasible choice. 

Botanical Name:  Rudbeckia hirta
Growth Rate:  Intermediate
Native Range:  Eastern and Central North America
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7
Dangers: No serious danger like toxicity or irritability reported in humans and animals
Soil Needs:  Evenly moist and well-drained soil
Tolerate: Sand, clay, controlled burns, heat, and sun
Ease of Care: easy
Diseases:    Leaf spots, downy mildew, fungal rust, stem rot
Propagation: Seed and division
Fertilizer: Slow-release granular fertilizer (12-6-6)
Pests: Aphids, sawfly, cucumber beetle
Blooming Period: (June to August)
Pruning:  Prune faded flowers to encourage flower flushing
Water needs: Frequently water, especially when you see the top soil layer become dry
Black-eyed Susan Growing Guide Chart

6. Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa)

Pincushion Flower
Pincushion Flower

It’s a beautiful and versatile flowering plant that produces button-like lavender or blue flowers which start blooming from late spring until fall. The plant has long-lasting blooms and elevates the aesthetics of your garden space. 

Botanical Name:  Scabiosa
Growth Rate:  Fast
Native Range:  Mediterranean region, Europe, Africa, and Asia
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Dangers: Poison, irritation, toxicity to pets, etc.
Soil Needs:  Medium moisture and well-drained soil
Tolerate: Coastal conditions and drought
Ease of Care: Intermediate
Diseases:   Leaf spot, powdery mildew, root rot
Propagation: Plant division
Fertilizer: Although the plant has low-fertilizer requirements, adding fertilizer can improve the foliage. Add a balanced flower fertilizer bi-monthly for optimum growth and flowering
Pests: Spider mites, thrips, aphids, and slugs
Blooming Period: Long (Late April until October)
Pruning:  Stem cutting to bottom leaves in fall
Water needs: One inch of water per week
Pincushion Flower Growing Guide Chart

7. Perennial Salvia (Salvia officinalis)

Salvia
Salvia

The perennial salvia has showy blooms and striking foliage, making it a popular choice among gardeners. The gray-green leaves and a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white flowers, are perfect to add to the borders. 

Besides having ornamental value, the plant is commonly used as a herb in cooking, providing an earthy, aromatic, and savory flavor. 

Botanical Name:  Salvia officinalis
Growth Rate:  Medium
Native Range:  Northern Mediterranean
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9,10
Dangers: Although the plant is considered non-toxic, it’s unsafe to consume large quantities of the plant over longer periods
Soil Needs:  Clay and loamy foam
Tolerate: No special fertilizers are required, Organic compost applied in spring can suffice
Ease of Care: Intermediate
Diseases:    Seedling growth issues, stem rots, root rots, Botrytis blight, powdery mildew 
Propagation: Cuttings from the plant placed in water and transferred to the soil
Fertilizer: No special fertilizers required, Organic compost applied in spring can suffice
Pests: Slugs, spittlebugs, spider mites, aphids 
Blooming Period: Long (from the start of Summer to Fall)
Pruning:  Cut the plant above the freshly appearing shoots in Spring
Water needs: One inch of water every seven to ten days
Salvia Growing Guide Chart

8. Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos)

Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding Hearts

Besides being low-maintenance and a symbolic value depicting love and affection, this perennial has a significant ornamental value. The Bleeding Heart has already gained popularity due to its charming appearance. 

The flowers are heart-shaped, with a distinct droplet shape at the bottom. It’s great for adding visual interest or texture to the garden space. 

Botanical Name:  Lamprocapnos
Growth Rate:  Moderate
Native Range:  Korea, China, Serbia, and Japan
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Dangers: Poison, irritation, toxicity to pets, etc.
Soil Needs:  Alkaline or neutral nutrient-rich soil with adequate moisture
Tolerate: Partial, full sun, and heavy shade
Ease of Care: Intermediate
Diseases:    Crown rot, Fusarium wilt, Botrytis blight, leaf spot, Powdery mildew, Tobacco rattle virus, rust, root rot
Propagation: Seed, division, and cuttings
Fertilizer: Compost or a general-purpose granular fertilizer during the Spring season
Pests: Whiteflies, Aphids, Sugs, Mealybugs, Scale, Thrips, Spider mites
Blooming Period: Spring to summer
Pruning:  No pruning required
Water needs: One inch of water a week
Bleeding Hearts Growing Guide Chart

9. Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

Garden
Garden Phlox

The perennial plant produces magnificent and fragrant flowers ranging in colors, including pink, red, lavender, and white. Add texture to your flower beds using the Garden Phlox and mix with other flowering plants for a visually appealing landscape. 

Botanical Name:  Phlox paniculata
Growth Rate:  Slow
Native Range:  Northeastern and Central U.S.
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Dangers: No evident toxicity or irritability reported
Soil Needs:  Humus-rich soil with adequate drainage
Tolerate: Clay soil and deer
Ease of Care: Easy
Diseases:    Powdery mildew
Propagation: Root cuttings
Fertilizer: Fertilize annually with a slow-release granular fertilizer
Pests: Spider mites
Blooming Period: Early spring to late summer
Pruning:  Trim the stems to three inches above the ground
Water needs: Moderate
Garden Phlox Growing Guide Chart

10. Pink Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea)

Pink Hollyhocks
Pink Hollyhocks

Although the plant is short-lived it will regenerate its flowers once pruned to provide lasting blooms into fall. It’s an all-time favorite pick and can be mostly seen in older home gardens. While the hollyhock plant is available in several colors, the pink hollyhock creates a mesmerizing ambiance as the plant stands tall and striking in your garden. 

If you want to add height, color, and texture to flower beds and borders, pink hollyhocks are an excellent choice for any garden.

Botanical Name:  Alcea rosea
Growth Rate:  Slow
Native Range:  Europe and Asia
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Dangers: Poison, irritation, toxicity to pets, etc.
Soil Needs:  Prune stalks for a second bloom in late summer
Tolerate: Changing soil conditions like clay, slit, or sand and light shade
Ease of Care: Intermediate
Diseases:    Hollyhock rust, 
Propagation: Division when plants have not begun flowering
Fertilizer: A balanced fertilizer (10-10-10)
Pests: Hollyhock weevil, Japanese beetles, Sawflies, Caterpillars
Blooming Period: Nutrient-rich and well-drained soil
Pruning:  Prune stalks for a second bloom late summer
Water needs: Moderate water requirements. The plant will require regular watering during the first few weeks after planting, which decreases as the plant matures
Pink Hollyhocks Growing Guide Chart

11. Dalmatian Bellflowers (Campanula portenschlagiana)

Dalmatian Bellflowers
Dalmatian Bellflowers

Often used as edging plants around borders to fill gaps between your garden’s stepping stones and over stone retaining walls, these mesmerizing flowering perennials have dark green and rounded leaves. 

The flowers resemble a cup or a bell and are available in shades of blue or purple. These Dalmatian Bellflowers are ideal for rock gardens, over walls, raised beds, and wall crevices. 

Botanical Name:  Campanula portenschlagiana
Growth Rate:  Fast-growing
Native Range:  Dalmatian mountains Croatia
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Dangers: Non-toxic to humans and animals
Soil Needs:  Well-drained soil
Tolerate: Resistant to animals like rabbits and short drought periods
Ease of Care: Easy
Diseases :   Fungal growth and associated infections
Propagation: Plant cuttings, seed, division
Fertilizer: Although the plant requires well-drained soil with adequate nutrients, adding a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early Spring benefits the plant
Pests: Slugs and snails
Blooming Period: Spring to Fall
Pruning:  Pruning dead foliage
Water needs: One inch of water a week
Dalmatian Bellflowers Growing Guide Chart

Final Thoughts

These were my picks for the perennial flowering plants you can plant in your garden space for a bloomy summer. Being perennials, they won’t require replanting in the spring season, as most of the plants I mentioned can self-propagate when feasible conditions are provided. 

We hope the information presented here aids you in picking the right flowering plants and making your garden a place of pure serenity and bliss. 



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