Perennials are beautiful and easy to care for, which is why they are one of the most popular garden plants. They come in a wide variety of shapes and colors and for different locations, so you can basically design every corner of the garden with them. But depending on where you want to use them, you should not forget that there are both hardy and non-hardy species. The latter do not survive the winter in our latitudes and must either be overwintered or replanted every year. This is especially true for summer-flowering perennials, which is what this article is about today. We will explain what you should know about summer bloomers in the following lines. We have also listed some beautiful perennial species that you can choose.
Non-hardy perennial plants for summer
In all types of perennials, the above-ground parts of the plant die off in winter. The bulbs, tubers or rhizomes that are in the ground can then easily overwinter outside because they are adequately protected from the cold there. However, most are summer bloomers. Since they are not native species, they are damaged by our winter temperatures and die off completely. For this reason, summer-flowering perennials are better suited to containers, pots and flower boxes, because then they can be stored in a warm place to overwinter in the winter and sprout again next year.
Choose summer-flowering perennials that are hardy
Now you don't need to be disappointed, because if you are looking for beautiful perennial species that bloom in summer for your garden, there are still plenty of species that match ourssurvive wintercan. And this happens in the same way as with other hardy perennials: the above-ground parts of the plant die, the underground parts overwinter successfully and sprout again in spring. To be on the safe side, you can additionally protect the tubers or bulbs or the ground above them from the cold by covering it with winter protection such as leaves, straw or similar. This should be removed in good time. February or March is the perfect time for this. This means that summer-flowering perennials can sprout without any problems without being prevented from doing so by winter protection.
Proper care in the garden and in planters
Both garden perennials that are hardy and the non-hardy summer perennials are cared for in much the same way. Of course, the right location is very important, which depends on the type of perennial. Some like it shady, while others prefer the sun and others love partial shade. Also find out about the correct planting depth, as this varies depending on the species. In general, however, it is assumed that this is two or three times the size of the tuber. Regular watering is important. Of course, this especially applies to the hot summer. Since it also requires a lot of energy to sprout again after the cold winter, good fertilizer is of great importance. This way you can guarantee beautiful blooms every year. Mulch, compost or a slow-release fertilizer of your choice are well suited. After the first flowering, some types of perennials require pruning because this is the only way they can sprout again.
If you want to plant summer-flowering perennials in a planter and care for them per year, you can use ordinary potting soil. Here too, care should be taken to ensure adequate watering. In addition, waterlogging is a risk that should be avoided at all costs. Drainage or added sand can help here.
Chelsea pruning for long-blooming perennials
We would like to come back to pruning again. There is a simple trick with which you can not only extend the flowering period but also improve the stability of the plants. It is important that you only use this method on tall perennial species. Furthermore, it is only suitable for summer-flowering perennials and prevents seeding. Apply this type of pruning in late May, shortening the plants by a third of their usual length. So you no longer need to ask yourself the question “Which perennials bloom the longest?”, because with this tip you can ensure longer blooms yourself.
Summer flowering perennials for shade and partial shade
If you are looking for summer-flowering garden plants for shade and partial shade, you have a wide selection to add color to your garden. Summer-flowering perennials for the darker areas of the garden are very practical because they allow you to bring colorful flowers into places where some other flowers fail due to a lack of light. Some flowering perennials that are suitable for these garden areas can be found in the list below:
Garden silverbells(Heuchera villosa)
The garden silverbells are low, summer-flowering perennials whose flowers are light pink, bell-shaped and arranged in racemes and bloom from June to August. Due to its low height, this species is ideal as a ground cover. It is also important to mention that the leaves are not only wintergreen, but also have an attractive reddish-orange color. This makes the perennial very pretty to look at in the garden even in winter. The plant not only thrives in partial shade, but also in the sun. Division is recommended every two to three years to ensure continued lush flowering.
Anemone(Anemone japonica)
Depending on the variety, the beautiful anemone can grow to a height of between 60 and 120 cm. The flowering time also varies accordingly. Some species bloom from June onwards, while others only become a feast for the eyes in August. If you choose summer-flowering perennials of this type, you have the choice between different flower colors, including light pink, pink and white. They are usually bushy-growing plants that can be used to wonderfully fill in bare spots in the garden.
Astilbe(Astilbe)
You will also be amazed at the variety of astilbe once you start looking for the perfect variety for your needs. Both the height and the flower colors can vary depending on the species. At the High Candle Spiere (Astilbe chinensis) for example, these are more drought-tolerant summer-flowering perennials for which short periods of drought are not fatal. Depending on the variety, astilbes bloom between June and August and generally require regular watering without waterlogging.
Sterndolde(Astrantia)
The star umbel also has beautiful flowers that bloom between June and September. If you are looking for white-flowering perennials, it is just as suitable as if you are looking for delicate purple perennials or those in pink or red. Depending on the species, there are both low summer-flowering perennials with a height of 40 to 50 cm and tall ones with a height of up to 90 cm. This means you can use them for different purposes. As soon as the flowers fade, it is advisable to cut them off. Otherwise, seeds will be formed, which will cause the plant to spread rapidly and in a relatively uncontrolled manner.
Giant lily(Giant cardiocrinus)
This type of lily definitely deserves its name because with its 250 to 300 cm high flower stalks it surpasses even the taller perennial species in the garden. It is perfect for planting in shady areas, but is only partially hardy. She definitely needs protection from the cold. The beautiful flowers are funnel-shaped and creamy white and appear between June and July. So if you are looking for tall species, you are making the right decision with this gem.
July silver candle(Cimicifuga racemosa)
As the name suggests, the blooming period of these beauties begins in July and lasts until September. They are also very tall, summer-flowering perennials that reach a height of 2 meters and therefore look very beautiful in the garden both in groups and as solitary plants. If you are looking for white perennials, you can choose the July silver candle, which feels wonderful in partial shade and shade.
Snail toadweed(Akin to bistorta)
A ground cover (25 cm) that is not only extremely robust and resilient, but also impresses with breathtaking pink-red flowers. The flowering period is between July and September, after which the leaves turn orange to reddish as the cold increases in autumn and thus decorate the garden. The location should be partially shaded. But summer-flowering perennials like these can also handle a little more sun.
Akelei(Aquilegia)
The enchanting columbine blooms in early summer and with the large selection of different flower shapes and colors, all of which are a dream, the choice will definitely not be easy for you. Whether yellow, red, wine red, white, black or dark purple or even two-tone - depending on the variety, almost everything is included. The growth height is around 60 cm, which makes it a medium-high summer bloomer. Partial shade is the ideal location. But the plant also tolerates the sun quite well.
Hardy flowers for sunny locations
There are also numerous summer-flowering perennials for sunny locations that you can use to decorate your painstakingly maintained garden. And the selection of colors is also very large here. Below we will show you some types of perennials that are usually not even thought of when you are looking for perennials, but which undoubtedly deserve a chance. They will also make your flower beds extra special!
Scabious flower(Knauss)
You get red perennials that are hardy with this beautiful specimen. To be more precise, they are wine red, wonderfully pretty and also magically attract various insects such as bees and butterflies. There are varieties that grow taller and those that are shorter, so you have a choice depending on where you place them in the bed. There are also varieties with light pink flower colors and those in purple. Otherwise, make sure the soil is permeable and not too moist.
Night candle(Oenothera)
In addition to the simple evening primrose with a strong yellow color, there is also the pale yellow evening primrose (Oneothera odorata), which smells wonderful in the evening hours. So if you are looking for yellow perennials, you are spoiled for choice. The special thing about this type of perennial is that it has a really long flowering period. It delights us with its bright flowers from April onwards, which last until October. They are also yellow-flowering perennials that are hardy and even prefer a little drier, which makes them even easier to care for. The evening primroses, as summer-flowering perennials, grow up to 70 cm high and require pruning in order to have a long flowering period.
Bleiwurz(Ceratostigma plumbaginoides)
The low-growing leadwort (25 cm) is the perfect choice if you are looking for blue perennials that are hardy. These are summer-flowering perennials that start to bloom quite late. The flowering period lasts from August to October. Another great feature is the leaves, which are colored red in winter and therefore still decorate the garden magnificently. Otherwise the perennial is perfectsuitable as a ground cover, which should be provided with a sunny (or partially shaded) and dry location.
Catnip(Nepeta)
Summer-flowering perennials in purple are also in great demand and catnip is a pretty variety for a sunny, dry location in the garden. Depending on the variety, this summer bloomer, which is hardy, grows to a height of 40 to 70 cm and blooms between May and September. After the first flowers, you can produce another flower by pruning close to the ground.
Holy herb(Santolina)
These specimens are perennial perennials with an interesting play of colors consisting of silver-grey leaves and stems and bright yellow flowers. Saint herb is ideal for herbal orRock gardens in full sun, where the flowers begin to shine in August. An interesting fact is that these button-like flowers smell wonderful when touched. Pruning takes place in spring when budding begins, while winter protection is necessary in winter to protect the plant not only from the cold but also from the sun.
Braunelle(Prunella)
You can also get low-growing, summer-flowering perennials with the Braunelle, which comes with white or pink flowers and can be used as a ground cover. Since the plant is extremely heat and drought resistant, it is also often used as a green roof. It is precisely this easy-care quality that makes the perennial a popular choice, alongside the pretty, delicate flowers.
Stockrose(Alcea)
Since the hollyhock prefers a location protected from the wind, it is recommended to plant it in front of walls or fences. Since these are tall, summer-flowering perennials, such supports are very beneficial. Also prepare a permeable and nutritious soil so that the plant can feel really comfortable and delight you with its beautiful flowers. These vary in color depending on the variety and can be very dark and almost black as well as light and pink.
Suneye(Heliopsis)
The beautiful, yellow perennials bloom from July and decorate the bed in a great way until September. These hardy plants will delight you for many years. It is important that you regularly provide them with moisture and nutrients. It is best to plant the sun eye in the back areas, where it forms a great background with its height of up to 150 cm.
