Many people think that once the geraniums are done, vinca is the only option for flowerpots and beds during the summer heat.
While vinca is a staple (and we particularly love trailing vinca), there are other fabulous plants that flower all summer and can bring cheer even on the hottest days. The photo above is a vase full of stunning zinnias, gomphrena, and garlic blossoms that were cut from our garden last August. Pure heaven! Here are a few of our favorite summer flowers to plant now and that will keep you smiling all summer long!
ZINNIAS
Last April, we planted two packets of zinnia seeds around the borders of our gardens hoping to get a little summer color. Little did we know that these hardy plants would produce vases full of colorful flowers throughout the long hot days of summer. Once cut, the zinnias last 10 days in water. Zinnia seeds can easily be found at the botanical interests display at Sprouts, at Home Depot, Lowes, or any nursery. Pop the seed around your garden beds and add them to your pots. The $5 investment is worth a try!
GOMPHRENA
Another summer favorite is Gomphrena, also known as Globe Amaranth. These puffballs are prolific and last over 10 days as cut flowers and look great dried too. You can buy these plants at your local nursery, and they come in purple, lavender, white, and raspberry. They are super heat tolerant and a great addition to any pot or garden.
ANGELONIA
Have you tried Angelonia in your flowerpots? Also known as Summer Snapdragon, this flowering plant comes in white and shades of pinks and purples. We were always amazed to see it flowering even in the sweltering heat. Home Depot usually has a good basic selection of Angelonia but visit your favorite nursery for more unique varieties. We love that it is a taller flowering plant, and it works well with trailing vinca in a mixed pot.
Other summer survivors include vibrant green sweet potato vines, coreopsis, cosmos, rudbeckia, sunflowers, lisianthus, salvia, basil, strawflower, and statice. Give some new plants a try and enjoy glorious pots and garden beds this summer!
John is the Designated Broker of KOR Properties and has been a Multi-Million Dollar producing agent for over 21 years. He is an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and serves on the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) Rules & Policies Committee, ARMLS Appeals Committee, and the West and Southeast Realtors of the Valley Professional Standards Committee.
Natascha is a Multi-Million Dollar Producer and Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR). She is the Founder of Mesa Food Truck Fridays, a Member and PastChair of the City of Mesa Economic Development Advisory Board, and on the Board of Directors of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.