When the time comes for summer color in temperate gardens it is difficult to beat the versatility and range of summer perennials. There is a breathtaking selection of colors available and it is easy to be spoiled for choice. But to get the season off to a good start some tried and trusted perennials should not be overlooked.
Favorite Perennial Plants for Summer.
- Anemone. These delightful plants offer great late summer flowering and they grow happily in zones 5 to 8. They can grow up to 4ft so always check the eventual height before planting. The most popular anemone is Anemone coronaria or poppy anemone. Anemones bloom profusely in white, scarlet, yellow, pink, red and then some more. They like to show off in sun or partial shade.
- Delphinium. These tall plants, sometimes up to 6ft, are sought after for their shades of blue and Delphinium Black Knight is one of the bluest flowers available for summer planting. They are also available in red and yellow. They like full sun, moist rich soil and a monthly feeding. Staking of the taller varieties will be necessary, also protect the young shoots from slugs.
- Hollyhocks. Hollyhocks are colorful plants suitable for reasonably dry areas such as flower beds running against a wall. They can also be equally at home in moist well drained soil and they love the sun. They bloom in their second year and even though that are fairly short lived, 3 to 5 years, they are prolific seeders and new plants are constantly on the go.
- Foxgloves. Foxgloves are also called Digitalis and whereas some are biennial there are perennial ones, such as Sutton’s Apricot and they bloom year after year in sun or light shade. They are seen in white, purple, yellow, but are most often seen in the familiar pink of childhood gardens. Just like hollyhocks they bloom in their second year.
- Lupines. Lupines, also spelled as Lupins, are impressive flowers and will grow to 24″ to 30″ and will do well in good rich soil, all the better if it is slightly acidic. They bloom from June to September and are reminiscent of cottage gardens with their spikes of various shades of blue, rose and pink flowers. They can tolerate some drought and prefer a dry site in full sun.
Caring for Summer Perennial Plants
- Staking. In a summer border crammed with tall perennial plants staking will be essential. Most of these tall stems are lightweight so staking with bamboo canes will be sufficient. Buy stout canes and divide these into quarter sections. Use soft twine, loosely tied, to secure the stem to the stake. Avoid using plastic ties, these are non-biodegradable and will be difficult to remove when the time comes for clearing away the decaying flowers and stalks.
- Deadheading. Removal of dead flowers during the summer months will increase the chances of more flowers as the season wanes. This also prevents the plant from putting its energy into seed pods, some of which may be unwelcome as bursting seed pods will cause chaos in next year’s planning.
- Fertilizing. When plants grow as tall as delphiniums in one season feeding will be necessary and should be done throughout the season.
- Watering. Try to bunch together the plants which require the most water and never let these plants dry out. The capillary system of these yearly stems is effective in getting water to every part of the plant but it is not designed to retain water, so replenishing is a must.
Just as the spring perennial plants are beginning to fade the summer perennials come into flower providing an invaluable floral display right through to the fall. The summer flowering Buddleia bush is a good companion shrub for these perennials as its woody stems offer natural support in a crowded border or in windy situations.