Best Perennial Plants for Summer Color

Summer is here and it's time to plant and enjoy the beautiful flowers that blossom during the heat of the season. A perennial plant is one that remains in the ground for two or more years and ultimately gives a garden its character. Most perennials spread readily, filling out gardens and providing a show of color year after year.

Perennial plants come in many colors. The colors selected will greatly affect the overall look of your garden. For example, orange and red are stimulating colors that will attract attention. Yellows are warm and refreshing. Blues are cool with the most appeal in the warm summer months. White is a neutral and peaceful color that helps other colors blend together. Normally, it is best not to have more than two or three dominating colors at one time.

Many perennials have a distinct bloom period, which lasts anywhere from one week to a month or two. To some gardeners, this may seem like a drawback, since each plant does not flower all summer. However, if planned properly, a perennial garden can have blooming flowers all summer long. Most perennial gardens change with the seasons. For example, you can enjoy pretty Columbines in the spring, vibrant Peonies in the early summer, and wonderful Black-eyed Susans in the late summer ? all in the same garden. One of the finest joys of planting a perennial garden is watching the plants and blooms change with the different seasons.

While there are hundreds of perennial plants available, here are some that flower the best in the warm summer months (June-August).

? Bearded or German 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 colors)

? Fernleaf Yarrow (yellow)

? Foxglove (various colors)

? Foxtail Lily (pink, yellow, white)

? Harebell (blue, violet, white)

? Hollyhock (various colors)

? 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 colors)

? Yellow Foxglove (yellow)

Here are five steps to planting a successful perennial garden:

1. Choose a site that gets partial to full sun. Although there are some perennials that will grow in full shade, you will have a much larger selection of plants to choose from if your garden receives partial sun.

2. Choose the best plants for your garden. Check the USDA Zone rating and pick the plants that adapted to growing in your region.

3. Prepare the soil. It is important to prepare the soil since the perennial plants will be occupying the same space for a couple of years or more. Most perennials enjoy a moderately rich, loose soil with plenty of organic matter.

4. Follow planting instructions that come with the plant.

5. Be diligent about watering the new plants. Typically, a deep watering once a week is better than a daily sprinkle.

To get your perennial garden started, follow the above steps and make a trip to your local nursery. Take your time and familiarize yourself with as many of choices as possible before selecting plants. Be sure to find out what USDA Zone you live in and select the perennial plants that are best suited to your region and your garden.

Happy planting!

Lesley Dietschy is a freelance writer and the creator/editor of the Home Decor Exchange website. Please visit the website for home and garden decor resources, articles, decorating pictures, a shopping marketplace, free craft projects, and more. http://www.HomeDecorExchange.com

---

Enjoy Creating and Growing a Sustainable Garden While Feeding Your Family

A sustainable garden means one that can be sustained over... Read More

Natural Garden Pest Control

No dig gardens essentially strive to be their own ecosystem.... Read More

Park Benches - Making the Right Choice

When most people hear the words, "park bench", they envision... Read More

Park Benches

One of the best ways to create a warm and... Read More

Hydroponics Gardening - An Introduction To Hydroponics Gardening For Beginners

The Basics of Hydroponics Gardening.What is hydroponics gardening?Derived from the... Read More

Flowers That Beautify Your Home and Garden

To help gardeners choose flowers, various systems for rating hardiness... Read More

The Container Vegetable Garden

If you live in an apartment or town home, you... Read More

Popular Adirondack Chairs - Everything You Need To Know

Adirondack chairs were invented during the early 1900's by a... Read More

Decorate Your Outdoor Spaces on a Budget!

Many times when the weather becomes sultry, the only place... Read More

Winter Gardening Looking Towards Spring

Ok, the title "winter gardening" might be a tad bit... Read More

A Garden Pond in Your Landscape - Want Water in Your Yard?

A Garden Pond in your Landscape - Want Water in... Read More

Create a Hummingbird Garden Habitat

It's not difficult to create a garden that will attract... Read More

Decorative Garden Accents

Think of your garden like you would a room in... Read More

You Say Tomato I Say Mosquito

Gathering tomatoes or other fruits of the garden might not... Read More

Tips On Caring For Your Cut Flowers

Imagine it's a special occasion and you've just received a... Read More

Plan Before Buying Rose Bushes

So, you have decided to plant rose bushes in your... Read More

Gardening--Fun and Frugal!

Whether you are an avid vegetable gardener, a beginning herb... Read More

Easter Lilies, and the Number One Gardening Question Right Now

Everybody asks about Easter lilies! Can they go outside; can... Read More

How to Grow Strawberries

In addition to the traditional strawberry patch, there are as... Read More

Patio Design ? Expanding Your Home Outdoors

A patio can be... Read More

Sleeping Beauties: Porches For Dreaming

There's something magical about sleeping outside, drinking in the night... Read More

Keeping the Balance of Nature: Pond Water Maintenance

You might be tempted to let Mother Nature, tend to... Read More

Invite Spring Early - Grow in Your Basement

Now's the time to get ready to grow your own... Read More

Camellias

Camellias Named by Linnaeus in 1735 in honour of... Read More

Beauty With Indigenous Species

A garden a serves a man's every day need for... Read More

Spring Garden Tips

Gardeners, it's time to put your gardening skills to the... Read More

Nontoxic Pest Control for Your Home and Garden

Pesticides are toxic and, while often effective against pests, can... Read More

Get your Garden Cooking with Friable Soil

Oh sure, fried green tomatoes are ok; but I'll take... Read More

Basic Lawn Care - Mowing, Scarifiers, Aeration, and Watering Tips

The arrival of summer heralds a time of increased wear... Read More

Hydroponics Gardening - An Introduction To Hydroponics Gardening For Beginners (part 4) Environment

THE BASICS OF HYDROPONICS.The Success or Failure of Your Plants... Read More

Pond Filter

A pond filter is one of the most important components... Read More

How to Grow Basil

Today there are sprays, scented candles, plug-ins, and even discs... Read More

Catch a Leprechaun in Your Garden

There is no mention to be found of female leprechauns... Read More