Do you dream about vibrant pops of color, rich fragrances and breathtaking blooms? Summer is everyone’s favorite season to get their hands dirty in the garden. However, the sheer number of options can make it challenging to decide what flowers you want to grow. Whether you’re filling your empty beds or lining your porch with potted plants, this guide will help you create a vibrant oasis that will last all season.

5 Flowers to Grow in Your Summer Garden

You might want to surround yourself with your favorite color or develop a specific theme for an outdoor floral arrangement. The following five options are the best flowers to welcome the summer months.

1. Dahlias

There are 50,000 named and cultivated varieties of dahlias in wide-ranging forms, hues, heights and sizes. Due to their stature, they often require extra support during peak growing season. However, many gardeners opt for bedding dahlias — bushy plants with smaller florals ideal for borders and beds.

Dahlas require six hours of direct sunlight, and you should plant them outdoors after the final frost. These flowers thrive in fertile, well-drained, organic soil and require ample water to ensure the ground is moist and not saturated. They also display the most intense coloring in September.

2. Delphiniums

Delphiniums are another vibrant flower fit for an English or cottage-style garden. You’ll find about 300 species of delphiniums in bright blue, pink, red, violet, purple and white. Depending on your preferred plant type, they may grow up to 6 feet tall though you can also find shorter species.

These are the perfect summer flowers for those looking to carry this year’s most popular hues from their interiors to the outdoors. For instance, decorative trends have embraced bright and dramatic jewel tones like rich blues, which can easily break up neutral, shady outdoor spaces on your lawn or patio.

3. Zinnias

Zinnias are simple to grow and beloved due to their captivating colors. Of 17 species, Zinnias elegans and Zinnias angustifolia are favorites among gardeners. The first grows up to three feet tall, while the other is low-growing and ideal for baskets, containers and bordering. Butterflies like swallowtails and red admirals are highly attracted to zinnias, especially the taller varieties, as the flatter blooms are easier to land on.

These flowers are low-maintenance, thanks to their ability to tolerate various soil conditions. They require at least six hours of sunlight daily. Though zinnias can withstand heat and drought, you must water them frequently.

4. Bougainvilleas

Bougainvilleas are the perfect climbing plant for trellises and fences, giving your garden visual height. You can also train them to grow like shrubs in containers. Typically, they can reach 15 to 40 feet with one-inch tubular flowers in white, purple, pink, red and yellow. They’re also resistant to drought, heat and dry soil.

This flower grows best with six or more hours of direct sunlight daily. Bougainvilleas also prefer soil with adequate drainage and plenty of growing space. Be careful when handling these florals, as their stems have sharp thorns.

5. Lavender

While lavender typically has a shorter blooming season, its divine fragrance makes it popular for a sensory garden. Smelling lavender can ease your anxiety. Try using it for tea, cooking and do-it-yourself skin care and candles.

Lavender plants grow up to three feet tall with narrow, two-inch leaves. The vibrant purple flowers bloom at the end of long stems for a few weeks. These plants prefer dry, sunny conditions and especially love lime in soil.

Creating a Backyard Space to Match Your Florals

Creating a complementary backyard space to your summer garden will enhance functionality and aesthetics. Consider the following tips for a cohesive design:

• Include comfortable seating in your outdoor space for a more relaxing and enjoyable time.
• Match your furniture and accessories — like seat cushions and other textiles — to your flowers’ colors.
• Add an al fresco dining area.
• Install accent lighting to highlight specific garden features at night.
• Incorporate fountains, bird baths and other water elements for soothing trickling sounds.
• Install a fire pit for cool summer nights.
• Hardscape throughout and around your flower beds with pebbles, stepping stones or borders.
• Shade your outdoor space with a pergola or arbor.
• Create privacy with hedges, fencing or a screen.

Likewise, you might consider natural materials for a more organic appearance or incorporate colorful, fun elements like string lights and quirky garden decorations.

Embrace Summertime with Vibrant Florals

Now’s the perfect time to fill your yard with fresh flowers. Experiment with different species, colors and varieties for the ultimate outdoor floral arrangement. You can then reap the rewards of your hard work by spending the season enjoying a stunning area.