Top 10 Flowers for a Vibrant July Garden
If you think it's too late to plant flowers, think again. July is the perfect time to add color to your garden. Many flowers thrive when planted mid-summer, and they can also support local bee populations. Here are the top 10 flower ideas to transform your yard and give it more life while helping our buzzing friends.
1: Astilbe
Astilbe has leaves that resemble delicate lace and vibrant, spiky blooms. They thrive in shade gardens, providing a burst of color that lasts. Although they grow well in complete shade, they can tolerate some sunlight, too. Planting Astilbe in July is a good idea, because it allows them to establish roots before the cooler autumn weather, ensuring a strong start for the following spring.
2: Lilium 'Red Velvet'
Lilium 'Red Velvet' lilies are stunning, with deep red petals that add to any garden. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil and planting them in July allows them to bloom late into the summer. These lilies are also excellent for attracting pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
3: Bee Balm
Bee balm, also known as Monarda, comes in vibrant red, pink or purple colors. As a member of the mint family, it's very resilient and easy to grow from seed or nursery containers. Planting Bee Balm in July ensures it will have enough time to bloom and attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, contributing to the health of your garden's ecosystem.
4: Sweet William 'Perfume Mix'
Sweet William 'Perfume Mix' has a lovely scent and a gorgeous display of colors. To establish roots and foliage prior to flowering the following spring and summer, these biennial plants can be seeded in July. They are great to put in pots or at the borders of gardens. They're particularly delightful when placed near windows, where their fragrance can waft indoors.
5: Origanum 'Kent Beauty'
Origanum 'Kent Beauty' is an ornamental oregano with hop-like bracts in pink and green. This plant is perfect for July planting because it thrives in the heat and prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It's a great addition to rock gardens or hanging baskets.
6: Blazing Star
Blazing Star, or Liatris, features grass-like foliage and towering purple flower spikes of small star-shaped blooms. It can also come in white and red. The Blazing Star is low maintenance and adaptable to various growing environments, if it receives a good amount of sunlight. Planting in July ensures it will continue to bloom through the late summer. Tip: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering.
7: Geum 'Oranges and Lemons'
Geum 'Oranges and Lemons' offers bright, cheerful blooms in shades of orange and yellow. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, adding vibrant color to your garden. These flowers are particularly pretty when planted along pathways.
8: Garden Phlox
Garden Phlox are incredibly lovely, low-maintenance plants that produce clusters of vibrant flowers in purple, pink and white. They can withstand a bit more shade in warmer climates, making them good plants for different garden spots.
9: Echinacea 'Aloha'
Echinacea 'Aloha' is a stunning coneflower with large, bright yellow blooms. Known for its resilience and drought tolerance, it's perfect for mid-summer planting. This way, they won't die if you forget to water them once or twice. Echinacea attracts bees, butterflies and birds, making it a wonderful addition to a pollinator-friendly garden. July planting means they will have plenty of time to establish before winter.
10: Lamb's Ear
Lamb's Ear is a unique plant known for its soft, fuzzy, silver-gray leaves. It is an excellent ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Kids love to touch its soft leaves.