Summer Bloomers for the Forgotten Month

Echibeckia 'Summerina Yellow Patio'

In gardening, it’s the forgotten month: July. June still encompasses much of the spring planting season and by August many gardeners begin transitioning to fall flowers, but July stands alone, neglected. Unfortunately, many gardeners—rightfully enjoying summer vacations or otherwise occupied with tending to their spring gardening purchases—overlook some of the most beautiful, carefree summer bloomers in the midst of summer. If you’re looking for something unique and colorful for your garden in July, here are some of my summer favorites.

First, as a gardener, I’m always excited to hear about new developments in plant breeding. One of this year’s brand-new introductions is the Echibeckia. A cross between Echinacea (coneflower) and Rudbeckia (black-eyed susan), this plant holds a lot of promise. 

Aside from the traditional yellow rudbeckias gardeners know and love, many other varieties in shades of orange, copper and brown simply won’t grow in our cooler climate—or if they do, they’re considered an annual. The echibeckia combines the colors of these less-hardy varieties with the tough genetics of Echinacea, resulting in a plant that will winter over in cool climates and has excellent disease resistance. 

Moreover, echibeckias have large, two- to three-inch flowers, are self-cleaning and bloom for up to three months. Time will tell how popular these exciting new perennials become, but as the first crop ever begins to bloom in garden centers, check them out! 

A second plant you’ll find in bloom during July is one of my all-time favorites—crocosmia. Its foliage looks like a grass but the flower nearly defies explanation. In July, this unassuming plant produces long, delicate blooms comprised of neat rows of individual blossoms along each stem. Traditionally available only in red, crocosmia is now available in shades of orange and yellow as well. 

Crocosmia loves full sun, multiplies freely (although not so much as to take over a flowerbed) and attracts hummingbirds. If your garden could use an easy-care perennial that blooms in mid-summer, crocosmia might be just the fit. 

Third, summer is the time for re-bloomers to show off their stuff. Spring is the time of year when we cherish flowering plants—after all, who doesn’t love a good pick-me-up after our dark, rainy winters? And while spring is great for enjoying blooming shrubs, many spring-blooming shrubs are “once and done.” 

'Sonic Bloom Pink' weigela

Not so with one shrub, though. ‘Sonic Bloom’ weigela raises the bar for spring-blooming shrubs. Unlike many weigelas that bloom just once (or only sporadically through summer), ‘Sonic Bloom’ flowers in waves from May until the first frost. This great shrub also blooms on both old and new wood, so if necessary, it can be pruned immediately after the first bloom to manage its shape and size. Available in shades of red and pink, ‘Sonic Bloom’ is sure to add some color to your garden all summer long. 

Now, many gardeners shy away from planting in summer—and if you’re one of them, I understand your concern. Watering is a concern for planting in summer. But rest assured that for most plants that is your only concern. Simply put, if you can water you can plant. Far too often gardeners shy away planting during pleasant, lazy summer weekends because they’re worried about plants dying when the only real concern is one that can be easily remedied. For added reassurance your summer-planted treasures will grow, soak the ground after transplant with Vitamin B-1—available at Vander Giessen Nursery—to encourage fast rooting and reduce transplant stress.

Summer is a great time to plant, so take advantage of another exciting season and enjoy many of the year’s most beautiful plants.