Are looking for a splash of color to re-invigorate your perennial garden during the Dog Days of Summer? Look no further than these five fantastic flowers! These five perennials start to bloom just as your spring flowers begin to fade. Not only will they provide fantastic summer color throughout the season, they’re hardy enough to take all the hot and dry conditions summer can dish out.
1.Goblin Blanketflower Gaillardia aristata These native perennials got their name from the way they blanketed the summer prairie in beautiful color, and they can add the same gorgeous color to your perennial garden. Blanketflower is one of the easiest perennials to grow. It’s fast growing and heat and drought tolerant once established. They love the full sun and bloom profusely from June through September. Plus, their big, bicolored blossoms make perfect cut flowers for summer arrangements.
2. Black Eyed Susan Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldstrum’ Black Eyed Susan is a perennial favorite in the perennial garden. Its tall, upright stance and bright yellow flowers make a statement where ever it’s planted. Black Eyed Susan’s beloved status was cemented in 1999 when it was named The Perennial of the Year. Black Eyed Susans do well in full sun to part shade and prefer at least moderate water. They bloom throughout the summer, from June all the way through to September, giving beautiful color until the fall.
3. Veronica ‘First Love’ You’ll fall in love with this Veronica’s showy summer color. First Love Veronica blooms with tall spikes of glowing, almost florescent pink blooms. First Love loves the full sun and does great in a variety of garden settings or containers. It’s also drought tolerant once established. First Love is also beloved by butterflies, attracting their gracefully fluttering all summer long.
4. Munstead Lavender Lavandula angustifolia Munstead is the most fragrant of the English Lavenders and makes a great addition to the summer perennial garden. It’s a fast grower that likes the full sun and is drought tolerant once established. It blooms from July to August with sprays of purple flowers. Plant lavender near a deck or patio or by open windows to enjoy the sweet scent wafting on the summer breeze.
5. Penstemon ‘Pikes Peak Purple’ Penstemon x mexicali As the name suggests, this Penstemon variety was developed right here in Colorado. And it’s perfect for Colorado perennial gardens. So much so, it was voted a 1999 Plant Select winner. These tough perennials like the full sun and can tolerate drier soil conditions. Not only do Colorado gardeners love this beautiful penstemon variety, but Colorado critters do, too! Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees all absolutely love the nectar-rich, grape-colored flowers in the summertime.