Summer is knocking on Maryland’s door, and it’s brought some family members, including heat and humidity, along with it. The garden you planted in spring is about to be challenged, and spring flowers usually lose the battle. Limp, wilted, brown flowers don’t look pretty in your landscaping; here are six summer flowers that stand up to this season’s challenge.
1. Cosmos
These annuals resemble daisies and thrive in poor soil conditions. Low maintenance cosmos do great in soil that makes other flowers beg for mercy, so you can use them to add a splash of color to long-neglected flowerbeds. They are native to Mexico, which means they are summer flowers that can really take the heat.
2. Lantana
Because lantana is native to the tropics, it loves the sun and the heat. Unlike Maryland’s human residents, lantana thrives in the heat and humidity of summer. Planting lantana is adding a bit of biodiversity to your garden because it is a favorite for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
3. Pelargonium
There is a reason that zonal, ivy, and, and scented geraniums (pelargoniums) are so popular in gardens, hanging baskets, and planters all across the state. These are some of the best flowers for summer, with excellent tolerance to heat and drought. New varieties have been created that will stand up to summer in Texas and Arizona, so keep an eye out for these hardy varieties and don’t confuse them with your standard traditional geraniums, known as cranesbill.
4. Marigold
No summer flower list would be complete without mentioning the hardy marigold. They are easy to grow, love full sun, are available in many colors, and will continue to thrive throughout the summer heat. They aren’t a fan of overly wet roots, so plant them in well-draining soil.
5. Sedum
Sedum is a succulent, meaning it’s low maintenance and resistant to harsh summer climates including humidity, heat, and drought. They are an excellent choice for rock gardens and gardens with a southwestern flair. Make sure to plant your sedum in well-draining soil.
6. Lemon Verbena
This is an herb that is native to South America and is famous for its light lemony scent. In days long gone, women would wrap the leaves of this herb in handkerchiefs and inhale the scent to keep them feeling refreshed during the sweltering heat of summer. It’s a classic choice for its heat resistance and low maintenance, loving the full sun and blooming through early fall.
RELS Helps Summer Proof Gardens in Frederick and Silver Spring
Don’t start a summer landscaping project list without checking out RELS for all your supplies. From compost to mulch, decorative stone, topsoil, and hardscapes, RELS has what you need, right when you need it. Summer is only going to get hotter, so browse our Silver Spring or Frederick, MD landscaping catalogs and get started now.