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While we may wish for a summer filled with the perfect balance of sunshine and rain to keep our gardens thriving, the reality is that drought can sometimes be a challenge. Even in ideal weather conditions, the busyness of summer can lead to neglect in the garden.
Drought-tolerant flowers are an excellent choice for summer gardening, whether you reside in a region with minimal rainfall or are planning to be away on vacation. Below, gardening experts share their recommendations for flowers that will flourish throughout the summer season.
Experts Featured:
– Angela Judd: Certified master gardener, author of How to Grow Your Own Food, and founder of Growing in the Garden
– Jan Johnsen: Landscape designer and author of Floratopia: 110 Flower Garden Ideas for Your Yard, Patio or Balcony
– Teri Speight: Landscape gardener, garden coach, podcast host, and author of The Urban Garden
Globe Amaranth
With its lovely round blossoms in various pastel hues, globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa) is a resilient flower that thrives even in hot conditions. According to author Angela Judd, these blooms are durable and require minimal water once established, making them an excellent choice for summer bouquets.
Zones: 9 to 11 (perennial) or can be grown as an annual
Size: 24 inches tall x 12 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil
Sunflower
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are easy to grow and provide a bountiful harvest if protected from seed-thieving critters. Available in various sizes and shapes, sunflowers stand out during hot, dry summer days, as they are highly drought-tolerant once established. Opt for branching varieties for extended bloom periods.
Zones: 3 to 9
Size: Varies by variety; 2 to 10 feet tall x 1 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining sandy or loamy soil
Blanket Flower
A member of the daisy family, blanket flower (Gaillardia) thrives in poor soil and full sun. Once matured, it becomes highly drought-tolerant, blooming abundantly with minimal care. This makes it a popular choice for summer gardens.
Zones: 3 to 10
Size: 24 inches tall x 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil
Bidens
Bidens spp. are an excellent choice for those who prefer low-maintenance plants that thrive in containers. With its fern-like foliage and tolerance for dry conditions, bidens is a charming warm zone perennial. The ‘Goldilocks Rocks’ cultivar, recommended by Jan Johnsen, features large golden-yellow flowers along its trailing stems.
Zones: 9 to 11 (perennial) or can be grown as an annual
Size:
From summer to the first frost, fan flower is a low-maintenance plant recommended by Johnsen for its resilience to deer and rabbits. The ‘Blue Wonder’ variety is particularly popular. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil, growing to about 18 inches tall by 24 inches wide.
For a fiery addition to dry gardens, consider the red hot poker plant. Described as “fiery and fearless,” this deer-resistant perennial blooms torch-like flowers from late spring through summer, reaching heights of 3 to 4 feet. Regular deadheading encourages more spikes to grow. Ideal for zones 5 to 9, it requires full sun and well-draining soil.
Sea holly, a blue beauty in the carrot family, is a perennial that adds architectural interest to gardens. Resistant to deer and loved by bees, it thrives in full sun and dry soil, growing to about 3 feet tall by 2 feet wide in zones 4 to 9.
Brown-eyed Susan, a drought-tolerant plant related to the black-eyed Susan, is a reliable performer in dry gardens. It thrives in heat and humidity, self-sowing seeds for consistent yearly returns. A great option for zones 3 to 9, it prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Coral bells, known for their attractive foliage, are drought-tolerant plants that require minimal upkeep. With various varieties available, they add charm to gardens without needing regular watering. Growing to about 18 inches tall by 18 inches wide, they prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil in zones 3 to 9.
October daphne stonecrop is a late-blooming ground cover that thrives in full sun with minimal attention. Ideal for zones 3 to 9, this plant loves dry soil and should not be overwatered to prevent rot. It can be a beautiful addition to tiered gardens or even potted arrangements.
Dianthus, once established, is drought-tolerant and brightens gardens with charming pink blooms. Regular watering after planting is necessary, but they prefer well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. Suitable for zones 3 to 8, dianthus adds a stunning touch to any garden.
Coneflower, a summer garden staple, features large, colorful blooms in various hues and looks eye-catching in beds and containers. Water coneflowers well at the beginning of the season, but they can thrive during dry periods in the summer. They grow 6 to 36 inches tall and 6 to 24 inches wide, preferring full sun and well-draining soil in zones 3 to 9.
For an unexpected visual surprise in the garden, consider growing globe thistle, known for its spherical flowers that provide stunning contrast against traditional blooms. This plant thrives in drier conditions and grows 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. Globe thistle requires full sun and well-draining soil in zones 3 to 9.
Russian sage, with its subtle blooms from spring through fall, is low-maintenance and tolerant of dry weather. It grows 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide, preferring full sun and well-draining, slightly alkaline soil in zones 4 to 9.
Yarrow, a hardy plant with fern-like foliage and tiny flowers on a long stalk, is low-maintenance, adds vertical height to landscaping, and thrives in dry conditions. It grows 24 to 36 inches tall and 24 inches wide, preferring full sun and well-draining soil in zones 3 to 9.
Shasta daisies, known for their simple beauty and cheerful blooms, are prolific even during drought. They grow 12 inches tall and 12 inches wide, preferring full to partial sun and well-draining soil in zones 4 to 9.
