Top 10 Plants for Summer Color

Add heat-tolerant flowers and features to your yard and enjoy their beauty all summer | Sharon Cohoon

Jerusalem sage
Jerusalem sage


Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa)
Tall stems of these Mediterranean natives are set with widely-spaced, hooded yellow flowers.

Moisture-conserving thick, typically furry or hairy leaves are lance-shaped. Pretty planted with lavender and red hot poker (Kniphofia Bressingham Comet).


Moonshine yarrow
Moonshine yarrow


Moonshine yarrow
The sunny hues of this Mediterranean perennial complement the violet-blue spikes of catmint (Nepeta). Here are more of our favorite perennials.


Sally Holmes' rose
Sally Holmes' rose


Sally Holmes' rose
A vigorous white rose, it blooms in huge clusters. If you're thinking of adding some to your garden, click here for our rose-growing guide.


Feather reed grass
Feather reed grass


Feather reed grass

Calamagrostis x acutiflora has a vertical growth habit and showy seed heads.


Rose Glow
Rose Glow


Rose Glow(Berberis thunbergii)
The bronzy red Japanese barberry colors up best in full sun.


Cabernet Sauvignon grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon grapes


Cabernet Sauvignon grapes
A cluster from a vineyard shows the seeded, pearl-size grapes in various stages of ripeness.


Sunray
Sunray


Sunray (Coreopsis grandiflora)
Like the rest of the sunflower family, this bright yellow perennial blooms all summer on little water.


Sedum telephium
Sedum telephium


Sedum telephium
Dense flower clusters on sturdy stems rise above bright green leaves. Blooms start out blush-colored, aging to coppery pink, then rust as weather cools.

Plants reach 1 to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Pretty beside asters.


Sunset Gold Yellow
Sunset Gold Yellow


Sunset Gold Yellow (Coleonema pulchrum)
Yellow foliage distinguishes this heathlike shrub with tiny pink flowers.


Little Carlow
Little Carlow


Little Carlow(Aster cordifolius)
Deep violet-blue flowers cluster atop plants that grow 3 to 4 ft. tall.

Looking for more backyard ideas? We're kind of sweet on dahlias right now.

Incidentally, most of the flowers listed above like plenty of strong summer sun. If you've got a shady spot though, here are some ideas for you to work with.

These plants can get you started on a colorful summer garden. If you want to take it to the next level, read up on creating borders with beautiful garden foliage. And make sure your guests can see all your hard work--be sure to give some thought to laying out paths through the blooms.