Planting For Summer Color
When it comes time to think about which plants you are going to use for your upcoming landscape project, you may be surprised at how many options are out there. When trying to achieve variety in the landscape I always want to emphasize seasonal color. One of the biggest mistakes I see homeowners make is focusing too much on one season when purchasing plants.
What do you think? Were you lacking some color these past couple months in your landscape? Whether you’re looking for flowers, shrubs, or ornamental grasses, here are six landscape plants that can provide stunning summer color to enhance your outdoor space.
1. Vitex
Also known as Chaste Tree, Vitex has lavender-blue spikes of flowers that butterflies love. Vitex is drought tolerant once established and offers a splash of color during those hot summer months. This plant is a great way to incorporate some blue into your garden.
2. Panicle Hydrangea
Cherished for their large showy blooms, hydrangeas are a favorite of many plant lovers. Panicle Hydrangeas including the varieties “Little Lime” and “Strawberry Sundae” perform really well here in Missouri. So many plants bloom for a couple weeks and then are done for the year, where hydrangeas bloom for months and can offer color all summer long.
3. Allium
Allium are members of the onion family and are extremely low maintenance. They have a globe shaped flower and offer a unique touch to summer gardens. They are drought tolerant and deer resistant. “Medusa” is one of my favorite varieties and has a light purple color to the blooms.
4. Little Bluestem
As a native prairie grass, bluestem is an excellent choice for adding texture and color to your landscape. It has blueish-green foliage and will transition to shades of red and bronze in the fall, providing multiple seasons of interest. Bluestem is drought tolerant and deer resistant making it an excellent choice for the homeowner who wants a low maintenance landscape.
5. Shasta Daisy
This is a classic summer perennial that is known for its white flowers with yellow centers. They bloom profusely from late spring to early fall. They prefer full sun and
are easy to grow and maintain.
6. Althea
Also known as Hibiscus or Rose of Sharon, Althea has large tropical looking blooms that come in white, pink, and purple. This plant prefers full sun and is another one that butterflies and wildlife love. These come in many forms and sizes so be sure to pick one that is the right size for your location.
Remember to think about seasonal color when planning your landscape. By including some of these options you will be sure to have your summer months covered. Trying to incorporate variety into your garden can be a daunting task. Talking to the staff at Superior Garden Center is a great way to get guidance in your plant selections.
Nate Anderson has been a resident of Columbia for seven years, and he has been working in the landscape industry for just as long. Nate is a designer and estimator for Rost Inc. While working on his degree in plant science and landscape design, he also worked as a foreman at Rost Landscaping, where he oversaw landscape construction projects. He credits much of his inspiration to his “early years” where he got to be a part of the construction of many beautiful landscapes.
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