Get ready to fall in love with some of the most stunning summer-blooming plants native to the US. From the classic black-eyed Susan to the unique Culver’s root, these plants are not only gorgeous but also super easy to grow.
We’ve included essential information on each plant’s characteristics, some planting advice, and handy maintenance tips to help you create a thriving, low-maintenance garden that showcases the natural beauty of American flora.
1) Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
These cheerful, daisy-like flowers feature bright yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. They bloom from summer to fall and are loved by pollinators. Plant them in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
2) Blanket flower (Gaillardia aristata)
Blanket flowers have vibrant, pinwheel-like blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They thrive in full sun and tolerate drought and poor soil. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. These low-maintenance beauties are a favorite among butterflies.
3) Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
These iconic prairie plants have large, purple, daisy-like flowers that bloom from summer to fall. They attract butterflies and make excellent cut flowers. Plant them in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Echinacea is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
4) Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
This milkweed species features clusters of vibrant orange flowers that are irresistible to butterflies and hummingbirds. It’s essential for monarch butterfly larvae. Grow in full sun and well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering, as it prefers dry conditions.
5) Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Strikingly beautiful, cardinal flowers have spikes of vivid red blooms that hummingbirds adore. They prefer moist soil and partial shade, making them perfect for woodland gardens or pond edges. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
6) Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea)
This eye-catching sage features spikes of vibrant red flowers that bloom throughout the summer, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
7) Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
These iconic summer flowers come in various sizes and colors, from classic yellow to red and orange. They love full sun and well-draining soil. Sunflowers attract pollinators and make fantastic cut flowers. Taller varieties may need staking.
8) Bee balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee balm has unique, shaggy flower heads in shades of red, pink, or purple, which attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness and prevent powdery mildew by ensuring good air circulation.
9) Blazing star (Liatris spicata)
This striking plant features tall spikes of purple, feathery flowers that bloom from the top down. It’s a magnet for butterflies and bees. Grow in full sun and well-draining soil. Liatris is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
10) Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Similar to bee balm, wild bergamot has lavender-pink, tubular flowers that attract pollinators. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.
11) Tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata)
Tickseed features bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom throughout the summer. It’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and prevent self-seeding.
12) Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Garden phlox offers fragrant clusters of flowers in various colors, including pink, purple, and white. It blooms mid-summer to fall and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Grow in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Provide good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
13) Purpletop vervain (Verbena bonariensis)
This tall, airy plant features clusters of small, purple flowers on slender stems, creating a lovely hazy effect. It’s a butterfly favorite and blooms from summer to fall. Grow in full sun and well-draining soil. It self-seeds readily, so remove spent flowers to control spread.
14) Western yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow has flat-topped clusters of tiny, white, or pale pink flowers that bloom throughout the summer. It’s drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators. Grow in full sun and well-draining soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
15) Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis)
Lupines have tall spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Lupines fix nitrogen in the soil, making them a great companion plant.
16) Smooth oxeye (Heliopsis helianthoides)
This sunflower-like plant features golden-yellow flowers that bloom from summer to fall. It’s low-maintenance and attracts pollinators. Grow in full sun and well-draining soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
17) Stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida)
Goldenrod has plumes of bright yellow flowers that bloom in late summer to fall, providing a valuable nectar source for pollinators. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Goldenrod is often mistaken for ragweed, but it does not cause allergies.
18) Prairie coneflower (Ratibida columnifera)
Also known as Mexican hat, this plant features unique, elongated central cones surrounded by drooping, yellow or red petals. It blooms from summer to fall and attracts butterflies. Grow in full sun and well-draining soil.
19) Prairie phlox (Phlox pilosa)
Prairie phlox has clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers that bloom in spring to early summer. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. This low-growing plant is perfect for rock gardens or borders.
20) Culver’s root (Veronicastrum virginicum)
This tall, stately plant features spikes of small white or pale pink flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. It attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Culver’s root prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It’s a low-maintenance plant that adds vertical interest to gardens and naturalized areas.
