June often feel like nature ’s launch diggings — garden beds bursting with early - season perennials , stamp seedlings last settle down in , and the promise of prospicient , bloom - make full days forward . There ’s nothing quite like stepping into a garden in June and knowing that your next couple of months will be awash in color and hum with pollinator activity . However , it can be overpowering deciding which efflorescence to plant now to ensure uninterrupted blossoms through July , August , and into early fall . I ’ve been there — implant too early with spring cool - time of year annuals that peter out by midsummer , or relying solely on perennials that do n’t really hit their stride until late July . If you ’re read this finger anxious about prevent blank patch from appearing by mid - June , you ’re in the right position !

Below , I ’ll share 13 prodigious flowers — each with robust late - springiness plantability and a noteworthy ability to keep blooming until the first frost . We ’ll delve into their aboriginal origins , check for any incursive tendencies , explore how they pull in beneficial insects ( or discourage pests ) , and give you hardheaded tips on planting , soil , and manage in June . Whether you have a full sunlight delimitation , a shady terrace , or a smattering of containers , you ’ll find options that suit your weather condition and keep your garden alive with color . From dwarf sunflowers that seem to chase the Sunday to low - maturate portulaca that flourish in scorching heating plant , these pick will help you avoid the “ summer slump ” in your flower beds — will you to enjoy slothful even among bloom sweetheart rather than weep over melt leafage !

Cosmos

Cosmos ( Cosmos bipinnatus ) , native to Mexico and Central America , are quintessential summer - drawers that thrive when sown in June ’s warming soils . Plant cosmos seed directly in well - drain beds , space them about 12 inches apart ; they germinate in just 7–10 days . These daisy - comparable annual produce airy leaf topped with dainty white , pink , or deep uprise blooms that sway graciously in every breeze ! I remember sowing a patch last June and being delighted by how quickly they filled in bare spots , even after earlier - season plants faded under the high warmth .

One starring feature of cosmos is their magnetic force to pollinators : honeybee , bumblebee , and native solitary bee flit among the open petals , hoard copious ambrosia and pollen . Butterflies — particularly monarchs and swallowtails — are also frequent visitors , often rest on the petals before continuing their migration journeys . The slender stems provide perches for bit pirate bug and hoverflies that William Holman Hunt aphid in nearby layer , advance natural pest control . Cosmos are n’t invasive in most area , though they ego - ejaculate munificently ; if you want to limit military volunteer , but deadhead spent blooms before seed pod form . They ’ll keep blooming from mid - June until freeze , bring home the bacon a grim spatter of colour that lighten up any garden space .

Marigolds

Marigolds ( Tagetesspp . ) , native to Mexico and Central America , are renowned for their vibrant golden and orangish hues that seem to glow even under blaze away summertime sun . Sow seeds directly in June or transplant greenhouse - mature seedlings , spacing them 8–12 inches apart in full sun and fertile , well - draining dirt . These stalwart annual handle high temperatures and poor dirt intimately than many others — one of my go - to recommendations when summer seems hot than usual ! Their stocky form and abundant blooms also make them a favorite for march edge or fill up container garden .

Beyond their pollyannaish appearance , marigolds ooze a pungent aroma — specially Gallic marigold ( Tagetes patula)—that repels many insect pest , including nematodes that harm root vegetables . However , Japanese beetles ( Popillia japonica ) , invasive in parts of North America , are really attract to sure marigold variety ; if you notice big beetle congregations , move out those plants or deadhead often to reduce infestation . On the good side , marigolds delineate hoverflies and epenthetic wasps that raven on aphids and caterpillars . By June , await non - stop blooms that last until the first frost , put up continuous color and natural pest direction in your prime beds !

Zinnias

Zinnias ( Zinnia elegans ) , indigen of Mexico , are a summertime gardener ’s delight when plant in June . Sow seeds instantly in gay position with well - draining filth , spacing them about 6–12 column inch asunder depending on the multifariousness — big dahlias - style old maid flower need more way , while midget type can be closer together . They germinate in 5–7 twenty-four hour period , and presently chummy green foliage produces bright , pompom - like blossoms in pinks , reds , yellowness , and purpleness . Their tough stem make them everlasting for cut off gardens : I love clip off a few bloom each dayspring for unfermented vases — such an instant mood lifter !

Zinnias are also pollinator powerhouses . humblebee , butterflies ( especially swallowtails and checkered lily ) , and native solitary bees swarm the flavourless , open centers look for ambrosia , while peeress beetles police for aphids that sneak in on emerge leafage . One point : watch for powdery mould , which can appear in late midsummer — plant resistant miscellanea like ‘ Lilliput ’ or ‘ Benary ’s Giant ’ and ensure good air circulation by spacing flora adequately . When you deadhead zinnia regularly , they ’ll produce new blooms well into September , making them a June planting you ’ll thank yourself for when August heat bakes everything else .

Sunflower (Dwarf Varieties)

sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) , beloved for their golden faces that give chase the sun , are not just for spring plantings — certain dwarf variety sown in early June still reach blooming stature and add cheerful dramatic play to gardens . Choose compact type like ‘ Teddy Bear ’ or ‘ cheery Smile , ’ which get 1–2 base marvellous and bloom about 60 years after sowing . Plant seed 1 column inch deeply in fertile , well - drain soil with full Dominicus photograph , space them 6–12 inches asunder . Within two weeks , bright green seedlings appear , and those iconic petals burst subject by late July or early August .

These pollyannaish flowers are attractive feature for pollinator : honeybees and native swither bees scrounge the disk florets for pollen , while butterflies and hoverflies visit for ambrosia . Plus , the unspecific leaves create shade underneath , offering refuge for pocket-size ground beetle that hunt sluggard and caterpillars in the grunge . Since helianthus can self - seed , adult plants that drop ejaculate in late summer may pop up volunteers next year — so if you want a sizable feel , remove spend head before full seed maturation . Dwarf sunflowers lighten up container gardens and border alike , ensuring that even a June planting yields that iconic “ cheery ” vibe all summer long .

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums ( Tropaeolum majus ) , native to Central and South America , are versatile annuals that prosper when sow in or transplanted in June . They farm easily in most grime — though they prefer lean , well - draining experimental condition — and require at least 6 hours of Sunday . Directly seed seeds ½ in rich and 10–12 inches apart , or pop in nursery commencement after the last frost . quick days set off quick ontogenesis ; within 3 to 4 workweek , you ’ll see lush , round leaves and vivacious orangish , sensationalistic , or red bloom . nasturtium are edible , too — peppery petals make splendid salad garnish and open up a fun way to get kids interested in horticulture !

One standout feature of nasturtiums is their persona as “ trap crops ” : they lure aphid away from more bid vegetables , make them biological pestilence controllers in summer garden . At the same prison term , beneficials like hoverflies and predatory white Anglo-Saxon Protestant frequent the blossoms , hunting any pest insects lie in wait amid the leave . The trailing varieties shed graciously over containers , while erect forms — though non - native — remain non - invasive in most regions , provide a wad of color that lasts until the first frost . With minimal fertilization — too much nitrogen leads to lush foliation but thin flower — Nasturtium sown in June will cascade down beauty across flower bed and veggie garden all summer long .

Portulaca (Moss Rose)

Portulaca ( Portulaca grandiflora ) , also call moss ascend , is a heat - bang succulent one-year aboriginal to South America that thrives when plant in June ’s full Dominicus . Sow sow directly or transplant midget plugs in well - draining , sandlike soil ; allow at least 6 inches of spacing for spread kind . Within Day , succulent folio appear , follow quickly by vibrant single or double blooms in pinks , red ink , orange , and whites . Their soft stem hug the flat coat , creating a colorful mat that endures blistering heatwithout ill — staring for containers , sway garden , or as border groundcover .

Portulaca blooms close at night and open again at cockcrow , offering a active , living clock in your garden . pollinator like native bee and small butterflies dart in to sip nectar from the candid rosiness during daytime hour , while the sarcoid leaves bring home the bacon minimal shade , discourage slugs and snails . Because portulaca is not invasive and expect almost no supplementary watering once established , it ’s a gardener ’s dream for those hot summer weekend when irrigation is sporadic . By July and August , your garden will be splendiferous with the moss rose ’s jewel - toned rug , demonstrate that a June planting can indeed buckle under nonstop summer brilliance .

Geraniums (Pelargonium)

Geraniums ( Pelargoniumspp . ) , native to South Africa , are classic summer favorites that flourish when plant in June . opt zonal geraniums ( Pelargonium × hortorum ) or ivy geranium ( genus Pelargonium peltatum ) , and plant in fertile , well - drain soil with at least six hours of sun per day . Space plants 10–12 in apart , ensuring good air circulation to tighten disease risk . Once they settle down in , they ’ll quickly produce clusters of vibrant blooms — crop from crimson to flush — against a backdrop of rounded or tag foliage . I call up how last June ’s heatwave barely fazed my geranium ; they performed like trooper while other container plant wilt .

Beyond their beauty , geraniums attract a variety of pollinators : Apis mellifera and bumblebee forage for nectar in plentiful blush , while hoverflies zip in to inquire any aphid colonies . The aromatic leafage also deters some pests ; the scent of crushed leaves repels certain mosquito and deer , making geranium a three-fold - purpose selection near terrace and walking path . In realm where overwintering is dispute , geraniums can be bring indoors or treated as annuals , ensuring you could start unfermented each June . As midsummer heat intensifies , these dependably flower flora keep your flower beds and container colorful and live until hoar come .

Salvia (Sage)

Salvia ( Salviaspp . ) , part of the mint fellowship and aboriginal to region array from the Mediterranean to Latin America , includes many varieties that bloom prolifically when planted or transplant in June . Consider one-year salvias likeSalvia coccinea(scarlet salvia ) or cutter perennials such asSalvia nemorosa(meadow sage ) in zones 5 and above . Plant them in well - debilitate soil with full sunlight , spacing perennials 12–18 inches apart and annuals around 8–10 in aside . By July , these plants erupt in ear of purple , blue , red , or white bloom that last well into fall — one of my favorite midsummer passel .

salvia ’s cannular blossoms attract hummingbird , bumblebees , and aboriginal solitary bees — especially hummingbird sage , whose ruby-red peak are irresistible to ruby - throated hummingbirds . Hoverflies and predatory wasps also haunt the blossom spikes , taking advantage of nectar while patrol for aphid . Salvias seldom become invasive ( with the elision of some hardy repeated metal money in milder area ) , and their fragrant foliage often deters rabbits and deer . With minimal deadheading — cut back spikes just above new side shoots — salvia continues flower unabated all summer . Planting salvias in June ensures you ’ll savour hummingbird visits and buzzing bee mightily through September ’s first chills .

Vinca (Periwinkle)

Vinca , or Madagascar periwinkle ( Catharanthus roseus ) , a tender one-year native to Madagascar , fly high in June ’s heat and drought , make it ideal for beds and container . Sow seeds or graft seedling once land temps reach 65 ° atomic number 9 , space them 6–8 inches asunder in well - debilitate , alimentary - plenteous soil with at least six hours of sun . Their glossy , dark - green folio tolerate upbeat single blooms in shades of pinkish , regal , red , and white that persist even as higher summer temperature set in . I remember planting a bed of periwinkle last June , and they make full in desolate spots within weeks , offering non - hold back color even when other annuals blow over .

One marvellous prospect of Cape periwinkle is its ability to attract pollinators while discouraging gadfly . Though their star - determine flowers invoke to modest butterflies and sealed solitary bee seek nectar , the foliage is n’t particularly palatable to deer or rabbits — thoroughgoing if wildlife pressure is high in your area . Vinca is not considered invasive in most temperate zones , provide you off drop blooms and deflect let seeds blow into natural areas . In accession , periwinkle ’s robust form suppresses Mary Jane , reduce habitat for slug and escargot that prefer lush , dampish leafage . With minimum criminal maintenance beyond occasional deadheading , periwinkle plant in June will flourish until the first frost , delivering reliable summer cheer .

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

Blanket flower ( Gaillardiaspp . ) , native to North and South America , is prized for its daisy - alike heads featuring bicolored red , yellow , and orangish petals that come out to shine warmheartedness . Plant cover flowers in June in well - draining , sandy or loamy territory with full sun exposure — these sun - lovers bristle with blooms when other plant droop in mid - summer heating . I still call in digging divisions and transplanting them last June ; within days , the baby plant stock vibrant bloom that lasted well into September . Established mantle flowers can self - seed , though they rarely become invasive — just deadhead spent blush to control volunteer if you wish .

These flowers are veritable pollinator magnet : bumblebees , honeybees , and native sweat bee swarm the open eye , collecting pollen while furnish critical pollination services in your garden . butterfly — especially black hairstreak butterfly and monarchs — frequently perch on the colorful flower petal , sip nectar and rest between flight of stairs . Below the blooms , undercoat beetles and small spiders police for pest like aphids and Caterpillar , add up an extra proportion of natural pest controller . Because cover flower tolerate poor soils and occasional drought , a June planting gives you month of reliable , fiery color and a thriving hot spot for pollinator activity — an absolute summer all-important !

Coreopsis (Tickseed)

tickseed ( Coreopsisspp . ) , commonly called tickseed , include several North American indigene — such asCoreopsis tinctoria — that expand when sowed or transfer in June . flora in full sun with well - debilitate grease , space plants 8–12 column inch apart . In just a few weeks , these drouth - tolerant perennial burst into bright yellow and gold — sometimes with trace of crimson — that saltation on long , wiry stems above feathery foliage . One of my favorite store is last June ’s patch ofCoreopsis lanceolatabrightening a dry patch where little else would develop ; the bees hum so loudly you could discover them from across the chiliad !

Coreopsis blooms from July through September , providing a vital recent - season pasture seed . humblebee , honeybees , and native solitary bees collect pollen from the vapid , open centre , while butterflies such as painted madam and monarchs sip nectar from the bright flower petal . These perennial also create soil - spirit level home ground for beneficial predator like lacewings and dame beetle , which keep aphid populations in substantiation . Coreopsis is not trespassing when kept within garden border , making it a reliable alternative for long - lasting summer bloom . With minimal watering and casual deadheading , a June planting give a sea of golden daisy that brighten any garden and support pollinators through the hottest months .

Petunias

Petunias ( Petunia × atkinsiana ) , hybrids originating from South American petunias native to Argentina and Brazil , are summertime bedding classics that do spectacularly when institute in June . opt vigorous spread varieties and plant them in containers , hanging baskets , or flower seam with rich , well - draining soil and six to eight hours of sun . Within a hebdomad or two , the copious cornet - shaped flower come out in an array of colors — from virtuous white to deep purpleness — creating a cascading upshot that looks like a waterfall of petal . I love how genus Petunia bounce back quickly after rainstorm , even under intense heat !

These plants also play host to pollinators : hummingbird compete with war hawk moths for their ambrosia , while small bees like sudor bees collect pollen from the sticky stamen . Petunias also pull good hoverflies , which feed on aphids and wait on as weed pollinators . Be mindful that certain strains — especially those bred for extreme showiness — may be less fragrant and slightly less attractive to pollinator . If you care about fragrance and bee visits , look for thinly scented heritage varieties . Regular deadheading of spent blossom further unexampled heyday to open and maintain the plants front bully . seeded or transplanted in June , petunias can bloom incessantly until freeze , adding vivacious color and pollinator interest throughout summer .

Lantana

Lantana ( Lantana camara ) , native to tropical regions of Central and South America , expand in June ’s lovesome soils and summer sun , producing bunch of multi - colored tubular blush . constitute new seedling or transplants in full sunshine with well - draining dirt , spacing them about 18–24 inches apart — lantana appreciates elbow room to spread . I discovered ‘ Miss Huff , ’ a compact cultivar , last June ; within weeks , it erupted into a combination of red , orange , yellow , and pinkish blooms that seemed to glow under the afternoon sun . Its tolerance for heat and drought makes it an ideal pick for hot , ironical climates .

One of the most compelling reasons to constitute lantana is its pollinator appeal : hummingbird oesophagus on the nectar , and butterfly — like Danaus plexippus and swallowtails — clump en masse shot on the flower heads , establish your garden an enchanting flutter . bee also call in to pick up just enough nectar to fire their foraging flight . Keep in mind that lantana can become trespassing in warm region ( zones 9–11 ) , seeding prolifically if not wield . To prevent unwanted spreading , deadhead spent peak head before they develop berry - like seeds and moot container planting in cooler or at - risk area . When maintained responsibly , a June planting of lantana keeps your summer garden awash in colour and hummingbird serenades .

cosmos flowering in a field

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french marigold

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american giant sunflower

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annual geranium

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Cardonna Salvia

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vinca flower

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blanket flower

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coreopsis

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petunias

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Lantana

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