April showers bring May flowers.
After some very (and we mean very) late snow and cold weather this April, it’s safe to say that Springtime is finally here. Those early-blooming daffodils are starting to wilt, cherry blossoms have lost their pink petals, and tons of fresh Spring flowers, like azaleas and roses, are getting ready to make their appearance for the season.
While springtime is iconic for all the beautiful flowers and bright colors it brings to our yards, did you know there are lots of plants and flowers that thrive in the mid-late Summer, as well? Planting some Summer flowers can help your yard look colorful and lively until those famous Fall leaves drop.
So, here are five of our favorite plants that you can put in the ground this Spring for that Summer blooming season.
1. Dahlias
Dahlias are some of the most unique and colorful flowers you can find in a yard, and they don’t usually reach peak bloom until early July to mid-August. Dahlias are planted in the form of tubers and need soil that’s at least 60º to thrive, making them perfect for planting around May.
Once planted, dahlias thrive in direct sunlight, so make sure you pick a nice, sunny spot in your yard to plant these ones.
2. Oriental Lilies
Not only are oriental lilies show-stoppingly beautiful, but they are also perfect for Pacific Northwest gardens because of how tolerant they are to slightly cooler temperatures. This specific type of lily blooms in August and has a few different varieties you can choose from depending on what color or size of plant you’re looking for.
Oriental lilies are best planted in the mid-late Spring when the soil has warmed up a bit, and they do best in direct sunlight and in a bed with good drainage so they’re not sitting in tons of water after watering.
3. Gladiolus
Gladiolus can be a very colorful addition to your garden and often grow a bit taller than some other ground plants, which brings some variety of height to your yard, as well. Gladiolus are fairly low-maintenance and easy to grow, but they need a sunny and well-drained spot in your yard.
Once the soil has warmed up this Spring, you can plant gladiolus, and they’ll be in peak bloom by August. Remember to stake your gladiolus once they start to gain their height, as they are pretty susceptible to wind and are easily knocked over.
4. Black-eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans are a pretty well-known wildflower, and they are a great option if you have a big space to fill in one of your beds. These ones need slightly warmer soil than the rest we’ve mentioned (ideally around 70-75º), so they will thrive best when planted very late-Spring (late May).
Once planted, black-eyed Susans will bloom all the way through Fall and will grow best in a sunny spot in your yard since they are a type of wildflower and are used to growing in wide-open spaces.
5. Caladium
Last, but certainly not least, is the lesser-known caladium, which is arguably more of a leafy plant than a flower (but beautiful, nonetheless!). Unlike the other plants we’ve talked about, caladiums are made for shade, but still need some significant heat to grow, making them perfect late-Summer plants for your yard.
You can get potted caladiums from a local nursery to plant in the ground, or you can plant the tubers yourself. Make sure the soil has warmed up before planting caladiums, though, as they are a tropical plant that thrives in heat!
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Regardless of your plant preferences or your garden environment, there are tons of great plants you can put in the ground this Spring to draw out those Summer blooms and greenery. Check out your local nursery or call your local landscaping professionals (like our expert designers at Greenhaven Landscapes) to figure out the perfect plantscape for your landscape.
Figuring out which plants to plant and when to plant them can be intimidating, but if you’re ready to get started, we’re ready to help! Give us a call or contact us to chat with someone on our team, and we’ll get your yard looking its very best all Summer long!