Hello there, fellow garden lovers! If you’re like me, you take joy in seeing your garden flourishing throughout the year. But wait, it’s July and your garden looks a tad bit dull? Fear not! I have some amazing recommendations for you.
Today, I’m going to share the absolute best perennials you can plant in July. Because who doesn’t want a garden that’s still bursting with life and color in the sweltering summer months, right?
Beautiful Perennials You Can Plant in July
There’s no denying the simple pleasure of basking in the warmth of a July afternoon. The sun is high, the birds are singing, and it feels like the world is in full bloom. But wait a minute, is your garden feeling the same summer vibe? If you’re looking to spice up your green space with some vivacious perennials, you’re in the right place.
Planting in July might seem like a fever dream (with the key word being ‘fever’), but let me tell you a secret – some perennials are like the ice-cream lovers of the plant world. They simply adore the sun! And their blooms are like fireworks that light up your garden in an explosion of color and life.
From the beloved Daylily to the underrated Yarrow, we’ve got the who’s who of the perennial world that thrive under the summer sun. Let’s give your garden a little bit of that July magic with these stunning and sturdy perennials.
1. Echinacea:
First on our list is Echinacea, or the Purple Coneflower. Now, I’m not just talking about your grandma’s Echinacea. These beauties come in a variety of vibrant colors like pink, red, orange, and even yellow.
Echinacea is a rugged little plant and doesn’t mind the heat, making it an excellent choice for a July planting. Plus, they attract butterflies! Who doesn’t love a garden that doubles as a butterfly café?
2. Daylilies:
Daylilies are next up, and they’re ready to shine in your garden! This is one resilient plant, and its motto might as well be, “Survive and thrive.”
They grow fast, they’re heat tolerant, and they come in a wild range of colors. The only thing these gems need is full sun and well-drained soil. Sit back and watch as your daylilies show the sun who’s boss!
3. Russian Sage:
You might think I’ve gone mad suggesting a plant with ‘Russian’ in its name for your hot July garden. But hear me out! Russian Sage loves the sun and will reward you with spires of lavender-blue flowers that even your butterflies and bees can’t resist. Yes, it’s like having your very own wildlife party in the garden!
4. Shasta Daisies:
There’s something so charming about the classic Shasta Daisy, isn’t there? They’re like little suns with their radiant yellow centers! They’re hardy, they’re easy to grow, and they’re not picky about the soil. It’s like they’ve graduated from the school of low-maintenance gardening with honors!
5. Black-Eyed Susan:
Black-Eyed Susans, or Rudbeckia, are the life of the party in any summer garden. These sunny, hardy perennials bring an instant smile to anyone’s face. They are drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and if that wasn’t enough, they’re also a magnet for butterflies and pollinators. All hail the queen of the July garden!
6. Coreopsis:
Coreopsis, or tickseed, are perennials with star power. They produce a burst of colorful blooms that can light up any garden.
They love sunny spots, and they’re not too fussy about the soil. The best part? They bloom and bloom and then bloom some more. It’s like having a never-ending fireworks display in your garden!
7. Lavender:
Ah, lavender! Who can resist its calming scent and beautiful purple hue? Not me, that’s for sure! A sun-lover that’s drought-resistant and deer-resistant (Yes, it’s like the superhero of perennials!), lavender is an excellent addition to your July garden.
It’s also great for creating your own home-made potpourri. Imagine that—your garden smells like Provence!
8. Yarrow:
Last but not least on our list is the underappreciated Yarrow. This little powerhouse loves the heat and is drought tolerant. Yarrow’s delicate flowers are like little fireworks, adding a touch of whimsy to your garden.
And the best part? They’re excellent for drying and using in arrangements, meaning you can enjoy a touch of July in your home all year long.
9. Asters:
Asters, the stars of the garden, are another excellent choice for your July planting. They love full sun and well-drained soil. And guess what? They’re low-maintenance, making them perfect for any gardeners who like to enjoy their garden more than they like to work in it (we all know who we are!).
10. Sedum:
Sedum, or stonecrop, are the unsung heroes of the late summer garden. These plants love the sun, they’re drought-tolerant, and their richly-colored blooms add a pop to any garden landscape. Plus, their interesting, fleshy foliage offers a textural element that sets them apart from other perennials.
11. Blanket Flowers:
Last but not least, let’s not forget the Blanket Flowers or Gaillardia. These perennials are like the energizer bunnies of the garden world.
They start blooming in early summer and keep going until the fall. Their bright, daisy-like flowers add a splash of color to your garden that’s hard to miss. And did I mention, they’re extremely drought-tolerant and low maintenance?
12. Veronica:
Often overlooked, Veronica, also known as Speedwell, is one of those sturdy, reliable perennials that deserve a spot in every garden. Its upright growth and bright, spiky flowers add height and color to your garden. And guess what? Veronica is pretty unfussy about where it grows as long as it gets plenty of sun.
13. Salvia:
When you think of hardy, drought-tolerant, and sun-loving perennials, Salvia should spring to mind. These plants produce beautiful spikes of flowers in an array of colors—blue, purple, pink, and red.
The sight of a butterfly perched on a Salvia spike is one of those heart-warming garden moments you won’t want to miss!
14. Japanese Anemone:
The Japanese Anemone is like the surprise birthday gift of your garden. Just when other perennials start to tire out, these late bloomers come to life, adding fresh color from mid to late summer.
They prefer a spot with some afternoon shade and well-drained soil. With their elegant, nodding blooms, these perennials will bring a touch of class to any garden.
15. Lamb’s Ear:
Last but not least, let’s not forget about Lamb’s Ear. Now, before you scratch your head wondering why someone would plant a lamb’s ear in their garden, let me assure you, it’s a plant!
Its unique silver, fuzzy leaves are where it gets its name from. Not only does it add an interesting texture to your garden, but it’s also incredibly drought-tolerant.
With these perennials, your July garden will not only survive the summer heat but absolutely thrive in it! So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a green-thumbed novice, why not try adding a few of these beauties to your garden?
I guarantee they will return your love tenfold with their stunning blooms and all-round toughness.
How to Nurture Your July Perennials for Beautiful Blooms
Even the hardiest perennials appreciate a little TLC, so let’s dive a bit deeper into caring for your newly planted July perennials.
Irrigation Insights:
While watering needs vary depending on the plant and local climate, most perennials prefer a deep watering rather than frequent, shallow waterings. The best time to water your plants is early in the morning before the heat of the day hits.
It allows the plants to absorb the water without it evaporating quickly. For most perennials, one inch of water per week is the sweet spot, but be sure to adjust as needed for your specific plants and weather conditions.
The Miracle of Mulching:
Mulching goes beyond weed control and moisture retention. It also regulates soil temperature and improves its fertility as it breaks down.
A layer of organic mulch like compost, shredded bark, or straw can be a game-changer for your perennials. Remember to keep the mulch away from the plant stems to avoid rot. So, make mulching your weekend mantra, and your garden will thank you!
Pruning Power and Deadheading Dynamics:
Regular pruning and deadheading can encourage healthier, more vigorous growth in your plants. For perennials like Daylilies and Coneflowers, removing spent flowers can stimulate more blooming. And when it comes to pruning, it’s all about timing.
Prune in the late winter or early spring to remove old growth and make way for new. Remember, every snip you make is a signal to the plant on where to focus its energy—so wield your pruning shears wisely!
Feeding Your Flowers:
Many perennials are quite self-sufficient, but they could still benefit from a little snack now and then. And by ‘snack’, I mean a good balanced fertilizer! An annual feed in early spring with a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer will usually do the trick.
If your soil is particularly poor, you might want to feed again in midsummer. Remember, too much of a good thing can be harmful, so don’t overdo it on the fertilizer!
Befriending the Bugs:
Believe it or not, not all bugs are bad for your garden. Some, like ladybugs and spiders, are natural predators to pests that can wreak havoc on your plants.
So, before you reach for that insecticide, take a moment to identify who’s really eating your plants. You might just find that nature has its own pest control in place!
Dividing Duties:
Over time, perennials can become overcrowded and less vigorous. That’s when it’s time to divide! Dividing perennials not only keeps them healthy but can also provide you with additional plants for your garden.
The best time to divide is generally in the spring or fall, but remember, timing can vary depending on the specific plant.
Sunlight and Soil Savvy:
Finally, always remember to consider the needs of each specific plant when choosing a spot in your garden. Most perennials love the sun, but some might prefer a bit of afternoon shade.
Similarly, while many perennials are tolerant of various soil types, they all appreciate well-drained soil. Amending your soil with organic matter can improve both drainage and nutrient content.
Just like us, plants too need a bit of care and attention to truly thrive. Water them when they’re thirsty, give them a nice blanket of mulch, and prune when necessary.
It’s as simple as that! With these tips and tricks, your garden will not just survive but become the envy of the neighborhood! So, it’s time to roll up those sleeves, put on your favorite gardening hat, and step into the world of your garden. After all, happiness is a well-tended garden.
Planting perennials in July might seem like a wild idea, but with these sturdy and beautiful varieties, your garden will be thriving under the summer sun. So grab your gardening gloves and hat, let’s give your garden a July jamboree it won’t forget.
After all, it’s not just about the destination (a.k.a., a stunning garden), it’s about the joyous journey of gardening. And remember, the secret to a green thumb is loving your plants. Happy gardening!