Well, hello there, fellow garden enthusiast! It’s that time of year again. June has come knocking, bringing sunshine, blue skies, and the gentle hum of bees. If your garden’s looking a bit forlorn or if you’ve been procrastinating (guilty as charged!), don’t fret!
Let’s inject some life into our gardens together. Now is the perfect time to get stuck in and plant some perennial flowers. These are the hardy souls of the plant world, returning year after year to give your garden a continual display of color and life.
And lucky for us, there are plenty of them that just adore being planted in June. So, put on your gardening gloves, and let’s dive into the list of the top 18 popular perennial plants that you can plant this month.
Ready to get down and dirty? Let’s do this!
1. Coneflowers (Echinacea):
Named after the Greek word ‘echinos’, meaning hedgehog, coneflowers wear their spiky, cone-shaped centers like a badge of honor. This hardy plant is known for its resilience in the face of harsh summers.
The coneflower doesn’t just tolerate the summer sun, it basks in it. They are available in various colors, from classic white to vibrant pink, and their enticing petals are an irresistible invitation to bees and butterflies.
With coneflowers in your garden, you’ll have pollinators swooping in like guests at a red carpet event.
2. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta):
Named after the myth of Black-eyed Susan looking for her love among a fleet of ships, this flower is quite the resilient romantic. Its golden petals form a stunning halo around a dark, richly colored center.
Though this beauty is not much of a morning person and prefers the afternoon sun, the Black-eyed Susan is easy to care for and reliably returns year after year.
3. Sage (Salvia):
Sage is a versatile herb that not only brings a burst of flavor to your dishes but also brings a splash of purple-blue to your garden.
When in bloom, sage produces a delightful display of flowers that can elevate the look of any garden. Plus, the satisfaction of plucking fresh sage leaves for your roast chicken? Priceless.
4. Hostas:
These perennials are the perfect understory plant, providing a lush green contrast to any larger plants you may have in your garden.
While their flowers are stunning when they bloom in the summer, hostas are most appreciated for their foliage, which comes in various shapes, sizes, and even colors. Keep a keen eye out for slugs, though – they’re notorious for snacking on these beauties.
5. Daylilies (Hemerocallis):
Daylilies are the superheroes of the flower world, tackling pests and diseases while maintaining their vibrant beauty.
Their trumpet-shaped blooms come in a wide spectrum of colors, from bold oranges and reds to delicate pinks and purples. Known for their high bloom count, daylilies will ensure your garden has a steady stream of vibrant flowers all summer long.
6. Astilbe:
The Astilbe is an eye-catching perennial that boasts feathery plumes of color and fine, fern-like foliage. Despite its delicate appearance, Astilbe is a strong contender for the summer garden, tolerating shade and even moisture. It’s a show-stopper, bringing a touch of whimsy and texture to your garden.
7. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia):
This hardy perennial may not be Russian or sage, but it brings a strong game to your garden with its tall, airy spires of lavender-blue flowers.
It’s a real boon for dry, sunny areas, adding height and a lovely soft texture. But beware, it comes with a powerful sage-like fragrance that can be a touch divisive in the gardening community.
8. Phlox:
This modestly named plant brings a punch of color and fragrance to your summer garden. The star-shaped flowers bloom in clusters and come in various vibrant colors, making it a darling among butterflies.
The sweet, honey-like scent it emits in the evening is the cherry on top of this delightful perennial.
9. Lavender (Lavandula):
Imagine the serene, calming scent of lavender wafting through your garden. Its silver-green foliage and iconic purple flower spikes not only beautify your garden but also attract a multitude of pollinators.
And if you’re into DIY projects, lavender can be used for everything from culinary dishes to homemade skincare products.
10. Coral Bells (Heuchera):
The dramatic foliage of the Coral Bells makes it a favorite among gardeners. The foliage ranges from bright lime green to deep burgundy, providing a year-round spectacle of color.
When it blooms, tiny bell-shaped flowers rise above the foliage on tall stems, adding yet another level of interest to your garden.
11. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra):
Bleeding Hearts are known for their dramatic, heart-shaped flowers that hang delicately from arching stems. A shade-loving perennial, the Bleeding Heart adds a touch of romance and whimsy to those forgotten corners of your garden.
12. Bee Balm (Monarda):
The Bee Balm is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, thanks to its showy, bright flowers and sweet scent. Its nectar-rich blooms come in an array of colors, turning your garden into the equivalent of a busy bee café.
13. Peonies:
Peonies offer large, elegant blooms that make a statement in any garden. Their blooms range from pure white to deep reds and even yellows. Peonies are like the Hollywood A-listers of the garden – luxurious, captivating, and timeless.
14. Japanese Anemones:
Blooming from late summer into the fall, Japanese Anemones are a welcome sight when other perennials start to fade. Their simple, yet elegant flowers are a striking addition to any garden, particularly those with shady areas.
15. Tickseed (Coreopsis):
Known for its bright, sunny flowers, Tickseed is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that’s perfect for gardeners who like their plants a bit more on the ‘independent’ side.
16. Foxglove (Digitalis):
Foxgloves are towering beauties that add height and drama to your garden. Their tubular flowers range from purple to white and are often speckled inside, which just adds to their charm.
Remember, though, all parts of this plant are toxic if ingested, so keep them out of reach from pets and children.
17. Chrysanthemums:
Chrysanthemums provide a fireworks display of color in the fall, just as most other plants are fading. They’re also a popular choice for cut flowers, allowing you to bring a little bit of your garden’s joy indoors.
18. Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum):
Nothing quite says ‘summer’ like the Shasta Daisy. These hardy perennials offer an abundance of bright white and yellow flowers that seem to dance in the summer breeze. Their simplicity and charm make them a favorite among gardeners.
Green Thumb Tips for Planting Perennials in June
As you embark on your gardening journey this June, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about watering, particularly during the initial weeks when your plants are settling into their new home.
June often ushers in drier weather conditions, meaning your new perennials might require some extra hydration love. Think of them as celebrities in need of an extra refreshing spritz on a hot day.
Next up, let’s talk location, location, location. While many of our perennial friends are sun-worshippers, even they appreciate a bit of afternoon shade when the summer sun is at its peak. Remember, even the most sun-loving plants can get a little sunburned.
Another aspect to consider when planning your garden is diversity. In terms of height, color, and blooming times, the more variety, the merrier!
By thoughtfully selecting a mix of plants, you can create a garden that remains vibrant and exciting throughout the season, instead of one that blooms all at once and then looks a bit… hungover for the rest of the summer.
Lastly, and most importantly, don’t hesitate to let your creativity fly. Gardening is as much an art as it is a science. Like a living painting, your garden is a canvas where you can experiment and express yourself. Try new plants, rearrange them, play around.
If plants were people, they’d probably be bohemians – they love change and experiments. So don your metaphorical beret, embrace the spirit of exploration, and above all, enjoy the process. Gardening should be a joy, not a chore! Remember, there’s no such thing as mistakes in gardening, only experiments.
And there you have it – 18 popular perennial plants you can plant in June to create a garden that’s the envy of the neighborhood. Remember, a garden is a living, growing thing, and it’s a reflection of you.
So, enjoy the process, laugh at the mistakes, and rejoice in the successes. Now, it’s time to get your hands dirty! Happy planting, my green-fingered friend.