Gardens come alive in spring and summer. These seasons offer the best weather, the most sunshine, and the richest blooms. If you love color, fragrance, and life in your garden, knowing which flowers bloom in spring and summer is essential. With the right choices, you can enjoy a vibrant, blooming garden from March to August—and even beyond.
This article introduces a wide variety of flowers that bloom during spring and summer. We’ll explore different types, their growing needs, and how to combine them for long-lasting beauty. You don’t need to be a gardening expert—just a love for flowers and a little know-how.
Flowers That Bloom in Both Spring and Summer
Some flowers are true garden heroes. They start blooming in early spring and keep going through the summer heat. These long-blooming plants are perfect for gardeners who want continuous color without replanting. Let’s take a look at the best options.
Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Coreopsis blooms in late spring and continues through summer. Its daisy-like yellow flowers add cheer to borders and garden beds. They’re easy to grow and thrive in full sun.
- Bloom time: Late spring to early fall
- Sun needs: Full sun
- Height: 1 to 3 feet
- Bonus: Attracts butterflies
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are strong, hardy flowers that bloom in late spring and continue throughout summer. They come in pink, purple, white, and orange. They’re drought-tolerant and great for pollinators.
- Bloom time: Late spring to late summer
- Sun needs: Full sun
- Height: 2 to 4 feet
- Bonus: Great in fresh or dried arrangements
Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisies begin blooming in late spring and can last all summer. With clean white petals and yellow centers, they brighten up any garden.
- Bloom time: Late spring to late summer
- Sun needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Height: 2 to 3 feet
- Bonus: Deer-resistant
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
Blanket flowers bring bold reds, oranges, and yellows into your garden. They bloom in spring and won’t stop until the first frost.
- Bloom time: Spring through summer
- Sun needs: Full sun
- Height: 1 to 2 feet
- Bonus: Very drought-resistant
Geranium (Perennial Varieties)
Perennial geraniums bloom from late spring into summer. They come in soft pinks, purples, and blues. These are low-maintenance and can even be used as ground covers.
- Bloom time: Late spring to early summer (with some repeat bloomers)
- Sun needs: Sun to partial shade
- Height: 1 to 2 feet
- Bonus: Spreads gently but doesn’t take over
Spring-Blooming Flowers That Set the Stage
Spring is the time of rebirth. Many flowers bloom only in spring, creating a magical display after the cold months. These flowers might not last into summer, but they mark the beginning of the blooming season with style.
Tulips
Tulips are a spring garden favorite. They come in nearly every color and size and are one of the most popular spring bloomers.
- Bloom time: Early to late spring
- Sun needs: Full sun
- Height: 10 to 24 inches
- Bonus: Ideal for containers and borders
Daffodils
Bright and cheerful, daffodils are among the first flowers to bloom in spring. They naturalize well and return year after year.
- Bloom time: Early to mid-spring
- Sun needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Height: 6 to 20 inches
- Bonus: Rodent and deer resistant
Hyacinths
Hyacinths bring color and strong fragrance. Their dense flower spikes are great for early spring beauty.
- Bloom time: Early spring
- Sun needs: Full sun to light shade
- Height: 6 to 12 inches
- Bonus: Sweet scent fills the air
Crocus
Crocuses bloom even before the snow fully melts. These tiny flowers are a lovely sign of spring.
- Bloom time: Very early spring
- Sun needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Height: 3 to 6 inches
- Bonus: Ideal for planting under trees
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
Bleeding hearts offer arching stems filled with pink, red, or white heart-shaped flowers. They bloom in mid-spring and do best in shade.
- Bloom time: Mid to late spring
- Sun needs: Partial shade
- Height: 1 to 3 feet
- Bonus: Adds drama to woodland gardens
Summer-Blooming Flowers That Steal the Show
As spring gives way to summer, the garden transforms. These summer bloomers thrive in warmer temperatures and fill your space with vivid hues.
Black-Eyed Susan
These sunny flowers bloom from mid-summer into fall. Their bold yellow petals and dark centers are perfect for wildflower-style gardens.
- Bloom time: Summer to fall
- Sun needs: Full sun
- Height: 1 to 3 feet
- Bonus: Self-seeds and returns yearly
Zinnias
Zinnias are vibrant and easy to grow. They love heat and come in a rainbow of colors.
- Bloom time: Late spring through summer
- Sun needs: Full sun
- Height: 6 inches to 3 feet
- Bonus: Great for cutting gardens
Marigolds
Marigolds bloom all summer with bright orange and yellow petals. They also repel pests, making them great companion plants.
- Bloom time: Early summer to frost
- Sun needs: Full sun
- Height: 6 to 24 inches
- Bonus: Edible petals in salads
Daylilies
Daylilies bloom through the summer, with each flower lasting just a day but many buds on each stem.
Bloom time: Early to late summer
Sun needs: Full sun to light shade
Height: 1 to 4 feet
Bonus: Nearly indestructible
Lavender
Lavender gives you purple blooms and heavenly scent all summer long. It’s loved in both gardens and flower arrangements.
Bloom time: Late spring to mid-summer
Sun needs: Full sun
Height: 1 to 3 feet
Bonus: Drought-tolerant and good for pollinators
Tips to Keep Flowers Blooming All Season
Planting the right flowers is just the first step. To keep your garden blooming from spring into summer, try these simple tips:
Deadhead Regularly
Deadheading means removing faded blooms. This encourages plants to keep producing new flowers instead of seeds.
Water Deeply
Water early in the day and give your flowers a deep soak. This promotes strong root systems.
Use Mulch
Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool. It also prevents weeds from taking over your flower beds.
Fertilize Smartly
Use a balanced flower fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Choose slow-release granules for consistent feeding.
Mix Annuals and Perennials
Annuals bloom all season but die after one year. Perennials return every spring. Mix both for a full, long-lasting display.
Garden Planning: Color and Bloom Time
Planning your garden by bloom time ensures constant color. Use this simple formula:
- Early bloomers: Tulips, daffodils, crocus
- Mid-season bloomers: Geraniums, bleeding hearts, peonies
- Late bloomers: Zinnias, marigolds, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans
Also think about colors. Try planting contrasting or complementary hues. For example:
- Purple and yellow: Lavender and black-eyed Susan
- Pink and orange: Zinnias and cosmos
- White and blue: Shasta daisies and salvia
Best Flower Combinations for Spring to Summer Gardens
Here are some garden pairings that look good and grow well together:
Classic Cottage Look
- Tulips (spring)
- Shasta daisies (summer)
- Coneflowers (late summer)
Pollinator Paradise
- Crocus and daffodils (early spring)
- Lavender and coreopsis (summer)
- Bee balm and black-eyed Susans (late summer)
Bold and Bright
- Marigolds
- Zinnias
- Blanket flowers
These flowers love sun and heat, and they keep your garden glowing.
Simple Garden Design Ideas
Keep things easy with these layout ideas:
Border Garden
Plant tall flowers like coneflowers or black-eyed Susans in the back. Mid-height flowers like geraniums go in the middle. Use ground covers or short flowers like crocus in the front.
Container Garden
Use large pots for tulips and daffodils in spring. Later, swap in zinnias and marigolds for summer. Don’t forget to fertilize potted plants often.
Wildflower Meadow
Scatter seeds for blanket flower, coreopsis, cosmos, and poppies. These flowers grow well together and attract butterflies.
Conclusion
Choosing the right flowers helps you enjoy a blooming garden from early spring to the last days of summer. With a little planning, you can fill your space with continuous color, texture, and fragrance. Start with a mix of early, mid, and late-season bloomers. Add both perennials and annuals. Care for them well, and your garden will reward you with a season full of beauty and joy.
