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Best Container Flowers That Bloom All Summer

Published on
April 11, 2025
Best Container Flowers That Bloom All Summer
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Orange Perennial Flowers Q&A

Q: What are orange perennial flowers?

A: Orange perennial flowers are flowering plants that bloom in vibrant shades of orange and come back year after year. Unlike annuals, which complete their life cycle in one season, perennials regrow each spring, offering lasting beauty and color to gardens without replanting. These plants range from orange daylilies and butterfly weed to orange geums and gerbera daisies.

Q: Do all orange flowers come in true perennial forms?

A: Not all orange flowers are true perennials. Some, like dahlias and gerbera daisies, are tender perennials or treated as annuals in colder climates but can be perennial in warmer zones or if overwintered indoors. Always check the USDA plant hardiness zones when selecting your orange perennial flowers to ensure they’ll survive your local winters.

Q: What growing conditions do orange perennials need?

A: Most orange flowering perennials prefer full sun, though some tolerate partial shade. These plants generally thrive in well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Depending on the variety, they may prefer rich soil (like geum and dahlia) or tolerate poor, dry soil (like butterfly weed or blanket flower). Always match plant needs to your garden’s conditions for best results.

Caring For Rubber Plant Q&A

Q: What should I do if my rubber plant's leaves are drooping?

A: Drooping leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule. Also, ensure your plant is getting enough indirect light and is not exposed to cold drafts.

Q: Can a rubber plant grow outdoors?

A: In tropical or subtropical climates, rubber plants can be grown outdoors in shaded areas. However, they are not frost-hardy, so be sure to bring them indoors if temperatures drop below 60°F (15°C). They are typically grown indoors as houseplants in colder regions.

Q: How can I get my rubber plant to grow taller?

A: To encourage upward growth, ensure your rubber plant is receiving bright, indirect light and maintain a consistent watering schedule. If the plant is becoming leggy, consider pruning to promote bushier growth. A support stake or trellis can also help guide the plant's growth vertically.

Elephant Ear Plant Q&A

Q: Why are my elephant ear plant’s leaves turning yellow?

A: When the leave turn yellow, it could be overwatering (super common), poor drainage, or even a lack of nutrients. Also, yellow leaves sometimes happen naturally as older leaves die off, especially when new leaves are popping up—so if it’s just one or two, no panic.

Q: My elephant ear plant care has been on point, but I’m not seeing any new leaves. What gives?

A: If your plant is acting a little lazy, it could just be taking a seasonal nap. These plants go dormant in winter, even indoors sometimes, so don’t be alarmed. If it’s growing season and still no new leaves, check your light—too little sun can slow them down.

Q: My elephant ear has weird brown spots. Is it fungal?

A: Possibly! Brown or black spots with a yellow halo around them could be a sign of a fungal infection, usually from too much moisture or poor air circulation. Cut off the affected leaves and back off on watering a bit.

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Summer—the time when plants are at their best, flowers are in full bloom, fruits and veggies are ripening, and everything is just bursting with life. As someone who loves getting their hands dirty in the garden, summer is the season I look forward to the most! If you're wondering which flowers to focus on during those long, sunny days, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of the best ones to keep your garden glowing all summer long.

best container flowers that bloom all summer infographics: petunia, calibrachoa, verbena, impatiens, daisy

12 Container Flowers That Bloom All Summer

1. Petunia

Petunia thriving outdoors

Petunias are such happy-looking flowers, don’t you think? Those trumpet-shaped blooms come in so many colors—it’s honestly hard to pick a favorite. They love soaking up the sun, so they’re perfect for brightening up any sunny spot. If you’re like me and want something that looks amazing without being a lot of work, petunias are a solid choice. They just keep blooming and make the garden feel alive.

Quick Tips:

  • Water: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally one enriched with organic matter.
  • Light: Needs 6–8 hours of full sun daily.
  • Temperature & Humidity: Thrives between 60–75°F. Petunias tolerate moderate humidity but prefer drier conditions.

2. Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa flowers thriving outdoors

Calibrachoa, or "Million Bells," are like the dainty cousins of petunias, and they’re just as hardworking! These little blooms spill over hanging baskets or containers like colorful waterfalls, creating a gorgeous cascading effect. They love sunny spots and are a perfect pick if you want something a bit more delicate but just as cheerful as petunias. Plus, they’re super easy to care for and keep blooming like champs all season long.

Quick Tips:

  • Water: Water 2–3 times weekly; let the top inch of soil dry between waterings.
  • Soil: Use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix.
  • Light: Needs 6–8 hours of sunlight per day.
  • Temperature & Humidity: Grows best at 55–80°F and tolerates moderate humidity.

3. Verbena

Verbena flowers thriving outdoors

Verbena has a natural ability to keep blooming all summer because it’s a hardy, heat-loving plant with a long flowering season. It puts its energy into producing clusters of small flowers continuously, especially if you deadhead (remove spent blooms) regularly. Plus, it doesn’t mind a little drought, so it powers through those hotter months without skipping a beat. This resilience and adaptability make it a favorite for vibrant summer-long displays

Quick Tips:

  • Water: Water once or twice a week, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.
  • Soil: Use sandy or well-draining potting soil.
  • Light: Requires 8+ hours of full sun daily.
  • Temperature & Humidity: Prefers 65–80°F; does well in low to moderate humidity.

4. Impatiens

Impatiens flowers thriving outdoors

Impatiens have soft, glossy leaves that range from deep green to sometimes a bit of purple. You can find them in a bunch of vibrant colors, from hot pinks and purples to softer pastels like peach and white. The flowers have a cute, rounded shape that makes them look like tiny little cups. When it comes to size, impatiens are typically 12 to 18 inches tall, with some varieties sprawling out a bit, making them perfect for hanging baskets or filling in garden beds.

Quick Tips:

  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist, watering 2–3 times per week.
  • Soil: Use rich, well-draining soil with organic matter.
  • Light: Prefers partial to full shade (3–4 hours of indirect light daily).
  • Temperature & Humidity: Thrives in 60–75°F and loves high humidity.

5. Daisy

Daisy flowers thriving outdoors

Daisies, with their bright white petals and sunny yellow centers, are super easy to grow–perfect for beginner gardeners or anyone looking to add a little joy to their garden. They're great in containers, making them an easy and low-maintenance choice for patios or windowsills. Simple, sunny, and always a mood booster!

Quick Tips:

  • Water: Water once a week, deeply soaking the soil.
  • Soil: Choose loamy, well-draining potting soil.
  • Light: Requires 6–8 hours of full sun daily.
  • Temperature & Humidity: Grows best at 65–75°F and tolerates low humidity.

6. Dahlia

Dahlia flowers thriving outdoors

Dahlias are total showstoppers! With their bold, dramatic blooms in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors, they’re the perfect flower for anyone wanting to make a statement. Whether you go for big, fluffy ones or smaller, more intricate blooms, dahlias never fail to impress. They’re the kind of flower that steals the spotlight in any garden!

Quick Tips:

  • Water: Water deeply 2–3 times weekly, keeping soil moist but not soggy.
  • Soil: Use nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
  • Light: Needs 6–8 hours of full sun daily.
  • Temperature & Humidity: Prefers 60–70°F with moderate humidity.

7. Euphorbia

Euphorbia flowers closeup

Euphorbia’s got these pretty white blooms that look amazing when you pair them with other flowers. They’re perfect if you want something super low-maintenance and drought-resistant. Honestly, they don’t need much care but still look great, adding a nice, airy vibe to your garden. Totally a no-fuss plant that still stands out.

Quick Tips:

  • Water: Water sparingly, about once a week, as they prefer slightly dry soil.
  • Soil: Use well-draining, sandy soil.
  • Light: Requires 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
  • Temperature & Humidity: Thrives at 65–80°F and tolerates dry conditions.

8. Alyssum

Alyssum flowers closeup outdoors

Alyssum is like a natural air freshener for your garden with its tiny, honey-scented blooms. It’s perfect for containers and does great in sunny to partially shaded spots. If you’re looking to add a sweet smell to your garden without much effort, alyssum’s got you covered. It’s low-maintenance but brings that extra charm and fragrance that’ll make your garden feel even more inviting.

Quick Tips:

  • Water: Water 1–2 times weekly, allowing the topsoil to dry slightly.
  • Soil: Use well-draining, moderately fertile soil.
  • Light: Needs 4–6 hours of full to partial sun.
  • Temperature & Humidity: Prefers 55–70°F; does well in moderate humidity.

9. Marigold

Marigold flowers thriving outdoors

Well, you already know marigolds—the classic, ever-popular flowers with those bright, fluffy orange blooms you usually see in gardens. Oh, and yes—they bloom all summer long! These hardy, annual little guys just keep going, producing those vibrant blooms non-stop as long as the sun’s shining. They love the heat, so they’re perfect for keeping your garden colorful during those hot summer months.

Quick Tips:

  • Water: Water 1–2 times weekly; let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
  • Soil: Use loamy, well-draining soil.
  • Light: Needs 6–8 hours of full sun daily.
  • Temperature & Humidity: Prefers 70–75°F and tolerates dry conditions.

10. Begonia

Begonia flowers closeup

You’ve probably seen these beauties with their waxy foliage and vibrant blooms that just pop. They’re perfect if you've got a spot in your garden that doesn’t get full sun because begonias thrive in partial shade. They’ll still give you those stunning flowers, but they’re much happier without the harsh midday sun beating down on them. If you’ve got a shady corner that needs a little love, begonias are your go-to. They’re easy to care for, and their bold, colorful blooms make them a standout even in lower light.

Quick Tips:

  • Water: Water 2–3 times weekly, keeping the soil evenly moist.
  • Soil: Use rich, well-draining soil.
  • Light: Prefers 3–5 hours of indirect sunlight daily.
  • Temperature & Humidity: Thrives in 60–70°F and high humidity.

11. Lantana

Lantana flowers closeup

Okay, I have to be honest—lantanas are my favorite! These flowers are just stunning with their bright, multi-colored blooms in shades like yellow, orange, pink, and purple. They bring so much life to the garden, and what’s even cooler is that they’re a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies. If you're into helping out the environment while adding some serious color, lantanas are a no-brainer. Plus, they’re super easy to care for and tough enough to handle a little neglect—making them the perfect go-to for any garden!

Quick Tips:

  • Water: Water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
  • Soil: Use well-draining soil with a sandy texture.
  • Light: Requires 6–8 hours of full sun daily.
  • Temperature & Humidity: Prefers 70–85°F and low humidity.

12. Salvia

Salvia flowers closeup

You know those spiky blooms in bold shades of purple, red, or blue? That's salvia doing its thing! These perennial flowers are heat-tolerant and can take the sun without breaking a sweat, which makes them perfect for warmer climates. Plus, they keep on blooming for ages, so you get a burst of color all season long. If you need something that can handle the heat and still look amazing, salvia's got you covered!

Quick Tips:

  • Water: Water 1–2 times weekly; let the top inch of soil dry between waterings.
  • Soil: Use well-draining, slightly sandy soil.
  • Light: Needs 6–8 hours of full sun daily.
  • Temperature & Humidity: Thrives in 65–85°F and tolerates dry conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will they keep blooming if it gets really hot?

A: Most of them are pretty heat-tolerant, like marigolds and salvia. They can handle those hot, sunny days without skipping a beat. Just make sure they’re not sitting in soggy soil or they might not last through the heat.

Q: Do these flowers need a lot of care?

A: Not really! Many summer-blooming flowers are surprisingly low-maintenance. As long as they’re in the right spot, watered regularly, and maybe given a little fertilizer here and there, they’ll keep blooming. Marigolds and lantanas, for example, are pretty much the “set it and forget it” kind of plants.

Q: Which flowers keep producing flowers all year long?

A: Lantanas, begonias, bougainvillea, salvia, geraniums, and petunias are great options that can keep producing flowers throughout the year, especially in warmer climates or with proper care.