Ten Colorful Summer Perennials

Coreopsis, with daisy-like flowers, is a great perennial for edging along pathways and at the front of borders. Numerous varieties are available, with colors generally in the yellow to orange range. Newer varieties have pink and red flowers. They are easily grown in a sunny, well-drained location. Once established, they are drought tolerant. Remove spent flowers to prolong the blooms.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) have been in cultivation for thousands of years. Hybridizers continue to introduce new varieties in a wide color range. These plants are tough and adaptable. Full sun is best, but light shade is tolerated. They will develop sizable clumps which need dividing every three years. General maintenance involves removing spent flowers and sometimes yellowed foliage.

Coneflower (Echinacea) is one of our most popular perennials. The daisy-like flowers appear on strong stems and last for a long period. They are at home in either formal or informal settings. During the last decade, dramatic new colors have been introduced. Pictured above is ‘White Swan’, one of the best and easiest to grow.

Agastache (aka Hummingbird Mint or Anise Hyssop) is an easy, drought-tolerant perennial that requires no fuss. Hummingbirds love the tubular flowers, which comes in blue, pink, orange, red, yellow and white. Plant in sunny or lightly shaded locations in well-drained soil. Good drainage is essential to avoid crown rot.

Another hummingbird favorite is Monarda, better known as Bee Balm. This perennial is a member of the mint family. They do best in moist, rich soils in full sun or partial shade. Colors are red, pink, and shades of violet. Bee Balm needs a large area to grow because it will spread.

Phlox is loved for its color and fragrance. Tall stems sport clusters of flowers in blue, white, pink and red hues. They like average to rich soil in full sun or light shade. For best results, water regularly and plant them in a spot where they get good air circulation.

Helenium (aka Sneezeweed) are tall perennials with flowers of yellow, orange or red. They do best in full sun in rich soil that is evenly moist. They also do well in wet spots.

If you like hot colors, Crocosmia fits the bill. Red, orange or yellow flowers are borne on arching stems that grow 2-4 feet. ‘Lucifer’ is the popular red variety but other showy varieties are available. They grow best in full sun. They are known to spread, so plan accordingly.

Eryngium (aka Sea Holly) is one of the top plants for bees. They absolutely love it. The colorful blue spheres have spiky leaves and petals. They grow in average soil and perform well in both sandy or loamy conditions. Good drainage is essential or they will rot in the winter.

Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium) is a very robust perennial, capable of reaching seven feet tall or more. They like moist conditions in full sun or partial shade. Once established, little care is needed.