When you’re trying to figure out what you want your summer garden to look like, it’s important to get a head start.
There are specific plants that work best in specific zones, and Zone 6 has some of the best plants you can choose from to make your dream garden starting this spring!
Best Plants for Summer Blooms
Dahlias
Dahlias grow from midsummer and into autumn, but it’s a good idea to start them in spring so that they have the proper time to grow into the vibrant flowers that they are.
Conditions
The ground temperature should be around 60 degrees Fahrenheit for these flowers to be planted. They need full sun to grow and thrive. If you want these flowers to grow to full size, plant them in plot rows of their own.
When planting, wait until the sprouts are above the soil to start watering. If you water sooner than that, they will most likely start to rot.
Good For:
These flowers are absolutely stunning for flower arrangements. If you are a person who likes to live off of what you grow, the tubers and the flower itself are both edible and taste like a radish or a potato.
Elephant Ears
Elephant ears are named after their shape, which closely resembles (you guessed it!) an elephant ear. They are tropical-looking foliage that are usually used as focal points when planted in a garden.
Conditions
Elephant Ears prefer partial shade but can still thrive when they are put in full sun. They need rich, moist soil, so Zone 6 is a great place for this plant to thrive. Once they are fully grown, they are easy to maintain. During a dry spell, you will simply want to ensure that the soil stays moist for the best results.
Good For:
Because they look so tropical, Elephant Ears are great to put around a pond or a walkway to enhance the scenery. Since they are larger than the average plant, they are usually used as a focal point of the whole garden. Be sure to plan your garden around this plant for a look that is pleasing to the eye.
Gladiolus
This flower signifies remembrance and is extremely popular in the summertime due to its continuous growth. They are colorful and easy to grow!
Conditions
For the best results, plant the bulb of this flower when the soil has warmed up. You can find a tutorial here on how to best plant your bulbs.
These flowers prefer full sunlight but can still thrive in partial sunlight.
Gladiolus flowers require frequent watering and rich soil.
Good For:
Because these flowers need to be trimmed often for new flowers to take the old one’s place, these are great for arrangements within the home. You can even give some to your loved ones as a gift to brighten their day.
Caladium
Caladium has a beautiful purplish hue to the leaves and is a great addition to your garden. You can grow these in the ground or a pot; it will thrive either way.
Conditions
After the frost has gone and the temperature outside is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, you can plant these bulbs right into the ground. They need rich, moist soil to grow well and prefer partial shade or sunlight.
Planting the bulbs 8-12 inches apart will allow the plant to have the proper room to grow.
Good For:
These plants are great for windowsills, flower pots, and for generally lighting up the garden with some color. For flower arrangements, this foliage gives a more dramatic and elegant look.
Lilies
Lilies can come in red, white, orange, pink, or gold colors. They are a trumpet-shaped flower and are often seen as a very elegant and peaceful plant. They bloom from early summer to fall.
Conditions
Buy your bulbs close to planting time because they do not go dormant and can deteriorate over time. Well-drained soil is needed, and lots of sun. Typically 6-8 hours of sunlight is needed for these flowers to thrive.
Good For:
Lilies are mostly known as Easter Lily, as that is the kind of Lily that can be planted in the spring. When displaying Lilies in vases, do not cut off more than one-third of the stem. Choose a stalk with buds that are just about to open for the longest amount of time you can display them.
Anemone
Anemones are colorful and typically last a long time when they are in a flower arrangement.
Conditions
Plant an Anemone in early spring, and you will find yourself with some of the most beautiful flowers. Plant the bulb about three inches deep in the ground. Be sure to water after planting and water as needed to keep the soil moist.
Good For:
Because they last so long, Anemones are perfect for flower arrangements. The array of colors that you can grow can help to spruce up the arrangement, too. You can even snip the flowers while they are in bloom without harming the plant.
