What to Plant for Summer Garden Success

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Though the most important aspect of this holiday is honoring our fallen military, the end of May also signals the unofficial start of summer. We’re already feeling the heat here in Georgia, and now is the perfect time to plan for the hot season ahead! To help with your summer planting, I’m sharing six of my go-tos for color that will last all season long—even in the sticky, intense heat of the South! These plants will thrive in both containers and beds. Happy almost-summer!

1.        Dragon Wing® Begonia: This shady lady produces beautiful blooms and will grow to 3 x 3 feet. The pink and red varieties are my favorite! Shade | Annual

2.        Vinca: An oldie but a goodie, this non-trailing variety grows about 2 feet tall, straight up toward the sun. If planting in a container, these beauties can stand on their own. Full Sun | Annual

3.        Lantana: An aggressive grower, this plant will take over in no time at all! It can be a single star in a container, but it’s also great to use in landscaping because it grows so quickly. Full Sun | Perennial 

4.       Rosemary: Perfect for the summer heat, doesn’t like wet feet! Add as texture to a container, or use it as a border in your landscaping. Rosemary grows where strong women live, and that makes us love it even more!

5.        Sunpatiens: Just like the name suggests, these gals love the full sun. Another aggressive grower, they work best as a standalone in a container. You can also plant in a grouping for added color in the yard. Warning: Sunpatiens are heavy drinkers—make sure they get plenty of water! Full Sun | Annual

6.        Joseph’s Coat: You may have put away your coats for the summer, but Joseph’s Coat is perfect for the high temperatures! Personally, I love the chartreuse because it complements any other color. This plant grows wide, not tall, so it’s perfect for layering with taller plants in containers and landscapes. Full Sun | Annual

Remember to always plant in good potting soil, even in your landscaping beds. Tune back in for more details, tips, and tricks on how to plant successful summer color in your garden!