20 Flowering Annuals That Will Last All Summer

Is it really summer if you don't have blooming, brightly-colored flowers lining your garden bed, potted on your balcony, or hanging on your porch? We don't think so. Summer is already in full swing in most regions around the United States, and your favorite summer annuals are ready to enjoy warm days and bright sunshine.

Designing the perfect garden can be extremely enjoyable and fulfilling, however, when you pull up to your local garden center anxiety may start to creep in. There are dozens of options to choose from, so how do you make the right choice? It's important to consider how much sun your garden beds receive and the colors of the flowers you like. Some thought should also be put into your climate, soil, and the size of your plants. With the help of some carefully made decisions, your home can boast colorful selections of blooming flowers all summer long. Here are some great options for you to choose from.

Pentas (Pentas lanceolata) is another hot weather-loving flower that is hardy to USDA zones 10 and 11. They feature red, pink, purple, or white star-shaped flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds throughout the summer. They prefer hot and humid conditions as well as well-draining soil and at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Generally, pentas are considered annuals, but they can be grown as perennials in consistently warm states such as Florida. When cared for properly they can reach 3 feet tall in adulthood.

Annual vincas (Catharanthus roseus) are known for their tolerance to heat and drought. They are characterized by pink, red, purple, or white pinwheel-shaped flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Grown as annuals in most regions across the United States, vincas prefer full sun conditions and well-draining soil. When cared for under a watchful eye, they can become as large as 2 feet in height and length depending on the cultivar. Keep in mind that they do not need much water to survive. They should only be watered once per week if there is not enough rainfall.

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is a graceful, feathery-looking plant that blooms profusely through summer until the first frost. This cottage garden favorite is available in shades of white, pink, and orange. You can find single- or double-flowered varieties, as well as varieties that feature bi-colored blooms. They're also easy to grow from seed, either started indoors under lights (or in a sunny window) or sown directly in place in the garden. Cosmos generally grow about 2 to 3 feet tall, though some varieties can reach up to 6 feet tall. Give them a spot in full sun. They aren't overly picky about soil, and can withstand dry conditions, though you will need to water them during an extended drought. In fact, too much water will result in lots of foliage and fewer flowers.

Begonias, (begonia spp.) which can become as tall as 2 feet high in adulthood, feature bright fluffy flowers with large green leaves. They are popular all over the United States as they only need partial sun, regular watering, and well-drained organic soil. Blooming throughout the summer, gardeners use these flowers as bedding plants, in containers, or in hanging baskets. With more than 1,000 species and even more varieties to choose from, Begonias are a great option to look at when designing your summer garden.

In the Petunia (Petunia spp.) genus, there are more than a dozen species that have given life to hundreds of varieties. From black velvety blossoms to speckled pink flowers, there is a cultivar for everyone. Petunias are not only delightfully fragrant, but they also bloom from spring until the first frost. They can be grown in any region throughout the summer as long as they are provided with daily direct sunlight, well-draining organic soil, and frequent watering. With good care, you can expect to see your petunias reach 15 inches tall.

If you're looking to add some cheer to your summer garden, consider the ageratum plant's blue, white, red, and purple pompom-shaped flowers. Ageratum (Ageratum conyzoides) is commonly used in containers, as border plantings, or in mass plantings in gardens across the United States. A member of the Aster family, like zinnias, these flowers can range in height from 8 inches to 3 feet. To care for them, you'll need to provide rich well-draining soil, full sun, and weekly watering. Under proper supervision, your ageratum will bloom from spring to fall.

The award-winning flower, Scaevola (Scaevola aemula), is another great option for your summer garden. Hailing from the land down under, this plant is identified by its fan-shaped blue, white, or purple blossoms and its skinny green foliage. Caring for Scaevola flowers is easy. All they need is well-draining organic soil, lots of sun, and a little water. They are very drought-tolerant plants that will bloom during the summer and fall and grow up to 10 inches tall if you don't overwater them.

For an easy-to-maintain, colorful burst in your garden, consider celosias. These stunners, perennials in zones 10–12, have flower tufts that look like flames. Flower colors include purple, pink, and red, and the leaves can also vary in color. Celosias grow best in full sun, warm temps, and soil that drains well, with some varieties reaching over 30 inches tall. An added bonus? When the plant is young, its leaves are edible! They taste similar to spinach (but become bitter-tasting once the plant has flowered).

Also known as "sweet alyssum," lobularia grows in clumps low to the ground, giving it a mat-like appearance. These plants typically stay under a foot both tall and wide. Its clusters of flowers can be singular in color or multicolored in white, purple, pink, and other colors. Drought-tolerant, lobularias do best in full sun to part shade and work great along edges in garden beds or amongst plants of other heights and shapes in a container. If you're in one of zones 9–11, lobularias will perform as short-lived perennials.

With flowers that are similar to roses in saucer-like shapes, moss roses make for a lovely and interesting addition to a garden. Its flower colors range from white and yellow to pink and red. They are semi-succulents and grow low to the ground, forming a colorful "mat" wherever they're planted. In containers or hanging baskets, they'll add dramatic visual interest by spilling over the edges. Moss roses need little maintenance and do well in hot and sunny spots with well-draining soil.