Top 10 Flowers That Thrive In The Dog Days of Summer

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

23 Jul 2006 12:36 PM

If news reports are accurate, there is not a single portion of the United States that has escaped the crippling effects of this July heat wave. Is your lawn brown? Your flowers parched? Have you about given up on trying to keep them vibrant? Perhaps, things are not as bad as they seem. There are some very attractive plants and flowers that thrive in the intense summer heat (and I'm not just referring to cactus).

If you are looking to add some color around your front door or along the back patio, consider some of these options that will offer a stark colorful contrast to the browns that are dominating most lawns these days:

1.) Black Eyed Susan. The black centers of these hearty blooms are off set with vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges.

2.) Bellflower. These dainty looking purple flowers are tougher than they look.

3.) Balloon Flower Liatris. These fuzzy lilac sprouts are great cut flowers for indoor arrangements. With their Popsicle-like blooms they are wonderful additions to a summer garden.

4.) Yarrow. These yellow flowers grow individually, but are usually bunched so they appear to look like a bush. They make a great border to a deck or patio.

5.) Threadleaf Coreopsis. The colorful pink and white flowers give any yard a punch of color, and the best part... the flowers bloom well into September.

6.) Purple Coneflower. A robust, drought tolerant perennial, native to the midwestern and southeastern United States. If you want a flower that refuses to die, try planting this in your yard. I have neglected to tend to these blooms in the past and they still look like they could be featured in a show hot house. Their appearance is similar to the Black Eyed Susan, only they are a pinkish-purple color.

7.) Globe Thistle. Hearty and vibrant. The flowers are round and fluffy and their bright purple color is a welcome sight when everything around them is brown.

8.) New York Aster. These beautiful lilac colored flowers have a bright yellow middle that brings vibrancy to any yard.

9.) Daylilies. These flowers are great for homeowners who don't have green thumbs. They also come in a host of colors.

10.) Shasta Daisy. A summer favorite, which seem immune to the scorching heat.

Other options include the Japanese Iris, which is great for pond plantings and the Hollyhock Pincushion Flower that blooms until frost.

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To Water Or Not To Water

Lawn Care Tips

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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