Here’s a list of beautiful flowers that bloom all summer long without much watering and keep your garden looking pretty!
Keeping your garden alive during summer can feel like a lot of work, especially when the weather is dry and hot. But some flowers are built to handle that. If you want reliable blooms without the daily watering, read on.
5 Flowers That Bloom All Summer Long Without Much Watering
These flowers are great for beginners or anyone who wants a garden that looks good with less effort.
1. Black-eyed Susan
Botanical Name: Rudbeckia hirta
USDA Zones: 3-10
Black-eyed Susans have bright yellow petals and a dark brown center. They bloom throughout summer and often stay around into early fall. They also prefer full sun and grow well in well-drained soil.
Once they are established, they can handle dry conditions and only need deep watering about once a week. You just have to watch out for fungal problems. For that, water at the base of the plant and avoid overhead watering. Removing old flowers will also help the plant bloom for longer, but it’s optional. You can also try bottom watering these!
2. Cockscomb
Botanical Name: Celosia argentea
USDA Zones: 10-12
Celosia grows upright and comes in bright colors like red, orange, and pink. Its unique shape stands out in flower beds and containers. Like Black-eyed susans, it prefers full sun and grows best in well-draining soil.
The plant does not need frequent watering and actually grows better when the soil is allowed to dry out a little between waterings. For the best flowers, water deeply once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry. And of course, avoid overwatering, as this can harm the roots. If the damage is done already, here’s how to save it!
Pro tip: If you’re planting celosia in pots, use a lightweight potting mix and add small stones at the bottom for better drainage.
3. Coneflower
Botanical Name: Echinacea spp.
USDA Zones: 3-9
Coneflowers have a simple shape with slightly drooping petals and a raised center. They are available in purple, white, pink, and orange. These flowers are easy to grow and, once established, are quite drought-tolerant.
They usually need deep watering once every 7 to 10 days, but do check the soil’s moisture and wait a day or two if it is moist. They attract pollinators and grow back every year with minimal attention. The best part is that these flowers bloom all summer long without much watering and can be used for brilliant landscaping!
4. Tickseed
Botanical Name: Coreopsis
USDA Zones: 3-9
Coreopsis grows in clusters and has small daisy-like flowers in yellow, red, or mixed shades. It blooms for a long time during the summer season and grows well in average to poor soil.
These plants don’t require much watering, so water only when the top layer of soil feels dry. Coreopsis doesn’t need regular fertilizer either, so win-win. When new growth appears, a little bit of a balanced one (like 10-10-10) will be fine and go a long way.
Pro tip: If your area gets strong winds, plant coreopsis near a fence or wall to support its slender stems.
5. Cosmos
Botanical Name: Cosmos bipinnatus
USDA Zones: 2-11
Cosmos have long stems and light, airy pink, white, orange, and red flowers. They grow quickly and keep blooming through the hottest months.
These flowers do not need frequent watering, but too much water can reduce the number of blooms. You should water only when the soil is very dry, and do not soak the base too often. They also reseed easily, so they may return the next season on their own. Pretty sweet, right? That’s not all, they are also full of meaning!
Now that you know which flowers can handle the heat, it’s a good time to plant them and enjoy a full season of easy summer blooms. And remember, morning watering is best.
