Spring often seems to go by in a flash. Here we are with summer at our doorstep, and many New Jerseyans still haven’t planted their perennials or annuals. But take heart. If you’re wondering what flowers to plant in New Jersey in June and July, here are some great suggestions.
In New Jersey, early summer is a great time to plant quick-blooming flowers and late-bloomers in our gardens. Our growing zones range from 6a-7b so be sure to select plants that will thrive in your location.
Plant Flowers Now for a Colorful Summer and Fall
You can plant various flowers from June through August for beautiful garden color.
In some cases, you can plant seeds. Other times you can transplant growing flowers for a lasting pop of color from annuals or perennials. It all depends on the flower and your planting zone.
And the fall will be here before we know it. So as gardeners, we want to think ahead and prepare for amazing color in your fall flower garden as well.
Fall flowers can still adorn your property with their vibrant colors of oranges, reds, golds, and deep purples. It’s not too late to get started. In fact, it may be the perfect time.
In the summer months, plant flowers in flower beds, walkway borders, and in containers.
Be sure to learn the watering needs, as they can vary from flower to flower. Flowers in containers may need to be watered more often—especially in the hot summer months.
Zinnias
Late June or early July is a great time to plant zinnia seeds that will bloom in summer and through the fall.
In just 6-7 weeks after planting, you’ll be enjoying their beautiful blooms that can last until the first frost.
As an added garden benefit, zinnias are famous for attracting butterflies. They come in flowers of pinks, purple, lavender, white, red, green, and orange.
These annuals enjoy full sunshine and will thrive in the summer heat. They will grow quickly and thrive.
Black-Eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans are available in both annual and perennial varieties. And since most black-eyed Susan varieties are self-seeding, you may see them in your garden soon if you enjoyed them last year.
In the summer, you will want to grow these flowers as nursery transplants.
The Rudbeckia perennial variety is extremely hardy. So, feel free to plant them in July. They will bloom through October in hues of yellow and orange.
Black-eyed Susans have a characteristic dark, almost black, center. These tall plants, reaching up to 24 inches tall, can develop strong roots.
You should divide and split them every 3-5 years or they may cause crowding problems.
Black-eyed Susans attract bees and butterflies. But dogs, cats, and humans should not eat them, as they can have a minor toxic effect.
Marigolds
Although it’s too late to start marigolds from seeds, you can transplant the French and signet varieties outside through mid-summer.
Both varieties love the summer heat and will bloom until frost.
Marigolds are a popular New Jersey flower, and offer warm colors of yellow, orange, and red.
While marigolds require a lot of sun, they need little maintenance on your part.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, frequently called mums, are annual or perennial flowers. It’s easy to transplant them any time in the summer.
To flourish as perennials, the roots must be well-developed at least 1-1/2 months before cold or extremely hot weather arrives.
You will see early bloomers showing off their flowers as early as late July. Fall blooms arrive in September, and late-fall blooms show off in October.
Most chrysanthemum plants will bloom within one to two months.
Chrysanthemums come in many beautiful shades, including orange, lavender, purple, red or white. Some varieties even have bicolor flowers.
Morning Glories
Morning glories grow in hardiness zones 3-10. They are called tender annuals, meaning they don’t do well in cooler temperatures and have little tolerance for frost.
Here in New Jersey, you can still plant Morning Glory seeds in June since the flowers enjoy the warmer soil.
The seeds will quickly germinate in 5-2 days. They grow here as annuals.
Morning glories will bloom any time from early summer to the first frost.
The flowers come in vibrant hues of purple-blue and magenta, and in pink or white.
Their trumpet-shaped flowers make them a favorite for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Morning glories enjoy full sun but will tolerate light shade.
Asters
Asters are hardy perennials that you can plant in New Jersey until the early fall. This gives this perennial flower time to establish its roots before winter. Asters come in many varieties with varying heights.
When other summer flowers fade, these flowers begin to bloom. They are a welcome vision in fall gardens and will continue to delight until harsh frosts set in.
The aster does well in the heat and cooler temperatures and will happily bloom through the fall.
Asters come in many colors, ranging from cool blues to deep purples, hot pinks, and lavender. Asters are also commonly found softer hues of pink or white.
Happily, asters are a low maintenance flower.
Hibiscus
This striking perennial delights many with its tropical-looking flowers. Hibiscus blooms can grow extremely large in your New Jersey garden. Few flowers add as much drama to your garden as these do.
The hibiscus grows well in zones 4-9.
A popular New Jersey hibiscus is the perennial ‘Kopper King’—a cultivar of the hibiscus plant. It can grow up to 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It also boasts one of the largest flowers to grow in our area. Transplant bushes are available now for planting.
The ‘Kopper King’ hearty hibiscus leaves are a copper-red and the blooms are light pink with red veining and a red center.
The ‘Kopper King’ enjoys full sun but can tolerate light shade. It thrives along streams or lower wet areas on your property.
Hummingbirds and butterflies benefit from its flowers and it is deer resistant.
Need More Help with Your Garden?
You may also be interested in reading about Color Flowers for Autumn Gardens in New Jersey.
At Sponzilli Landscape Group, we are always ready to help you with all your landscaping needs. Contact us now for landscaping and property hardscaping services.
