If you’re wondering what flowers can you plant in june, you’re in luck. June is a fantastic month to get your hands dirty and ensure your garden is full of color for the rest of the summer.
The soil is warm, the days are long, and many plants will establish quickly. You can fill gaps in your borders, start a new container display, or even sow seeds for late-season beauty. Let’s look at the best options for instant impact and future blooms.
What Flowers Can You Plant In June
This list focuses on plants that will thrive when planted in the summer heat. We’ve included a mix of bedding plants, perennials, and bulbs for variety.
Bedding Plants for Instant Color
These are your go-to for quick, reliable blooms. They’re usually sold as young plants (plugs or pots) in garden centers throughout June.
- Marigolds: Tough, sun-loving flowers in yellows, oranges, and reds. They’re great for borders and pots.
- Petunias: Provide cascading color for hanging baskets and containers. They bloom non-stop if you deadhead them.
- Geraniums (Pelargoniums): A classic choice for sunny spots. They are drought-tolerant and come in many vibrant colors.
- Begonias: Excellent for both sun and partial shade. The wax begonias are particularly resilient in summer heat.
- Impatiens: The best choice for shady areas where you want bright pops of pink, white, or purple.
Perennials to Plant Now for Years of Joy
Planting perennials in June gives them time to settle in before winter. Water them well during their first season.
- Lavender: Loves full sun and well-drained soil. Planting now allows it to establish for a stronger bloom next year.
- Astilbe: A perfect shade perennial with feathery plumes. It adds texture and color to darker corners.
- Sedum (Stonecrop): Their succulent leaves handle dry conditions beautifully. They produce large flower heads in late summer and fall.
- Echinacea (Coneflower): A native prairie plant that attracts butterflies. It’s very hardy once established.
- Salvia: Spikes of blue, purple, or red that bees adore. Many varieties will flower into the autumn months.
Bulbs and Corms for Late Summer & Autumn
June is the time to plant certain bulbs that flower later in the year. This is often overlooked but so rewarding.
- Dahlias: The stars of the late summer garden. Plant tubers in June for blooms from August until the first frost.
- Gladiolus: Plant corms every two weeks from May to July for a succession of stunning flower spikes.
- Lilies: Many varieties, like Oriental lilies, can be planted in containers or borders now for fragrant blooms.
Seeds You Can Still Sow in June
Don’t forget about seeds! Some fast-growing flowers can still be sown directly into the ground.
- Sunflowers: Kids love them, and they grow astonishingly fast. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot.
- Cosmos: Delicate, daisy-like flowers on tall stems. They bloom about 12 weeks after sowing.
- Zinnias: Another fast-growing, heat-loving annual. Perfect for cutting and bringing indoors.
- California Poppies: They thrive in poor, dry soil and will brighten up any sunny edge.
How to Plant Successfully in June
The key to June planting is managing the heat and keeping new plants hydrated. Follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Soil
Good soil prep makes all the difference. Start by removing any weeds from the area.
Add some compost or well-rotted manure to improve moisture retention and provide nutrients. This helps the roots grow strong.
Step 2: Water the Plant Before Planting
Always water the plant in its pot thoroughly about an hour before you plant it. A hydrated plant handles transplant shock much better.
This is a step many gardeners skip, but it’s really crucial for summer planting success.
Step 3: Plant at the Right Time of Day
Never plant in the midday sun if you can avoid it. The best time is in the early evening or on a cloudy day.
This gives the plant a cooler night to start recovering before facing the sun again.
Step 4: Water Deeply and Mulch
After planting, give the area a really good, deep watering. This settles the soil around the roots.
Then, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plant. Use bark chips, compost, or gravel. Mulch keeps the soil cool and reduces water evaporation.
Step 5: The Aftercare Schedule
New June plantings need regular watering. Check the soil daily for the first two weeks.
Stick your finger in the soil; if the top inch is dry, it’s time to water. After a few weeks, you can gradually reduce the frequency as the roots establish.
Design Tips for a Cohesive Summer Garden
Think about how your new plants will work with your existing ones. Here are some quick ideas.
- Color Themes: Stick to a simple palette, like cool blues and purples, or hot reds and oranges, for a more professional look.
- Height and Structure: Place taller plants like sunflowers or gladiolus at the back of borders, with medium and low growers in front.
- Container Combos: For pots, use a “thriller, filler, spiller” formula. One tall plant (thriller), several bushy ones (filler), and a trailing plant (spiller).
Common Problems and Solutions for June Planting
The main challenges are heat, drought, and pests. Here’s how to manage them.
Problem: Wilting plants.
Solution: Ensure deep watering at the base, not just sprinkling the leaves. Check soil moisture daily.
Problem: Slugs and snails.
Solution: They love new, tender growth. Use organic pellets, beer traps, or go out with a torch after dark to remove them.
Problem: Soil drying out too fast.
Solution: Mulch is your best friend. It’s the most effective way to conserve water in the summer.
FAQ: Planting Flowers in June
Is it too late to plant flowers in June?
Not at all! June is ideal for many summer-blooming annuals, perennials, and bulbs like dahlias. The warm soil promotes good root growth.
What are the best flowers to plant in June for long blooms?
Choose plants like petunias, marigolds, and zinnias for continuous color. For perennials, echinacea and salvia have long flowering periods.
How often should I water new plants in June?
Water deeply every day or every other day for the first week or two, depending on weather. Then, taper off to a few times a week, always checking the soil first.
Can I plant wildflower seeds in June?
Yes, but they will need consistant moisture to germinate. It’s often easier to sow them in autumn, but a June sowing can work with careful watering.
What flowers can I plant in June for shade?
Impatiens, begonias, and astilbe are excellent choices for shaded garden areas. They will provide much-needed color where sun-loving plants won’t thrive.
June planting is a wonderful way to extend your garden’s beauty. With the right plant choices and a bit of extra care with watering, you can enjoy a lush, flowering space right through to autumn. So head to your local nursery, pick out some of these resilient plants, and get ready for a spectacular show.