Vinca, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, is virtually indestructible in hot weather. June planting allows these flowers to establish before the hottest summer weather arrives.
Outstanding Qualities:
- Blooms continuously without deadheading
- Extremely drought and heat tolerant
- Resistant to most pests and diseases
- Available in pink, white, purple, and red
Popular Series:
- ‘Cora Series’: Improved disease resistance, large flowers
- ‘Titan Series’: Extra-large blooms, vigorous growth
- ‘Mediterranean Series’: Trailing habit, perfect for hanging baskets
Growing Conditions:
- Soil: Well-draining essential – wet soil causes root rot
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Spacing: 8-12 inches apart
Perfect for:
- Container gardens
- Hot, dry locations
- Low-maintenance landscapes
- Beginners wanting guaranteed success
7. Portulaca – Succulent Summer Carpet
Portulaca, or moss rose, is perfect for hot, dry locations where other flowers struggle. June planting gives these succulent flowers time to spread and create a colorful groundcover.
Distinctive Features:
- Succulent leaves store water for drought tolerance
- Flowers open in morning sun, close in afternoon shade
- Self-seeds readily for next year
- Available in bright, saturated colors
Best Varieties:
- ‘Sundial Mix’: Improved varieties that stay open longer
- ‘Happy Hour Mix’: Large, double flowers
- ‘Margarita Series’: Single flowers in tropical colors
Growing Requirements:
- Soil: Sandy, well-draining soil essential
- Sun: Full sun – flowers won’t open in shade
- Water: Minimal once established
- Fertilizer: None needed in most soils
Ideal Locations:
- Rock gardens
- Between stepping stones
- Containers in full sun
- Hot, dry slopes
8. Pentas – Butterfly Magnets
Pentas are exceptional butterfly attractors that bloom continuously in hot weather. June planting ensures a full season of flowers and butterfly visits.
Butterfly Appeal:
- Star-shaped flowers perfect for butterfly feeding
- Blooms continuously without deadheading
- Available in pink, red, white, and purple
- Attracts hummingbirds as well as butterflies
Recommended Varieties:
- ‘Graffiti Series’: Compact, heat-tolerant, prolific bloomers
- ‘Butterfly Series’: Specifically bred for butterfly gardens
- ‘New Look Series’: Improved heat and humidity tolerance
Culture Notes:
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile
- Water: Regular watering during establishment
- Maintenance: Virtually maintenance-free
Garden Design Uses:
- Butterfly gardens
- Mixed containers
- Mass plantings for impact
- Cutting gardens
9. Cleome – Architectural Annual
Cleome, or spider flower, creates dramatic vertical accents in summer gardens. June planting allows these tall annuals to reach their full 4-6 foot height during the growing season.
Unique Characteristics:
- Tall, architectural growth habit
- Unusual spider-like flowers
- Self-seeds readily
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Color Options:
- ‘Queen Series’: Classic pink, white, and purple
- ‘Sparkler Series’: Compact varieties, 2-3 feet tall
- ‘Senorita Rosalita’: Thornless variety, sterile (no self-seeding)
Growing Requirements:
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Average, well-draining soil
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Space: 1-2 feet apart for mature plants
Design Applications:
- Back of borders for height
- Cottage gardens
- Cutting gardens
- Wildlife gardens
10. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) – Perennial Powerhouse
While many black-eyed Susans are perennials, annual varieties planted in June will bloom continuously through fall and often survive mild winters.
Annual Varieties:
- ‘Cherokee Sunset’: Double flowers in warm colors
- ‘Prairie Sun’: Green centers instead of dark eyes
- ‘Toto Series’: Compact varieties perfect for containers
Perennial Options:
- ‘Goldsturm’: Classic variety, reliable bloomer
- ‘American Gold Rush’: Large flowers, compact growth
- ‘Little Goldstar’: Dwarf variety, 12-15 inches tall
Growing Conditions:
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Adaptable to most soil types
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Maintenance: Deadhead for continuous blooms
Wildlife Benefits:
- Attracts butterflies and bees
- Seeds feed birds in fall
- Naturalizes readily in suitable conditions
11. Torenia – Shade-Loving Charmer
Torenia, or wishbone flower, is perfect for shaded areas where few other annuals bloom well. June planting provides a full season of delicate, orchid-like flowers.
Shade Garden Solution:
- One of the few annuals that blooms well in shade
- Continuous blooms without deadheading
- Attractive two-tone flowers
- Compact, mounding growth habit
Popular Varieties:
- ‘Catalina Series’: Heat-tolerant, vigorous growth
- ‘Summer Wave Series’: Trailing habit for hanging baskets
- ‘Kauai Series’: Compact, uniform growth
Cultural Requirements:
- Light: Partial to full shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter
- Water: Consistent moisture needed
- Temperature: Prefers cooler conditions than most annuals
Perfect For:
- Shaded borders
- Container gardens in shade
- Hanging baskets
- Under tree canopies
12. Gomphrena – Everlasting Beauty
Gomphrena, or globe amaranth, produces round, clover-like flowers that are excellent for fresh and dried arrangements. June planting ensures a full season of unique blooms.
Distinctive Features:
- Round, papery flowers that dry naturally
- Extremely heat and drought tolerant
- Blooms continuously until frost
- Available in purple, pink, white, and orange
Recommended Varieties:
- ‘Buddy Series’: Compact, uniform growth
- ‘Fireworks’: Tall variety with hot pink blooms
- ‘Ping Pong Series’: Large, round flowers perfect for cutting
Growing Requirements:
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining, tolerates poor soil
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Spacing: 6-12 inches apart
Multiple Uses:
- Fresh cut flowers
- Dried flower arrangements
- Container gardens
- Xeriscape gardens
Planting and Care Tips for June Success
Soil Preparation
Even though it’s June, proper soil preparation is still important:
- Amend heavy clay with compost to improve drainage
- Test soil pH – most flowers prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (6.0-7.0)
- Add organic matter to sandy soils to improve water retention
- Ensure good drainage – waterlogged soil kills more plants than drought
Watering Strategy
June plantings need consistent moisture to establish:
- Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth
- Morning watering is best to reduce disease pressure
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Gradually reduce watering as plants establish and become drought-tolerant
Heat Protection
Help new plantings cope with summer heat:
- Provide temporary shade with shade cloth during extreme heat waves
- Mulch heavily to keep roots cool
- Water early morning to ensure plants are hydrated before heat peaks
- Choose heat-tolerant varieties suited to your climate zone
Maintenance Schedule
Keep your June plantings thriving all summer:
- Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming
- Monitor for pests and treat early if problems develop
- Side-dress with compost monthly for sustained nutrition
- Pinch growing tips on branching plants to encourage bushier growth
Creating Season-Long Color
The key to all-summer color is selecting flowers with different bloom times and characteristics:
Early Summer Bloomers: Zinnias, marigolds, cosmos Mid-Summer Performers: Celosia, vinca, portulaca Late Summer Champions: Rudbeckia, gomphrena, cleome
By planting a mix of these 12 flowers in June, you’ll create a garden that provides continuous color from summer through the first frost. Each plant offers something unique – whether it’s drought tolerance, butterfly attraction, cutting potential, or architectural interest.
Remember that June planting gives you the advantage of warm soil and a long growing season ahead. Take advantage of this optimal timing to create a summer garden that will provide months of beauty with minimal maintenance. With proper plant selection and care, your June-planted flowers will reward you with a spectacular display that lasts until fall.
