As a gardener, there are two tasks that I tend to dread during the summer months: weeding and watering. While a thick layer of mulch can help with the weeding, choosing the right plants can ease the burden of watering. I prefer flowers that require minimal water—those that sip rather than gulp. In fact, any plant that needs frequent watering will quickly find itself in trouble in my garden.
This article focuses on plants growing in the ground, not in containers. While succulents are an exception, most potted plants need regular watering because their soil dries out quickly. That being said, here are 10 flowers that, once they’re well-established, will bloom throughout the summer with minimal watering. Just provide them with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil.
1. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia x grandiflora)
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Well-drained
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic
If you live near the beach, you may have seen blanket flowers growing in the sand dunes. These flowers are hardy and require very little water once established. They come in hybrid forms with bigger flowers, different colors, and bushier growth. Popular varieties include ‘Sunset Celebration,’ a red and yellow blend, and ‘Mesa Yellow,’ which features golden petals. Both grow about 14 to 16 inches tall and wide and attract butterflies.
2. Summer Snapdragon (Angelonia angustifolia)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
- Soil pH: Acidic
Summer snapdragons are perfect for hot weather, unlike their traditional relatives. They produce beautiful spikes of flowers in colors like blue, purple, lavender, and pink. These plants need only occasional deadheading and attract butterflies, while deer tend to stay away. If they start to look a little worn, a bit of liquid fertilizer can help them thrive.
3. Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa)
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Well-drained
- Soil pH: Acidic or neutral
Globe amaranth is perfect for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant that thrives in the summer heat. With clover-like blooms in colors like pink, purple, and orange, these flowers add a pop of color and are perfect for cutting. Varieties like ‘Strawberry Fields’ can grow 2 feet tall, while dwarf types like ‘Buddy’ only reach 6 to 8 inches. Deer avoid them, and they don’t need deadheading.
4. Ornamental Purslane (Portulaca hybrid)
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Well-drained
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic
Ornamental purslane is a surprise to many gardeners, as it’s a hybrid of a common lawn weed. Its succulent, paddle-shaped leaves are paired with bright flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. This plant thrives in sunny spots and is excellent for hanging baskets or as an edging plant. Minimal care is needed—just avoid overwatering.
5. Lantana (Lantana sp.)
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Well-drained
- Soil pH: Neutral
Lantana is a favorite for gardeners looking for color with little effort. It produces clusters of flowers in yellow, orange, pink, and purple shades, attracting butterflies but not deer. Lantana requires no deadheading and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Some varieties grow in mounds, while others hug the ground, so it’s easy to find one that suits your garden space.
6. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Well-drained
- Soil pH: Acidic or neutral
The butterfly bush is a fast-growing shrub that blooms in pink, purple, or white, attracting pollinators all summer. Once established, this plant can go for weeks without water, even in dry conditions. It’s an excellent addition to any garden that attracts butterflies and other beneficial insects.
7. Lavender (Lavandula sp.)
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Sandy, well-drained
- Soil pH: Alkaline
Lavender is a perfect sun-loving plant for hot summers. Native to the Mediterranean, it thrives in dry, well-drained soil. Once established, lavender requires only occasional watering, making it an ideal plant for low-maintenance gardens. Its fragrant flowers are a delight, and the plant’s drought tolerance makes it a summer favorite.
8. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
- Soil pH: Neutral
Purple coneflowers are hardy, drought-resistant plants that can provide color all summer. They thrive in a variety of soil conditions as long as the soil is not too wet. These tall flowers attract pollinators, and deadheading can encourage more blooms. If you leave the old flowers, they will provide seeds for birds like finches.
9. Dianthus (Dianthus caryophyllus)
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Well-drained
- Soil pH: Neutral or slightly alkaline
Dianthus is a low-maintenance perennial that’s easy to care for. It’s important to plant them early in the season so they can establish themselves before the heat of summer sets in. These flowers are drought-tolerant but will perform best with weekly watering. Avoid overwatering, and remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
10. Catmint (Nepeta sp.)
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Well-drained
- Soil pH: Acidic, neutral, or alkaline
Catmint is another drought-tolerant plant that’s perfect for hot, sunny gardens. It blooms all summer, attracting bees and butterflies. Deer tend to stay away, making it a great addition to any wildlife garden. Catmint does spread, but it can be controlled and confined to specific areas, making it perfect for borders.
By choosing these easy-care flowers, you can create a beautiful garden that thrives with minimal watering. These plants not only add vibrant colors to your garden but also help conserve water during the summer months. Happy gardening!
