No matter how carefully a garden is planned, there always seems to be a bare spot that needs a little something, especially once the heat of summer kicks in. Maybe a spring bloomer faded early, or a new bed still looks a bit sparse. Whatever the reason, fast-blooming plants are a reliable way to bring color and fullness back into the mix without waiting months for results.
These quick growers don’t just fill gaps, they add movement, color, and even a bit of surprise where it’s needed most. Some pop with flowers in just a few weeks, while others keep going strong well into late summer. The best part? You don’t need to overhaul your whole garden, just tuck these in where it feels a little empty, and they’ll pick up the slack beautifully.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers, with their towering stalks and radiant blooms, bring cheerfulness to any garden. Their rapid growth and striking appearance make them an ideal choice for filling empty spaces. Known for turning their faces towards the sun, these flowers symbolize adoration and loyalty. Sunflowers are not just pretty to look at; they also provide seeds that are a favorite among birds. With minimal effort, you can enjoy the sunny disposition of these iconic flowers in your garden all summer long. Plant them in a sunny spot and watch them thrive.
Marigolds
Marigolds are garden favorites known for their bright, golden blooms. Their fast-growing nature and vibrant colors make them perfect for filling spaces in your garden. Marigolds are also known for their ability to repel pests naturally, making them beneficial companions for vegetables. These resilient flowers can thrive in a variety of conditions, ensuring a burst of color all summer. With their strong fragrance and striking appearance, marigolds add a touch of brightness and practicality to any garden setting.
Zinnias
Zinnias are the gems of the garden, known for their dazzling variety of colors and shapes. These fast-bloomers can quickly fill any gap with their vivid hues. Zinnias are easy to grow from seeds and thrive in sunny locations. Their long-lasting blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding life to your garden. Whether in pots or borders, zinnias provide a continuous display of beauty throughout the summer months. Plant them for a lively and colorful garden experience.
Petunias
Petunias, with their cascade of blooms, are perfect for adding a splash of color to any garden. Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, these flowers grow quickly and bloom profusely. Petunias are ideal for containers, hanging baskets, or garden beds. They require regular watering and sunlight to thrive. With their graceful, trumpet-shaped flowers, petunias add elegance and charm to your outdoor space. Their easy care and vibrant appearance make them a summer staple for any gardener.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a delightful addition to any garden with their vibrant blooms and edible leaves. These fast-growing flowers are known for their peppery taste and bold colors. Nasturtiums thrive in poor soil and require little maintenance, making them perfect for busy gardeners. Their trailing vines can fill garden gaps or spill over containers beautifully. Additionally, they attract beneficial insects like bees while deterring pests. Nasturtiums bring a unique blend of beauty and utility to your summer garden.
Cosmos
Cosmos flowers are known for their delicate, daisy-like blooms and airy foliage. These fast-bloomers bring a sense of whimsy and grace to any garden. With minimal care, cosmos can thrive in both garden beds and containers. Their flowers attract various pollinators, including butterflies and bees, enhancing your garden’s ecosystem. Ideal for creating a wildflower look, cosmos can fill large spaces with ease. Their long blooming season ensures a splash of color throughout summer.
Morning Glories
Morning glories are captivating climbers known for their heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-like flowers. These fast-growing vines can quickly cover fences or trellises, adding vertical interest to your garden. Morning glories open in the morning sun, revealing their stunning colors. They are easy to grow from seeds and require little maintenance. With their enchanting blooms and vigorous growth, morning glories offer a dramatic and colorful display that lasts all summer long.
Impatiens
Impatiens are shade-loving plants that bring vibrant color to darker corners of your garden. Known for their lush foliage and profuse blooms, impatiens thrive in cool, shady spots. These fast-bloomers are perfect for garden beds, borders, or containers. Impatiens require regular watering and can brighten up any space with their cheerful flowers. Their ability to adapt to various conditions makes them a versatile and reliable choice for summer gardens.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is a charming ground cover known for its tiny, fragrant flowers. These fast-growing plants create a delicate carpet of blooms, ideal for edging garden paths or filling empty spaces. Sweet Alyssum’s honey-like scent attracts pollinators, adding life to your garden. They thrive in both sunny and partially shaded areas, making them versatile additions. With minimal care, Sweet Alyssum will provide a continuous display of beauty throughout the summer months.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are charming plants known for their unique, dragon-like flowers. These fast-bloomers offer a wide range of colors and heights, making them suitable for various garden styles. Snapdragons thrive in cool, sunny spots and attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Their distinctive blooms add a touch of whimsy and drama to any garden. Whether in borders or containers, snapdragons provide a vibrant and lively display all summer long, making them a favorite among gardeners.
Lantana
Lantana is a sun-loving plant known for its vibrant, multicolored blooms. These fast-growing flowers are perfect for adding a tropical feel to your garden. Lantana is highly attractive to butterflies, making it a favorite for pollinator gardens. The plant thrives in sunny, well-drained areas and requires minimal care. With its brilliant colors and hardy nature, lantana provides a lively and eye-catching display throughout the summer months. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a bold splash of color.
Four O’Clocks
Four O’Clocks, named for their unique blooming time, are delightful additions to any garden. These fast-blooming plants open their fragrant flowers in the late afternoon and close by morning. Available in a variety of colors, Four O’Clocks can quickly fill empty spaces with charm. They are easy to grow and thrive in sunny spots. Their sweet scent attracts pollinators like moths and bees, enhancing your garden’s appeal. With their unique blooming habit, Four O’Clocks offer a magical touch to summer gardens.
Bachelor’s Buttons
Bachelor’s Buttons, also known as cornflowers, bring a wild, meadow-like beauty to gardens. These fast-blooming flowers are easy to grow and thrive in sunny locations. Known for their bright blue blooms, Bachelor’s Buttons attract pollinators and add a splash of color to any landscape. They are drought-tolerant and can fill gaps in flower beds or borders. With their charming and rustic appearance, Bachelor’s Buttons evoke a sense of nostalgia and simplicity, making them a beloved choice for summer gardens.
Calendula
Calendula, with its cheerful orange blooms, is a garden staple that quickly fills empty spaces. These fast-growing flowers are known for their medicinal properties and can be used in homemade remedies. Calendula thrives in sunny, well-drained areas and requires minimal care. Their bright, daisy-like flowers attract pollinators and add a touch of warmth to gardens. Whether in borders or containers, calendula provides a continuous display of beauty throughout the summer, making it a versatile and valuable addition.
Portulaca
Portulaca, also known as moss rose, is a sun-loving plant that thrives in hot, dry conditions. Known for its vibrant, rose-like blooms, portulaca is perfect for rock gardens or sunny borders. These fast-blooming flowers require minimal care and can quickly fill empty spaces with color. Portulaca’s drought-tolerant nature makes it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardens. With its cheerful and resilient blooms, portulaca adds a splash of color and texture to any garden setting throughout the summer.
Cleome
Cleome, also known as spider flower, is celebrated for its towering height and unique, spidery blooms. These fast-growers can reach impressive heights, adding vertical interest to any garden. Cleome thrives in sunny locations and is drought-tolerant once established. Their unusual flowers attract pollinators and provide a striking focal point. With their bold appearance and easy care, cleome adds drama and beauty to garden borders and beds all summer long. Plant them for a distinctive and colorful display.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a hardy plant known for its sunny disposition and profuse blooms. These fast-growers are perfect for adding a burst of color to any garden. Coreopsis thrives in sunny, well-drained areas and requires little maintenance. Their cheerful yellow flowers attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. Coreopsis’s long blooming season ensures a continuous display of color throughout the summer, making it a popular choice for garden borders and wildflower meadows.
Salvia
Salvia, with its tall spikes and vibrant colors, is a favorite for pollinator gardens. These fast-blooming plants thrive in sunny conditions and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Salvia’s long-lasting blooms provide a striking display of color throughout the summer months. They are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, making them ideal for various garden settings. Whether in borders or containers, salvia adds depth and interest to your garden, making it a versatile and eye-catching choice.
Dahlias
Dahlias are the showstoppers of the garden, known for their large, intricate blooms. These fast-growers come in a wide range of colors and forms, making them perfect for adding drama to garden beds. Dahlias thrive in sunny locations and require regular watering to maintain their stunning appearance. Their striking flowers attract pollinators and provide a continuous display of beauty throughout the summer. With their bold and captivating blooms, dahlias make a statement in any garden setting.
Verbena
Verbena is a versatile plant known for its clusters of small, vibrant flowers. These fast-bloomers are ideal for adding color to garden beds, borders, or containers. Verbena thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal maintenance. Their long-lasting blooms attract butterflies and provide a continuous display of beauty throughout the summer. With their cheerful appearance and easy care, verbena adds a touch of elegance and charm to any garden setting, making them a popular choice for summer planting.