Summer gardening doesn’t have to mean constant watering, pruning, and upkeep. With the right plant choices, you can enjoy a lush, thriving garden without all the extra work. The key is selecting heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and low-maintenance varieties that practically take care of themselves.
In this article, we highlight 20 summer plants that practically take care of themselves. From vibrant perennials and hardy succulents to self-sufficient flowering shrubs, these plants will keep your garden looking beautiful with minimal effort. If you’re looking for a garden that thrives through the heat with little fuss, these summer picks are perfect for you!
Lavender
This fragrant favorite grows happily in well-drained soil and full sun. Its resilience makes it a great choice for those who don’t want to fuss over their garden. Leave it to bask in the sunlight and watch it thrive. New gardeners will appreciate its adaptability and subtle beauty. No need to worry about constant watering; its drought-resistant nature takes care of that. Lavender attracts pollinators too, adding life to your garden. While it doesn’t demand much, a little pruning will encourage new growth and keep it looking neat.
Succulents
Succulents are iconic for their low-key care routine. With an array of shapes and sizes, they add interest to any space. They’re ideal for those who might forget to water since they store moisture in their leaves. Place them in bright light, and they’ll reward you with their stunning forms. Even in small spaces, succulents create a visual impact. Consider grouping different varieties for a collective display. Minimal watering and maximum impact make them a decorator’s dream. Just avoid overwatering, which is the only real threat.
Coneflower
Coneflowers are as sturdy as they are striking. These perennial blooms thrive in sunny spots and are drought-tolerant once established. Their vibrant petals bring a burst of color that lasts through the summer. Perfect for attracting butterflies and bees, they enhance the garden’s ecosystem. With minimal care, they return year after year, adding consistency to your garden. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms, but even this isn’t essential. Their robust nature makes them suitable for beginners.
Daylilies
These hardy perennials are known for their vibrant flowers and minimal care requirements. Daylilies adapt to a range of soil types and conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Their ability to thrive with little attention is remarkable. Each bloom lasts just a day, but the plant continuously produces new ones. For a splash of color that returns each year, daylilies are a fantastic choice. Divide them every few years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor. Their resilience makes them a staple in many gardens.
Zinnias
Zinnias are a gardener’s delight with their easy-care nature and vibrant hues. Perfect for sunny spots, they reward even minimal effort with an abundance of blooms. From seed to flower, they require little more than occasional watering and plenty of sun. Their bold colors and shapes make them a favorite in flower beds and bouquets. Regular deadheading promotes a longer blooming season. These fast-growers quickly become a summer staple, offering beauty without the burden of constant care. Ideal for cutting gardens.
Hostas
Hostas thrive in the shade, making them perfect for filling those tricky garden spots. Their leafy greens provide texture and interest, with minimal intervention needed. Once established, they’re quite drought-tolerant, and their foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season. These plants are perfect for creating a lush look without the hassle. They require occasional watering and benefit from dividing every few years. Despite their simplicity, they add a sense of tranquility to shaded areas.
Russian Sage
Russian sage is a sun-loving perennial known for its stunning purple-blue flowers and aromatic foliage. It thrives in poor soil and loves a sunny position, making it a low-maintenance choice. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and requires very little watering. Its long blooming period and ability to withstand heat make it a perfect addition to summer gardens. The silvery leaves add contrast and interest. For an effortlessly beautiful garden, Russian sage is a top pick.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, offers a sunny display with minimal care. These bright bloomers are champions of resilience, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. The cheerful yellow flowers attract pollinators and brighten up any garden space. With a high tolerance for poor soil, they flourish without frequent watering. Deadheading spent flowers will enhance their blooming potential. Coreopsis is a reliable perennial that delivers color and charm, making it a go-to for effortless gardening.
Marigolds
Marigolds bring a splash of color with their radiant blooms and are virtually self-sufficient. Known for their pest-repelling properties, they make great companions for vegetable gardens. Plant them in full sun, and they’ll reward you with endless color. Their care routine is straightforward: just water occasionally and deadhead to prolong blooming. Marigolds are a favorite for their reliability and vibrant display. They’re perfect for those who want bold color without the constant upkeep, and they perform well in various garden settings.
Sedum
Sedum, or stonecrop, is known for its tough nature and decorative appeal. These plants thrive in rocky, poor soil, making them ideal for low-maintenance gardens. Their fleshy leaves store water, reducing the need for frequent watering. With a variety of shapes and colors, they add visual interest to any landscape. In late summer, they burst into star-shaped flowers, providing a delightful display. Minimal care is needed beyond occasional watering, making sedum a great choice for stress-free gardening. They even thrive in containers.
Ferns
Ferns are the epitome of elegance with their intricate fronds and love for shady spots. Perfect for those looking to add greenery without fuss, they thrive in indirect light and moist soil. Their graceful appearance adds a natural feel to any garden. While they don’t need much attention, regular watering keeps them at their best. Ideal for containers or ground cover, ferns offer versatility. Their timeless beauty and minimal requirements make them a favorite among gardeners seeking simplicity.
Lantana
Lantana is celebrated for its vibrant clusters of flowers and resilience to heat and drought. These sun-loving plants flourish in the hottest climates, offering color that lasts throughout the season. Their flowers attract butterflies, adding a lively atmosphere to the garden. Lantana is low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and pruning to shape. They’re perfect for containers or as ground cover. The unique color-changing blooms ensure they stand out in any garden, providing endless visual appeal with minimal effort.
Salvia
Salvia, known for its striking flower spikes and aromatic foliage, is a garden staple. These perennials thrive in sunny locations and well-drained soil, requiring minimal watering. Their vibrant flowers attract hummingbirds and bees, enhancing the garden’s biodiversity. Once established, salvia is drought-tolerant, and deadheading spent blooms can extend its flowering period. The variety of colors and forms available makes it easy to find the perfect salvia for any garden style. Its ease of care and beauty make it a top choice for gardeners of all levels.
Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susans light up the garden with their iconic yellow blooms and contrasting dark centers. These hardy perennials are champions of adaptability, thriving in full sun and various soil types. They require minimal watering once established, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. Their long blooming season provides months of visual enjoyment. Deadheading helps maintain a tidy appearance and encourages more flowers. With their resilience and cheerful disposition, black-eyed Susans are a garden favorite, offering beauty with minimal effort.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a garden workhorse with its hardy nature and clusters of small flowers. Flourishing in full sun and poor soil, this perennial requires little more than occasional watering. Its feathery foliage adds texture, while the flowers attract beneficial insects. Yarrow’s drought tolerance and low-maintenance needs make it suitable for xeriscaping. Regular trimming will tidy up the plant but isn’t essential. Yarrow’s versatility and robust character make it a valuable addition to any garden, offering easy care and lasting appeal.
Agave
Agave plants are synonymous with desert landscapes, known for their sculptural leaves and hardy demeanor. These succulents thrive in dry, sunny conditions, requiring minimal water to flourish. Their striking appearance makes a bold statement in any garden setting. Once established, they’re extremely drought-tolerant, making them perfect for those seeking low-maintenance options. Agave’s slow growth means less frequent maintenance, and they rarely need pruning. Their dramatic form and robust nature make agave a standout choice for effortless gardening.
Bee Balm
Bee balm is a vibrant perennial that entices bees and hummingbirds with its colorful blooms. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, it adds energy to any garden. Its aromatic leaves are a bonus, infusing the air with a subtle fragrance. Bee balm is relatively low-maintenance, requiring regular watering to keep it at its best. Deadheading spent flowers encourages further blooming. With its stunning display and ease of care, bee balm is a favorite for creating a lively, nature-friendly garden space.
Heuchera
Heuchera, or coral bells, is celebrated for its colorful foliage and adaptability. These perennials provide ground cover in shaded areas, thriving in well-drained soil. Their leaves come in various colors, offering visual interest even without blooms. Heuchera requires minimal care, with occasional watering and mulching to retain moisture. It’s perfect for edging borders or filling containers. The diversity in leaf color and texture adds depth to garden designs, making heuchera a versatile and attractive choice for low-maintenance gardening.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are beloved for their unique flowers and range of vibrant colors. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring regular watering but minimal other care. These annuals bring playful charm to borders and containers. Deadheading prolongs their blooming period, offering an extended display of color. Snapdragons are perfect for those looking to add a touch of whimsy without the workload. Their delightful flowers make them a favorite with children and adults alike, providing easy enjoyment throughout the growing season.
Mimosa Pudica
Mimosa Pudica, often known as the ‘Sensitive Plant’, is a fascinating choice for your summer garden. Its leaves fold up when touched, adding a touch of magic and wonder.
This plant thrives in sunlight and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for those who love low-maintenance greenery. Its pink, powder-puff flowers are a delightful addition, contrasting beautifully with its lush green foliage.
Plant it in well-drained soil, and enjoy its unique behavior throughout the summer. Its ability to deter pests naturally is an added bonus, ensuring a healthy garden.