Summer isn’t just for sun-drenched getaways and chilled glasses of Sancerre; it’s also the prime season for flowers that bloom in summer to shine. If your idea of a good time includes filling your home with fresh, elegant flowers of the season as home décor (or let’s be honest, personality accessories), you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re styling a patio dining table overlooking the Potomac, sending a “thinking of you” bouquet that says more than words, or simply indulging in a little self-care via floral therapy, let’s take a walk through the lushest, most breathtaking blooms of the season.
The Best Summer Flowers (Or At Least Our Favorite Flowers That Bloom During the Summer Months)
Hydrangeas: Fluffy, Fabulous, and Always on Trend
Hydrangeas are like the cashmere throws of the floral world: soft, luxurious, and always in style. Blooming throughout summer, they’re definitely among the best summer flowers to bring volume and softness to any space. Plus, there are so many brilliant colors and varieties that this diverse bloom can keep things fresh all summer long!
When They Bloom: June through September (they’re in it for the long haul, thankfully).
Why we love them: They’re lush and voluminous, so a few stems go a long way—and they make a space feel instantly “done.”
Style tip: Arrange white hydrangeas in sleek ceramics for a beach house-inspired tablescape, or lean into their cottage-core aesthetic with a mix of colors and shapes in a tall vessel.
Roses: Not Your Grocery Store Bouquet
Roses are one of the most popular flowers in the world. While we typically think of them for Valentine’s Day, the roses we’re thinking of aren’t found at your grocery store. Garden rose varieties have layered petals, a wide range of colors, and an intoxicating fragrance. These summer bloomers are nothing like their supermarket cousins.
When They Bloom: June through September, with peak showings in July and August (just in time for alfresco soirées).
Why we love them: They’re luxurious, romantic, and practically beg to be part of your summer dinner party décor.
Style tip: Use them solo in a crystal vase for understated elegance or mix them with soft greens for an English garden aesthetic.
Sunflowers: A Chic Take on Summer’s Happiest Bloom
Before you scroll, yes, sunflowers can be chic. When styled right, they add a bold, modern touch to upscale arrangements, especially when balanced with dramatic foliage or deep-toned blooms. If you’re asking which flower represents summer with a sunny, confident vibe, look no further.
When They Bloom: July through early September (fun fact: sunflowers are heliotropic, meaning their large golden faces follow the path of the sun in the sky as they grow!).
Why we love them: They bring warmth, height, and a touch of whimsy to any space.
Style tip: Mix a variety of sunflowers with wily grasses and texture foliage for a country-chic look or get your Van Gogh on and arrange them in a ceramic or terracotta-colored vase to bring a little Provence into your home.
Lilies: Elegant, Fragrant, and Summer-Ready
If you know us, you know we LOVE lilies. Lilies are a classic choice when it comes to flowers that bloom in summer, and they bring an air of elegance wherever they go. Their bold petals and intoxicating fragrance make them a standout in any arrangement. With over 100 species, each with its own unique color, size, and fragrance, you’ll find one that you love too.
When They Bloom: June through August (the heart of summer, making them a seasonal favorite).
Why we love them: Lilies bring drama and sophistication, and their scent fills the room with a subtle luxury.
Style tip: Go big or go home with lilies! A tall vase of lilies with coordinating colored blooms is the perfect welcoming statement for any foyer or entryway. But if you’re looking for something a bit more demure, nerine lilies are the perfect accent for a petite arrangement!
Lavender: The Summer Scent That Blooms
Lavender is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life. Known for its calming aroma and delicate purple blooms, lavender fits perfectly in your lineup of summer flowers that bring both beauty and fragrance.
When They Bloom: June through August (peak summer scent and color).
Why we love them: Lavender adds texture, subtle color, and a spa-like calm to any bouquet or arrangement.
Style tip: Incorporate sprigs of lavender into mixed bouquets or display bunches solo in simple glass jars for understated elegance and that signature summer scent. Plus, lavender dries beautifully while keeping its color and scent!
Zinnias: The Humble Bloom with a Big Personality
From farmer’s markets to summer wedding flowers, the zinnia might look like a simple country flower at first glance. But with its wide array of colors, from creamy white and peach to vibrant fuchsia and lime green, the zinnia adds summer fun to any design!
When They Bloom: June through September (they really are a gift that keeps giving!).
Why we love them: There is so much variety within this one flower! From your standard yellows and pinks, round shape to unusual ‘Zinderella’ hybrids that look full and fluffy, the zinnia contains multitudes!
Style tip: Let the zinnia grab your attention in a petite design for a bedside table, or it can make the perfect finishing touch in a larger arrangement to add whimsy to any space.
Dahlias: The Bold, Bougie Attention-Grabbers
If there were a star of the show that is summer, it might just be the dahlia. They bloom mid-to-late summer and arrive in a spectrum of colors and shapes—from petite pom-poms to decadent dinner-plate varieties, they demand the spotlight.
When They Bloom: Mid-July through early October (fashionably late, but worth the wait).
Why we love them: They’re unapologetically bold, making them perfect for homes with personality (and let’s face it, you’ve got that covered).
Style tip: Let dahlias take center stage in a dramatic foyer arrangement or as a centerpiece. The blooms are often angled on the stem like a pinwheel, so they’re ready for their close-up no matter the vessel or table.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Flowers
What Flowers Bloom All Summer?
If you’re wondering which are the best summer flowers that will keep your space blooming non-stop from June through September, here’s the insider scoop:
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Hydrangeas: Their voluminous heads keep going strong all summer.
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Garden Roses: Long bloom times with gorgeous fragrance.
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Lavender: Perfect for continuous bloom and scent.
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Zinnias: Another summer staple, this flower might be small keeps giving all summer long!
Choosing these flowers guarantees you’ll have fresh, luxe blooms in your home or event from start to finish of the season.
Which Flower Truly Represents Summer?
When asked which flower represents summer, many might immediately think “sunflower.” And for good reason: these sunny blooms are literally the face of the season—radiant, cheerful, and impossible to ignore.
But summer’s essence is more than just one bloom. It’s a tapestry woven from the softness of hydrangeas, the drama of dahlias, the romance of garden roses, and the exotic flair of orchids. Together, these summer flowers create the ultimate expression of the season’s vibrancy and luxury.
How Do I Keep My Summer Flowers Looking Like a Million Bucks?
Whether you’re working with flowers that bloom in summer or tropical varieties, care makes all the difference.
- Trim stems at a 45° angle every couple of days.
- When trimming the stems, refresh the water, too.
- Keep cut flowers away from direct sun and opt for cooler places around the house (yes, even in summer).
- Don’t mix blooms with overly ripe fruit—unless you enjoy premature petal drop.
It’s Time to Soak up the Sun
Whether you’re curating your coffee table, upgrading your home office, or sending an unforgettable gift, summer is the ultimate season to indulge in fresh summer flowers. So go ahead, fill your space with color, texture, and fragrance that says, “I have impeccable taste (and I know a great florist).” Because life’s too short for boring blooms.