The transition from spring to summer is marked by an explosion of colorful blooms. Late spring flowers bridge the gap between tulips and daffodils fading and summer annuals taking the stage. These flowering plants give your garden a boost right when it needs it most.
Overview of Late Spring Flowers
Some top picks for late spring blooms include
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Peonies – Large, lush blooms in May-June. Come in many colors.
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Roses – Classic flowering shrubs. Repeat bloomers on new wood.
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Poppies – Cheery blooms on delicate plants. Self-sowing biennials
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Lilacs – Fragrant spring-blooming shrubs. Range of colors.
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Iris – Bold sword-like leaves and showy blooms Many colors and forms.
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Alliums – Ornamental onions with round flower heads.
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Columbine – Delicate, bell-shaped blooms that attract hummingbirds.
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Rhododendrons – Evergreen shrubs with big clusters of blooms.
Caring for Late Spring Blooms
To maximize blooming of late spring flowers:
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Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
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Provide ample water during dry periods.
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Apply fertilizer or compost to maintain nutrients.
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Stake tall flowers like delphinium to prevent flopping.
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Prune spring-blooming shrubs after flowering.
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Cut back perennials by 1/3 after blooming subsides.
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Leave foliage until it dies back for nutrients.
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Mulch beds to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
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Divide overcrowded clumps in fall to promote flowering.
Proper care will keep these flowering plants looking their best in late spring and early summer.
Top Performers for Late Spring Color
Here are more details on some of the best flowers for this transitional season:
Peonies
Giant, lush blooms arrive in late May to early June. Available in many colors and forms. Remove spent blooms to prevent seedpods.
Roses
Repeat-blooming roses planted the previous year will flower again on new wood. Prune after spring flush. Deadhead to encourage more blooms.
Poppies
Self-sowing plants produce cheery blooms in many colors. Let seedheads dry on plants for reseeding. Foliage disappears after bloom.
Lilacs
These spring-blooming shrubs perfume the air. Prune immediately after flowering to promote next year’s blooms. Allow foliage to yellow.
Iris
Bearded iris produce waves of colorful blooms in late spring. Divide clumps every few years to stimulate flowering. Cut back spent blooms.
Alliums
Ornamental onions send up dense round flower heads on sturdy stems in May-June. Leave foliage to die back naturally.
Columbine
Dainty, bell-shaped blooms dangle from arching stems, attracting hummingbirds. May self-seed. Cut back by 1/3 after bloom.
Rhododendrons
Showy evergreen shrubs produce abundant clusters of colorful blooms in spring. Provide well-drained, acidic soil.
Succession of Blooms for a Bright Garden
A succession of blossoms from early spring into summer will give your garden continuous color. Follow these tips:
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Plant a mix of spring bulbs, blooming trees, perennials, and shrubs.
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Choose a range of bloom times from early to late.
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Add some annuals and summer perennials for extended color.
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Deadhead spent blooms regularly to maximize flowering.
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Stagger plantings over several years to always have new plants blooming.
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Fertilize and prune at proper times to encourage vigorous growth.
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Remove foliage only when it declines to nourish plants.
With thoughtful planning and care, your garden can shift seamlessly from spring to summer blooms for months of color.
Welcome Summer with Late Spring Flowers
Late spring presents a parade of glorious blossoms like peonies, poppies, iris, alliums, and more. Caring properly for these flowering plants will keep them looking their best. Deadheading, fertilizing, and pruning at the right times ensures healthy, vigorous plants that transition the garden into summer.
5 Great Late Spring / Early Summer Blooming Perennials – Sheridan Nurseries
FAQ
What flower blooms late spring?
What flower blooms all spring and summer?
What flowers bloom at the end of May?
What perennial flower blooms the longest?
Which flowering plants bloom in the early summer?
Below is a list of some of our favorite flowering plants that will bloom in the early summer, many of which bloom all season and well into the fall! The bulbs of allium have a pungent odor that deters pests from your garden. Allium, or the ornamental onion, creates a dramatic display in your late spring or early summer gardens.
Are late spring & early summer flowering plants suitable for cold climate gardens?
Next comes the late spring and early summer flowering listed below. These flowering plants are suitable for cold climate gardens. I’ve listed the general growing zones for plant hardiness, but always check specific plant tags to make sure your selections suit your growing conditions. Find Your Frost Dates & Hardiness Zone
When do perennial flowers bloom?
Share on FacebookShare on PinterestShare on EmailShare on X (Twitter) If you want perennial flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer, here are some favorites. If your goal is continuous blooms throughout the growing seasons, also see this printable list of perennial flowers for blooms times for more plant suggestions. Early Summer Blooms
Are early summer blooms a good idea for a perennial garden?
Early Summer Blooms The main goal in my perennial garden is continuous blooms throughout the growing seasons. I listed some reliable spring bloomers here. Next comes the late spring and early summer flowering listed below. These flowering plants are suitable for cold climate gardens.