As spring gives way to warmer days, gardens need fresh bursts of color to maintain visual interest, support local pollinators, and keep the landscape lively.
Early Flowers that bloomed earlier in the season are now faded. Meanwhile, rising temperatures mean that only heat-resistant plants will remain standing in the garden. Fortunately, late spring flowers fill that gap in providing vibrant displays while attracting essential pollinators.
A well-planned garden will produce color continually across the seasons. Perennials, annuals, and native wildflowers can serve as the perfect blooms for your space. The right selection ensures that your garden produces seasonal colors even as spring gives way to summer.
1. Peonies
Few flowers match the elegance of peonies and their lush, layered blooms. Peonies appear in late spring and generate stunning displays that last for weeks. Available in pink, white, red, and yellow, these plants suit a variety of garden styles.
Why Plant Peonies?
- They thrive for decades – Once firmly planted, peonies will return every year.
- Pollinators love them – Bees frequently visit their fragrant blooms.
- Minimal care required – These flowers grow well even with little maintenance.
For best results, plant peonies in well-drained soil that’s exposed to full sunlight. They might take time to mature, but they will definitely reward your patience with longevity. Peonies also make excellent cut flowers that bring lively beauty indoors.
2. Foxgloves
Foxgloves stand out in any garden with their tall, tubular flower spikes that tower over other plants, adding a striking pop of color and texture. Their bell-shaped flowers bloom on tall spikes and attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. These biennials bloom in their second year but reseed naturally to ensure future blooms.
Why Grow Foxgloves?
- Perfect for pollinators – A favorite among bees and butterflies.
- Great for partial shade – Ideal for woodland gardens or mixed borders.
- Available in multiple colors – Find them in white, pink, purple, and yellow.
Foxgloves germinate naturally to provide new plants every season. However, all parts of the plant are toxic so keep them away from pets and small children. To enjoy Foxglove blooms safely, plant them in areas where they won’t be disturbed.
3. Irises
Irises add bold color and well-defined form to late spring gardens with their striking, upright blooms and distinctive sword-like leaves. Bearded irises, in particular, showcase some of the most eye-catching flowers you’ll find.
Why Choose Irises?
- Adapt well to dry conditions – A great choice for low-water gardens.
- Come in a variety of colors – Purple, blue, yellow, and bi-color options available.
- Low maintenance – Once established, they require little care.
Plant irises in full sun in well-drained soil. They spread over time, dividing them every few years to keep them healthy and blooming.
Find more iris-growing tips from the American Iris Society
4. Alliums
Alliums stand out in garden beds with their tall, globe-shaped blooms, adding height, balance, and a natural defense against pests. Their strong scent and taste deter common garden invaders, making them both beautiful and practical.
Why Grow Alliums?
- Long-lasting blooms – Their flowers persist well into early summer.
- Pest-resistant – Rabbits, deer, and insects avoid them due to their strong onion-like scent and taste, which many animals find unappealing.
- Drought tolerant – Ideal for areas with little rainfall.
Alliums pair beautifully with ornamental grasses and perennials. To create depth, position alliums behind lower-growing plants, allowing their tall blooms to rise above and add layered interest.
5. Poppies
The poppies’ vivid petals bring rich, bold colors to late spring gardens. Since they self-seed, poppies will return year after year with little effort and fill spaces with their natural beauty.
Why Grow Poppies?
- Low-maintenance plants – Once planted, they flourish naturally.
- Loved by pollinators – Bees frequently visit them for nectar.
- Adapt to different climates – Suitable for various growing conditions.
California poppies excel in warm, dry areas. Their petals open with the morning sun and close at dusk, which adds a dynamic, ever-changing element to your garden.
6. Salvia
Salvia enhances late spring gardens with its tall, spiky blooms that provide long-lasting color and abundant nectar. As a result, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to its flowers.
Why Choose Salvia?
- A top pollinator plant – Provides essential nectar.
- Heat and drought resistant – Thrives in warm, dry conditions.
- Low-maintenance perennial – Comes back stronger each season.
For a resilient, pollinator-friendly plant, salvia is an excellent option. Its long blooming season keeps the garden active and colorful well into summer.
Add Late Spring Flowers for a Vibrant Garden
Planting late spring flowers keep your garden vibrant as the season progresses. Peonies, foxgloves, alliums, and salvia provide lasting beauty and support pollinators. A mix of these self-seeding perennials ensure the presence of fresh colors every year.
Which late spring flowers are your favorites? Share your gardening experiences in the comments!
FAQs
1. What are the best late spring flowers for pollinators?
Peonies, salvia, foxgloves, and alliums attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These flowers provide nectar and pollen, supporting local ecosystems.
2. Can I plant late spring flowers in containers?
Yes! Many late spring flowers, such as poppies and salvia, grow well in pots. To ensure their success, use well-draining soil and place them in a sunny spot.
3. Do late spring flowers require a lot of water?
Some, like peonies and irises, need moderate watering. Others, such as alliums and salvia, are drought-resistant and thrive with minimal moisture.
4. How can I extend the blooming season?
Deadheading spent flowers, fertilizing properly, and planting a mix of early, mid, and late-season varieties will maintain color longer.
5. Are late spring flowers suitable for shaded gardens?
Yes! Foxgloves and some iris varieties thrive in partial shade. However, most late spring flowers prefer full sun.
