Summer is in full bloom in Chicago, and whether you have a yard to landscape, or a window box to decorate, don’t we all love to enjoy the burst of color that flowers bring? Summer’s late-season wonders are for the most part nectar-friendly perennials, annuals, and shrubs. We’ve done the research for you and have compiled a list of 5 various but equally beautiful and sturdy flowers that we guarantee will brighten up your home during these hot summer months. Hostas
If you are looking to add some color and interest to a shady area, hostas are a sure bet. They’re very low-maintenance as they require little sunlight or water and are incredibly tolerant of temperamental weather. With their different varieties of colors, sizes, and shapes, they’ll fit in any garden. To find out more information about hostas click here.
Dahlias
Dahlias are a crowd pleaser in Chicago as they are very prolific and provide continuous blooms from July to frost. They also offer a wide range of colors and sizes which means you can enjoy their dramatic beauty whether you have a small balcony or a large backyard. Here are some tips to make sure you have enough dahlias year after year: Don’t hesitate to cut the stems – the more you cut them, the more prolific they become. Furthermore, if the foliage blackens during Chicago’s cold winters, dig up the plant, cut the leaves and let them dry in a cool place to rejuvenate.
The Dwarf Lythrum
The Dwarf Lythrum is one of those plants with a high ROI. It requires very little upkeep, grows quickly, and bears beautiful pink flowers. Better yet, it offers a full bloom from May to September and is a plant that pollinators love. Pair these with some beautiful hydrangeas and you’ll make your neighbors jealous.
Hydrangeas
We certainly can’t opt out of the oh-so-popular hydrangeas. Their tall stems and changing colors will add dimension and interest to your garden landscape. The hybridization of hydrangeas in the last years has created various new species that satisfy a large number of landscaping needs so you really can’t go wrong with this pick!
The Buddleja Davidii
Also known as the “summer lilac” or the “butterfly bush”, the Buddleja is a magnet for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and is resistant to deer. When living in a city, it’s extra important to include pollinating plants and flowers into your landscape to maintain genetic diversity as well as preserve our food systems and ecosystems. Place it in well-drained soil with full exposure to the sun and you’ll be blessed with some beautiful and fragranced flowers in return. If you’re looking to add some feeding flowers to your garden or balcony, the Buddleja is the one to go for.
If you are interested in finding out more about plant conservation, we recommend having a look at Chicago Botanic Garden’s new user-friendly Budburst app, which lets you add pictures and observations in order to contribute to community science. How neat is that?
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