In Charlotte, NC, summer means long, sunny days and high temperatures. To keep your garden looking vibrant and healthy during these hot months, it’s essential to choose plants and shrubs that can thrive in the summer climate. Here are some top picks for summer landscaping in Charlotte, NC:
1. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Crape Myrtles are a favorite in Charlotte for their stunning summer blooms and heat resistance. These versatile shrubs come in various sizes and colors, from vibrant pinks and reds to soft whites and purples. Once established, they are drought-tolerant, making them an excellent low-maintenance choice. Crape Myrtles are among the best plants for summer flowering, offering a spectacular display that lasts through the season.
2. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Hydrangeas are beloved for their large, colorful flower heads that can brighten any garden. The ‘Endless Summer’ variety is especially suited for our climate, as it blooms repeatedly throughout the season. Hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, making them perfect for partially shaded areas. These summer garden plants add a touch of elegance and are excellent for creating a focal point in your landscape.
3. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)
As the name suggests, Butterfly Bushes attract butterflies with their fragrant, nectar-rich flowers. These shrubs are available in various colors, including purple, pink, and white. They thrive in full sun and are drought-tolerant once established, making them a perfect addition to a summer garden. Butterfly Bushes are among the best summer plants, providing both beauty and ecological benefits.
4. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Rose of Sharon is a hardy shrub that produces large, tropical-looking flowers from mid-summer to fall. These plants can tolerate full sun and partial shade and are relatively low-maintenance. They come in various colors, such as pink, white, lavender, and blue, adding a touch of exotic beauty to your landscape. Rose of Sharon is one of the top plants for the summer season, ensuring a vibrant and lush garden.
5. Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies are known for their bright, trumpet-shaped flowers and robust nature. They thrive in full sun and can handle the heat of a Charlotte summer. Daylilies come in numerous colors and bloom throughout the season, providing a continuous display of color in your garden. These are among the best plants for summer gardens, adding persistent beauty and resilience.
6. Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses, such as maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis) and fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), add texture and movement to your landscape. These grasses are drought-tolerant, thrive in full sun, and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for summer planting. Ornamental grasses are excellent garden plants for summer, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits.
Green-Thumbs Only Passed This Point
The following plants are beautiful additions that can thrive in summer conditions. However, we only recommend them to individuals with green thumbs willing to do extra work in their gardens. Due to this, we do not offer the following plants within our planting services.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-Eyed Susans are perennials that add a cheerful splash of yellow to your summer garden. These hardy plants can withstand the summer heat. Plant them in full sun to enjoy their long-lasting blooms from mid-summer to early fall. Black-Eyed Susans are great summer plants for garden enthusiasts looking for striking options.
Sedum (Stonecrops)
Sedums, or stonecrops, are succulent plants that excel in hot, dry conditions. They come in various forms, from ground covers to upright varieties, and their fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers add unique beauty to any garden. Sedums are perfect for rock gardens, borders, or container planting. These are among the best plants for hot weather, providing beauty and durability in extreme conditions.
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Coneflowers are hardy perennials that flourish in full sun and tolerate the summer heat exceptionally well. They come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, white, and yellow. Besides their beauty, coneflowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing your garden’s ecological health. Coneflowers are among the best plants for hot weather, providing vibrant color and resilience during the hottest months.
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantanas are heat-loving shrubs known for their clusters of brightly colored flowers that bloom continuously through the summer. They are drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun, which is ideal for Charlotte’s hot summers. Lantanas are also deer-resistant, adding another layer of resilience to your garden. These are perfect plants for summer planting, ensuring your garden remains colorful and lively.
Summer Plants and Shrubs Conclusion
Selecting the right plants and shrubs for your summer garden in Charlotte is crucial for maintaining a vibrant and healthy landscape during the hottest months. By choosing heat-tolerant and drought-resistant species, you can enjoy a beautiful garden with minimal maintenance. Whether you prefer colorful flowers, lush greenery, or a combination of both, these plants will help your garden thrive all summer long.
Barker Brothers is available to assist you with selecting and planting beautiful summer plants. Contact us today for expert advice and professional landscaping services. Our team is committed to helping you design an incredible summer garden with the best plants for the Charlotte, NC area.
