Top 10 Summer Flowering Plants for Houston Gardens

As summer approaches, Houston gardens burst into vibrant colors, thanks to an array of heat-tolerant, summer-flowering plants. These flowers not only withstand Houston's hot and humid climate but also add a stunning visual appeal to any garden. Here’s a list of some of the best summer-flowering plants for Houston gardens, along with care tips and planting combinations to enhance your outdoor space.
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Lantana

Lantanas are a favorite in Houston gardens due to their bright, multi-colored blooms and resilience to heat and drought. These flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding a lively element to your garden.

Care Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil.
• Water sparingly once established.
• Full sun is essential for maximum blooming.

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Planting Combinations: Pair lantanas with ornamental grasses like purple fountain grass for a contrasting texture and color.
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Hibiscus

Hibiscus plants bring a tropical flair to Houston gardens with their large, showy blooms. They are available in various colors, such as red, pink, yellow, and white.

Care Tips:

• Plant in rich, well-drained soil.
• Water regularly to keep the soil moist.
• Requires full sun to bloom profusely.

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Planting Combinations: Pair hibiscus with elephant ears for a lush, tropical garden feel.

Bougainvillea

Bougainvilleas are known for their vibrant bracts that come in colors like pink, purple, red, and orange. They are incredibly heat-tolerant and can thrive in Houston’s summer heat.

Care Tips:

• Needs well-drained soil.
• Water deeply but infrequently.
• Full sun is necessary for the best color.

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Planting Combinations: Use bougainvillea as a backdrop with lower-growing flowers like vinca to create a layered effect.
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Canna Lilies

​Canna lilies add a tropical touch to gardens with their large, bold flowers and lush foliage. They come in colors such as red, orange, yellow, and pink.

Care Tips:

• Prefers rich, well-drained soil.
• Keep soil consistently moist.
• Thrives in full sun.

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Planting Combinations: Pair canna lilies with caladiums for a garden filled with large, colorful leaves and striking blooms.
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Plumbago

Known for their clusters of sky-blue flowers, plumbagos are excellent for adding a cool, soothing color to your garden. They are also heat-tolerant and can bloom throughout the summer.

Care Tips:

• Prefers well-drained soil.
• Regular watering, especially in dry spells.
• Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Planting Combinations: Combine plumbagos with yellow daylilies for a striking blue and yellow color scheme.
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Crape Myrtle

Crape myrtles are small trees or large shrubs known for their long-lasting blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, and white.

Care Tips:

• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Drought-tolerant once established, water during prolonged dry periods
• Soil: Adaptable to various soil types but prefers well-draining soil

Planting Combination: Underplant crape myrtles with colorful vincas for a layered, eye-catching display.
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Salvia

Salvias are excellent for hot climates and come in shades of blue, purple, red, and white.

Care Tips:

• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Low to moderate, drought-tolerant once established
• Soil: Well-draining soil

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Planting Combination: Pair salvias with lantanas and agapanthus for a striking, drought-tolerant garden.

Caladium

Caladiums are grown for their striking foliage in shades of red, pink, white, and green.

Care Tips:

• Sun: Partial shade to full shade
• Water: Regular watering, keep soil consistently moist
• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil

Planting Combination: Combine caladiums with coleus and impatiens for a lush, shade-loving garden.

Vinca

Also known as periwinkle, vinca is a low-maintenance plant with an abundance of blooms in pink, white, red, and purple. It’s perfect for borders and containers.
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Care Tips:

• Plant in full sun for best blooming.
• Water regularly but avoid overwatering.
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

Vincas are heat-loving annuals that come in a wide range of bright colors, including red, pink, magenta, white and bi-colors.

Planting Combination: Combine vinca colors for a bright, cheerful garden.
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Esperanza

Also known as yellow bells, esperanza produces trumpet-shaped, bright yellow flowers. It’s a drought-tolerant plant that can handle Houston's heat.
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Care Tips:

• Plant in full sun.
• Water deeply but infrequently.
• Prune lightly to shape and remove spent flowers.

Planting Combination: Combine Esperanza with salvia, mexican heather for a vibrant, heat-tolerant garden.
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Conclusion

Creating a vibrant and beautiful summer garden in Houston is easy with the right selection of heat-tolerant flowers. These plants not only withstand the hot, humid conditions but also add stunning colors and attract pollinators, enhancing the overall beauty of your garden. By following the care tips and combining these plants thoughtfully, you can enjoy a lush, colorful garden all summer long. Happy gardening!