Why Plant in June?
June is the perfect time to add vibrant colors and fragrant blooms to your garden. With warm soil and plenty of sunlight, plants established now will reward you with stunning displays throughout summer and into early fall. Whether you’re looking to attract pollinators, add cut flowers for arrangements, or simply enhance your landscape, these 15 flowers are ideal choices for June planting.
Each flower on our list thrives when planted in June’s conditions and offers unique benefits to your garden ecosystem. From drought-tolerant perennials to showy annuals, there’s something for every gardening style and skill level.
Flowers to Plant in June
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are drought-tolerant perennials that bloom from June through October. Their distinctive cone-shaped centers and vibrant petals make them standout additions to any garden.
Planting Tips:
- Plant in soil with good drainage at a depth of 12-15 inches
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Water deeply once a week until established
- Thrives in zones 3-9
Benefits: Attracts butterflies and bees; excellent cut flowers; medicinal properties
Butterfly Weed
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) features clusters of bright orange flowers that are irresistible to butterflies, particularly monarchs. This native perennial is drought-resistant once established.
Planting Tips:
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil
- Plant at the same depth as the container
- Water sparingly; plants prefer dry conditions
- Space plants 12-24 inches apart
Benefits: Essential monarch butterfly host plant; attracts pollinators; drought-tolerant native species
Complete June Planting Guide
Marigold
Marigolds thrive in summer heat and offer vibrant orange and yellow blooms that repel garden pests.
Planting Tip: Space 8-10 inches apart in well-draining soil. Water at the base to prevent powdery mildew.
Zinnia
Zinnias are easy-to-grow annuals that produce bright, long-lasting blooms in a variety of colors.
Planting Tip: Sow seeds directly in garden after last frost. Space 6-18 inches apart depending on variety.
Sunflower
Sunflowers provide dramatic height and color to summer gardens, with varieties ranging from 2-12 feet tall.
Planting Tip: Plant 1-1½ inches deep, spacing 6 inches apart. Stake tall varieties for support.
Cosmos
Cosmos are airy, elegant annuals with feathery foliage and daisy-like blooms in pink, white, and red.
Planting Tip: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep; thin to 12-18 inches apart. Thrives in poor soil.
Black-eyed Susan
These cheerful perennials feature golden-yellow petals with dark centers and bloom from June to October.
Planting Tip: Set plants 18 inches apart in well-draining soil. Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
Daylily
Daylilies are virtually carefree perennials offering trumpet-shaped blooms in countless colors.
Planting Tip: Plant with crown 1 inch below soil surface. Space 18-24 inches apart in rich, moist soil.
Peony
Peonies are long-lived perennials with large, fragrant blooms in shades of white, pink, and red.
Planting Tip: Plant with eyes (buds) no more than 2 inches below soil surface. Provide support for heavy blooms.
Impatiens
Impatiens are shade-loving annuals that provide continuous color in areas with little direct sunlight.
Planting Tip: Space 8-12 inches apart in rich, constantly moist soil. Avoid overhead watering.
Lavender
Lavender offers fragrant foliage and purple flower spikes that attract bees and butterflies.
Planting Tip: Plant in well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. Space 2-3 feet apart to improve air circulation.
Salvia
Salvias provide tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, red, and white that attract hummingbirds.
Planting Tip: Space 1-3 feet apart depending on variety. Prefers well-draining soil; drought tolerant once established.
Dahlia
Dahlias produce stunning blooms in varied shapes and colors from midsummer until first frost.
Planting Tip: Plant tubers 4-6 inches deep with eye facing up. Space 2-3 feet apart and stake tall varieties.
Nasturtium
Nasturtiums offer edible flowers and leaves with a peppery flavor and bright blooms in yellow, orange, and red.
Planting Tip: Sow seeds directly 1/2 inch deep in poor to average soil. Too much fertilizer reduces flowering.
Petunia
Petunias are versatile annuals that provide continuous color in beds, containers, and hanging baskets.
Planting Tip: Space 12 inches apart in well-draining soil. Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.
Start Planting Today!
June offers ideal conditions to establish these beautiful bloomers in your garden. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener, these 15 flowers provide reliable color, attract beneficial wildlife, and create a stunning outdoor space you’ll enjoy all summer long. Happy Gardening…
