Heather’s Gardening Service

Written by Heather Morren

Here in Edmonton, most gardeners are chomping at the bit the moment any greenery pokes through the soil. Those early spring blooms, like daffodils, tulips and Pasque flowers, tantalize us, making us long for more. 

And more we get! Forget Me Nots dazzle with their tiny blue flowers. Bear’s Ear (primula auricula) produce an impressive array of bicolored petals including yellow, crimson and deep purple. Spritely violas, often called Johnny Jump Ups, bring cheerful pops of color to even the tightest cracks of the garden. Fragrant lilacs tantalize the nose. Delicate white allium blow in the spring breeze.  

But just as quickly as they came, spring flowers start to fade. Thankfully, there are a wide variety of other perennials and annuals that take their place so your garden bursts with color all summer long.  

What Makes a Great Midsummer Flower?

The important thing to remember when choosing flowering plants that bloom in July and August, is that they must be heat tolerant. These are the hottest months in Edmonton, sometimes getting as high as 30 degrees Celsius for multiple days at a time. It’s not for the faint of heart (or the lover of water (or for those who don’t love lugging around a hose).

Low maintenance and drought-tolerant varieties are also key. Edmonton summers can swing between wet weeks and bone-dry spells, so it’s helpful to have flowers that won’t throw in the towel if you miss a watering (or head to the lake for the weekend).

Look for plants that thrive in heat and direct sun, and ones that have an extended blooming period, ideally from late June through August. That way, you’re not just getting a quick week or two of color—you get a steady stream of blooms all summer long.

And of course, many midsummer blooms are fantastic for pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds love many of the flowers that will be mentioned below. Choosing flowers that support local wildlife is a simple, beautiful way to make your garden a little more eco-friendly.

Annual Flowers for Midsummer Color

1. Zinnias
   • Zinnias have beautifully vibrant colors. They love heat, which is a huge positive for those + 30 days and they continuously produce blooms throughout the season.

2. Marigolds
   • Marigolds are known for being hardy and vividly colored. They are also a great pest deterrent as well, chasing away nematodes, aphids, squash bugs, and even those pesky mosquitos.

3. Cosmos
   • Cosmos have long stems and delicate foliage that dance gracefully in the breeze. They come in a wide array of colors such as white, pink and magenta.

4. Petunias
   • Petunias are a summer classic. They can be found at any greenhouse in a wide variety of colors, patterns and sizes. My favorite kind are speckled and look like tiny purple and white galaxies.

5. Sunflowers
   • Sunflowers remind me of my childhood. Kids (and pollinators) love sunflowers. They are a tall statement flower that add beauty to any garden. 

Top Perennials That Shine in Midsummer

1. Coneflower
   • Coneflowers are a favorite amongst butterflies and their unique shape is eye catching. They also bloom for an extended period of time

2. Black-Eyed Susans 
   • Black-Eyed Susans are a great low maintenance option that sport  bold, bright yellow flowers.

3. Coreopsis
   • Part of the Aster family, like daisies, Coreopsis are excellent for dry conditions. They are usually yellow but can also come in white, or with hints of red around the center disk.

4. Bee Balm
   • Bee Balm, like the name suggestions, attracts bees and also hummingbirds. They have a uniquely shaped flower that is usually a vibrant pink, purple or red.  

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5. Daylilies
   • Like Petunias, Daylilies are a classic flowering plants. They are hardy and prolific and, although  they are most often orange or yellow, they also come in deep reds, delicate pinks, and more.

Tips for Planting and Maintaining Midsummer Blooms

When to plant
For best results, plant annuals in late May to early June—after the risk of frost has passed. Perennials should go in earlier, ideally in mid to late spring, so they have time to establish before the heat hits. That said, planting now isn’t pointless—some perennials will focus on root growth this season and reward you next summer with more vigorous blooms.

Mulching and watering strategies
Once the heat ramps up, moisture evaporates fast. A thick layer of mulch (like shredded bark or compost) around your plants will help keep water and regulate soil temperature. As for watering, aim for deep, infrequent watering rather than a light sprinkle every day. Early mornings or late evenings are ideal to minimize evaporation and reduce disease risk.

Deadheading to encourage more blooms
Many midsummer flowers (especially annuals) will keep blooming if you remove spent flowers. It’s a simple task that makes a big difference. Zinnias, cosmos, and coneflowers all benefit from regular deadheading. Just snip off the fading blooms at the stem, and you’ll be rewarded with more color in no time.

Fertilizer recommendations
To keep your midsummer garden thriving, give your plants a little boost. A balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting time can carry many flowers through the season. For heavy bloomers like petunias and marigolds, a water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks can help maintain energy for continuous flowering. Just be cautious not to over-fertilize—it can lead to more leaves than flowers.

Designing with Color in Mind

A well-planned garden isn’t just about picking your favorite flowers—it’s about the vibe. Think about the overall feeling you want when you look out your window or sip your morning coffee on the deck. Is it soft and dreamy? Bold and fiery? There’s a color combo for that.

Sunset tones (think oranges, reds, and deep golds) pair beautifully with warm-toned foliage like bronze coleus or dark purple heuchera. These gardens feel lively and inviting—perfect for front yards or entertaining spaces.

If you prefer something calmer, pastel palettes offer a soft and romantic look. Try pale pink cosmos, creamy yellow daylilies, and lavender-hued phlox. Add in silvery foliage like lamb’s ear for an ethereal touch.

Want to go bold? Jewel tones—deep magenta, cobalt blue, and rich orange—make a statement. They shine especially well in late afternoon light. Mix in dark green foliage or even some grasses like blue fescue to ground your design.

Don’t forget to mix textures and heights. Pair tall spiky blooms like liatris with low, mounding plants like alyssum or creeping thyme. The contrast keeps things interesting, even when some blooms fade out.

Pairing with foliage plants is another great trick. A bed of just flowers can look a bit chaotic. Interspersing colorful leaves adds structure and cohesion—think coleus, dusty miller, or hostas in part-shade areas.

By thoughtfully choosing plants that bloom in midsummer, you’re setting yourself up for a garden that doesn’t fizzle out after the spring rush. Heat-tolerant, long-blooming flowers not only keep the color going, but they also attract beneficial pollinators and give your garden a more balanced, full-season look.

If you’ve ever felt that lull in mid-July when your spring favorites have faded, now’s the time to experiment. Try mixing in a few of these midsummer superstars and see what works in your space. Maybe you’ll discover a new favorite—just don’t blame me when you end up needing more garden beds!

Photos in this article were taken by Heather Morren, Andrew Morren, as well as, BSPollard, William Reagan, Vadym Terelyuk Information was sourced from a wide variety of online resources. Please ask, should you wish to see a full list.