How to Grow Bushes That Flower All Summer - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Bushes that flower all summer is a good plant for your garden. It has many benefits and is low maintenance.

How to Grow Bushes That Flower All Summer - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Butterfly bush
  • Summer phlox
  • Catmint
  • Bee balm
  • Yarrow

Good to Know

  • All summer flowering bushes are perennials, meaning they live for more than two years.
  • Summer flowering bushes bloom during the warmest months of the year, typically from June to August.
  • Many summer flowering bushes are native to North America, including species such as the common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) and the mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia).
  • Summer flowering bushes come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red.
  • Some common summer flowering bushes used in landscaping include hydrangeas, roses, and lilacs.
  • Summer flowering bushes typically require full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  • Many summer flowering bushes are deer resistant, making them a good choice for areas where deer are a problem.
  • Summer flowering bushes can provide food and shelter for a variety of birds and other wildlife.
  • Some summer flowering bushes, such as the butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), are considered invasive in some areas.
  • Summer flowering bushes can add beauty and interest to your yard or garden and provide a welcome respite from the heat of summer.

Related plant:
Types Of Butterfly Bushes

Growing Steps

  1. For bushes that flower all summer, first step is to find a sunny location.
  2. Clear the area of any debris and remove any weeds.
  3. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plantÂ’s root ball.
  4. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  5. Water the plant deeply to settle the roots.
  6. Fertilize the plant according to the manufacturerÂ’s directions.
  7. Once the plant is established, prune it annually to encourage new growth and to shape the plant.
  8. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming.
  9. Water the plant regularly, especially during times of drought.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful summer blooms!

Related plant:
Yellow Bushes In Spring

The Soil

About soil condition, well-drained soil is best and too much water will kill the plants. Flowering bushes also like a lot of sun and heat to produce lots of flowers. If the location is too shady, the plant may not flower much or at all.

Light condition

Just like other plants, bushes need sunlight to grow. However, some bushes are more tolerant of shade than others. If you're looking for a bush that will flower all summer long, make sure to choose one that requires full sun.

Good Temperature

The temperature must be warm for bushes that flower all summer. They will not bloom in cooler weather. The best place for these types of bushes is in an area that gets plenty of sun and has well-drained soil.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. The plant grows well in full sun to partial shade. It is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for busy gardeners. It blooms from late spring to early fall and is a great addition to any garden.

The Fertilizer

The fertilizer, this type of plant food helps the plant to develop strong and healthy roots. This, in turn, helps the plant to absorb more nutrients and moisture from the soil, which is critical for flowering bushes that flower all summer.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping bushes that flower all summer looking their best. By pruning back the dead and diseased leaves and branches, you allow the plant to focus its energy on new growth. This also helps to keep the plant looking tidy and promotes better airflow, which helps to prevent pests and diseases.

The Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Bushes that flower all summer can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, new growth and should be about four to six inches long. After taking the cuttings, remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and water well. Keep the potting mix moist but not wet and in a few weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and new growth should appear.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be slow to moderate. Many of these varieties are known to live for decades with little to no maintenance required, making them a great option for those looking for long-term beauty in their landscape.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are over- watering, lack of sunlight, and pests. Over- watering can cause the roots to rot, which will kill the bush. Lack of sunlight will cause the bush to become leggy and produce fewer flowers. Pests can cause the bush to lose its leaves and flowers. To prevent these problems, water the bush only when the soil is dry, give the bush plenty of sunlight, and use an insecticide to keep pests away.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight.
  • Prepare the soil by tilling and adding organic matter.
  • Plant the bushes at the correct depth and spacing.
  • Water regularly and deeply.
  • Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune annually to encourage new growth.
  • Protect the plants from pests and diseases.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooming.
  • Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.
  • Enjoy the colorful flowers all summer long!

You May Like

  • Buddleja
  • Butterfly Bush
  • Catmint
  • Coneflower
  • Coral Bells
  • Daylily
  • False Indigo
  • Gaillardia
  • Lavender
  • Yarrow

Source:
Flowering Native Shrubs - UC Master Gardener Program of ... - ucanr.edu
Buddleja davidii (Butterfly Bush, Orange-Eyed Butterfly Bush, Summer ...
Selecting Landscape Plants: Flowering Trees | MU Extension

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category