Sam’s Top 10 Summer Plants for Virginia Landscapes
Ah, summer plants bring curb appeal, calmness, and joy—of course best of all, pollinators! Since joining MowCow back in March, Sam’s quickly become a cherished part of the MowCow Herd. She loves to whip up wonderful landscapes and tidy up yards with a neighborly touch. Her deep roots in horticulture shine brightly as she spreads MowCow magic, nurturing close relationships with our clients. With a hearty blend of plant wisdom and genuine care, Sam’s the go-to gal for transforming gardens into vibrant showcases, perfectly suited for our Northern Virginia climate. We asked Sam her favorite summertime plants.
#10 – Summer Phlox
Native to the Virginia mountains, summer phlox springs up in a tall, pink splendor that captures the essence of my mountain hikes. Thriving in full sun, this plant is a low-maintenance beacon of summer vitality.
Why I love summer phlox: Growing up and exploring the natural landscapes of Virginia, the sight of summer phlox always feels like a homecoming to me. It’s a nostalgic reminder of the state’s wild beauty.
How to take care of this summer plant: Summer phlox flourishes under the full sun with regular watering. It’s wonderfully straightforward, requiring little beyond basic care to thrive and spread its charming blooms.
#9 – Bee Balm
Bee balm is a vibrant, fragrant addition to any garden, known for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. This delightful plant thrives in full sun, adding a splash of color and a pleasant aroma to your garden.
Why I love bee balm: One of my earliest memories of gardening involves bringing home bee balm from a nursery to start my first butterfly garden. Its beautiful blooms and the wildlife it attracts make it a constant joy in my garden.
How to take care of this summer plant: Bee balm prefers full sun and should be watered regularly. It’s essential to avoid overwatering as it can lead to fungal issues. With the right care, bee balm will flourish and fill your garden with life and color.
#8 – Cardinal Flower
The cardinal flower is a striking addition to any garden with its dark, blood-red blooms. This native plant is a magnet for hummingbirds and looks stunning planted at the base of a hummingbird feeder.
Why I love cardinal flower: This summer plant’s vibrant red color is simply breathtaking, and I love planting them to attract hummingbirds. They require minimal maintenance and add a bold splash of color to my garden.
How to take care of this summer plant: Cardinal flowers thrive in pots or wildflower gardens with plenty of sunlight. They are low maintenance, making them an excellent choice for any gardener.
#7 – Jack-in-the-Pulpit
This unique plant, with its intriguing shape, adds an artistic touch to any garden. Found in the mountains, it thrives in moist, shady areas, making it perfect for planting alongside ferns and other shade-loving plants.
Why I love Jack in the Pulpit: Its distinctive shape and stripes remind me of a zoot suit! And best of all it brings back fond memories of mountain hikes. It’s a fascinating plant that adds a touch of whimsy to any garden.
How to take care of this summer plant: Jack-in-the-Pulpit prefers shady, moist areas. Ensure it gets enough water and plant it in a location with ferns and other shade-loving plants for a beautiful, cohesive look.
#6 – Passion Flower
Passion flowers are a tropical delight, producing not only stunning blooms but also fruit. They thrive in humid environments and love the sun, making them a beautiful addition to any garden or even indoors in a sunny spot.
Why I love passion flower: Passion flowers were some of the first summer plants I grew in my garden in California. Their intricate, tie-dye-like blooms and the fact that they produce fruit make them a favorite of mine.
How to take care of this summer plant: Passion flowers require plenty of sunlight and humidity. They’re perfect for indoor gardens, especially in bathrooms where humidity levels are higher. Their vibrant blooms are sure to brighten up any space.
#5 – Swamp Rose Mallow
Swamp Rose Mallow is a splendid addition to any garden, thriving as a vibrant bush with large blooms. This native alternative to the non-native invasive Rose of Sharon—one of the first plants I planted with my mom as a gift—offers a sustainable choice for local gardens. The Swamp Rose Mallow’s hardiness makes it well-suited to Virginia’s climate.
Why I love Swamp Rose Mallow: It brings the same joy and vibrant presence as Rose of Sharon but without the invasiveness, making it a responsible choice for enhancing biodiversity.
How to take care of this plant: It flourishes in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Like Rose of Sharon, it benefits from regular watering and annual pruning to maintain its shape and encourage robust blooming.
#4 – Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed, with its vibrant orange and yellow flowers, not only adds color to the garden but also supports local pollinators like butterflies. This native plant is a staple in my butterfly-friendly garden designs.
Why I love Butterfly Weed: It’s always a joy to see butterflies flock to these plants, creating a lively and colorful garden scene.
How to take care of this plant: Requires full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant, making it low maintenance once established.
#3 – Trillium
Trillium is a native Virginia plant that blooms beautifully in the forests of the Shenandoah Valley. It symbolizes the region’s natural beauty and is a favorite among those who enjoy woodland gardens.
Why I love Trillium: Seeing trillium bloom is a sign of spring in the mountains, reminding me of peaceful hikes through verdant woods.
How to take care of this plant: Prefers shady, moist conditions similar to its natural forest habitat. It’s ideal for shady garden corners where it can mimic its natural growing conditions.
#2 – Heliotrope
Heliotrope, known for its sweet fragrance, is a delight in any garden. This old-world plant, used historically for its scent in perfumery, thrives in sunny spots and fills the air with a pleasant aroma.
Why I love Heliotrope: Its fragrance is intoxicating, and it brings a classic, romantic feel to my garden spaces.
How to take care of this plant: Loves the full sun and regular watering, especially during hot weather, to keep its blooms vibrant and fragrant.
#1 – Bleeding Heart
Bleeding Heart is a stunning perennial known for its unique heart-shaped flowers. It thrives in shady gardens, providing a soft, romantic touch with its delicate blooms.
Why I love Bleeding Heart: It’s a plant that truly wears its heart on its leaves, offering a special charm that’s both whimsical and beautiful.
How to take care of this plant: Best in shady areas with moist, well-drained soil. It’s perfect alongside ferns and hostas, enhancing any shade garden with its distinctive flowers.
