11 Flowers to Plant in June

While most springtime bulbs are finished blooming by June, there are still plenty of other flowers to plant in this late spring month. As temperatures climb and insects run rampant in your garden, you’ll want to take care of your new flowers so that they stay watered, fed, and happy! But what flowers will survive when planted during June, and what should you know about their overall care?

Planting flowers in June can be accomplished by directly sowing seeds as well as planting established flower shrubs and starts. Sunflowers, wildflowers, and nasturtiums can be directly sown during this month, while lavender, wisteria, honeysuckle, begonias, and hydrangeas do best when grown from established plants. There are also some tuberous flowers that can be planted in June, such as dahlias, canna lilies, and gladiolus.

Do you know your Hardiness Zone and local weather conditions? These will be necessary components to a successful June garden! Plus, the more flowers you plant, the more options you’ll have for your pollinators, leading to a thriving vegetable garden this summer. Let’s get started and talk about some of the best flowers to try planting during June!

The 11 Best Flowers to Plant in June

Remember that June is a time of shifting temperatures and weather conditions. It’s important to watch your forecast in case any abnormally hot or cold days occur. Young flowers will need more protection during either of these extremes compared to older, more established plants. And heat waves are certainly possible during June! Your gorgeous flowers may wilt a bit during these times, but plenty of water will help you combat this.

With all of this said, here are 11 reliable flower options to consider planting during beautiful June!

1. Sunflowers

There’s nothing like watching your sunflowers grow and bloom during the height of summertime. So long as you space your sunflower seeds well, these cheery blooms grow in most soil types and temperatures. There are also plenty of varieties of sunflowers, some of which reach over 6 feet tall and produce flower heads the size of dinner plates! Sunflowers are a favorite of most local wildlife species, so keep this in mind while they grow. You may need to protect them from hungry squirrels and birds!

2. Wisteria

A prolific vining flower, wisteria needs full sunshine to produce its beautiful blooms. Keep in mind that wisteria is often considered invasive in the United States and this vine will climb on everything it can. You’ll be better off planting it in a controllable place away from your home or any significant structures. Purchase an established wisteria plant for a June planting, and make sure your wisteria won’t vine onto any other plants or trees. While beautiful, this flower can easily suffocate other plants!

3. Gladiolus

While some locations may be too warm to plant gladiolus bulbs in June, you can always give it a try and leave their bulbs until next year! There are a dizzying number of gladiolus varieties, including miniature and cold-hardy types. Gladioli need to be spaced over 5 inches apart when planting and should be planted no more than 5 inches deep. Give them some compost when first planting and be sure to water these flowers frequently during the heat of summer. So long as you deadhead these blooms, they’ll keep coming back until fall!

4. Lavender

By purchasing an already-established lavender plant from your local nursery, you’ll have a sweet-smelling herb to enjoy all summer long! Lavender is extremely drought tolerant and capable of thriving in a variety of well-draining soils. This plant will need full sunshine, but it can grow in containers just as easily as in the ground. Consider planting lavender close to your veggie garden to keep the pollinators coming!

5. Wildflower Mixtures

There’s nothing wrong with picking up a packet of wildflower seeds and scattering them around a barren section of your yard! Depending on your region, wildflower seed mixtures are often comprised of five or more types of flowers. And these blooms are designed to be easy to care for annuals. Simply scatter them, water them, and watch them grow! Given their adaptability, wildflowers often thrive in the heat of summer when other blooms struggle or wilt in the face of such high temperatures.

6. Nasturtiums

Edible and easy to grow in containers, nasturtiums come in a variety of types. There are vining or trailing varieties as well as bush varieties, all of which make great additions to a summertime salad! So long as you have well-draining soil and your temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, nasturtiums can be directly sown from seed. Plus, they do well when planted near your veggie garden, as pests will be naturally drawn to your nasturtiums rather than your more delicate crops!

7. Honeysuckle

Another vining flower that does best when purchased as an established plant, honeysuckle does great when grown in containers or in the ground. This is also a flower that can grow in partial shade, though you’ll get more sweet-smelling flowers if you have a spot with full sun! Make sure to loosen the root ball of your new honeysuckle plant before planting, and water thoroughly. This flower enjoys moist but not soggy soil and will prefer some structural support for its vines as it ages!

8. Begonias

A popular houseplant and outdoor container flower, begonias can be planted from an established plant in June. Just like honeysuckle, begonias can handle some shade. In fact, if you live in a particularly hot region, your begonias may prefer shady conditions during the warmest parts of the day. There are a number of different types and varieties of begonias for you to choose from, so be sure to find an option that works well in your local climate!

9. Hydrangeas

As their name suggests, hydrangeas require ample water during June and beyond. However, this flowering shrub prefers partial shade, making it a great choice for those of you who don’t have space for yet another sun-loving bloom. Hydrangeas prefer nutrient-rich soil, though they can survive in many different soil types. They are unique in that their bloom color can shift based on the pH balance in your soil. Just make sure they have plenty of adequate drainage!

10. Dahlias

Grown from tubers that are considered perennials in Zones 7-11, dahlias are gorgeous flowers best planted in late spring. June may be a great time for dahlia planting in your local area, as these beauties will continue producing until fall with proper care. Rich soil and full sunshine are ideal for these flowers, though you can grow them in containers just as well as in the ground. You can find dahlias in just about every color and petal arrangement, so have fun choosing your favorites!

11. Canna Lilies

Tall, heat-loving, and heavy feeders, canna lilies should be planted once your temperatures are regularly over 60 degrees Fahrenheit. You can find canna lily tubers in many different colors, heights, and types. When planting, make sure to give this gorgeous bloom plenty of space and bury them in a location that receives full sunshine. Deadhead these flowers to encourage blooming all summer long, and keep this plant’s soil consistently damp. 

Summary of 11 Flowers to Plant in June

Here’s a recap of the 11 flowers that are suitable to plant during June.

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