July is prime BBQ season for many Long Islanders. We all want the same thing in our backyard – a bright and beautiful place to entertain family and friends. It’s not too late to add flowering plants! Here are six of our favorite plants for Summer color now.

Butterfly Bush

Butterfly Bush
This easy care and low maintenance plant produces large arching branches with masses of fragrant flowers mid-summer till fall. Butterfly bush works well in any sunny spot including seaside gardens.  Available in a myriad of colors from white and pink to many shades of purple, butterfly bush really do attract butterflies to the garden!

Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are one of the most popular landscape plants on Long Island. Many varieties are available including Endless Summer and Limelight. Hydrangea bring ornamental value to the garden for months of enjoyment each growing season. From small shrubs to larger shrubs and tree forms, there is definitely a hydrangea for every garden.

Crape Myrtle
Although crape myrtle may remind you of vacations in the South, there are many varieties that will flourish right here in your Long Island garden this summer. Plant your crape myrtle in full sun and then sit back and enjoy the beauty of the bark, foliage and flowers for many years to come.

Lavender

Lavender
Lavender is noted for its silvery foliage, fragrant flowers and attractiveness to butterflies. Lavender has many uses around the home and is one of the most popular essential oils. The aromatic leaves and flowers can be used in potpourris and sachets, rubbed on the skin or clothing as a bug repellent. A good whiff of the fresh scent is known to lift spirits – perfect for your summer parties! Lavender pairs well with catmint, sedum, or dianthus in the garden.

Flowering Annuals
Annuals are probably the easiest and quickest way to transform your garden for the summer. Hicks Nurseries has a large selection of all of your favorite colors and styles of flowering annuals in-stock including fully planted patio pots and hanging baskets.

Bromeliads & Other Tropical Houseplants
It’s not too late to give your houseplants a vacation outdoors. Colorful beauties including croton, bromeliads and palm plants may be transferred to your patio, entryway or flower beds now until Fall. Doesn’t everyone deserve a summer vacation?

Although you may have planted your flower beds back in early June, you may notice a few empty spots that could use a little color. Create a bright, flowering garden with these summer flowering plants now. Hicks Nurseries has everything you need.

Additional Information:
Hydrangea for Summer Color
Preventing Summer Fungus, Insects & Disease Problems
Watering the Right Way