The Best Flowers That Bloom in June for Zone 5 Gardens
Are you a gardener in USDA hardiness zone 5? If so, you know the challenges of gardening in a region that can experience cold temperatures up to -20 degrees F. But fear not, there are plenty of beautiful and hardy perennial flowers that will thrive in your garden and bloom in June. In this article, we will explore some of the best picks for zone 5 gardens, from fragrant peonies to vibrant daylilies and everything in between.
11 Flowering Plants for Zone 5 Gardens
Let’s dive into our list of 11 flowering plants that will add color and beauty to your garden in June.
1. Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)
Almost everyone appreciates the fragrant, large, double flowers of the sun-loving Chinese peony. This hardy perennial is one of the longest-lived plants, thriving in zones 3 to 8. Remember, peonies don’t like to be moved, so choose a spot carefully for this beauty to flourish. If you must transplant a peony, do so in the fall once it enters dormancy.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
Color Varieties: Various
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining
2. Stella de Oro Daylily (Hemerocallis)
The Stella de Oro daylily is a popular choice for many gardeners, with its vibrant golden-yellow flowers that bloom and rebloom from May to July. This herbaceous root plant can be grown in zones 3 to 10 and is adaptable to a wide range of soil pH levels.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-10
Color Varieties: Golden-yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Adaptable
3. Salvia (Salvia x superba ‘Blue Hill’)
Salvias are easy to grow and many varieties bloom in June for northern gardeners. Blue Hill is a perennial salvia that grows in zones 4 to 8 and thrives in full sun. While some may find the odor of the leaves unpleasant, others love it, making it a popular choice for dried flower arrangements and potpourri.
USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
Color Varieties: Blue
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining
4. Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)
The low-growing ice plant is a full-sun perennial that thrives in zones 5 to 10. Known for its sprawling ground cover habit, this plant blooms all summer long and is a great choice for edging your garden beds. Make sure to provide well-draining soil, especially in colder regions to prevent winter damage.
USDA Growing Zones: 5-10
Color Varieties: Various
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining
5. Dark Purple Allium (Allium atropurpureum)
For a touch of dark purple in your garden, consider planting Allium atropurpureum. This flowering onion blooms in June in zone 5 and can be grown from spring to fall. As a bulb plant, it will come back year after year, adding a pop of color to your garden.
USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
Color Varieties: Dark purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining
6. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Known for its fragrant leaves, English lavender is a hardy sub-shrub that thrives in zones 5 to 8 when grown in full sun. This plant is often used in potpourris and can add a lovely scent to your garden. Just be sure to provide well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
USDA Growing Zones: 5-8
Color Varieties: Purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining
7. Variegated Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata ‘Alexander’)
The variegated yellow loosestrife is a full-sun plant that displays green and pink leaves in the spring, changing to green and white when it blooms yellow flowers in June. This plant is a great choice for zones 4 to 8 and adds a pop of color to your garden beds.
USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
Color Varieties: Yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining
8. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee balm is a lovely herb that blooms in late June, adding a burst of color to your garden. Grow it in full sun to partial shade and make sure to water it well, especially in full sun locations. This plant is a favorite of butterflies and adds a touch of whimsy to your garden.
USDA Growing Zones: Various
Color Varieties: Red, pink, purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Moist
9. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is an herb grown for its ornamental value, with cultivars available in white, yellow, pink, and red flowers. This tough plant is great for attracting butterflies to your garden but be mindful that it can spread widely via rhizomes. Stake yarrow in high-wind areas to prevent it from falling over.
USDA Growing Zones: Various
Color Varieties: White, yellow, pink, red
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining
10. Becky Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Becky’)
Becky Shasta daisies are a long-blooming perennial that adds a touch of whimsy to your garden from June to September. Grow them in full sun in zones 5 to 9 for the best results. Unfortunately, these daisies can attract bugs like aphids, earwigs, and slugs, so keep an eye on them.
USDA Growing Zones: 5-9
Color Varieties: White
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining
11. ‘Black Knight’ Larkspur (Delphinium ‘Black Knight’)
Finally, we have the ‘Black Knight’ larkspur, a sun-loving perennial that grows up to 7 feet tall in zones 3 to 7. Known for its true blue blooms, this plant is a showstopper in the garden and can be placed in the back row of your flower beds. Make sure to provide excellent drainage to prevent crown rot.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-7
Color Varieties: Blue
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining
In Conclusion
June is a beautiful time in the garden, with a variety of flowering plants adding color and life to your outdoor space. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these 11 plants are sure to brighten up your zone 5 garden and provide beauty for years to come. Happy gardening!
