by High Country Gardens
Heat-Loving Perennials For Planting In Early Summer

Different groups of plants grow best at different times of the year.
In my general observations, I have noted that:
- Perennials from cold climates (zones 3-4) prefer to grow most actively when temperatures are cool. Oriental poppies are a prime example. They begin growing in early spring as soon as the soil thaws. After flowering in late spring, they will go dormant in the heat of summer. Then they sprout new leaves in the cool of fall to begin the cycle once more.
- Perennials from hot summer regions, such as the Great Plains and the Southwestern United States, wait for the warmth of late spring before they begin growing. Leary of frost, these plants wait for the nights to begin to warm and the days heat up before their season starts. Flowering occurs during the heat of summer and early fall.

It's these perennials and warm season ornamental grasses are excellent choices for planting in June. They grow well when the summer heat is on. To ensure success, follow these suggestions:
- Be sure to water summer transplants regularly. And soak the soil long enough to push the water deep where the roots will follow.
- Mulch where appropriate. In the Intermountain, California, PNW, Great Plains and Mid-Western states, summer mulching is an effective technique for keeping the soil moister and cooler for roots to grow their best. In hot, very humid, wetter climates, mulching may not be beneficial because of the potential for crown and root diseases.
Plants That Thrive With Warm Weather Planting
Here is a list of Plants for June Transplanting:
Flowering Perennials
- Hummingbird Mints (Agastache)
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
- Perennial Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliana)
- Blazing Star (Liatris)
- Salvias such as: Salvia 'Maraschino', 'Ultra Violet','Furman's Red'
- Beardtongue (Penstemon)
- Golden Rod (Solidago)
- Lavender (Lavandula)
- Tickseed (Coreopsis)
Agastache hybrid ‚Poquito™ Lavender‚ PP#30,530 (Dwarf Hummingbird Mint) is prized for its compact bushy growth, long season of bloom, large flowers, and tolerance to he...
Learn MorePoquito™ Lavender Agastache Poquito™ Lavender Hummingbird Mint Agastache 'TNAGAPL' PP#30,530$12.99Per Plant - 5" Deep PotAgastache hybrid 'Poquito™ Lavender' PP#30,530 (Dwarf Hummingbird Mint) is prized for its compact bushy growth, long season of bloom, large flowers, and tolerance to heat and drought. Densely packed, bright lavender-pink flower spikes bloom from summer to mid-fall, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. A true garden work horse, it provides color, cut flowers, and sweet minty fragrance. One of the most compact Agastache plants available, it is the perfect fit for small space gardens, containers, and sidewalk gardens – a whole new way to enjoy this favorite waterwise perennial.Agastache hybrid ‚Poquito™ Butter Yellow‚ PP#30,403 (Hummingbird Mint) is an award-winning dwarf Hummingbird Mint prized for its compact bushy growth, long season of bl...
Learn MorePoquito™ Butter Yellow Agastache Poquito™ Butter Yellow Hummingbird Mint Agastache 'TNAGAPBY' PP#30,403$12.99Per Plant - 5" Deep PotAgastache hybrid 'Poquito™ Butter Yellow' PP#30,403 (Hummingbird Mint) is an award-winning dwarf Hummingbird Mint prized for its compact bushy growth, long season of bloom, large flowers, and tolerance to heat and drought. Like golden sparklers, it brightens the garden all season long with sunny yellow flowers. One of the most compact Agastache plants available, it is the perfect fit for small space gardens, containers, and sidewalk gardens. Enjoy the hummingbirds and other pollinators as they flock to the densely packed flowers.Agastache hybrid ‚Kudos™ Silver Blue‚ PP#25,344 (Dwarf Hummingbird Mint) blooms non-stop from late spring to fall with blue blooms. Fragrant foliage and a compact form ...
Learn MoreKudos™ Silver Blue Agastache Kudos™ Silver Blue Hummingbird Mint (Hyssop) Agastache Kudos™ 'Silver Blue' PP#25,344$12.99Per Plant - 5" Deep PotAgastache hybrid 'Kudos™ Silver Blue' PP#25,344 (Dwarf Hummingbird Mint) blooms non-stop from late spring to fall with blue blooms. Fragrant foliage and a compact form are perfect for a sidewalk garden, containers, or small gardens.Agastache Ava is one of High Country Gardens very best plant introductions, renowned for its tall spikes of deep rose-pink flowers held by raspberry-red calyxes. This vigorous hybrid...
Learn MoreAva Agastache Ava's Hummingbird Mint (Hyssop) Agastache AvaAs low as $14.99 Sale $14.24Per Plant - 5" Deep PotAgastache Ava is one of High Country Gardens very best plant introductions, renowned for its tall spikes of deep rose-pink flowers held by raspberry-red calyxes. This vigorous hybrid Hummingbird Mint blooms for many months beginning in mid-summer. 2005 Plant of the Year.
Ornamental grasses
- 'Blonde Ambition' Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracillis)
- 'Hachita' Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracillis)
- Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia)
- Prairie Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)
- Big Bluestem Grass (Andopogon gerardii)
- Little Bluestem Grass (Schizachyrium scoparium)
- 'Windbreaker' Giant Sacaton Grass (Sporobolus wrightii)
Cacti and Succulents
- Hedgehog (Echinocereus weedenii and Echinocereus canus)
- Spiny Star (Escobaria and Coryphantha)
- Century Plant (Agave)
- Yucca (Blue Doll House)
Shrubs and Small Trees
- Sand Sage (Artemisia filifolia)
- Fernbush (Chamaebatiaria millifolium)
- Desert Willow (Chilopsis)
- Groundcover Sand Cherry (Prunus besseyi 'Pawnee Buttes')
- New Mexico Privet (Forestiera neomexicana)
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