Tennessee’s spring conditions can be tricky for flowers, but with careful selection, you can enjoy vibrant blooms that enhance your landscape all season long. From heat-tolerant annuals to hardy perennials, we’ve curated a list of flowers to help you create a stunning, thriving garden that reflects the beauty of our unique climate.
Zinnias
Zinnias are great for both flower beds and containers, and can tolerate the high temperatures common in Middle Tennessee summers. These annuals come in a variety of colors (almost every color except blue), which makes them perfect for complementing single-color plantings.
And, since Zinnias have long, sturdy stems and typically experience a long vase life, they’re an excellent choice for those looking to bring fresh, homegrown blooms indoors for floral arrangements.
Coneflowers
The perennial coneflower (or echinacea) thrives in the Middle Tennessee climate and is considered drought tolerant. While the classic purple coneflower is most common, they come in other shades of pink, orange, yellow, white, and even red.
Don’t be surprised if your garden becomes a lively hub of activity because coneflowers attract pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
Lantanas
Another heat-resistant flower to add to your garden is the lantana. Our long, sunny summer days are perfect for lantanas, which need full sun to bloom their brightest. This perennial is considered low-maintenance since it can withstand the occasional Middle Tennessee dry spell.
Lantanas are also ideal for filling gaps to complete the aesthetic of your garden, thanks to their spreading nature.
SunPatiens
SunPatiens are one of the most popular annual flowers for gardens and hanging baskets, thanks to their vibrant blooms and ability to flower continuously from spring through fall. Unlike traditional impatiens, SunPatiens thrive in full sun to partial shade, making them an excellent choice for both sunny beds and slightly shaded spots, like the north side of your home or under lightly canopied trees.
SunPatiens were bred for their heat tolerance, and perform well even in high temperatures. To help them thrive, plant in well-draining soil, provide several hours of sunlight daily, and maintain consistent moisture for lush, long-lasting blooms.
Salvia
This perennial is an excellent choice to experience color all season long since it typically blooms from early spring into fall. Salvia comes in a wide range of colors, from deep purples to bright reds and pinks, allowing it to complement many garden styles. It also grows in various sizes, from small ground covers to taller, bushier plants.
In addition to its vibrant blooms, salvia boasts aromatic foliage that can infuse your garden with a delicate fragrance, especially if brushed or crushed.
Sandy Dowdy, Milosi’s Floriculturist and Procurement Specialist, shares this advice:
“Selecting the right flowers for your garden is all about considering our unique climate, from the high summer heat to our cooler spring temperatures. It’s important to choose varieties that not only thrive in these conditions but also complement your home’s natural assets, like light and shade. Helping our clients select the best plants for their vision and lifestyle is one of my favorite parts of the job. Reach out today to me and my team, and let’s bring your garden vision to life together.”