When summer arrives, commercial properties and residential landscapes need plants that can withstand the heat while keeping outdoor spaces vibrant and inviting. Summer annuals provide the perfect solution, delivering eye-catching color and beauty all season long. Whether you’re looking to refresh your property’s flower beds, enhance curb appeal, or create a welcoming outdoor environment, choosing the right summer annuals is key.

At OakLawn Landscaping, we specialize in designing and maintaining stunning seasonal flower displays for commercial properties throughout Maryland. Let’s explore the best summer annuals for our region and how they can elevate your landscape.

Why Choose Summer Annuals?

Unlike perennials that return year after year, annuals complete their life cycle in one season, making them a great choice for seasonal color rotations. Their benefits include:

  • Continuous blooms: Summer annuals flower throughout the season, providing consistent color.
  • Heat and drought resistance: Many varieties thrive in hot weather and require minimal watering.
  • Versatile design options: They work well in flower beds, planters, hanging baskets, and borders.
  • Low maintenance: With proper care, summer annuals require little upkeep to stay healthy and vibrant.

By incorporating annuals into your landscaping, you can keep your property looking fresh and inviting all summer long.

Top Summer Annuals for Maryland Landscapes

Maryland summers can be hot and humid, so choosing the right flowers is essential. Here are some of the best summer annuals that thrive in our region:

1. Petunias

Why Choose Them?
Petunias are one of the most popular summer annuals due to their bright colors and ability to handle heat. They come in a variety of shades, including pink, purple, red, and white.

Best Features:

  • Tolerant of full sun
  • Low-maintenance and long-blooming
  • Ideal for garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets

2. Marigolds

Why Choose Them?
Marigolds are tough, drought-resistant, and bring warm hues of orange and yellow to landscapes. They also help deter pests, making them an excellent companion plant.

Best Features:

  • Thrives in full sun
  • Requires minimal watering
  • Great for borders and mass plantings

3. Zinnias

Why Choose Them?
Zinnias offer bold, colorful blooms that can withstand Maryland’s summer heat. They attract pollinators like butterflies, adding life to your garden.

Best Features:

  • Extremely heat-tolerant
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Resistant to common plant diseases

4. Lantana

Why Choose Them?
Lantana is a drought-resistant, sun-loving plant that thrives in the summer heat. Its small, clustered flowers change colors as they mature, creating a dynamic floral display.

Best Features:

  • Excellent for commercial landscapes
  • Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
  • Performs well in flower beds and hanging baskets

5. Vinca (Periwinkle)

Why Choose Them?
Vinca is a heat- and drought-tolerant flower that thrives in full sun. Unlike impatiens, which struggle in extreme heat, vinca stays healthy all season.

Best Features:

  • Blooms in vibrant shades of pink, purple, and white
  • Disease-resistant
  • Low-maintenance with minimal watering needs

6. Salvia

Why Choose Them?
Salvia is a tall, striking annual that adds vertical interest to landscapes. It’s also a favorite among bees and butterflies.

Best Features:

  • Loves full sun and dry conditions
  • Adds height and structure to flower beds
  • Blooms continuously throughout summer

7. Celosia

Why Choose Them?
Celosia’s flame-like flowers make a bold statement in any landscape. It thrives in hot weather and adds a unique texture to garden beds.

Best Features:

  • Comes in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow
  • Thrives in dry conditions
  • Provides long-lasting color

How to Keep Your Summer Annuals Thriving

To ensure your summer annuals stay healthy and vibrant throughout the season, follow these expert landscaping tips:

1. Plant in Well-Draining Soil

Good drainage is essential for preventing root rot. Use high-quality soil with organic matter to improve moisture retention while allowing excess water to drain.

2. Water Properly

While many summer annuals are drought-resistant, they still need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water in the morning to prevent evaporation and fungal diseases.

3. Deadhead and Prune Regularly

Removing spent blooms (deadheading) encourages new growth and extends the blooming period. Trim leggy or overgrown plants to maintain a neat appearance.

4. Use Mulch to Retain Moisture

A layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress weeds, keeping your flower beds healthy and low-maintenance.

5. Fertilize for Continuous Blooms

Feed your summer annuals with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to keep them blooming all season. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth with fewer flowers.

Enhance Your Property with Professional Flower Bed Installation

A beautifully designed and maintained landscape enhances curb appeal, attracts visitors, and creates a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you manage a commercial property, HOA, or residential landscape, seasonal color rotations with summer annuals can transform your outdoor space.

At OakLawn Landscaping, we specialize in:

  • Custom flower bed design
  • Seasonal plant selection and installation
  • Regular maintenance and care
  • Landscape enhancements for commercial properties

Our team ensures that your property stays vibrant, healthy, and visually appealing all summer long.

Bring Summer Color to Your Landscape – Contact Us Today

Ready to enhance your landscape with beautiful summer annuals? Let OakLawn Landscaping create a stunning, seasonal display for your commercial or residential property.

Call us today at 301-854-0684 to schedule a consultation and bring vibrant summer color to your landscape.

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