Summer Plants in Maryland: Embrace the Vibrancy of the Season

Summer gardening in Maryland is an exhilarating experience filled with a multitude of colors, fragrances, and textures. The season brings with it long, warm days and ideal conditions for a flourish of plant life. Among the most striking are the native plants, which not only add beauty to your garden but also support local wildlife. Today, we will explore three stunning native summer plants in Maryland: Asclepias tuberosa, Lobelia cardinalis, and Eutrochium purpureum.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

First on our list is the Butterfly Weed. This native milkweed is adorned with vibrant orange flowers that bloom throughout the summer. It stands out in the garden, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blossoms. Asclepias tuberosa prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's drought tolerant, making it a great choice for those hot Maryland summers.

When planting Butterfly Weed, ensure your seeds are sown directly in the ground as they don't transplant well due to their deep taproot system. Regular watering during the first growing season will establish a strong root system. After that, the plant is fairly low maintenance and can thrive without much assistance.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

The Cardinal Flower, a native plant with brilliant red blooms, is quite the showstopper. The spectacular crimson flowers bloom in late summer, attracting hummingbirds and butterfies. Lobelia cardinalis prefers moist, well-drained soil and part to full sun.

Plant the Cardinal Flower in spring or early summer. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Although it's a short-lived perennial, it reseeds itself, ensuring its presence in your garden for years to come.

Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

Joe Pye Weed, a tall native plant with mauve flower clusters, is perfect for adding a touch of wilderness to your garden. The large, fluffy, mauve-colored flowers bloom in late summer and attract butterflies. Eutrochium purpureum appreciates full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.

When planting Joe Pye Weed, ensure it has ample space to grow as it can reach heights of up to 7 feet. Water it regularly and apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote vigorous growth.

Conclusion

Gardening in Maryland during summer offers a great opportunity to embrace native plants like Asclepias tuberosa, Lobelia cardinalis, and Eutrochium purpureum. Not only do they add a splash of color and vibrancy to your garden, but they also support local wildlife and are generally easy to care for. Embrace the season by including these native beauties in your garden and enjoy a lively, colorful summer landscape.