Best Types of Plants for Summertime in South Carolina

Residential garden bed with flowers

Last Updated June 21, 2023

There’s no doubt that when seasonal flowers and shrubs are in full bloom during the summer in South Carolina, it’s beautiful. But adding some pops of color to your yard this summer can really enhance the look of your landscaping and highlight some of its best features. The good news is these beautiful blooming plants are easy to plant and care for and are ideal South Carolina plants because they thrive in heat and humidity. Adding these summertime plants to your yard is a great way to make your home bright and fun during the warmer months!

Marigolds

Marigold flowers

It’s hard to miss these annual flowers with their famous gold color. They are long-lasting flowers and can bloom throughout the summer. They enjoy being in full sunshine. Marigolds also thrive in well-drained and fertile soils. They are also known to be more resistant to pests when compared to other annuals.

Crinum Lilies

Crinum Lilies

Crinum Lilies love humidity and heat, which makes them ideal for South Carolina summers. They have large, fragrant flowers that bloom in late summer. While Crinum Lilies can adapt to be drought-resistant, they prefer to be planted in moist soil. Their flowers are also available in a variety of colors, making them a great choice for a landscaping project.

Phlox

Phlox.

These beautiful flowering plants love the sun and bloom during summertime. They grow large clusters of flowers on stems that grow to be about 3 to 4 feet tall. They are extremely easy to care for, are happy in almost any part of the country, and are generally free of pests. They make an awesome addition to any South Carolina yard.

Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtle.

These drought-resistant, heat-resistant shrubs or small trees bloom brilliant flowers throughout the summer. The flowers are available in a wide range of colors, attracting all sorts of pollinators, including hummingbirds. Plant these South Carolina plants in a location with full sun and enjoy the show of colorful blooms in your yard this summer!

Hibiscus

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a tropical plant that adapts well to conditions in South Carolina. They thrive in full sun and prefer to grow in an area with moist, well-drained soil. They're a low-maintenance plant; avoid planting them in a shady spot, and they'll reward your yard with gorgeous, bright blooms.

Daylilies

Daylilies.

These colorful bloomers are an excellent choice for adding a rainbow of colors to your landscape. You can use them to add color to perennial beds or shrub borders. They prefer to grow in direct sun or a spot with light shade.

Coneflowers

Coneflowers.

Coneflowers are native South Carolina plants. They're available in a wide range of bright colors, including purple, white, yellow, orange, and red. Plant different varieties in a spot with full sun and enjoy the riot of colors!

Black-Eyed Susan

Black Eyed Susan.

This showy, easy-to-grow plant adds a colorful splash of bright gold and yellow flowers to South Carolina yards. Their blossoms attract butterflies, and you can use them to liven up bouquets, too! They like to grow in full sun.

Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed

Butterfly weed grows well in South Carolina, particularly in the Piedmont region. This plant features vibrant orange flowers, and butterflies can't get enough of it! It tolerates full sun and thrives in a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Salvia

Salvia.

Salvias provide an incredible combination of brightly colored flowers and aromatic foliage. They prefer full sun, but some will bloom well in a spot with partial shade. These fast-growing summertime plants add curb appeal and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis.

These pretty plants belong to the daisy family and will brighten up sunny yards in South Carolina with yellow, orange, red, and multicolored blooms. They're easy to grow and will do well so long as they're planted in a spot with full sun and moderately moist soil.

Zinnias

Zinnias.

Zinnias are available in a wide variety of colors. Their colorful blooms range from intense red and orange to pink, lavender, purple, and burgundy hues. These fast-growing, low-maintenance South Carolina plants can add quick color and cottage-garden charm to your yard!

Lantana

Lantana

Attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard with this colorful plant. They are relatively low maintenance and produce attractive flowers. They require frequent water when first planted and prefer soil that is slightly acidic. Lantana also enjoys being in warmer temperatures, which makes it great for your yard.

Hollyhocks

Hollyhooks.

These towering flowers will definitely draw attention to your garden! They were one of the first plants to be brought to the Americas by the colonists. Because they are such tall plants, Hollyhocks work great as a border to the rest of your garden. They need to be planted in moist and rich soil in order to thrive. These plants enjoy being in sunlight and produce gorgeous flowers.

Plant Care Tips

South Carolina’s warm, sunny weather is ideal for growing these attractive summertime plants. Most of the flowering plants on this list require little maintenance. However, you’ll want to water them regularly; the morning usually works best. If there are weeds, remove them in the morning or early evening. If you like the idea of adding more color to your landscape but don’t have the time, your local expert from The Grounds Guys® will be happy to help. We can transform your landscape with the best plants for South Carolina, and we’ll keep them looking attractive all year round.

Get Your Garden Ready for Summer in South Carolina

Adding these flowers to your landscape will not only enhance the curb appeal of your home, it will add splashes of color that will make your yard the envy of the neighborhood. Inspired to change up your landscape with some summer-friendly plants? We’ll help you add some of the best plants to grow in South Carolina to your yard.

Our friendly, reliable, and professional service makes The Grounds Guys the best choice for lawn care and landscape services throughout the Palmetto state. Homeowners trust our service because we back all our work with the Neighborly Done Right Promise, which guarantees your satisfaction. Contact us for more information about our full range of lawn care and landscape services. Request a free estimate today!