Think it’s too late to brighten up your patio with flowers? Think again! July is actually a great time to refresh your patio with fast-growing patio plants that will keep blooming until fall. Whether your old pots have faded, your blooms have slowed down, or you just didn’t get around to planting earlier, don’t worry—you still have time to add vibrant, cheerful colors to your outdoor space with quick-growing favorites like petunias, marigolds, and zinnias. These plants thrive in warm weather and will reward you with lush color in just a few short weeks.
Here are 7 easy-to-grow patio plants that are perfect for sunny or shady spots and bring instant life to your container garden. These flowers grow quickly, bloom for weeks, and are ideal for both beginners and busy gardeners.
Why Plant Flowers in July?
Many people think summer planting is only for spring. But July is the season of “instant impact”—when you want fast results. With the right flowers, you can enjoy colorful pots through August, September, and even October.
Plus, most garden centers still have a great selection of plants. Let’s explore the best ones to choose right now!
Quick Overview of the Best Patio Plants
| Flower Name | Sun/Shade | Hardiness Zones | Bloom Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lantana | Full Sun | Zones 8+ (Annual elsewhere) | Summer to Fall |
| Impatiens | Shade/Part Sun | All Zones (Annual) | Summer to Fall |
| Tickseed | Full Sun | Zones 3+ | Mid-Summer to Fall |
| Milkweed | Full Sun | Zones 3+ | Summer to Mid-Fall |
| Celosia | Full Sun | Zones 10+ (Annual elsewhere) | Summer to Frost |
| Calibrachoa | Sun/Part Shade | Zones 9+ | Summer to Early Fall |
| Geraniums | Full Sun | Zones 9+ | All Summer |
1. Lantana – A Burst of Color That Loves the Heat
Lantana grows in bright clusters of red, yellow, orange, and pink. It’s one of the easiest flowers for patios, especially in hot and sunny spots.
- Why it’s great: Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
- Best tip: Deadhead (remove old flowers) to keep it blooming
- Where to plant: Full sun in well-drained pots
👉 Order lantana online from Walmart or your local nursery
2. Impatiens – Best for Shady Patios
Impatiens are perfect for north-facing patios or shaded corners. They bloom in a rainbow of colors—white, pink, red, purple, and more.
- Why it’s great: Thrives in low light
- Best tip: Water often to keep flowers fresh
- Extra tip: Add mulch to reduce water needs in hot areas
👉 You can easily buy live impatiens from Amazon or local garden stores
3. Tickseed (Coreopsis) – A Sunny Favorite
Tickseed, also called Coreopsis, produces small, daisy-like yellow flowers that look bright and cheerful.
- Why it’s great: Blooms for months and attracts butterflies
- Best tip: Place in full sun and deadhead regularly
- Cold hardy: Great for colder zones like 3 to 5
👉 Try ‘Moonbeam’ or ‘Rising Sun’ varieties, available on Amazon
4. Milkweed – A Magnet for Monarchs
Want to help butterflies and enjoy beautiful blooms too? Milkweed is a native plant that’s perfect for pots.
- Why it’s great: Supports monarch butterflies and pollinators
- Best tip: Needs at least 6 hours of sun
- Bonus: May survive winter in the pot if in Zones 3+
👉 Plant orange or pink varieties like Asclepias tuberosa or incarnata
5. Celosia – Flame-Like Blooms That Pop
Celosia produces eye-catching flowers that look like feathers or flames. The bright red, pink, or yellow blooms last a long time.
- Why it’s great: Stunning in patio containers
- Best tip: Needs warmth and good drainage—avoid overwatering
- Not frost-hardy: Treat as annual unless in Zone 10+
👉 Try “Arrabona Red” or “Sunday Dark Pink” from Walmart
6. Calibrachoa – Million Bells of Color
Often called Million Bells, Calibrachoa grows masses of tiny flowers that spill beautifully over the sides of pots and baskets.
- Why it’s great: Nonstop blooms from planting to frost
- Best tip: Water often and feed every 2 weeks
- Hardiness: Zone 9+, but works well as annual in all areas
👉 Buy Calibrachoa plants or mixed color baskets from Proven Winners or Walmart
7. Geraniums – Bold, Reliable, and Easy
Geraniums are a classic for a reason. Their bright flowers are tough and cheerful, and they thrive with very little care.
- Why it’s great: Handles sun, wind, and dry spells
- Best tip: Deadhead to keep flowers coming
- Bonus: Leaves have a lovely citrusy scent
👉 Red geraniums in terracotta pots give a timeless look
Tips to Keep Your Patio Flowers Blooming All Summer
To get the most from your pots:
- Water regularly – Daily in very hot weather
- Deadhead often – Snip off dead flowers to encourage more
- Feed your plants – Use a liquid bloom booster every 2 weeks
- Group pots together – Helps retain moisture and create impact
- Use mulch or moss – Keeps pot soil cool and moist longer
Final Thoughts
It’s not too late to turn your patio into a vibrant summer retreat. These seven fast-growing flowers are easy to plant in July and will reward you with nonstop color until fall. Whether you choose bold lantanas, soft impatiens, or bright celosia, you can’t go wrong.
👉 Head to your local garden center or order online, and give your outdoor space the colorful lift it deserves!
For more easy gardening ideas, tips, and home improvement guides, visit Housing Market News.
