Late summer in Southeastern Virginia means high heat, high humidity, and long days, but it’s also the perfect time to start preparing your garden for the cooler months ahead. From strategic pruning to smart planting decisions, this short checklist focuses on the tasks that set your landscape up for long-term success.
Few plants bring summer drama quite like perennial hibiscus, and Proven Winners® Summerific® varieties take that impact to the next level. With dinner-plate-sized blooms, vibrant foliage, and reliable performance in full sun, these hardy perennials deliver tropical flair with easy-care resilience. And yes, you can still plant them now and enjoy flowers this season, plus even more impressive growth next year.
Here are our top 5 favorite varieties you can plant right now to enjoy late-summer color and years of beauty ahead:
Few things say “southern summer” like a crepe myrtle in full, vibrant bloom. These flowering trees are beloved for their long-lasting color, unique bark, and graceful canopy shape. But to enjoy their full potential, you’ll want to give them a little seasonal attention.
Hydrangeas are (in our opinion) one of the undisputed queens of the summer garden. They are reliable bloomers that brighten borders, foundation plantings, and containers alike. But once the summer sun is high and the heat is holding strong, even these summer lovers need a little extra care to keep blooming and looking their best.
Here’s how to give any of your hydrangea varieties the support they need to thrive through the heart of summer:
Looking for a long-lasting color that can handle the summer heat without constant care? These heat-tolerant perennials are your best bet. Built for sun-drenched days and designed to come back stronger each year, these plants offer beautiful blooms, texture, and pollinator appeal and all with minimal effort from you!
Here are some of the best low-maintenance perennials to grow in hot, sunny conditions:
