By July, many Berkshire gardens are transitioning from spring blooms into the heart of summer. While some early flowers begin to fade, many dependable perennials continue blooming for weeks, providing beautiful color while supporting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators.
Adding a variety of long-blooming perennials keeps your landscape vibrant now and well into fall.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers provide:
- Long-lasting blooms
- Excellent drought tolerance
- Seed heads that attract birds
- Outstanding pollinator value
Available in purple, pink, white, orange, and yellow, they’re a favorite for sunny New England gardens.
Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)
These cheerful golden flowers:
- Bloom from mid-summer into fall
- Thrive in full sun
- Attract bees and butterflies
- Pair beautifully with ornamental grasses
Their bright blooms make them a classic garden favorite.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum shines as many early summer flowers begin slowing down.
Benefits include:
- Succulent foliage
- Late-season flower clusters
- Drought tolerance
- Pollinator-friendly blooms
- Attractive winter seed heads
Salvia
Salvia offers:
- Bright flower spikes
- Excellent heat tolerance
- Long bloom season
- Favorite blooms for hummingbirds
Deadheading helps encourage additional flowers.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis produces cheerful blooms for much of the growing season while providing valuable nectar for pollinators.
Asters
Although best known for their fall display, July is a great time to plan where asters will fit into your landscape.
They provide:
- Purple, pink, blue, and white blooms
- Late-season nectar
- Beautiful combinations with ornamental grasses
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses add:
- Texture
- Movement
- Fall color
- Winter interest
They beautifully complement flowering perennials.
Plant for Pollinators
Combining coneflowers, Rudbeckia, sedum, salvia, coreopsis, asters, and ornamental grasses provides continuous blooms that support:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Beneficial insects
Your landscape stays colorful while supporting local wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which perennial blooms the longest?
Coneflowers, Coreopsis, and Salvia provide weeks of colorful blooms.
Are these plants good for pollinators?
Yes. They provide nectar throughout the growing season.
Can I plant perennials in July?
Absolutely. With consistent watering, many establish well during summer.
Do ornamental grasses require much maintenance?
Very little. Most are cut back once a year in late winter or early spring.
Which plants attract butterflies?
Coneflowers, Rudbeckia, asters, sedum, and salvia are all excellent choices.
Visit Us
Looking to add lasting color to your landscape? Whitney’s Farm Market & Garden Center offers a beautiful selection of flowering perennials, ornamental grasses, and pollinator-friendly plants perfect for Berkshire gardens.
Whitney’s Farm Market & Garden Center
1775 S. State Road (Route 8)
Cheshire, MA 01225
Phone: (413) 442-4749
Hours
Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Visit us today and let our knowledgeable team help you choose beautiful plants that will bloom through summer and into fall.
