Top 3 summer plants for your garden and terrace
Summer in the garden means fragrance, color and energy. Flowering plants are essential: they attract butterflies and bees, create atmosphere and add character to your outdoor space. Three absolute favorites that will make your heart beat faster are: Buddleja, Bougainvillea and Hydrangea. Each has a unique look, but all bloom spectacularly from late spring until autumn.
Buddleja – the lively butterfly bush
Buddleja, also known as the “butterfly bush”, is one of the most rewarding garden shrubs. From July to September it produces long, fragrant flower clusters in shades of purple, pink, white or blue. As its name suggests, it is irresistible to butterflies, bees and bumblebees.
Why choose Buddleja?
- Rich, colorful and fragrant flowering throughout summer
- A true pollinator magnet – ideal for butterflies and bees
- Vigorous, easy to maintain and fast growing
- Beautiful both as a solitary plant and in mixed borders
Buddleja care tips
Prune hard in early spring to encourage compact, healthy growth. Plant it in a sunny spot for maximum flowering and water occasionally during dry spells. Remove faded flowers to extend the bloom period.
Bougainvillea – a Mediterranean explosion of color
Want to bring that holiday feeling straight to your garden or terrace? Bougainvillea is the perfect plant. With its abundant bracts in intense colors, it is a real eye-catcher. In European climates it thrives best in containers – perfect for terraces, balconies or patios.
Why choose Bougainvillea?
- Spectacular colors: pink, purple, orange or white
- Profuse flowering in full sun exposure
- Ideal for pots or trained against a warm wall
- Instant Mediterranean atmosphere for any outdoor space
Bougainvillea care tips
Place the plant in a sheltered, sunny spot. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging. Feed during the flowering season with a high-potash fertilizer. In winter, overwinter in a bright, frost-free room at 5–10°C.
Hydrangea – elegance and abundant beauty
Hydrangea is a true garden classic. Whether you prefer mophead or panicle varieties, white or blue flowers, a romantic or modern look – there is always a type that fits your garden. Hydrangeas bloom abundantly and add structure to borders, pathways or large containers.
Why choose Hydrangea?
- Long-lasting bloom from summer into autumn
- Wide variety: mophead, lacecap or panicle flowers
- Thrives both in the ground and in large pots
- Perfect for semi-shade and morning sun positions
Hydrangea care tips
Water regularly, especially in dry periods – hydrangeas love moisture. Hydrangea macrophylla flowers on old wood, so prune carefully to avoid removing next year’s buds. Hydrangea paniculata blooms on new wood, so it can be pruned harder in early spring to stimulate strong flowering shoots.
Combination ideas for color and contrast
- Combine Buddleja with ornamental grasses and Echinacea for a natural, butterfly-friendly border.
- Place Bougainvillea in a terracotta pot alongside an olive tree and lavender for a Mediterranean corner.
- Plant Hydrangeas in groups along a path or in a semi-shaded border with hostas and ferns for layered structure.
Ready for a lively summer garden?
Whether you want to brighten up your terrace or create a spectacular border, with Buddleja, Bougainvillea and Hydrangea you immediately add color, fragrance and atmosphere to your garden. Explore our selection of summer plants – delivered fresh from our nursery, ready to plant.
