Gardening 101: When Is It Too Late to Plant Flowers?
Perhaps you got a late start to gardening this year, and it’s somehow already summertime! You may find yourself wondering, “When is it too late to plant flowers in Maine?” The simple answer is, if you choose the correct flowers, it’s really never too late – various flowers thrive in Maine during the summer months!
USDA Hardiness Zones
Maine lies within the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Hardiness Zones 3 to 5, depending on the area of the state you’re in. In Cumberland, we are Zone 5B.
This zone is considered to have a medium growing season for vegetables and flowers, due to more moderate temperatures throughout the year compared with the dramatic temperature differences you’ll find farther north in the state. With the last frost around May 15th and the first frost around October 15th, you have plenty of time to start planting your summer blooms!
Best Flowers to Plant This Summer
Below are some of our favorite flowers to plant and enjoy all summer long!
Golden Glow
If you’re looking to fill up your garden with color, these golden yellow blossoms are a great choice. As perennials that transplant without issue, they can grow up to 10” tall and are nearly guaranteed to last you until late fall.
Lupine
Lupines are a classic Maine flower! Tall with flowers starting at a deep purple and pink fading to white at the tip, they are often found along highways and roadsides during late spring. If you just missed this window, don’t worry – they are perennials and don’t typically bloom during their first year anyway, so you can get a head start for next year!
Black-Eyed Susan
Though there are many varieties of the Black-Eyed Susan, they all have similar defining features: a dark center surrounded by bright yellow-hued petals. They are relatively hardy and will last you all summer right through the fall, so don’t be shy in adding these beauties to your garden.
Iris
An excellent choice for Maine gardens, the iris is a hardy and bright perennial that can grow over two feet tall! The most common strain you’ll find in our state is the Iris germanica, though there are hundreds of variations to choose from.
Lilacs
There is absolutely nothing like the intoxicating aroma of lilacs blooming! These purple and pink blooms are a tried and true sign that summer has arrived in Maine. Lilacs can grow to be about 15 feet tall and make for not only gorgeous gardens, but can also serve as a boundary line or privacy the way more traditional shrubbery does.
Cup Plant
The cup plant is called this because its leaves create a little cup at the stalk, which fills with water and attracts pollinators to drink from. Growing up to 6 feet tall and blooming from July to September, the cup plant’s flowers consist of bright yellow petals with deep yellow centers. They are excellent for attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and bees!
Cumberland Crossing by OceanView
When you retire, you want to focus on the things that bring joy to your life; things you finally have the free time to take advantage of – like gardening!
Cumberland Crossing by OceanView is an active retirement community located in picturesque Cumberland, Maine. Leave the burden of homeownership behind and spend more time doing what you love with our customizable, maintenance-free cottages! We offer a one-of-a-kind 100% refundable entrance fee and manageable monthly maintenance fee, so you can retire without stress or worry!
To learn more about our community, please contact us at Cumberland Crossing today!
